For a smooth-edge bowl
or one with a gently-waved edge, stitch the fabric layers together and turn
right side out for a finished edge.
Place the fabric pieces
right sides together, and position the foam circle (or shape) on top.
Draw around the foam 1/2" from the edge. Make a small mark for
matching the layers on the wrong side of both fabric layers and on the foam (
1
).
Remove the foam,
and trim the fabric along the line. Stitch the fabric layers together with a
3/8" seam allowance, leaving a 3" to 4" opening for turning,
and position the matching marks within the opening.
Turn the fabric right side out,
and carefully insert the foam, lining up the marks on the foam and fabric.
The foam won't slide easily, so pull it gently into place. Whipstitch
the opening closed. You're now ready to decorate the edges and embellish your bowl.
Sandwich Method
When using foam shapes with irregular edges, it's easier to sandwich the foam between two fabric layers and finish the edges together with decorative stitches.
With the fabric right sides together, lay the foam shape on top, and draw around the foam 1/2" from the edge. On the wrong side of both fabric layers and the foam, add a mark for matching at the edge.
Cut the fabric, and remove the lower fabric layer, leaving the foam on the upper layer wrong side. Using monofilament or matching thread, carefully stitch the layers together 1/8" inside the foam edge (2). A walking foot, open-toe foot or zipper foot makes it easier to control the stitching. If necessary use your left hand to gently pull the layers behind the presser foot to help feed the foam through the machine.
Position the remaining fabric piece with the wrong side against the foam, matching the marks. Pin the layers together keeping the pins away from the outer edge. Flip the layers over and re-stitch following the previous stitching line.
Trim the fabric edges about 1/8" outside the stitching line. Pinch the fabric edges together to gauge how closely to cut to be sure the foam will be completely covered. If you cut too close and the foam shows, fold back the fabric, and trim the foam to fit.
For a smooth-edge bowl
or one with a gently-waved edge, stitch the fabric layers together and turn
right side out for a finished edge.
Cut the fabric, and remove the lower fabric layer, leaving the foam on the upper layer wrong side. Using monofilament or matching thread, carefully stitch the layers together 1/8" inside the foam edge (2). A walking foot, open-toe foot or zipper foot makes it easier to control the stitching. If necessary use your left hand to gently pull the layers behind the presser foot to help feed the foam through the machine.