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FREE 4GUIDES

Easy Embellishment

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1 Pressing On by Linda Turner Griepentrog 2 Couch Trip by Pamela K. Archer 3 For Art’s Sake by Laura Murray 4 Feast on This Marla Stefanelli FREE SEWING 4GUIDES

Simple Sewing Techniques

Embellishment is a great way to truly customize your sewing projects. “Easy Embellishment” will help you add excitement to garments, home décor, accessories and more. In “Pressing On,” learn the basics of applying hot fix crystals for a touch of sparkle. “Couch Trip” will inspire you to apply texture and dimension to plain fabric by couching a variety of fibers. To add freehand and stenciled artistic touches to your projects, discover how to work with paintstiks in “For Art’s Sake.” Finally, create a lovely stamped table runner to dress up your dining room in “Feast on This.” Incorporate these fun and simple embellishment techniques into your repertoire to add fun and flair to your sewing! Happy sewing!

Beth Bradley Associate Editor, Sew News

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Pressing On...... PAGE 1

2 Couch Trip...... PAGE 3

3 For Art’s Sake...... PAGE 9

4 Feast on This ...... PAGE 13 in-a-minute embellishments LINDA TURNER GRIEPENTROG

pressing on Iron-on metallic and crystal accents add sparkle to otherwise-ordinary sewing projects.

sewNew 1 USING PREMADE METALLIC OR CRYSTAL SHAPES makes it easy to liven up almost any project. A household iron and press cloth are the only tools needed. Available in a multitude of motifs, the iron-ons are arranged on clear plastic with a protective backing. For a permanent fix, follow these hints from Sue’s Sparklers: 6 Always iron on a hard, flat surface, not an ironing board. 6 Set the iron to a wool setting with no steam. 6 Peel off the backing, and adhere the film-covered motif to your project. 6 Cover the motif with a press cloth. 1. To melt the glue dots, place the iron over the design for at least 45 to 60 seconds without tip: When washing, moving it. If your design is larger than the iron turn garments soleplate, move it (and the press cloth) around to inside out to protect be sure all pieces have adhered.Then, using only the design pieces. the nose of the iron, press down firmly on indi- vidual sections, ensuring a good fuse for different sizes and depths of the design pieces. 2. Allow the plastic film to cool for approximately five minutes, then briefly warm it with the iron and peel it off. If any design pieces pull off with the film, re-fuse, adjusting iron temperature as needed to melt the glue. TEST FABRICS for heat 3. Turn the project inside out, and fuse the design from the wrong side. tolerance, and read the hang tags on ready- 4. To double-check the fuse, run your thumbnail over the design pieces. If any are loose or pop off, re-fuse. Z made garments before pressing on designs. The following fabrics aren’t recommended Beyond the T-shirt for embellishing with Think about these non-traditional applications for iron-on motifs: iron-ons: nylon, velvet, 6 Add monograms to napkins and place mats. acrylic, leather, vinyl and Trigger (or other fabrics 6 Embellish padded fabric picture frames. with a permanent finish). 6 Add to paper projects such as cards and scrapbook pages.

Iron-on metallics are made from lightweight aluminum, and press-on Swarovski crystals are real, faceted crystals.

source All information and motifs provided by Sueʼs Sparklers, (760) 745-2510, www.suessparklers.com. Designs: , S-2157; , S-2159; , 10-876; fabric junkie, S-2100.

2 sewNews couchtripPAMELA K. ARCHER Adorn fabric with color, texture and dimension as limitless as your imagination.

