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Make an adjustable bag strap: Free sewing tutorial!

Make an adjustable bag strap: Free sewing tutorial!

I recently found this fab vintage bag in a charity shop but the strap was too short for my liking… I decided to replace the strap so I could wear it cross-body, whilst adding a pop of rainbow at the same time ✂️ So here’s a quick post on how to make an adjustable bag strap!

This is a really easy project – knock one up in less than 30 minutes ⏰

Make your own adjustable bag strap

Knowing how to make an adjustable bag strap is a really useful skill to have in your sewing techniques toolbox… I’ve replaced quite a few of the straps on my daughter’s bags as she’s grown… it’s also a great option if a current bag strap is uncomfortable, or just a bit tatty & worn out.

Replacing the strap can prolong the life of your fave bag, or just give it a new look! You only need a few supplies too!

Scroll down for a written tutorial or catch the vid below…

How to make an adjustable bag strap

A sewing project for: Beginner Friendly

Sewing Time: Under an hour

 

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

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Make an adjustable bag strap in less than 30 minutes

Need to know:

  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 3mm unless otherwise stated.
  • Read through the instructions fully before starting

Disclaimer: Strangulation hazard: Children must be supervised at all times.

You will need:

Thank you for supporting our online shop with your sewing shopping… It means the world to us & enables us to keep putting out FREE content like this for you to make & create ❤️

We have an amazing selection of bag hardware and notions… check out our full range of bag-making supplies here

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

 

Bag Making Supplies

 

 

  • 2m of your chosen webbing of strapping
  • 2 x swivel clips (also know as dog hooks) that match the width of your webbing or strapping
  • 1 x slider that match the width of your webbing or strapping
  • 2 x D-Rings (optional – if you’re using an existing bag then you are likely already to have D rings already sewn in)

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Make a replacement cross-body bag strap

  1. Cut off the original strap

 

Make a replacement bag strap - Step 1 - Cut off the original strap
2. Thread 1 end of your webbing/ strapping through from the underside of the strap slider. Bring the end over the central bar then thread back through to the back

3. Sew the end to secure – a zipper foot can make this easier

4. Thread a swivel clip/ dog hook onto the strap. Hook on the opposite side to sewn hem near the slider

 

Step 4- Make a replacement bag strap - thread a swivel clip onto the strap.

Want to know your #5 from your #3 zip?  Check out our Zip Type Guide

5. Checking the strap isn’t twisted, thread the unsewn end of the strap through the slider

6. Thread the unsewn end through the remaining swivel clip

Make a replacement bag strap - Step 6 - Thread the unsewn end through the remaining swivel clip

7. Sew the strap end down to secure the hook around the final swivel clip

8. Clip and go!

 

 

And you’re finished, well done!

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Free Pattern For A Hot Water Bottle Cover

Free Pattern For A Hot Water Bottle Cover

A hot water bottle is a must-have for chilly nights, and a handmade cover adds a personal touch. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step to create a snug, stylish hot water bottle cover using plush and quilting cotton fabrics. Perfect for gifting or a cosy addition to your home,this project is beginner-friendly, fun to customise and great for all skill levels.

Plush fabric is gorgeously soft, tactile, and luxurious. If you’re new to this type of fabric – check out our guide here for the full low down.

This hot water bottle cover comes together pretty quickly. You can easily sew it in an afternoon and it would make a great handmade gift.

We have provided a free printed pattern template up can download below sized to fit a standard 2 litre hot water bottle measuring 33cm (h) 20 cm (w) approx.

We used this hot water bottle to create our pattern. If you’re making several of these for gifts then the template will also fit this pack of 3 hot water bottles

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Materials You Will Need To Make This Hot Water Bottle Cover

MaterialAmountNotes
Exterior Fabric50cm (20 inches)plush for softness or quilting cotton  for style.
Lining Fabric30cm (12 inches)We used calico
wadding30cm (12 inches)If you’re unsure which wadding to use then check out this post for my thoughts

25mm bias binding

1m (40 inches)DIY from cotton or store-bought
 ThreadPolyester for durability

Exterior Fabric Rectangle Sizes

Cut the following pieces from your chosen exterior fabric:

  • Front Panel: 41cm (height) x 29cm (width)
  • Back Top Panel: 22cm (height) x 29cm (width)
  • Back Bottom Panel: 26cm (height) x 29cm (width)

