A little while ago I put together a little sewing package for a friend that was learning to sew. Inside a sewing kit very similar to this. I thought it might be fun to do a little tutorial on hoe to make it. I'm sure you'll have everything you need in your stash to make one. ;)
What you'll need:
For the body:
9 strips of fabric1.5" wide or 1 piece of fabric 10.5" x 7.5"
1 piece of contrast fabric 10.5" x 7.5" (for lining)
1 piece of batting about 12" x 9"
For the pockets:
2 pieces of fabric 3.5" x 7.5" (I just used more of my lining fabric)
1 piece of fabric 3 3/4" x 5" (your choice of colour)
Needle book:
2 pieces of fabric 3" x 4" (I used a scrap piece from my front panel)
1 piece of felt 3.5" x 2.5"
Extra:
about 40" of binding.
a piece of elastic. I've used a new hair tie
a contrasting button.
Please dont be alarmed at all those numbers. These are the most numbers you'll see for the rest of the post. I promise. These are the fabrics I've chosen to create my "rainbow" front panel. If you don't want this style or effect by all means skip to step 2.
Step 1. Sew all your strips together and press.
Trim your panel to measure 10.5" x 7.5".
Tip: Square your ruler from a seam not from the edge of the fabric. This will guarantee that your seams are vertical and not wonky.
This is what you should have at this point. (Unless your using one piece of fabric in which case you'r ready for step 2)
Step 2. Place your panel on your batting and smooth out. I haven't basted this but if your more comfortable basting go for it. Quilt the 2 layers as you choose. I've gone with a wave line in a matching thread to keep the focus on the fabric. Trim the batting to the fabric.
Step 3. Now its time to create the inside pockets. Hem the 7.5" side of your 2 pieces. I just press the edge over twice at 1/2" each fold then stitch. finished measurement is 2.5" x 7.5"
Place one piece of pocket over each end as pictured. On one side I've made 2 pockets by stitching a line in the centre of the panel only to the edge of the hem. It's really up to you how many pockets you would like to make.
For the other side I'm putting in 4 pockets for smaller things like scissors and an seem ripper. To get the 4 pockets I ironed my piece of fabric in half and then half again. (as shown below)
Tip: Double back on the hem edge for durability.
Tip: Double back on the hem edge for durability.
Step 4. For the centre pocket you'll need your contrasting piece of fabric that measures 3 3/4" x 5".
Hem the 5" sides with one fold and stitch just the top edge only.
You'll need to press a pleat on either side. (Image 1) Pin the pocket in position on your lining centred between your pockets. (Image 2) Stitch the sides down (Image 3) and then lastly the bottom. (Image 4)
This gives you a pleated pocket perfect for your thimble or a large spool of thread.
Step 5. Last component of the sewing kit is the needle book. I picked out 2 pieces of fabric at 3" x 4". With right sides facing, sew all the way around with a 1/4" seem, leaving about an inch open to turn right side out. Clip the corners and then turn right side out. Press.
Step 5. Last component of the sewing kit is the needle book. I picked out 2 pieces of fabric at 3" x 4". With right sides facing, sew all the way around with a 1/4" seem, leaving about an inch open to turn right side out. Clip the corners and then turn right side out. Press.
Your flap and felt pieces should fit together as pictured here. With the top piece just covering the felt. Any adjustments to the felt sizing should be fixed here.
Step 6. Sew the felt piece into position by sewing as close to the edge as you can all the way around.
Then place your flap piece with the open end on top. Stitch this in place, only on the top, the same way as the felt. This is what you should end up with.
Step 6. Before you add the binding you need to add the elastic loop for your button to create a closer. Attach as pictured below on what will be the back of your kit. You'll want to backstitch over this. I've done it oh... about 5 times just to be safe. Now your front and back pieces are done. It's time to join the whole thing together with your binding. Head over HERE for an awesome tute if your not sure how this is done.
Absolute last step is to add your button and your done.
This is what you should have...
and fully loaded. The large pocket is perfect for my thimble although a spool of thread also fits and those 2 side pockets fit my hexies perfectly. ;)
It's completely up to you how you use this in the end.
