Pincushion Thread catcher Tutorial

Supplies needed: Play sand (approx. 3-4 cups) and a funnel 2 coordinating FQ's fabric (2) 5 1/2" squares of muslin (or you can use scraps, this is for the sand bag itself, so the fabric must be tightly woven) (2) 1 1/4" pieces (both sides) of hook/loop tape 18" strapping (that comes off big packages, check a retail store to see if they have any in the shipping dept.) Cutting directions: From 1 FQ--cut a 9 1/2" x 18" rectangle (for outer bag) cut a 2" x 8" rectangle for straps From 2nd FQ--cut a 9 1/2" x 18" rectangle (for bag lining) cut (2) 6" squares for pincushion cover (NOTE: if you want to add any custom embroidery on the cover, NOW is the time to do it. You could even make a 6" paper pieced pattern to make it more "yours") 1. Sew the muslin squares together all the way around with a 1/4" seam, leaving a 1" opening on the top side to add the sand. Clip corners. Turn right side out. Add sand to desired fullness. Close the opening by hand stitching very small stitches. Don't try this on your machine! (EDITORS NOTE: Someone asked me why I bothered turning this inside out as it didn't show at all. Hmmm. Maybe they are right. The only thing I could think was that maybe turning it inside made it stronger? You be the judge--turn it inside out if you want .... or not!)

2. Fold the 2" x 8" rectangle in half lengthwise and press a crease. Open, and then fold one side to meet the crease and the other side should fold over and overlap just slightly. Stitch down both sides, close to the folded edge.

3. Cut the strip in half to yield 2 pieces.

4. Lay one of the 6" pincushion cover squares down, RIGHT SIDE UP. Lay one of the tabs on the bottom edge 1" in from the side. Repeat for the other side. Make sure the tab is laying on the square RIGHT SIDE down. Pin in place. 5. Lay the other 6" square on top, RIGHT SIDES together. Sew all the way around, with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a very large opening on the top edge (to insert the sand bag). Turn right sides out.

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6. Fold up approx. 1" on the wrong side of the raw edge of each tab. Stitch the rough side (hook side) of the hook and loop tape to the WRONG side of the tab. Repeat for other tab. 7. Insert sand bag, stitch opening closed. Can be done by hand OR

VERY carefully on the sewing machine.

8. Pin the two 9 1/2" x 18" rectangles RIGHT SIDES together. Stitch all the way around, leaving an opening for turning on one of the LONG sides. Turn right sides out and press. There is no need to close opening as it will get caught in the next seam

9. Fold the rectangle in half, RIGHT SIDES (the side that you want to show) together.

10. Stitch down both side seams with 1/4" seam allowance. Make sure to reinforce the top edge.

11. Press a crease in the bottom fold.

To make a boxed corner, press open the seam allowance. Now, by pulling apart the bag a little bit, lay the seam allowance down the creased bottom

12. Measure 1 1/2" from the point, draw a line. Stitch on the line, backstitching at each end. Trim the corner off approximately 1/2" away from seam, zig zag raw edges (or serge, if you own a serger).

12. Fold over the top edge 3/4" towards the inside of the bag.(OPTION: before folding over edge, you can press open the seam allowances and stitch down to make insertion of strapping easier). Stitch close to the folded edge, leaving an opening (NOT on the seams) to insert the strapping. Insert strapping, stitch opening closed.

13. Lay the pincushion down with the hook tape on the bottom of the tabs. Lay the thread catcher bag on it's side. Lay the tabs inside the bag to get the positioning of the LOOP part of the tape. Stitch the loop tape down.

ENJOY!
Please use this tutorial to make as MANY as you want. Teach it..sell them..give them away. The only thing I ask is that you do not SELL the pattern. I offer it here free for everyone to use and enjoy! A link to my website would be appreciated. Thanks!

Karen Whiteside 2004-2011

www.kquilts-studio.com