Here's a simple little tutorial you can whip up just in time for Mother's Day.
Who wouldn't love to receive a pretty bookmark with a little gift card or special note tucked in a clear pocket?
Grab some scraps and let's get to work.
You'll need:
- 2 fabrics rectangles, 3.25inches x 7 inches
- 1 rectangle of mid-weight, fusible interfacing 2.5inches X 6.25 inches (I use Craft Fuse)
- 1 scrap piece of vinyl
- optional ribbon scrap
With right sides together, sew around all sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a small opening for turning on one short end.
Clip the corners, turn right-side-out and iron.
Fold interfacing in thirds and slide it inside the bookmark.
Then using a pen or knitting needle, flatten it out
Iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you are using a ribbon, fold it in half and insert the raw ends into the opening, pin in place.
Grab your vinyl scrap and lay it on top of bookmark. It should be about 3 inches tall. Don't worry about the width, you'll trim it later. It's best to have it hang over the sides, it makes it easier to sew.
Sewing with vinyl is like sewing oilcloth, it can be tricky. My walking foot had no problem at all with this. If you don't have a walking foot, there are some great tips HERE at sew, mama, sew.
With
the vinyl in place, top-stitch all around, making sure to catch all the
vinyl (this won't be a problem if you cut it larger than the bookmark)
and close the opening you left for turning.
Add a gift card or note and you're done!
A sweet little gift for someone special.
Your mom, a friend, a favorite teacher....
Who will you give yours to?
love it!
ReplyDeletejust made with my schoolclass also fabric bookmarks! http://bykris.blogspot.com/2012/05/stikken-stikken-stikken-met-kids.html
thanks! made my mom and myself one for mom's day!
ReplyDeleteThese are great! I have a special bookworm in my home that hasn't been feeling too good, so I'm going to sneak one of these in the book she's reading as a "cheer up"! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteShared the ones I made on my blog today, http://hopefulthreads.blogspot.com/2012/05/care-4-caregivers-opportunityat-home.html
DeleteThanks again!
I am new to sewing. Can you explain to me why you inserted the interfacing after you sewed the rectangles together instead of fusing it first? These are so cute. I will definitely give them a try!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great question that I should have explained. I inserted the interfacing afterwards because I sometimes find it hard to turn things right side out when the interfacing is already fused. You could fuse the interfacing first, then sew, if you prefer. Thanks for the comment and question.
DeleteIf you cut the corners off of your piece of interfacing, so the very tips of the actual bookmark corners aren't covered, it will be easy to turn and get nice sharp corners.
DeleteLove this
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I shared your project on my blog today: http://www.vixenmade.com/2013/08/diy-school-supplies.html
ReplyDeleteHow do you trim the excess vinyl? Do you just cut it off even with the edges of the bookmark with a pair of scissors? I just saw this and really want to make some for gifts because they are so stinkin' cute!
ReplyDeleteYes, just trim it off with scissors. They make great teacher gifts!
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