Today, I promised I would show you how you can help your child make a felt sunglasses holder as a gift they can give for Christmas.
So here is a picture another one to inspire you further:
So here is a picture another one to inspire you further:
This is a good project for a child who has done quite a few sewing cards and is ready for something more complicated. Obviously, the less sewing experience your child has had, the more help they will need. Felt is great for young hands to work with and creates a lovely finished product without having to worry about raw edges. Remember - preparation is the key. I will run you through the steps that I think are worth doing before you start with your child.
Let's start with a list of materials:
Let's start with a list of materials:
- felt - ideally 100% wool (it comes in such beautiful colours, will last for ever and won't pill) Main colour - 18x20cm, Contrast colour 9x9cm
- embroidery thread
- a water soluble marker or dress makers chalk - Children love water soluble markers. It is truly magical to watch that blue colour disappear when you dab on a little bit of water!
- pins and a needle
- sewing scissors
- a teeny tiny hole punch - mine measures about 1mm across (this is not essential but does create a nice finish)
- Choose a shape for your embellishment - I usually use cookie cutters for templates - stars, hearts, circles, a letter of the alphabet all work well. Cut one out of the contrast piece of felt.
- Fold your piece of main felt so you have a piece that is 18x10cm. Cut a gentle curve on the double on the bottom corner
- You will have 2 pieces that look like this:
- Grab your teeny tiny hole punch and your embellishment. Punch holes evenly around the edge a stitch width apart.
- Make the same holes on your main piece of felt, but only on half of the edge. Your child will only need a guide on the top part of the fabric as they will only be stitching from the front. It should look like this:
This next bit is the only fiddly part, so bare with me!
- Pin the embellishment firmly to the front of the sun glasses case
- Push a pin through one of the holes you have punched on the embellishment. Flip the felt over and where the pin exits, mark it with your water soluble marker. Do this for each punched hole.Your child will use this as a guide when they are using running stitch to attach the embellishment to the case.
- Don't remove the securing pins until the embellishment is stitched in place or your marks will not line up with the holes.
- If I have confused you, have a look at these pictures!! I promise you it is quick and easy.
Push the pin through the hole from the front.
Flip your felt over with the pin still inserted and mark where it exits with your water soluble marker.
Your work is done. Now let your child have a go!!!
Sewing
- Thread an embroidery needle with 3 strands of embroidery thread. Double it over so your child will be sewing with 6 strands and tie a knot in the end.
- Get them to start by stitching on the embellishment. Use running stitch - in exactly the same way you would do a sewing card. Use the punched holes as markers on the front and the dots you have marked on the back as a guide for where to place the stitches. Help them to tie a knot once this stitching is complete.
- Fold your main piece of felt in half and pin securely
- Use whip stitch (also known as over and over stitch in our household) to stitch the case together. Knot your thread. Insert your needle so it comes out through the back layer and the knot is sandwiched between the two layers of felt. Bring the needle around to the front, put it into the first punched hole and then push it through both layers of fabric. Move onto your next hole, always stitching from the front:
Congratulations!! You are done.
I hope you and your child have fun and that the lucky receiver of this gift feels appropriately honoured!!
One last thought - you can use the same techniques to make a variety of different things - a Christmas stocking with an embellishment on it, a Christmas ornament or a little felt pillow for your child's favourite doll.
I hope you and your child have fun and that the lucky receiver of this gift feels appropriately honoured!!
One last thought - you can use the same techniques to make a variety of different things - a Christmas stocking with an embellishment on it, a Christmas ornament or a little felt pillow for your child's favourite doll.
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