Sewing equipment you will need

    • Important Notes to Keep in Mind

      • Seam Allowance: Use a 1cm seam allowance for all steps unless mentioned otherwise.
      • Sewing Tips: When using your sewing machine, always straight stitch with a 2.5mm stitch length. Don’t forget to backstitch at the start and end of each seam to secure it.
      • Fabric Prep: Make sure to prepare your fabrics according to the manufacturer’s care instructions (e.g., washing or pressing).
      • Finishing Seams: We used an overlocker (serger) to prevent fraying, but no worries if you don’t have one! Check out our guide for alternative seam finishing methods.
      • Key Terms:
        • WST: Wrong Sides Together.
        • RST: Right Sides Together.
      • Before You Begin: Take a few minutes to read through the instructions from start to finish – it’ll make the sewing process much smoother!
      • Safety First: Always follow your hot water bottle’s usage and care instructions. And remember, never overfill it!

    How To Sew A Hot Water Bottle Cover

    1. Print and assemble your pattern

    Print out the PDF pattern on A4 paper at 100% and check the 1″ square measures 1 inch

    You will need to print two copies of pattern piece A, two copies of pattern piece B & one copy of pattern piece C

    Stick one copy of pattern pieces A & B together matching the sides. This makes the front pattern piece of the hot water bottle cover

    Stick one copy of pattern pieces B & C together. This makes the back top pattern of the hot water bottle cover

    The remaining pattern piece A makes the back top pattern piece of the cosy. You pattern should look like this

    #image_title

    2. Cut The Fabrics

    For the front panels

      • 41 x 29cm (h x w) of chosen outer fabric (if you are piecing fabrics see note below)

    If you are using a variety of prints on your front panel: Cut and lay out your fabric pieces as you desire. Our quilting cotton section measured approx. 29cm wide x  29cm high . We then added a strip of Plush fabric to the top which measured approx 29cm wide x 15cm high

    If you are using plush fabric pay attention to the fabric nap. Make sure you have enough pieced fabric to cover the front printed pattern piece with some overhang.

      For the back panels

      From your exterior fabric cut 2 rectangles

          • Back Top Panel: 22 x 29cm (h x w)
          • Back Bottom Panel: 26 x 29cm (h x w)

        Cut the lining & wadding

        Cut the lining fabric and wadding pieces a little larger than the outer fabric panel pieces to assist with quilting.

        For each panel piece layer your fabrics to make a “quilt sandwich”. Lining fabric at the bottom, then layer the wadding, then the exterior fabric.

        3. Quilt your panel pieces

        On the front panel & both back panel pieces, quilt the fabrics as desired. I chose a simple straight lines approx 1″ apart but quilt to suit you.

        Now place the printed pattern  pieces on to the corresponding quilted panels.

        Pin or weight the pattern down on the fabrics and cut around the printed pattern outline. I find this easiest using a small 28mm rotary cutter.

        Your work will now look something like this

        4. Make & Attach the bias binding

        Make your binding strips for the back panel pieces by cutting a 25mm x WOF (Width Of Fabric) strip of fabric. Fold in half matching the long edges and press along the length.

        Attach and pin/ clip the binding to back pieces lining side up matching the fabric raw edges with the edge of the back pieces as shown

        Stitch the binding in place using a 1/4″ seam.

        Press the seam away from the lining, flip the folded edge of the binding to the right side of the cover. Clip and top stitch in place very close to the binding edge.

        Do this for both back panels.

        Now you’re ready to sew it together!

        Lay the quilted panel pieces on top of each other in this order

            • Front panel right side up
            • Back top panel right side down
            • Back bottom panel right side down

          Secure with clips and stitch all the way around the edge using a 1cm seam allowance.

          Finish the seams with your preferred method. Check out our post here for a few ideas.

          If you prefer (and your overlocker is happy with all the layers) you can overlock around the edges – but watch out for those curves!

          And you’re done!

          Now fill her up with hot water & get cosy toes next time it’s a bit chilly!

          Hot Water Bottle Cover Sewing Tutorial

          Hot Water Bottle Cover Sewing Tutorial

          Free Pattern For A Water Bottle Carrier

          ♻️ Hands up if you’re trying to reduce your plastic waste! Ditching plastic bottles of water in favour of a refillable water bottle is a no-brainer, right? Then you’ll need our free pattern for a water bottle carrier, for sure!

          And our pattern is really cleverly crafted too!