COUCHING IS A FUN,VERSA- high-impact textural and dimensional notched underside accommodates TILE WAY to add artistic details to interest. Couching makes it possible both the width and depth of bead basic and elaborate fabrics alike. to create coordinating fabrics, hide strands, allowing for easy, guided Discover what this centuries-old unsightly mistakes or add body to an placement. technique can do for a ready-made otherwise lightweight fabric. Armed A blind- foot can be adjusted for garment, or try it on your next with this technique and your own use with thicker trims.This foot is sewing project. creativity, you can transform mundane also a good choice when applying The term “couching,” derived from fabrics into stunning showpieces. near a garment edge (such as a the 14th-century French verb couchier, sleeve edge, or blouse hem). is defined as “to embroider by laying Foot of the Couch When stitching near an edge, position flat on a surface and fastening You can use five different presser feet the trim to one side of the foot’s it by stitches at regular intervals.” for couching. Some feet have very built-in guide. A look at the opulent clothing of specific functions, while others are 16th-century Europe illustrates how An open-toe foot is the more universal. popular this embroidery form once couching generalist: It can accommo- was; the upper-class citizenry favored A cording foot allows you to feed a date all types of couching materials. garments completely covered with small braid, or ribbon through a Its open-foot design allows for an couched and embroidered designs. small loop attached to the foot. Place unobstructed view of the strands Today, couching refers to the tech- the fabric in front of the foot, then as they’re guided and sewn into nique of securing a yarn, cord or feed the braid through the loop to position. ribbon to fabric by sewing over the the needle.Take a , catching the yarn with a simple zigzag or decora- braid, and sew. One advantage of Choosing Materials tive stitch. Over the past five cen- using a cording foot is that it assists in Of all the different couching materials turies, the only major changes to positioning the trim right side up, available, are the most pliable, the couching process have been the much like a third hand. and today’s vast yarn selection offers a welcome addition of the sewing A multicord foot, as the name suggests, potential smorgasbord of creative machine and the widespread avail- handles several cords at once. It options. ability of new fibers and trims. features several holes through which Basic, solid-color yarn makes a great Applying trims can dramatically you can feed the yarns or cords. alter a fabric’s appearance. This can foundation for almost any couching be as simple as attaching a few yarns A beading foot deftly applies bead design.An initial application of basic for light, subtle detail, or as involved strands or a string of rhinestones to yarn will form a backdrop that frames as combining multiple yarn types for their desired location(s).The foot’s additional “highlight” yarns.

3 sewNews Butterick 5276

sewNews 4 Today’s vast yarn selection offers a potential smorgasbord of creative options.

Novelty yarns featuring unusual colors outerwear, or textures are natural attention-getters, but will and for most couching projects should quickly over- be applied last. In general, use a smaller power lightweight amount of novelty yarn than basic yarn or delicate garments. to achieve a “just right” balance to the Bead or rhinestone strands add fast, overall embellishment. easy elegance. Like braids, these Ribbons, from thin and monochro- strands are capable of forming gentle stitches with matic to wide and variegated, offer arcs, but not severe twists or small each type of trim; it myriad creative combinations. shapes. can save lots of “un- sewing” and will also help you Cords offer yet another dimension of determine how decorative stitching color and texture options.Their sleek Stitch Selection can fit into your desired surface, soft dimension and pliability The most common couching stitches finished look. make them great for couching, but are zigzag and decorative stitches. some cords may need additional sta- Thread choice is another variable Because of its adjustable width range, bilization to support their greater that can dramatically influence the the zigzag readily adapts for use with weight. Cords also build bulk relatively project’s finished appearance. If you all types of couching materials, from quickly.This effect can look terrific want the trim to be the unobstructed the finest threads to bulky yarns to on more substantial items, such as focal point, choose monofilament bead strands (1). Be sure to test the thread so all couching materials stitch width first, making sure that the stitches fall cleanly and close to the sides of the couching strand. 1 grading Decorative stitches, such as the blind-hem and feather, provide secure the curve application for couching as well as an Before attaching ribbons to a couch- additional decorative element. A blind-hem stitch is most practical for ing project, test each ribbon type to lightweight trims such as single yarns, determine its flexibility. Narrow rib- narrow ribbons and some novelty bons, or those that are are made Couching Strand yarns. If additional stitching is of at least 50% cotton, are the required, sew the trim from the most flexible. opposite end to provide reverse-stitch To find out how much curving a coverage and a pleasant decorative- ribbon will tolerate, position it into stitch appearance (2). the desired arc and press. If the The featherstitch performs dual duty ribbon doesn’t hold the curve, by providing secure stitching as well 2 Doubled Blindstitch modify the design to better suit the as additional embellishment. It’s most ribbon’s flexibility. effective when used over solid-color trim, which allows the stitch’s decora- for Test narrow, braided trims tive detail to be clearly seen.The flexibility in the same manner. featherstitch’s main drawback is its Although woven, braids are consid- limited stitch width—only certain erably less flexible than yarn, mak- diameters of yarn can be couched Couching Strand ing them better suited for without distorting the stitch. gentle curves than for small circles Before stitching or tightly twisting designs. on your project, take time to experiment.Try different

