Making Christmas stockings with Sandra Betzina
WHAT YOU NEED:
1/3 yard of fairly firm fabric for each stockings, Suggested fabrics upholstery fabric, denim, felt
1/2 yard decorative ribbon or add as many ribbons as you want
1 package of ½ inch wide Steam-A-Seam 2- found in the notions section of fabric store
purchased stocking to use as a pattern
PUTTING IT TOGETHER:
With fabric folded double, overlay purchased stocking. Trace around stocking shape, ½ inch bigger than stocking to allow a seam to sew it together and 1 inch at the top to allow for a hem.
Cut out 2 stocking shapes. Separate the 2 cut out pieces, so that we can decorate one.
Decide where you want the ribbon to go. Suggestions might be 2 inches down from the top edge and somewhere across the toe. Cut ribbon about 1 inch longer that it needs to be to go across the stocking.
On the wrong side of the ribbon, press on strips of Steam- a-Seam2 on the top and bottom edge of the ribbon. Peel off the paper.
Position the wrong side of the ribbon onto the right side of the stocking. Cover the ribbon and the stocking with a press cloth. Press well with steam, holding the iron in place for 10 seconds.
Trim off excess ribbon.
To create a nice finish at the top of the stocking without sewing, press on a strip of Steam a Seam 2 onto the wrong side of the stocking along the top straight edge. Peel off the paper. Fold down a 1 inch hem to the wrong side. Press again. Hem is now secure.
Place the 2 cut out stocking shapes with right sides together. Sew all around raw edges, following the shape of the stocking, sewing ½ inch away from the raw edge. Leave the hemmed straight edge at the top of the stocking open.
Clip into the seam allowance but not the stitching on the curves so that the curve will release when turned right side out.
Turn the stocking right side out.
If you plan to hang the stocking, make a loop out of ribbon or self fabric and machine sew it to the top corner.
MAKING A GIFT BAG:
The fastest and most flexible gift bags are made with polar fleece. This fabric does not ravel so you do not have to hem the top of the bag. Bags can be made any size or shape. Buy ½ yard of ribbon per bag to close it with.
Cut the bag twice the size you want it to be
With right sides together, fold the bag in half.
With the fold of the fabric at the bottom of the bag, sew the 2 sides closed.
Turn the bag RSO. Insert your gift. Close it with a ribbon tie.
For more on Sandra Betzina plus a description of books, DVDS and classes, visit her website: http://powersewing.com/.
WANT TO LEARN TO SEW?
Get a copy of Sandra's book FEAR OF SEWING for $10. Order from her website or by calling 415-876-2434.
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