          We’ve designed this water bottle carrier with children in mind… so us grown-ups can feel less like a cart-horse & empower the youngsters to carry their own water 💦  

          The clever thing about this pattern is the multi-way strap – kids can carry their water on their scooter, their book bag OR wear it cross-body

          Watch the multi-way strap in action to see what we mean below

          AND the wadding we’ve chosen is amazingly effective – we’ve used Insul-Bright – a  Thermal Insulated Wadding which will help to keep water bottles cooler for longer… 

          And – let’s face it –  it’s not just for kids… Grown-ups would love one too!

          You can feel proud of your sewing prowess, whilst helping the planet at the same time!

          Free Pattern For A Water Bottle Carrier

          Free Pattern For A Water Bottle Carrier

          A sewing project for: A Confident Beginner

          Finished Dimensions: 19cm x 9cm approx (excluding strap). This carrier is sized to fit a water bottle with a 23cm circumference and fits most water bottles we tried

          Sewing Time: Sew in an afternoon

          Need to know:

          • 1cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
          • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5mm unless otherwise stated.
          • When topstitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
          • Prepare your fabrics as per the manufacturer’s care advice
          • WST = Wrong Sides Together
          • RST = Right Sides Together
          • Read through the instructions fully before starting  

          Disclaimer: Strangulation hazard: Children must be supervised at all times.

          Request The Free Pattern For A Water Bottle Carrier here:

          Item:Amount required:We used
          Fabric A: Cotton fabric for Outer Top Contrast1 Fat QuarterFabrics from the Acorn Wood Collection
          Fabric B: Cotton fabric for Outer Main1 Fat QuarterFabrics from the Acorn Wood Collection
          Fabric C: Cotton fabric for Lining1 Fat QuarterFabrics from the Acorn Wood Collection
          Fabric D: Insul-Bright 40cm x 50cmInsul-Bright 
          25mm Webbing2m25mm Cotton Canvas webbing
          25mm Slide buckle/ Glide buckle1Hemline Slide Buckle
          25mm Dog hooks/ swivel clips (20mm will also be ok) We used2Metal Heart Shaped Swivel Clip
          25mm D rings2Metal D-Rings
          KAM snaps size 202 setsKAM snaps

          Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

          Make Life Easier With

          Firstly, grab your Free Pattern For A Water Bottle Carrier here

          1) Request , Print & Cut Out The Free Pattern For A Water Bottle Carrier

          1. Use the 1” test square to check the sizing. If the sizing is incorrect check print settings. Depending on the device used, select ‘actual size’ or deselect the “Fit to page” option.

          Using the pattern pieces as templates pin & cut out the following from the fabrics *: 

          From Fabric A: 

          • 1 x Outer Top Contrast*

          From Fabric B: 

          • 1 x Outer Main*
          • 1 x Base Circle

          From Fabric C: 

          • 1 x Lining Main*
          • 1 x Base Circle

          From Fabric D ( Insul-Bright Insulated Wadding):

          • 1 x  Lining Main
          • 1 x Base Circle

          * For directional fabrics the shorter edge on the pattern pieces runs top to bottom of the finished carrier

          2) Transfer the pattern markings  

          It’s time to sew!
          1. Align the bottom edge of the outer top contrast piece with the top edge of the Outer Main piece right sides together & pin
          2. Sew, then press the seam allowance open

          3. Draw a line 1cm up from the bottom of the outer & lining pieces on the wrong side

          Baste the Insul-Bright

          1. 4. Baste the Insul-Bright main panel to the wrong side of the sewn outer panel, aligning at the top edge. The Insul-Bright should be 1cm shorter than the outer panel 
          2. 5. Baste the Insul-Bright in place around the top and 2 sides, 5mm from the edge. Do not baste along the bottom edge.
          3. 6. Baste the Insul-bright base onto the lining fabric base. NB: basting the Insul-Bright base to the lining & side to the outer panel makes sewing a small circle easier

          Assemble the side panels

          1. 7. Fold the lining panel in half bringing the short side edges RST & pin
          2. 8. Sew the side seam, leaving a 10cm opening for turning
          3. 9. Repeat steps 7 & 8 for the outer panel, but omit the turning gap

           10. Trim back the Insul-bright bulk. Press the seam allowances on the outer & lining panels open.

          11) On both the lining & outer panels snip around the bottom edges; make cuts that stop 2mm from the 1cm marked line, approx 1cm apart

          Add the base circles to the outer & lining side panels

          12) On both outer & lining pieces, mark ¼ points on the base circles & bottom edges
          of the side panels:
          a) On the side panels, fold the fabric on the seam & smooth & fold it across;
          the seam line is a one-quarter point & the fold crease is another. Bring
          those points together & smooth the fabric out to the sides; mark where the
          next 2 folds form.
          b) For the base circle, fold it in half, make marks at each end of the fold line.
          Fold it in half again and mark both layers of fabric where they fold.
          13) One at a time, match up the quarter points on the side panels & base circles & pin
          14) Pin the fabric between the ¼ points, using the snips to help ease the fabric
          around the outer edge. Aligning the fabric edges & pinning where the seam line will be sewn will help accuracy.