Thanks so much for lasting this long and if i've missed anything or you have anyquestions please don't hesitate to ask.
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Thanks for the great tutorial! I love your rainbow sewing kit!
ReplyDeleteI'm already a happy follower!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! Thanks Lydia!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! Terrific giveaway! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea!!
ReplyDeleteThat is adorable! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletethank you so much for this tutorial very clear instructions and bright pictures
ReplyDeleteI would really love to win this and would treasure it always
please enter me into your draw x
I am a follower, and keeping my fingers crossed :-)
ReplyDeleteI like your tutorial, I wish I could be better at sewing. My grand mother was a dress maker for a living and two of my cousins sew and sell their own creations in France! My nana and my mum taught me a little bit one I was little and I was ok, but I forgot most of it. And unfortunately I wasn't born with the sewing talent gene!
ReplyDeleteEvery one has it in them, it's all about practice. My mother hated sewing but my sister and I love it.
DeleteVery cute! My daughter and I are just starting to sew. She will love this!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to here. Have fun with it. Would love to here how you went.
DeleteShe will love making this, that is...I'm not presuming to win!
ReplyDeletelove your tutorial and a super beautiful kit! thanks. i'm already a follower!
ReplyDeleteI will try that, thanks for the wonderful tutorial! More thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteVery good tutorial and great sewing kit. would love to win.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower.
ReplyDeleteI have blogged the tutorial and giveaway: http://craftedmadness.blogspot.com/2012/03/sewing-kit-tutorial-and-giveaway-at.html
ReplyDeleteThank you Jowyn. Your the best.
DeleteThank you for the great tutorial and the Giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThat is delightful! Don't you think it might also be adaptable as a coupon holder?
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial and giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Lovely design. I plan on making one, if I don't win.
ReplyDeletemarilyn2222 @ hotmail.com
can't wait to make this for a friend's birthday coming up-thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing!!! I will definitely need to make one for possible clothing repairs while Moving overseas :)
ReplyDeleteThis would be perfect for that. I'm going away soon and I'll be throwing my one into my suitcase just incase
DeleteI am now following your blog
ReplyDeleteReally cute, and very good tutorial!
ReplyDeleteTatimaio at yahoo dot com dot br
Please can I enter
ReplyDeleteKaren S
twannywun at hotmail dot com
Very cute - thank you for posting the tute! hextat at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! I have a thing for these little sewing kits. I just love them!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! I have a thing for these little sewing kits. I just love them!
ReplyDeleteAwesome project! Looks like fun. :) familiargleam at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI love this! I had been making some out of Felt, but this one is so much better! I do love it! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!
ReplyDeleteI just started following. This is such a cute idea! =) abby413 at live dot com
ReplyDeleteI dont know how to follow your blog. I would if I could. I will just have to stick to one entry... a coment.
ReplyDeleteIts so cute, I cant wait to try to make one for myself.
There is a follow link on the right side of my page under my banner, underneath the words, "Welcome to my little blog" :)
DeleteLove the sewing kit, beats storing my bits and pieces in my daughters old shoeboxes! Lovely site.
ReplyDeleteLove this, I am a mediocre sewing person, but I think I can do this. I will let you know next week. I will definitely be trying to make this !
ReplyDeleteAhh, this is adorable. I really should make myself one of these... Might help my tendency of losing needles every time I get them out. :) eh, one of these days
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo cute. I would really like to win this . It would make me life easier. When ever I'll be traveling I could grab this real quick open it up and start on my projects when ever and everything is so neat and organized too!! :)
ReplyDeleteEmail:monirules45@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThis tutorial is awesome! The colors for this kit go so well together, and I would love to use it! :)
ReplyDelete-Elinor
What GREAT tutorial. I am going to make on with selvages for the top. Thanks for the tute.
ReplyDeleteAwesome tutorial! I really like your kit :)
ReplyDeleteForgot my mail: caromite@ymail.com
ReplyDeleteA great job on your tutorial, I am so looking forward to making one. Thanks Heaps! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeletehttp://sue-niven.blogspot.com.au/