5 sewNews McCall’s 4602

remain visible. Monofilament is also a great choice for couching variegated or multicolored trims. It’s most com- monly applied with a zigzag stitch. Another subtle alternative is to use matching thread.Thread that blends with the couching trims or matches the fabric (and applied with a zigzag stitch) will result in an understated look. For extra sizzle, try combining deco- rative rayon or metallic threads with a decorative stitch. Basic yarns or ribbons are the best choices for this couching method. The potential combinations of specialty threads, couching trims and stitch pat- terns yield endless creative opportuni- ties. Make sure to adjust the machine tension to accommodate specialty threads, and use a metallic needle for best results. One final consideration is thread. Standard yarns and ribbons work fine with standard thread in the bobbin. For heavy or dense couching materials, or if you’re using a specialty top thread, consider using Bobbinfil in the bobbin to help keep the ten- sion in check. Final Preparations For smooth, pucker-free couching, test the machine settings by couching on a fabric strip to ensure the thread tension is adjusted correctly.You’ll also want to stabilize the couching area. Standard tension settings are suitable for stitching yarns, narrow ribbons and even some cords without adjust- ment. However, if you’re couching a heavier strand, test a scrap first to determine if the machine stitches can handle the bulk without pulling the thread out of alignment. If not, loosen the upper tension to accommodate the strand.

sewNews 6 Couching in Action MATERIALS Design Deliberations 7 Jacket: McCall’s 4602 or similar for unlined, collared jacket a few lengths of each trim you plan to use, and place them on 7 Vest: Butterick 5276 or similar pattern for the fabric. Now consider some design elements: Do the trim col- lined, -front vest ors work with the fabric? With each other? One method of choos- 7 Top: Butterick 3196, View B or similar ing color suggests including a light, a bright and a dark element pattern for long-sleeve blouse with back to balance the eye. closure (modified; hook-and-eye closure Remember that too much color and texture can get muddled: a instead of back zipper; added bust ) little intensity goes a long way. If you’re unsure how many different 7 Fabrics in yardages indicated on pattern trims to use, choose an odd number: try three, five or seven envelopes varieties. 7 Matching thread 7 Stabilizer (tear-away or iron-on) or fusible A wide spectrum of different materials, carefully mixed, increases , in amount large enough to visual interest and adds depth to the overall couching pattern. cover couched areas Smaller spaces call for fewer trim types and simpler designs, 7 3 to 7 yards of assorted decorative yarns, while larger spaces need more yarn varieties in greater quantities, cords, ribbons and bead strands in coordinating colors as well as more complex designs. 7 Monofilament thread Solid-color fabrics offer dramatic backgrounds for all kinds of 7 Metallic needle couching materials. 7 Bobbinfil (optional) When selecting trim colors, check the fabric for possible 7 or feet selected for project hints. You may be able to distinguish the different thread colors 7 Chalk marker or air-soluble fabric marker that blend to create the overall fabric—these are terrific comple- 7 Large-eye needle mentary shades for couching materials.

Cut out the pattern as directed, adding ¼” to allowances to allow for any fabric pulling. Next, select the stabilizer that’s best- appropriate thread, attach the selected For a predetermined design, use chalk suited for the job: fusible interfacing presser foot, and stitch over the or an air-soluble fabric marker to or iron-on or tear-away stabilizer. For strands. trace or sketch placement lines on the fabric right side. knits, fuse weft interfacing to all If you prefer to design as you sew, garment pieces to provide body and a try free-form couching. Begin with a Cut a piece of interfacing slightly perfect couching foundation. Light- general idea of the embellishment larger than the area to be couched and weight, woven fabrics should be location and the types and amounts fuse to the fabric wrong side. Or, cut a completely stabilized, but more sub- of yarns to use.Then dive right in— piece of tear-away stabilizer slightly stantial fabrics, like boiled wool, only place a strand on the fabric, hand- larger than the area to be couched and need reinforcing at the areas to be guide it into position and stitch to the fabric wrong side. couched. over it. Thread the machine with the selected Plan It or Wing It? To add couching to a completed couching thread, and load the bobbin garment, stabilize the area first, then with Bobbinfil if desired. Select the If you want to plan your design before apply your design. However, if you appropriate stitch type and width to stitching, use a fabric marker or chalk plan to embellish a garment you’re couch the first strand.Test the stitch to draw placement lines on the fabric constructing, it’s much easier to settings on a fabric scrap, ensuring the for each strand. Pin the strands in couch the fabric while the garment thread encloses the strand width place.Thread the machine with the pieces can still be laid flat. completely and securely. If you’ve

