Folk Art Needle Case - Mini Tutorial

Small Linen Needle Case Tutorial. How to Make a Simple Needlecase!

 

This is how I did it:

Supplies:

    Linen
    Lining Fabric
    Bond-a-web
    Calico
    Scraps of fabric for applique
    Felt
    Ribbon or twill
    Tiny button
    Needle, thread and sewing machine

 Instructions

    Cut a template from printer paper the size required for the finished project.  Mine was 6" x 4" and that included seam allowances of 1/4". 
    Use the template to cut one piece from linen (cover) and another from some red and cream checked wool fabric (lining).  
    Cut a piece of batting 3/4" smaller all around than the linen cover.
    Cut two lengths of ribbon or twill to create your closure (5" each).
    Cut out a little house (Square, triangle, heart and little rectangle for the chimney) from some bond-a-web. 
    Peel off one side of the bond-a-web paper backing and ironed onto pieces of fabric. Cut around them to get the applique shapes.
    The next stage is to use a piece of calico and an alphabet stitch on a sewing machine (mine is a Bernette 92c) to create the 'Needles' label. Attach the label to some bond-a-web.
    Cut out some pieces of felt for the inside of the needle case (2 rectangles slightly smaller than the outer linen piece). 

Assembling the little project is simple. 

    Iron the applique into place by removing the second piece of paper backing and position them onto the front of the needle case.  
    Use either a straight or zig zag stitch to sew around the edges of the applique pieces.
    Sew a tiny button onto the heart

Once everything is ironed into place lay down your lining fabric right side up, place your ribbon as shown in the diagram and then lay your linen piece right side down (so both right sides of fabric are touching) sew around the edge using a quarter inch seam making sure to catch the ribbon in the seam.  Leave a 2" gap on one of the long sides and turn the right way out.

 Ease the piece of batting into place between the two layers making sure it is laying flat.
    Stitch up the opening using a ladder stitch.
    Finally pin the inner felt pages into place and stitch them onto your little needle book by running a machine stitch right through the centre.  Remember to  back stitch at the beginning and end for added strength.

Enjoy your needle book :)