          15) Sew the base circles in place. Dropping your stitch length to 2mm will help you
          sew the curve. Keep adjusting the fabric on your sewing machine to ensure you don’t
          sew in any puckers.
          16) Trim back any Insul-Bright in a seam to reduce bulk
          17) Turn outer piece right side out

          Add the straps to the water bottle carrier

          18) Cut 2 x 32cm (12 ½ “) lengths
          of webbing
          19) At one end of each length,
          Create a double fold – turn over 1cm, then another 1cm & sew to hem with a longer stitch length (If your sewing machine struggles with the bulk here, just fold one
          hem & seal the webbing end with Fray Stop or a zig-zag stitch)
          20) Position the unhemmed strap ends between the notches on the outer piece, edges aligned & clip
          like the photo.
          21) Baste each strap in place with a 5mm seam allowance

          Eleanor Harris (American, 1901-1942)

          Assemble the water bottle carrier

          22) Position the outer panel inside the lining panel, right sides together, seams
          aligned, straps sandwiched between the layers & clip around the top edge
          23) Starting at the centre back seam, sew all the way around the top
          24) Turn the bottle carrier out the right way & press. A Tailor’s Sleeve Roll is a handy
          tool here

          25) Machine sew the opening in the lining closed, or hand sew using a ladder stitch
          26) Topstitch around the top of the carrier

          Adding KAM snaps

          27) Add male KAM snaps at the marked positions on the carrier, with the smooth cap on the inside: 

          c) At the centre of the snap placement mark use an awl to make a hole through the carrier, ensuring the fabrics are smooth

          d) Thread the cap prong through the hole from the inside of the carrier

          e) Slip the male snap socket onto the cap prong on the outer of the carrier

          f) Sit the snap cap flush into the black dish of the plier base

          g)Position the pliers on a solid surface & press firmly (lean into the pliers for added force) until the snap is fixed in place

          28) Add the female KAM snaps to the strap ends – When positioning, ensure the snap cap is clear of the hemmed strap end or it may be too thick to attach properly

          a) Use the awl to make a hole 2cm from the end, central to the width of the strap

          b) Thread the cap prong through the hole from what will be the outside of the strap. Double check the female snap will fit the male part without your strap twisting before applying the snap

          c) Follow the steps as before, using female snap piece

          Watch our video tutorial on how to attach KAM Snaps here or check out our Beginner’s Guide to KAM Snaps post

          Make the adjustable multi-way strap

          29) Using the remaining webbing, thread 1 end through from the underside of the
          strap slider. Bring the end over the central bar then thread back through to the
          back
          30) Sew the end to secure – a zipper foot can make this easier

          31) Thread a swivel clip onto the strap, hook on the opposite side to sewn hem near the slider32) Checking the strap isn’t twisted, thread the unsewn end of the strap through the slider

          33) Thread the unsewn end through the remaining swivel clip

          34) Sew the strap end down to secure the hook around the final swivel clip

          35) To add the strap to the carrier, thread the D rings onto the grab handles then clip and go!

          And you’re finished, well done!

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          Halloween sewing project ideas

          Halloween sewing project ideas

          The countdown to Halloween is on… only 8 weeks left! But that’s plenty of time to plan your Halloween Sewing. Read on for some Halloween sewing project ideas & inspiration

          To save you some time searching the web for Halloween sewing project ideas?we’ve got you covered.

          Here’s a round-up of some of the best Halloween project ideas to get you started!

          We think we have the BEST Halloween fabric selection around to complete all of your spooky Halloween sewing projects… Check out our Halloween fabric choices here

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          Halloween Sewing Project Ideas

           

          Looking for inspiration on what to sew this halloween? Our roundup of some free halloween sewing tutorials is just what you need!

          We’ve got easy and fun halloween crafts, halloween decor with step-by-step instructions using some gorgeous halloween themed fabrics.

          So grab a pen and paper and jot down these ideas!

          Halloween Bunting

          Easy Halloween craft decorations are one of our favourite things to do!