7 sewNews marked placement lines, pin the first trim length in place. Stitch over the strand to secure (3). (Use your hand to guide trim place- ment if you’re free-form couching.) Add another strand, and sew along the trim length from beginning to end, following the curves (4). Don’t ; instead, leave long thread tails at each seam end. Remove excess stabilizer, if necessary. Using a large-eye needle, pull thread tails to the fabric wrong side; knot securely. Lay the fabric flat on a pressing surface, wrong side up, and thorough- ly press the entire design area. If the couching is particularly dense, spread a towel on the pressing surface first, and then lay the fabric on the towel, right side down; press.The towel protects the couched yarns so they maintain their dimension. Z

3 Mark placement lines and stitch first yarn.

Placement Line

4 Stitch second yarn.

Butterick 3196 (modified)

sewNews 8 For Art’s Sake LAURA MURRAY

Lois Ericson, In the Studio - 7

9 sewnews Enhance your sewing projects using Shiva Artist’s Paintstiks and stenciling tools.

PAINTSTIKS ARE APPLIED by apply a Paintstik directly to the rubbing, stenciling or drawing directly fabric over the textured surface onto fabric, which can then be using even strokes. Move the textured machine-washed and dried after heat surface to a new location under the setting. Made from pigment, oil and fabric and make additional rubbings. wax, Paintstiks are being used by New textures and colors can be artists to embellish fabric and layered without waiting for the paint create one-of-a-kind garments and to dry. Keep in mind that partial original projects. images can be interesting. Why Paintstiks? 7 Experiment on small samples (approxi- Paintstiks don’t change the Preparation mately 12” squares) before beginning fabric’s hand. To remove any sizing, prewash fabrics any project.Test on your existing supply 7 A film forms over the paint when using a plain detergent with no of solid-color fabrics or purchase not in use, which eliminates bleach or softener additive (sizing, inexpensive cottons for practicing. waste. bleach residue and softeners can inter- Experimentation is an essential path- fere with paint adhesion). Press to way to effective designs. Consider it 7 The color is very durable after remove any wrinkles. Cover a work playtime by suspending judgment heat setting. until you’ve tried a variety of color surface with a heavy plastic drop 7 No-fuss care for the garment or cloth or large trash bag. and design options. Once you’ve selected your favorite color and design project: machine wash and dry. Pinch off the protective skin from the combination, save the remaining 7 Paintstik tip with a paper towel or Paintstiks adhere to almost any samples for future use. carefully peel it away using a small fabric, including cotton, silk, sharp knife. For the featured jacket, a single rubbing synthetics, suede and leather. plate made of concentric squares was 7 Colors blend easily to lighten Rubbings moved to create overlapping images, values or create new hues. and multiple Paintstiks were used to Rubbings enable you to cover large create several color combinations.The areas with texture and color in just a jacket fabric was the same color few minutes (1). as the jacket body fabric prior to 1 Rubbings quickly cover large areas Look for reasonably flat, textured embellishing. surfaces with raised elements that are firm enough and thick enough to feel Stenciling the texture through the fabric (such Paintstiks produce an airbrushed effect as rubber mats, stamps, rubbing plates when used with stencils. Because the or blocks wrapped with string or paint is nearly solid, it stays within the cording). stencil edges. A perfect image can be Choose any fabric with a smooth sur- achieved easily and consistently (2). face. For crisp images, place the fabric right side up on a work surface and tape three edges to hold the fabric 2 Stencils let you achieve perfect images taut and flat. If you’re willing to accept some irregularity in the images, skip the taping. Right side up, slide the textured surface between the fabric and work surface. Gently

M A P L E L E A V E S S T E N C I L , L A U R A M U R R A Y

sewnews 10 tip: Add hand or machine embroidery to further embellish your projects. Beads add extra flair as well.

When working with color values using a “blender” Paintstik Direct Application stencils, apply the Paintstik to the (one with no pigment). After loading fabric with a stencil brush rather than the stencil brush with paint, use a You can also apply color directly to using the Paintstik directly on the gentle circular motion to apply the fabric with a Paintstik. Use a stencil fabric.The best method is to apply color to the fabric. brush to smooth and blend the colors. Apply masking tape to create bound- the Paintstik to a palette, and then Experiment with colors and shading transfer the paint to a stencil brush. aries and designs such as plaids, lattices, effects.When shading, apply the triangles and more. Or you can rub the brush directly on lightest color first and continue the Paintstik to load it with color. A adding darker colors until you’re On the featured sample, stick figures good palette surface satisfied with the effect. were drawn directly on the fabric. A has a slightly abrasive surface (i.e., hill was created by tearing paper, plac- parchment paper or disposable palette Stencils are available from a variety ing the torn edge on the fabric, and paper from art-supply stores). Mix of places (see “Sources” on the next shading with a stencil brush to create colors on the palette and lighten page). Or make your own stencils from a natural-looking irregular line (3). freezer paper, card stock or stencil plastic.

