Make a… needlecase

Step 1

STITCH the design onto the the right-hand side of the fabric, centrally between the top and the bottom, and in a position so that when the aida is folded the design will be on the front of the needlecase – you should have at least 2cm (3/4in) between the outer edge of the design and the edge of the fabric on the right-hand side, top and bottom.

Step 2

CUT your stitched aida to 14x25cm (5½x9¾in), leaving 2cm (3/4in) between the outer edge of the design and the fabric on the top, bottom and right-hand edges – once your needlecase is assembled the design will be centrally on the front.

Step 3

FOLD in all edge of the aida by 1.25cm (1/2in), and press to the wrong side. Repeat for the lining fabric. Cut a piece of iron-on vilene to fit the back of the stitching, without the 1.25cm (1/2in) seam allowance. On the reverse side of the stitching, place the vilene in the centre, and iron in place. Fold over the seam allowance once again, and press in place.

Step 4

PLACE the aida and the lining fabric wrong sides together, with the seam allowance between the layers. On the back edge of the needlecase, centrally between the top and bottom, insert the end of a folded elastic band. Pin the layers together. Machine stitch around the edge of the case, just in from the edge.

Step 5

CUT a felt leaf just smaller than the needlecase when flat. Place the leaf centrally on the inside of the case. Pin, then machine stitch down the spine of the needlecase to hold it in position. Attach a button to the front edge to correspond with the elastic loop.

The aida, stranded cotton, interfacing and backing fabric our designers used are available from www.willowfabrics.com