May 2006 - Tropical Flower Needlecase

Please read all the instructions before commencing.

The needlecase is perfect for practicing techniques before embarking on a larger project, such as a bag.

If you are using a new technique always practice first.

REQUIREMENTS

FS 086 O Machine knitted felt - Solo - Royal Blue

FP 087 K Machine knitted felt - Flower Packs - Tropical - Cerise

Purple sewing machine thread

Scarlet sewing machine thread

FC 110 B Haberdashery - Wool/acrylic craft felt 9" (23cm) square – black

Cotton fabric 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" (21.5 x 11.5cm) to match the needlecase

1 skein royal blue single strand thread eg DMC Coton Perle 5 or Anchor Pearl Cotton 5

Sewing equipment - sewing machine, needle, pins, scissors, tape measure, kebab stick etc.

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut a piece of royal blue felt to measure 7 1/2" x 3 1/2" (19 x 9cm). Fold the royal blue felt in half to form a square shape.  Place the cerise flower in the centre of the uppermost square, unfold the felt to form a rectangle and pin the flower securely to prevent it from 'travelling'. 

2. Using a medium length straight stitch and purple sewing machine thread, start sewing from the centre of the flower down the middle of a petal to almost the end of the petal.  When sewing near the end of the petal use a kebab stick to hold the felt in place, DO NOT USE YOUR FINGERS.  Raise the foot, pivot the needlecase, lower the foot and sew over the top of the stitching to the centre of the flower.  Repeat on each petal.  Starting from the centre of the flower and working on each petal, stitch an upside down 'V' shape on either side of the central stitching, once again, pivoting the work and stitching on top.  When finished each petal should have three lines of stitching, the middle line being the longest.  Place the scarlet felt circle in the middle of the flower and pin securely.  Using scarlet sewing machine thread and a medium width zigzag, work satin stitch around the edge of the circle.  Place the purple felt circle in the middle of the scarlet circle and pin securely.  Using purple sewing machine thread and a zigzag of medium width and medium length, sew around the edge of the circle. 

3. Sew one purple bead, on top of the central stitching, close to the end of each petal, around the outer edge of the flower.  Sew lime green beads on the purple centre of the flower. 

4. Cut two pieces of black craft felt, each measuring 6 1/2" x 2 1/2" (16.5 x 6.5cm).  Cut one piece of cotton fabric measuring 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" (21.5 x 11.5cm).  Turn under the raw edges of the fabric, making sure it is the same size as the royal blue felt and press with an iron.  Place the cotton fabric and royal blue felt wrong sides together and pin around the four sides. 

5. Constructing the needlecase. Cut a length of royal blue single strand thread approximately 12 feet (3.6 metres) long.  Attach the thread to the wrong side of the felt, half way along one of the long sides.  Take the thread to the front of the needlecase and work blanket stitch from left to right (right to left if you are left handed).  The thread is very long but work slowly and carefully and it should not become tangled.  Work one blanket stitch into the corner and continue along all four sides.  Fold the needlecase in half and insert pins to indicate the fold line.  Place the two pieces of black craft felt on top of the other, fold in half and insert pins to indicate the fold line.  Place the two pieces of black craft felt in the centre of the inside of the needlecase, taking care to match the fold lines together.  Work a running stitch through all four thicknesses along the fold line and fasten off.

©  Torbay Textiles 2006