11 sewnews JAZZED-UP Jean Jacket

Each flower petal on the featured jean jacket was made from test samples created by layering various rubbing plates, designs and rubber stamps.

To create flower shapes, draw a petal template on card stock or stenciling plastic. Following the manufac- turer’s instructions, iron fusible web to the embellished 3 Draw stick figures; use paper and shading to create a hill fabric wrong sides. Place the template over the paper backing, and draw around the template to make as many petals as desired. Cut out each petal and remove the paper backing.

Use a contrasting color fabric backed with fusible web to cut out a small circle for each flower center. Remove the paper backing.

Create flowers by placing petals under the center circles. Randomly place the flowers on the jacket and fuse in place.

Clean Up application requires additional drying in the dryer and run it at the hottest time of three to five days.After drying, setting for 30 minutes. Clean up is easy, since soap and water heat setting is necessary to permanently After heat setting, hand- or machine- work fine for cleaning hands and tools. set the paint. Traditional solvents, such as turpentine, wash the fabric in cold water to are effective but have a strong odor. To heat set with an iron, choose the remove any residue. Do not dry clean Other options include odorless solvents hottest temperature appropriate for fabrics embellished with Paintstiks from art supply stores, citrus-based the fabric. Lay a piece of greaseproof because the solvents will break down household cleaners or automotive paper or muslin over the ironing sur- and remove the paints. Z degreasers and mineral spirits. face. Place the fabric on the paper with the paint side down. Press each Heat Setting fabric section for 10 to 15 seconds. An alternative method, particularly for Paintstik colors generally dry to the large fabric pieces, is to put the fabric touch within 24 hours. However, fabric

sewnews 12 FFeeaasstt

on ThMARLA STEiFANEsLLI Spice up the table for your next holiday gathering with a festive tablecloth.

13 sewnews Yardage Chart Center Panel Yardage (fill in the blanks): _____ Table length + __2_7_”_ Drop, shrinkage, test fabric Stamped accents, derived from a border print, enliven the = _____ Total length center panel.The doubled mitered border adds extra dimen- sion and weight at the edges and gives the tablecloth the Ϭ __36_”__ Inches in one yard perfect finishing touch.Add the stamped designs before = _____ Total yardage stitching the border. If time is short, leave the tablecloth center plain and start a family tradition. Supply permanent fabric markers (fill in the blanks): and let your guests decorate the surface. (Add a paper Border Yardage layer underneath to prevent the marks from transferring _____ Table width + 8” to the table.) Heat-set the tablecloth being careful to avoid pressing any spills. Bring out the tablecloth year + _____ Table length + 8” 1 after year and let your guests add to it. = _____ ⁄2 perimeter MATERIALS x __2___ 7 54”-wide light-colored 100% cotton fabric with close even weave (See “Measuring & Cutting” to determine yardage.) = _____ perimeter 7 44/45”-wide 100% cotton fabric for border + _3_0_”__ Mitered corners, seaming (See “Measuring & Cutting”) 7 Permanent textile paint: Goldenrod, Maroon, Yellow Ochre, Russet, = _____ Total border length Emerald Green, Sapphire Blue (See “Sources” at the end Ϭ __41_”__ Preshrunk fabric width of this article.) 79”x12” Flexible Printing Plate or large stamps = ____ Border strips needed (See “Sources” at the end of this article.) x __6_”__ Border width 1 7Wood, Plexiglas or ⁄4”-thick foam core for mounting homemade stamps = _____ 7Disposable plastic plates, palette knife, paper towels + _1_2_”__ Shrinkage. plus one border strip 71”-wide foam paint brush or small brayer = _____ 7Permanent fabric markers (optional) Ϭ _3_6_”__ Inches in one yard Measuring & Cutting = _____ Total yardage To determine the center-panel yardage, add 27” to the table length (for a 4” drop at each end, shrinkage allowance and test fabric). Divide the total table length by 36” to get the To make coordinating 18” napkins, purchase yardage required for the center panel. (See the chart at right 1 ⁄2 yard extra for every two napkins. to help do the math.) From this point on the center panel will be referred to as the tablecloth. To determine the border yardage add the table width and length measurements together plus 16” (for the drop). Multiply the total by two to get the tablecloth perimeter measurement.Add 30” to allow for mitering corners and stitching ends together. The border strips are cut on the fabric crossgrain so divide the tablecloth perimeter by 41” (preshrunk fabric width) to determine the number of strips needed. Multiply the strips needed by 6” (border width). Add 12” (for shrinkage allowance and one extra border width). Divide the total by 36” for the border yardage amount.

