2017 FAL Q2 Host - Tutorial
Welcome! It's my turn to share a tutorial as part of the Finish A Long Quarter 2 hop. I hope you've been enjoying meeting the other hosts and have taken the time to check out their blogs. Remember the Finishes Link Up closes July 1st. See the FAL tab for details.
Easy Framed Accent
Adding a special touch to any project just got a little easier and a tad bit clever if I do say so myself. There are a TON of patterns out there to make simple projects like a zipper pouch, bag or tote. No matter how great they are, I'm often tempted to give them a tweak. If you're the same way, consider embellishing with a Framed Accent Strip. I'll show you how.
See how great this promotional free duffle bag transforms into something useful and pretty once the ugly logo is covered up. Excuse the wonder clips - I'm contemplating the best method to use for attaching it since the outer pocket isn't conveniently accessible. What do you think, fabric glue, wonder under, hand stitching?
Where to Begin
1. Choose your accent. These can be scraps of any kind or one long fussy cut piece. Left over from a swap mini, I chose to feature six 2.5" HST half square triangles. Originally I planned to make one for each side of the duffle, but in the end decided to just use one set.
1/4" seams throughout. Chain stitch the squares together and press the seams open.
Cut ONE outer frame (grey) 4" wide and slightly longer than your accent.
Cut ONE inner frame (black) at least 2" wide and slightly longer than your accent.
Sew the inner frame (black) to one side of the outer frame (grey). Press towards the black. Right side facing up and using the seam line where the grey and back meet, measure 1/2" and trim*. Use the cut off excess of the black to repeat the same steps on the other side.
*alternate method: you can also cut TWO 3/4" strips. I personally find very thin strips awkward to handle and prefer the other but either technique will work.
Sew the accent strip to one side. Tuck in the seam allowance under as shown below as you press.
Using the tip of your iron, tuck and press the second side in the same manner as the first side.
Turn the "tube" that you have created Right Side Out.
Four Charms Version
Here's a detail shot below of the presser foot running under the pressed seam. I'm not that particular about accuracy but for those who really want it to be as even as possible you might want to take this step slow and watch your line.
This is a gem of an idea! My husband goes to a few conferences each year where every one of them gives him some sort of bag or backpack and we've contemplated a decent way to pass them on to folks who could use them without making them advertise something they've never heard of. I just may have a go at this. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWell this certainly is clever Karen! Great tutorial. For your duffle I would glue and then hand stitch a decorative running stitch on top and bottom just to ensure it stays on there.
ReplyDeleteLovely tutorial and I agree with Marci - glue first then hand stitch, though keep the glue away from where you want your handstitches to go or you'll be giving your fingers a tough workout!
ReplyDeleteClever and practical, especially not using fiddly narrow strips, but the wider strip instead. This would need up any bag!
ReplyDeleteOh I like this a lot Karen!! I love little slips of colour but it can get very fiddly with thin pieces of material. Have bookmarked this yo use in the future - thank for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way of personalising a commercial product!
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