          Our FREE halloween bunting tutorial is super easy and is a great way to get in the Halloween spirit.

          You can hang it indoors or outdoors!

          Fancy some different shapes bunting flags? Then download Dashwood Studio’s free project Trick or Treat Project here

          Free Halloween Bunting template

          How about the ultimate speedy sew by using a Halloween bunting panel? Riley Blake’s Mad Masquerade Bunting Panel is the perfect way to spook up your Halloween festivities in a jiffy

          Halloween Cushions & pillows

           

          Another great and easy Halloween house decoration are cushions and pillows!

          Pop them on the couch or bed for that extra festive kick.

          Check out the FREE projects below!

          Mystery Manor Free Halloween Projects

          Mystery Manor from Andover Fabrics comes with 3 free projects! A quilt, cushion & table runner. Check out the fabrics here and free pattern here

          Memory Pillow using Amor Eterno

           

          Honouring the Mexican traditions of Day of the Dead where those that have passed are remembered, this memory pillow would make a lovely keepsake using Riley Blake’s Amor Eterno.

          Luna’s Web Pillow

           

          Get your scissors to the ready and make this amazing Spider web pillow: Luna’s web pillow. Grab the free project courtesy of Art Gallery Fabrics

          Halloween Cushion Tutorial


          Making Costumes? Then you might find our Guide to Net & Tulle helpful


           

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          Free Halloween Wall Hanging Projects

           

          Add a touch of spooky to your walls with these fabulous wall hangings!

          Mad Masquerade Wall hanging : Goodbye Feet

          This is a super speedy sew and makes great use of the panel in the Riley Blake Mad Masquerade collection

          Halloween Quilts

          You’ve still got time to make a warm and thick handmade Halloween quilt if you want to keep cosy this Autumn.

          Here’s a few few free Halloween patterns available

          Mad Masquerade Panel Patch Quilt

          Perfect for Alice in Wonderland fans, this edgy Halloween collection Mad Masquerade is a quick & easy Halloween quilt.

          Grab the Mad Masquerade fabrics here & the free tutorial here

          Mad Masquerade Panel Patch Quilt

          The Watcher Quilt (The Watcher by Libs Elliot)

          The amazing panels in Libbs Eliot “The Watcher” makes for a great shortcut… nobody will ever know you didn’t piece the skull!

          Grab the free project and these amazing fabrics here

          Free Hallowen Quilt Pattern The Watcher by Libbs Elliot

          Bad to the Bone – Scrappy Circles Quilt

           

          Perfect your Drunkard’s Path technique!

          This lovely quilt is available for free over on the Riley Blake blog and shows off the collection Bad To The Bone beautifully

          Wishing you a happy Halloween! We’d love to see pictures if you make any of these projects

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          Go Super Size with Extra Wide Fabrics!

          Go Super Size with Extra Wide Fabrics!

          Ever heard the term “wide backs” and wondered what it means? No – it’s not a dressmaking alteration for the broad shouldered!

          Some of you beginner seam-stars out there have come across some fabrics on our website which are a huuuuge 106” wide and might think, why on earth would you need a piece of fabric that wide?! Well you’re in luck! In this blog, we’ll be going through why we need extra wide fabrics and inspire you with what they can be used for.

          Quilt Backing Fabric

          Hey Quilters! What if I told you that you never had to piece the back of a quilt ever again?! You may have started a quilt top and thought, oh no, what will I put on the back? The extra wide fabrics we have to offer on the website are perfect for this. It’ll save you SO much time, seem way less daunting, look really professional and can work out cheaper. Don’t just think about the back either! You can use extra wide fabrics for the front and applique over the top or practice your free motion quilting without hours spent on piecing blocks.

          Wide Quilt Backing Fabrics

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          Wide Fabrics Curtains And Home Decor

          Wide Fabrics for Curtains and Home Decor

          Think about those super size projects! Curtains, duvet covers or maybe something you’re upcycling. We have lots of gorgeous designs to choose from to suit any home.

          HUGE Fabric Scraps!

          Don’t forget when you have finished with your main project, you’ll have some super wide scraps to play with! Why not make some binding for your quilt that matches the back? Maybe you could make a cushion to match? OR start a whole new quilt!

          Where can I buy Extra Wide fabric?

          We have a huge selection of extra wide fabric to choose from at our sewing superstore, Plush Addict. We’re based in the UK and will ship your order the same day if you order before 3pm, so you can get sewing in no time!

          Extra Wide Fabric Guide New Blog

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          If you found this blog useful, why not leave us a comment?

