Ready, set, sew!
Sewing Cards

Following the manufacturer's instructions, fuse the motifs to fabric scraps similar to the cards shown or as desired. Let cool and cut out the shapes on the lines.

Peel off the paper backing, and position the motifs on the interfaced fabric squares, overlapping as indicated on the bee and flower patterns. Fuse in place.

Using the monofilament thread, stitch around each shape with a 2 mm wide, short zigzag. Stitch so the righthand swing of the needle falls just off the motif edge.

Mark the eyelet locations with small dots. Using the permanent markers, trace the face and wing details onto the motifs; use red for the mouths and black for the rest. Let the ink dry and set with an iron following the manufacturer's instructions. (Avoid over pressing the monofilament thread, as it may melt.)

With right sides together and using a 1/4" seam, stitch the web-backed square to the square with the motif, leaving a 3" opening on one side for turning. Remove the web paper backing, trim the seams to 1/8", and clip across the corners (1).

Turn right side out, poking out the corners. Turn in the opening edges and finger press. Finger-crease the edges, so the seam is at the edge, then press to fuse all the layers together. Edgestitch around the square, stitching the opening closed at the same time.

To insert the eyelets, use a craft knife to make small slits a scant 1/8" long, forming an X at each eyelet location. Push an eyelet through the fabric from the motif side; it should fit snugly in the hole. Use a setting tool and follow the manufacturer's instructions to secure the eyelet.

Cut the ribbon into 25" lengths. Tie one end with two overhand knots, placing them on top of each other and without over tightening. This creates enough bulk so the knot won't pass through the eyelet.

To create the "needle" end, fold the other ribbon end in half lengthwise for about 1" and wrap snugly with masking or cellophane tape (2).

Teach a child to sew. Begin by coming up from the back to the front, so the knot is on the underside. After the child laces the ribbon length through the eyelet holes, show him/her how to weave the needle end through the previous stitches on the back (3).

After your child completes several cards, stack and lace them together through the eyelets on the left edge to form a book, tying the ribbon ends in a bow.

From the December 2004 issue of Sew News magazine.