If you enjoyed creating your own fabric buttons from scratch, why not buy a ready-to-make kit so that you’ve always got the right equipment to hand? Sew essential stock a range of self covered buttons priced from £1.10 per set of six. Visit www.sewessential.co.uk to buy.
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Make sure you pick up this months copy of SEW Magazine – for great Mothers Days and Easter how to’s also!
*If double sided interfacing is not available your design can be stitched by using a close zig-zag on your machine or hand stitch with buttonhole stitch.
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Make sure you get your copy of Sew Magazine for your FREE dressmakers pattern of the rather gorgeous High Waisted Trousers (sizes 8-16)
This is what I worked on this Friday. I’ve been wanting to make up some Alphabet letters for some time now. I LOVE that I can use these Friday Make-it days to really concentrate and get on with some unfinished projects and explore new ideas.
I LOVE the vintage fabrics but would LOVE to have some more (see what I did there)
Its so easy to do too. The bigger and chunkier the letters the better. Using easy to cut materials that don’t fray help too, like this left over pink soft brushed cotton and heavy upholstery material.
1. Either using a template or freehand (don’t be scared!! Just try you’ll be surprised how easy it can be) draw out your letter.
2. Fold your chosen material and cut out 2 of the shape (Sharp scissors are a must always – a good sewsmith knows you can blame your tools) Remember to cut 2 notches* -V shaped cuts in a straight part of the letter to help you line up the 2 pieces when stitching together.
3. Rights sides together pin & stitch leaving a gap between the 2 notches.
4. Turn letter right way round, stuff and sew!
5. Finish off the rest of your letters to make up a word or a name and you are good to go!
*A Notch is another word for a narrow pass between the mountains – s0 you can see where the shape comes from. I love knowing the origin of these words, especially if it gives me a visual as its easier to remember!
Here is my first “How To” and I’m starting off easy!
This little project has bags of room to play with colour and shape and is perfect for kids!
Time needed: less than 1/2 hour
You’ll need:
Scissors
Needle & Thread
Old Buttons
Scraps different coloured & types of fabric
Old card, magazines
1. Cut out circles of fabric. You can also do a simple flower shape, stars or hearts too.
Stack them on top of each other, using the different materials to make the pattern you want.
2. Simple stitches to bind a few layers together with a contrasting thread.
3. Using a sharp needle, sew a button in the middle of each stack to secure.
4. Find some images you would like to use as a backdrop and cut out. Tip! the simpler the backdrop the better. You can then fix the magazines cuttings to some card, either recycled from cereal box or bought from craft store.
5. Arrange your flower stacks on the card. This is a nice bit.
6. Then “ta-daaa” You’re done! Well done 
Hope you liked what you made – let me know, post a comment on how yours turned out!
These make great little gift tags for Christmas! Try making some out of paper and sticking the layers together too!