          Tutorial: Sew An A5 Notebook Cover In 30 Minutes

          Tutorial: Sew An A5 Notebook Cover In 30 Minutes

          Sew an A5 notebook cover in 30 minutes. Learn how to do it in this step-by-step tutorial.

          There is something so appealing about new stationery; even in an ever increasingly digital age, the perfect notebook still holds its own.

          With this in mind we thought a makeover was in order; a cover will level up an already essential item for a lucky recipient.

          A Sewing Project For Beginners

          You Will Learn:

          • How to draft a fabric book covering
          • How to use Decovil

          You Will Need:

          Note: this should be enough to cover most A5 notebooks, if in doubt, draft the pattern 1st to check the size.

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          How To Draft A Notebook Cover Pattern

          1. Cut a length of paper, greaseproof is ideal, large enough to wrap around the cover of the book and fold in either side of the cover to the halfway point (like a book’s dust cover).

          Close the book to check sizing before cutting; the cover of the closed book spans a greater distance than when it is open.

          The paper needs to be at least 4cm taller than the notebook too.

          2. Open out the paper and draw a line 2cm up from the bottom edge.

          3. Fold the paper in half bringing the 2 short sides together to find the centre point.

          4. Place the spine of the book along the central fold and wrap the paper round the cover.

          5. Line up the bottom edge of the notebook along the drawn line.

          6. Mark a line on the paper along the top edge of the book and down the 2 edges of the cover.

          7. Open the paper out and draw a line 2cm above the marked line at the top.

          8. Check the pattern has right angled corners and straighten up any uneven lines, cut it out and label it “Cover”.

          9. Measure the total height of the pattern and write it on the pattern (for example, 25cm).

          10. Cover the pattern with a second piece of paper and trace out the large rectangle that has formed in the centre, label it “Decovil” and cut it out.

          Cut The Fabrics:

          11. Cut the following:

          • 1 x outer cover fabric using your “Cover” pattern
          • 1 x lining cover fabric using your “Cover” pattern
          • 1 5x8cm fabric pen tab from your outer fabric
          • 1 x Decovil using your “Decovil” pattern
          • 1 length pattern height elastic (step 9.)
          • 6cm elastic pen loop

          How To Apply Decovil

          12. Spread a smooth surfaced tea towel/ spare length of cotton over an ironing board.

          13. Place the outer fabric right side down.

          14. Using the markings on the cover pattern piece, position the Decovil shiny side down.

          15. Lay a smooth surfaced tea towel/ spare length of cotton over the top.

          16. Dampen the cover fabric using the iron’s spray setting and press for roughly 6 seconds, heat setting 2.

          17. Allow the adhesive to cool and cure for a minimum of 30 minutes.

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          Assemble The Pen Tab

          18. Fold in 1cm along the long edges of the pen tab and press.

          19. Fold and press 1cm of fabric along the short edges and press.

          20. Fold the tab in half, encasing the raw edges and press.

          21. Fold the elastic pen loop in half and tuck 1cm of the raw edges into the pen tab. Pin to secure.

          22. Turn the outer cover right side up and where the design on your fabric is directional ensure it is right way up.

          23.  Find the line where the Decovil stops on the right and make a mark in the centre of that line.

          24. Position the pen tab at that mark, with the tab to the right and the elastic loop overlapping the Decovil to the left.

          25. Sew around the 4 sides of the pen tab, tight to the edge to secure.

           

          Position The Bookmark

          26. On the left hand side of the outer cover, place the bookmark elastic in parallel, 3cm to the left of the line where the Decovil stops and pin

          Assemble The Notebook Cover

          27. Align the outer and lining fabrics right sides together.

          28. Pin and sew the short edges together only.

          Form The Flap Pleats

          29. Find the edge of the Decovil on each side, then fold over and press the overhanging fabric.

          30. On both sides press the fabric along the seam line to concertina back towards the edge of the Decovil.

          31. On both sides fold and press the lining fabric in line with the edge of the Decovil, forming the flaps for the cover.

          32. Pin and sew along the top and bottom edges of the cover, leaving a 10cm opening in the bottom edge.

          33. Turn the cover out the right way, ensuring the flaps overlap the lining.

          34. Hand or machine sew the opening closed.

          35. To insert the notebook, Open the cover on one side and insert it under the corresponding flap. Repeat on the other side.

          And you’re finished, well done!

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          We hope you found this tutorial useful! Let us know how you get along in the comments below.