Monogram Pincushion Tutorial!

 

 

I first made one of these pretties, oh... maybe 2 years ago, I was working in a gorgeous little quilt shop, and was asked to do a workshop for an open day we were having... it was my first 'grown-up' workshop ( previous to this I had only tutored kids!). They come in handy for presents or for pretty-ing up your own desk/ craft area, for using up the last scrap of your fave fabric or the precious button that you've been hoarding. They are also great to teach the youngins'.

Wanna know how to make one? Click the pics to see larger :)

 

Choose two co-ordinating fabrics, the two that I picked are leftovers from a charm pack by Urban Chicks', 'Hullabaloo' range. You don't need charm squares though, just cut two 5" squares. 

 

 

I sketched directly onto my fabric with a water soluble marker, they are so handy, but if you don't have one a pencil will do, just draw really lightly! If you are using a dark fabric then chalk or a light dressmakers pencil will do the trick! If you need inspiration for your monogram, check out The Daily Drop Cap or a monogram generator site like this one.

 

 

So an embroidery hoop is not a necessity, but it really helps avoid puckering by keeping good tension on your fabric. Here, I have just used a simple back-stitch in a charcoal coloured floss, but you could use virtually any stitch. Here is one of my favourite embroidery sites, tons of tutorials! Sarah's Hand Embroidery Tutorials .

 

 

See where I have marked where to start and finish? It's a really good idea not to leave your 'turning gap' on a corner, it helps keep a good shape and it's much easier and neater to close. Also leave a small gap of maybe 1.5".... a huge big opening makes it harder and longer to close up!

 

A small running stitch is sufficient enough to sew around the edges, every few inches take a little back stitch for added security

 

 

 

 

Make the ladder stitch your best friend! It is absolutely worth it to take the time to learn it if you haven't done it before, it is invaluable! It is the neatest way to close up openings, I use it on all my dolls. Here is a great tutorial. (sometimes it's called the hidden stitch!)

 

 

 

Use a nice long needle and two or three strands of embroidery floss (we are gonna be pulling so we need strong thread) Find your centre and pass the needle straight down, 'pop' your knot inside, make a few passes up and down until the 'pinched in' area is secure. Click the pics to see close up.

 

All that's left is to add your button or buttons if you are adding one underneath too. Don't cut the thread you used to 'pinch' and simply thread though your buttons once or twice pulling taught as you go, knot your thread and pop it inside!

 

 

 And you're done!

 

Phew! My first tutorial, done and dusted!! I hope you enjoyed it...Stay tuned, I have a few more up my sleeve including an exclusive 'Lou Loves This' pattern (though to be honest that may take me a few weeks lol)If you make one of these babies, send me a photo, I'd love to see ;)

 

By the way, you wanna know what song repeatedly popped unbidden into my head whilst working on this post? 'Step by Step.... ohhh baby... gonna get to you girrrrrrl' New Kids On The Block.... yeah, I just went there! lol.