Tutorials

Get Started: I decided to painted the Pink areas 1st, from dark Pink to lightest Pink. Using the same Pigment, I mixed a few shavings of (0700 Fuchsia) Block with about a Teaspoon of Aloe Gel. This ended up....read more

Do you have little pieces of fabric that you simply cannot throw away? With these creative designs you now have the opportunity to use your favorite snips and bits of fabric.

Here we have a step by step Photo Tutorial of the The Snips n Bits Applique Rose to show you how easy it is to be crafty and frugal at the same time.

To Complete a Cutwork Design you will need:

• Stabilizer (use the best stabilizer for the fabric you will be using)
• Fabric (we recommend a test stitch out for best results)
• Embroidery Thread (see color chart included with your design)
• Water-soluble Stabilizer (we recommend a vilene type for best results)
• Sharp point scissors (to remove any jump stitches)
• Craft Knife and Cutting mat
• Embroidery Design (use the correct format for your machine)

• Hoop your fabric and stabilizer.
• Stitch the 1st color stop. 
• Use your craft knife and cutting mat to remove the fabric by carefully cutting between the 2 running stitches.

• Use your sharp point embroidery scissors if necessary

• If the design has more than 1 cutwork area, simply repeat the previous steps.

• Cut away any loose thread
• Turn hoop over

• Place a double layer of water-soluble stabilizer on the back of the design (back of the hoop)

• Use masking tape to keep the water-soluble stabilizer in place

• Place hoop back in your embroidery machine and stitch the rest of the design.

• Once the design is complete, remove the hoop and cut away the excess water-soluble stabilizer from the back of the design.

• Place a towel or face cloth behind the design and use a wet Q-tip to remove the water-soluble stabilizer.

• Repeat the process if there are multiple cutwork areas in your design.

• Your Cutwork Project is complete!

I used the Richelieu Cutwork Monogram to demonstrate the Cutwork technique. 

Click HERE for the Richelieu Cutwork Monograms

Click HERE for the Cutwork designs

Happy stitching Friends and we look forward to see your Beautiful Projects!
Annemarie
www.astitchahalf.net
e-mail: annemarie@astitchahalf.com

Come and make Slippers with us with this Step by Step "Slippers Tutorial".

Step 1:

1st Color stop will indicate where the fabric and batting must be placed...

To Make a Pillow which uses the 8*8 Hoop Design You will Need:

• 1 or 2 layers cut away stabilizer

How To: Make a Decorative Pillow Sleeve Photo Tutorial

 To make the Pillow Sleeve:

We used the Japanese Sashiko Circle bag to create this tutorial. You can create all the circle bags with this tutorial.

To make this Fully Lined Circle Bag You Need:

• 1 or 2 layers cut away stabilizer (per hooping)
• Optional: Thin layer of batting – per hooping
• ½ Yard plain fabric (front and back)
• ½ Yard contrast fabric (for the lining)
• Bias Tape for the Drawstring (approx. 46” cut in half x 4” wide) We used Store Bought Bias Tape
• Ribbon or String (approx. 104” cut in half x 1 to 2” wide)
• Temporary Adhesive Spray eg. 505 Spray
• Embroidery Thread
• Scissors
• Snap Fastener x 1 (Size 3 / 0.5”)
• Sewing Needle to hand stitch the Snap Fastener
• Optional: Embellishment eg. We added a tiny pearl on each end of the ribbon

Embroidery:

• Hoop your stabilizer
• Stitch the 1st Color Stop
• Place the fabric to cover the outline
• Stitch out the design

When The design is stitched, turn hoop over, add lining to the back and stitch the last color stop.
Please note: The individual pieces will not be lined in the hoop, but after all 8 panels are joined.

Cut a 1” seam allowance once the embroidery is removed from the hoop.

The lining for the Flap will be placed ON TOP/FRONT of the hoop, as you will be turning the flap inside out.

With a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew the flap to the inner circle

You can make your own Bias tape or use store bought bias tape. We joined 2 x 2” wide bias tape to have the desired 4” wide Bias Tape. (approx. 46” cut in half x 4” wide)

Iron bias tape flat and cut the ends. Divide each strip in half and mark with a pin. (23” strips x 2)

The flap will be the front, so start pinning the bias tape from the left to the right side of the flap (see image below)
Overlap the 2 sections of bias tape slightly to cover the raw edges. Secure with a straight stitch.

Fold Bias Tape over to the Back (or lined section) pin and secure with a straight stitch.

Insert your cord or ribbon from the 1 end and out the same side where you started. Do the same for the opposite
side.

Add an embellishment if you desire. We added a little pearl.

Attach the snap fasteners as shown below and your Circle Bag is Complete!

Enjoy stitching!

To make this Double Sided and Fully Lined Wrist Clutch You Need:

• 1 or 2 layers cut away stabilizer (measure according to hoop size)

How to make the Wrist Clutch and the Fold-over Clutch Purse.

1. Hoop cut-away stabilizer. Stitch out the 1st color stop
This step will indicate where the zipper center should be placed.