I know the children have just finished school for the summer hols, but I was having a little ponder about what I could make that might be useful for when they do return to school. (I also just felt the need to create something out of lovely bright fabric!) I actually started off by making myself a fabric wrap for all my crochet hooks and scissors, which I am now using and find it extremely handy. It was thrown together rather quickly as (those of you who know me will know) I love to see the end product so desperately that I do have a slight tendency to rush a project just so I can take a peek at the end result. Once I have made one I then slow down, iron out the creases (so to speak) and take my time to create a perfect one!
Before I show you how to make one, let me share with you some GORGEOUS fabrics that happened to find their way through my letter box this morning. They have come from a brilliant website called Fancy Moon. I have never used their site before but not only do they have oooodles of delicious fabric, the customer service and delivery were impeccable. I would definitely recommend them! I now can't wait to get started using it all!
So now for today's tutorial. You will need: A basic sewing kit, sewing machine (or you can sew by hand), iron on interfacing (you don't have to use this but I like to give the wrap a sturdier feel), a large button, a piece of ribbon/cord approx 32cm in length and 2 coordinating fabrics. In the crochet hook wrap pic above I have used a heavyweight cotton fabric but for the pencil wraps I have used a medium weight cotton.
Before you cut out your 2 pieces of fabric for the outside and inside, make sure that whatever you are going to be putting in the wrap will fit!
Cut out 2 pieces of fabric the same size for the outside and inside of the wrap ( I haven't given exact measurements here, so that you can make it as long and wide as you wish) and a smaller piece, in a different fabric for the inside pocket. (Remember to cut enough fabric out to allow for your seam allowance).
If you are using iron on interfacing then now is the time to iron it on to the fabric. Iron it to the piece which you are not going to be sewing your pocket on to.
Now cut out your pocket piece. Double over the fabric so it gives strength to the pocket. You need to cut the pocket piece similar in size to the picture above, but remember to double it over first!
Whilst the irons hot, press your hem around the outside edge of the pocket and press the top edge where the fabric is folded over already.
Pin around 3 of the edges of the pocket, leaving the top edge alone.
Using you sewing machine sew around the 3 edges of your pocket, remembering to leave the top edge well alone!
I chose a zig zag stitch on my machine to give the pocket a bit of decoration - I will leave that to your preference.
Now you need a ruler and some more pins. On the bottom of the pocket measure along 2cm at a time (maybe more if you are putting marker pens, or a larger item into the wrap). Then put a pin in the bottom of the pocket at every 2cm gap.
Using a straight stitch, sew from the bottom of the pocket right up to the top at each 2cm pin marker. It is a good idea to reinforce the top and bottom of each line by using your backwards button on your sewing machine, and sewing over the same part each time. This will help keep the pocket fabric pulling away from the base fabric when the pencils are being put in and taken out of the wrap.
Once complete the pocket should look like this. I have left a wider gap on the left side so that I can fit a ruler, eraser and sharpener in it but you don't have to do this.
You now need to get the other piece of fabric (the one with the interfacing on) and sew the ribbon and button on. For the wrap to do up these need to be placed in the centre, like in the pic above.
Now place the 2 pieces of fabric (right sides together) and pin around the outside edge. Leave a hands width gap along one of the lengths as this is where you will turn the fabric pieces around the correct way.
Cut off each corner before you sew the sides so that when you turn it the right side round the corners will be neater.
Sew along each length with a straight stitch. When you get to the corners leave the needle in the fabric but lift the foot so that you can turn the fabric around to sew down the next edge. This will create a neat corner.
Once all 4 edges have been sewn turn the right way around.
Using a pen or similar object to poke the corners out.
Iron away the creases and press the open gaps hem under.
Using the zig zag stitch (or straight stitch if you prefer) sew around all four edges - this seals up the gap and finishes the wrap off. Here you can see the zig zag edge which runs around all four sides.
You can now have your" ta-dah" moment as your pencil wrap is complete - well done xx
Feel free to leave me your comments as this is my first written tutorial. Let me know if you attempt to make one and please share your pictures with me via my Facebook page...... Happy making xx
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