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.
The sample above is made using Swag charm squares and could be top stitched down and sewn into any of the above mentioned projects.
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.
Gently fold over to align the other side of the accent placing it directly across and sew the second side.
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.
Use your fingers to position the frame with approximately the same amount showing on each side and press. There you have it!
Four Charms Version
Constructed basically the same way as the HST version except that the black 1" end tabs were added.
I also like to cut off the pinked edges.
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.
The excess trims away at 10" so that is what I will use for the width of the linen.