sewnews 14 Short on time? Eliminate the stamping process by purchasing print fabric for the center panel and adding a coordinating solid-color border.

Preparation Preshrink the fabric in the manner the tablecloth will be laundered. Press to remove any wrinkles. Set the border stamping tips fabric aside. 7 To overlap the fabric edge, place typing paper under Pull a thread across the tablecloth fabric width close to one the edge and stamp. cut end. Cut along the pulled thread to square the fabric. Measure from the squared end and cut the fabric 8” longer 7 If a motif has a definite right or left orientation, than the table-length measurement.Trim off the , consider making a mirror-image version. and then zigzag- or serge-finish the edges. 7 Paint colors can be mixed. Begin with one-half tablespoon of the lighter color and add the darker Decorative Stamping color to it in small amounts. Decorate the tablecloth with stamps you create using motifs from the border fabric (see “Custom Stamps” at 7 Brush strokes will transfer to the fabric so place them right), or use purchased stamps that relate to the border in the desired direction. fabric. Select fabric paint that coordinates with or matches 7 Clean the stamp if details fill in or accidental globs the border fabric. happen. Use a wet paper towel to wipe off the stamp. Cover a flat, smooth, hard surface (the table the cloth is for 7 If a small bit of unwanted paint transfers to the fabric, works great) with butcher paper or unprinted newsprint; tape the edges in a couple places to prevent the paper from don’t try to remove it. The paint will only smear and look shifting. Place the tablecloth right side up on the surface. like a mistake. Have the border fabric nearby to refer to the pattern and 7 If you need to reposition the fabric, do so before inking the colors used. stamp.You’re only asking for trouble when moving Work with one paint color and stamp at a time. Begin with fabric and juggling a stamp at the same time. the largest stamp. Pour a tablespoon of fabric paint onto a 7 Always check your fingers for paint before touching disposable plastic plate. Use a paintbrush or brayer to transfer the fabric. the paint to the stamp. Place the stamp on the test fabric and lightly finger-press the stamp to transfer the design.Test-stamp 7 If the paint is drying and getting thick, add a few until you achieve the desired results. drops of water and stir with a palette knife. Compare the stamped color to the border fabric. Mix paint 7 Add accents with a paintbrush, dowel rod end or colors together if necessary. Don’t try to perfectly match the pencil eraser. border fabric. Stand back and view the results to see how the colors and fabric work together. If you’re not sure, leave the 7 If you have to pause during the stamping process, room and then walk back in and look at it with a fresh eye. place plastic wrap over the paint until you return. When you’re satisfied with the color, stamp on the tablecloth. Randomly stamp the surface, evenly spacing the motifs and allowing room between each for smaller motifs. Rearrange the tablecloth to stamp the edges if necessary.

15 sewnews custom stamps

Create custom stamps that echo the border print. Trace several motifs from the fabric onto and enlarge as desired on a copy machine (featured motifs were enlarged 400% and 550%).

Roughly cut out the motifs. Use a glue stick to adhere the motifs to the peel-off backing of the Flexible Printing Plate, placing the motifs close together so you don’t waste the printing material. Cut the shapes from the Flexible Printing Plate using small sharp or a craft knife.

Peel off the paper backing and mount the design 1 onto ⁄4”-thick foam core. For a more permanent stamp, mount the stamp on wood or Plexiglas. The mounting should support the entire design.

To help with placement when stamping on the fabric, glue the pattern to the back of the stamp it up as close as possible to the actual stamp.

1 Dense ⁄8”-thick foam sheets are available in craft and hobby stores and are used for scrapbooks and crafts.You can substitute these sheets for the printing-plate material. Glue the cut shapes to the mounting surface with permanent glue.

