FanBroidery Blog

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.

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