HAVE A HEART
We all need some kindness right now, so this hear t-warming pincushion is per fect to give as a gift – or keep for yourself!
YOU WILL NEED DIY heart template, 15cm
(6in) in length 30cm (12in) square of
cotton fabric 30cm (12in) length of ribbon, 12mm (½in) wide Approx. 50g (2oz)
of toy filler
NOTES
Use a 5mm (¼in)
seam allowance
TECHNIQUES
Making a template Snipping curves Cutting corners
Ladder stitch
Cut out two hear t shapes from cotton fabric. Draw a horizontal line across your template, 10cm (4in) up from the point, and cut out two identical triangular pieces.
Sew the two triangles right sides together across the top. Turn over and press, then top-stitch along the seam.
Place the triangle over the base of the right side of one piece of hear t fabric, and sew along the right-hand side.
Sew the ribbon horizontally, central to the remaining hear t fabric, 2.5cm (1in) down from the ‘V’ at the top of the hear t shape.
Sew the two hear ts right sides together, leaving a turning gap of about 5cm (2in) over the side section you previously sewed. Make sure you don’t trap the ribbon in your seam! When you come to the ‘V’ shape, sew one stitch straight across instead of pivoting, this will make the point crisper when you turn the heart. Snip off the seam allowance at the point of the hear t, cut around the cur ves with pinking shears, and cut into the ‘V’ shape at the top.
Turn the right side out. The ribbon should be on the opposite side to the pocket, and the opening at the side.
Stuf f with toy filler, then sew the opening closed with a ladder stitch.
Flip the pocket over to the same side as the ribbon, pop your scissors into the pocket, thread the ribbon through the handles and tie in a bow. Trim the ends of the ribbon at an angle to stop fraying.
The per fect hear t is difficult for most of us to draw, so here’s a simple technique that you can use to create any shape of hear t you’ll need. Fold your template paper in half. Decide on the size of your hear t and choose a circle template of about half the size. Place the circle over the fold and draw around it. Take a straight line from the edge of the circle to the fold. Cut out the shape and open to see the heart shape. Experiment with different sized circle templates, and lengthen the straight line to create a more modern style of heart.