1 Stitch and trim border strips

Be sure the paint hasn’t soaked through to the paper, or paint will smear across the tablecloth wrong side and could show on the right side. Continue stamping, working with progressively smaller stamps and using different colors. Evenly space each stamp between the previous motifs. When the paint is thoroughly dry, heat-set the printed designs with a dry iron set at the hottest temperature the fabric will tolerate. Place aluminum foil on the ironing board, and then place the tablecloth painted side down over the foil. Press each stamped area for 30 seconds. The stamped designs will be permanent and will withstand laundering and dry cleaning. 2 Fold end; press and trim to 1⁄2” Construction All seams are ½” unless specified otherwise. Cut enough 6”-wide border strips across the fabric width to equal the tablecloth perimeter. Cut one extra strip to allow 1⁄2” for mitering and piecing the strips together. (Seven border strips were cut for the featured tablecloth, which fits a 42 x77 table.) ” ” Turn under the border starting end at a 45° angle; press.Trim Stitch the strip short edges together with a bias seam (1). the end ½” from the crease (2). Fold the shorter lengthwise Press open the seams. edge ½” to the wrong side; press.

sewnews 16 Begin stitching in the middle of one tablecloth side.With the Continue stitching the border to the tablecloth up to the border right side the tablecloth wrong side, align the starting point. Overlap the beginning angled end 2”; raw edges (not the folded edge). Pin the border to the trim off the remaining border strip (6). tablecloth up to the corner. Fold back the border end at a 45° angle so the fold aligns Unfold the border pressed end, and begin stitching at the with the raw edge of the beginning angle; press (7). crease (3). Continue stitching to the corner ending ½” Trim the excess fabric along the pressed crease. from the tablecloth edge. With right sides facing align the border raw ends, pulling the Press the seam toward the border. Place the stitched tablecloth out of the way so it doesn’t get caught in the stitching. border wrong side up on a flat surface and smooth out Stitch the ends together, and then press open the seam. the adjoining areas. Finger-press open the corner seams, and then turn the corners Copy the corner template onto poster board and cut out. right side out.Turn the border to the tablecloth right side. Position the corner template on the border as shown; Position the pressed crease of the border opposite edge just trace around the point (4). past the seamline; pin. Edgestitch the border inner edge With right sides facing, fold the border back on itself about ⅛” through all layers. Press the border outer edge. Z past the drawn point.Align the raw edges and pin along the resource drawn lines through both layers. Stitch the point beginning at Fabric Stamping Handbook by Jean Ray Laury, C&T Publishing, 2002. the seam and ending at the pressed crease (5), being careful not to catch the tablecloth in the stitching.Trim the corner sources leaving a ½” and tapering to the point. Cranston Print Works, (774) 495-1618,www.cranstonvillage.com, Meet the remaining border right side to the adjacent tablecloth provided the Rhapsody #1649-20228-S Gold fabric for the border. wrong side; align the raw edges. Stitch to the next corner, The fabric is available at independent stores nationwide. ending ½” from the tablecloth edge. Stitch the next corner DharmaTrading Company, (800) 542-5227, www.dharmatrading.com, in the same manner. provided the Jacquard Textile Colors (102 Goldenrod, 109 Maroon, 124 Yellow Ochre, 127 Russet, 117 Emerald Green), FabricMate Permanent Fabric Pens (11 Red, 13 Green, Corner template 15 Orange, 20 Purple), and Flexible Printing Plate.

3 Begin stitching at crease 5 Fold corner back on itself; stitch corner 7 Fold border aligning fold with beginning trimmed edge; press 1⁄2”

Tablecloth Fold

Border

4 Trace corner on border 6 Overlap beginning 8 Align border ends and stitch

Stop stitch- Tablecloth Stop stitching ing here 1⁄2” from table- cloth edge Tablecloth

Border Corner template Border

2” Pressed crease

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+ PATTERN REVIEW 10 PLUS-SIZE FIT TIPS NEWS sewFebruary/March 2011 Fit & Fashion 25 Tips, Tricks & Techniques Your fit questions answeredprinciples draping BasiBasicc draping principles Choosing the right pattern size plained www.sewnews.com/subscribe exexplained g 101 n Fashion sketching anipa101ninipippulaulatatitionioo Enter our e pattern m SiSimplempl pattern manipulation FIRST-EVER 6 GREAT MOTHER’SStyleSt DAYyle StStarS GIFTar IDEAS

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