Tutorials

Follow this Step by Step Photo Tutorial on how to make your favorite Fuzzy Tote bag with pockets.

 Learn how to make your own tassels in these easy steps.

• Crochet thread of your choice
• Pair of scissors
• Sticky tape
• Cardboard

• Cut cardboard to about 5" (12cm) in height
• The height of the cardboard will determine the length of the tassel.
• Stick the beginning of the thread to the cardboard with sticky tape.

Step 3.

• Wind the thread around the cardboard.
• The more you wind, the more lush your tassel will be.
• Cut and stick the final end of the thread to the cardboard, as show in the example.

Step 4.

• With another piece of thread, tie a knot in the center of the wound thread.
• Make sure you tie the knot tightly.

Step 5.

• Turn cardboard over and cut the thread right in the center.

Step 6.

• This is what it should like so far.

Step 7.

• Remove the thread now from the cardboard.

Step 8.

• Use another piece of thread.
• Wind the thread snug around the neck of the tassel.
• 1/4" should look fine
• Make a tight knot

Step 9.

• You can thread one or more beads on the top thread to embellish your tassel..

• Cut the tassel to your desired length.

Step 11.

• And you have a lovely tassel to attach to your reticules (drawstring purse)
• See "Reticule de Lacet" for an example
• Let us know what you did with your tassel. Email me at annemarie@astitchahalf.com

Make a Pretty Satchel Bag on your Embroidery Machine. You Receive All Design Files to complete 2 Types of Satchel Bags in 2 Unique Sizes, Skinny Satchel and Gusset Satchel...start by...

This Project Consists of 4 Sections:

• Lining (optional): Steps 1-6
• Back Panel: Steps 7-17
• Front Panel: Steps 18-26
• Final Touches: Steps 27-47

Step 1: You need: Tear-away stabilizer, 2 (8′ x 12″) burlap or hessian, 2 (8″ x 12″) contrast fabric, cord or raffia and thread.
 

Step 2: The lining is optional. File “c” = Lining. Start by hooping 1 x layer tear-away stabilizer. Cut 2 layers of contrast fabric (larger than the hoop size you’ll be using). Place the 2 x layers on top of each other (print facing the inside, towards each other).Step 1: You need: Tear-away stabilizer, 2 (8′ x 12″) burlap or hessian, 2 (8″ x 12″) contrast fabric, cord or raffia and thread.

Step 3: Stitch out the 1st color stop (also referred to as a default color). All default colors should match the color of your fabric. Place the 2 x layers of contrast fabric on top of this area, Use embroidery adhesive spray to keep the fabric in place while stitching.

Step 4: Stitch the next color stop. The contrast fabric will be secured in the hoop. Remove the design from the hoop. You can tear-away the stabilizer from the lining.

Step 5: Cut the excess fabric away, leaving only 2.5” along the seam (thus shaping your lining).

Step 6: This is what you lining looks like. Put aside as we only need this at the end of the project.

Step 7: BACK PANEL (file referred to as “a”). Start by hooping 1 x layer tear-away stabilizer. Cut 1 layer of HESSIAN/BURLAP fabric (larger than the hoop size you’ll be using). Stitch out the 1st color stop (also referred to as a default color). All default colors should match the color of your HESSIAN/BURLAP.

Step 8: Place the 1 layer of HESSIAN/BURLAP fabric on top of this area, Use embroidery adhesive spray to keep the fabric in place while stitching the next color stop.

Step 9: Stitch out the NEXT color stop. This is a rectangle to indicate where the fabric for the “drawstring” will be situated. Use the same fabric as used for the lining.

Step 10: Fold the fabric inward on either side – after which the piece of fabric should fit the shape of the rectangle(in width), but overlapping top and bottom.

Step 11: Stitch the next color stop.

Step 12: The “drawstring” fabric will be secured in the hoop.

Step 13: STOP when the zigzag underlay is stitched and cut away the excess fabric from the long-sides of the rectangle, BEFORE the final satin stitching is done.

Step 14: Do the same for the top and bottom satin stitching.

Step 15: Close up view – before the satin stitching covers the raw edges.

Step 16: Remove the design from the hoop. Tear away the stabilizer and keep aside.

Step 17: Close up view when stabilizer has been removed.

Step 18: FRONT PANEL (file referred to as “b”). Repeat steps 7 to 15 for the front panel. After the “drawstring pocket” has been stitched, the design will be stitched. A detailed color chart is included in your design zip file.

Step 19: Place the BACK panel on top of the FRONT panel which is still in the hoop.

Step 20: Ensure the panels line up correctly.

Step 21: The “drawstring pockets” should line up as mirror-images.

Step 22: Use embroidery adhesive spray to keep the panels in place while stitching. Stitch the last color stop.

Step 23: Remove design from hoop. Cut away the excess fabric, leaving a seam of approx 2.5″ all around.

Step 24: Tear away all visible stabilizer.

Step 25: Turn BACK-FRONT panels inside out.

Step 26: This is what your drawstring bag looks like at this stage.

Step 27: Cut a 40″ (approx 1 meter) cord or ribbon in half.

Step 28: You can use any type of string to match your bag.

Step 29: You have 2 equal lengths of ribbon.

Step 30: The 1st piece of ribbon is thread from the left all the way around to exit at the left side again. The 2nd piece of ribbon is inserted at the right side and goes all the way around to exit at the right side again.

Step 31: Use a safety pin to easily thread the ribbon or in this case the raffia.

Step 32: In at the right side…

Step 33: …all around…

Step 34: …out at the right side.

Step 35: Then the 2nd raffia goes in from the left side…all around…out at the left side.

Step 36: You should have 2 strings on either side.

Step 37: Pull on both strings simultaneously and your bag will close. If you choose not to insert a lining, your bag is complete.

Step 38: If you choose to insert the lining – this is how we do it…Put your hand inside the lining “pocket” …

Step 39: …and push it inside the “burlap/hessian” bag.

Step 40: Fold the lining over the outer pocket.

Step 41: Fold the lining over with a seam toward the inside – resulting in a neat seam on the outside.

Step 42: Secure the seam with pins all around.

Step 43: On your sewing machine, stitch with a straight stitch to secure the lining to the outer pocket.

Step 44: Cut away any loose thread.

Step 45: Your Drawstring Coffee Bag is complete!

Step 46: Fill with fresh coffee beans and you have the perfect gift for a special friend.

Step 47: The lining can be matched to your kitchen curtains or accessories.

Try It Now!

Use any of these designs to try the techniques in this tutorial:

• Drawstring Coffee Bag with coffee aroma 
• Drawstring Coffee Bag 03
• Drawstring Coffee Bag 07
• Drawstring Coffee Bag 09
• Drawstring Coffee Bag 10

This Project Consists of 4 Sections:

A different shape like this CIRCLE make such a difference to an ordinary Cross Body Bag. Try this Fun Project with us! 

You Need:
1 x Embroidery Design (cut 1" seam allowance, all around after embroidery is done)
3 x Contrast Fabric (match the size of your stitched Embroidery Design + 1" )
1 x Batting match the size to the embroidery design (for embroidery)
1 x Batting match the size to the embroidery design (for the back of the bag)
49" (124cm) Webbing

Have you wished for a Book Cover that can be Adjustable?

How about a Book cover with a front pocket to store your supplies?
Well, with this Fabric cover you can have both!
Enjoy making this fun project!