Let’s

Sew
 Senior designer Hannah Moore
Project editor Anne Hildyard
Photographer Lynda Kelly
Senior producer Ché Creasey
Producer, Pre-Production Tony Phipps
Jacket designer Amy Keast
Creative technical support Sonia Charbonnier
Managing editor Penny Smith
Managing art editor Marianne Markham
Art director Jane Bull
Publisher Mary Ling

First American Edition, 2016

Published in the United States by DK Publishing
345 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014
Copyright © 2016 Dorling Kindersley Limited
DK, a Penguin Random House Company LLC
16 17 18 19 20 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
001–285432–March/2016

All rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any
means [electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording,
or otherwise], without the prior written permission of the
copyright owner. Published in Great Britain by Dorling
Kindersley Limited.

A catalog record for this book

is available from the Library of Congress.
ISBN: 978–1–4654–4508–7

DK books are available at special discounts when

purchased in bulk for sales promotions, premiums,
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A WORLD OF IDEAS
SEE ALL THERE IS TO KNOW

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2
Contents
4–5 Introduction
6–7 Sewing kit

Get started Let ’s

8–9 Threading a needle learn t
10–11
12–13
Running stitch
Backstitch
sew! o
14 –15 Buttons galore!

Projects
16 –17 Sewing cards
18 –21 Eddie the elephant
22–23 Put the flags out!
24–27 Bottle carriers
28–31 Rainbow birdies
32–35 Wonderful whales
36–39 Bags of fun!
40–43 Under the sea
44–47 Barney Bear bag
48–49 Butterfly clips
50–53 They're off!
54–57 Fancy bookmarks

58–63 Templates
64 Index & Acknowledgments

3
 Introduction
To start sewing, the first thing you need
is a needle and thread. Then
you can learn how to put the thread
through the needle, and how to make
a knot at the end of the thread. Next
come two basic stitches, running stitch
and backstitch. After that, you will be able
to use these stitches to make some of the
beautiful projects in the book. With just
a little practice, the results will be perfect!

Getting started
At the beginning of each project is a list of
everything you will need to make it. Then, with
the help of an adult, gather an essential sewing kit
(see pages 6–7), and start sewing!

4
 h s c issors an
Be wit d
careful

ne
es !

ed
l
Sewing safety
All the projects in this book are to be made
under adult supervision. Always be extra careful
when sharp implements such as scissors, sewing
needles, or pins are used to make a project.
Always ask an adult to help you.

Make c
project ool
scr s from
aps of
Yes, we’re spare b
utto
fabric,
a d e o u t of even o ns, and
m ld sock
old socks! s!

5
 Sewing kit
These are the things you will need to
make the projects in the book.

Bright fabric
Furry fabric This brings your animals
This is perfect to life. Pinking the edges
for ears. stops them from fraying.

Right side
of the fabric.

Fleece fabric Wrong side

This doesn't fray, and it of the fabric.
is very easy to cut.

Felt
Scraps of bright felt are
great as decorations.

Ribbons and cords

All of these are useful for bag straps,
6 horses’ reins, or for decoration.
 Soft-toy stuffing
This brings your creations to life,
and makes them soft and fluffy.

Needle
threader Colorful
cotton
threads
Different sized needles
It’s good to have needles with both large
and small eyes, so that you can use
thick or thin thread.

Pins and
pin cushion

Tape Colorful embroidery threads

measure
Googly
eyes
Buttons
Keep a collection
of different sizes
to decorate your
projects and to
use as eyes.
Sewing scissors

Pinking shears

7
 Threading
a needle
Before you can start sewing, you need to thread
your needle. Next, you make a knot in the end of
the thread. This is the very first step to sewing!

Top tirpneedle Find the eye

in the needle. Pass the
d you thread through.
To threa nd
nip the e
easily, s t
read, e
w
of the th it .
thread
it, then

Line up needle and thread Push thread through needle

1 Smooth the end of the thread. Hold
2 Slip the end of the thread through
the needle in one hand and the end the eye of the needle. If the eye is big
of the thread in the other. enough it should pass through easily.

Choose a needle
that works with
your thread.

Knot the
longer end
of the thread.
8
 Too tricky?
If it's hard to threa
d
Using a needle your needle, try
using a needle Needle

threader threader. threader

Slip needle threader

1 through needle
Push the wire loop of the needle
threader through the eye of your
needle. Then put the thread through Push h
g
throu .
the wire loop.

eye

Pull through the needle

2 Pull the wire back through the
needle, until the thread is brought
through with it.
Pull r
h r ea de
t
out.

Pull thread out of wire

3 Remove the thread from the
threader by sliding the wire loop
off the thread.
Slide
threader
off.
Tie a knot in the thread
4 If you want to sew with a single
thread, make a knot in the longest
end. Then you can start sewing!

to s e w!
ady
Now you' r e r e 9
 Running stitch
You’ve threaded your needle—now it’s time to make
your first stitch! Running stitch is the easiest.

Knot

Sew the first stitch Up and down

1 Thread your needle and knot the end of
2 One stitch length along, push the
the thread. Push the needle through the needle back through the fabric to
fabric, dragging the thread through to the other side.
the other side until the knot stops it.
Ru
nn ing stitch i Finishing
na
color looks
co cool.
ntr
a st

First knot

BACK OF THE FABRIC

Make a knot
1 To finish, make a knot at the end of your
sewing by twisting the thread to make a
loop, then pulling the needle through it.

10
 Join up!
Use runnin
g stitch
to sew tw
o pieces
of fabric to
gether,
or to make
a
broken line
.

Pull the thread through Back to the front

3 Pull the thread all the way through 4 Keeping the stitch the same size, push
to the other side of the fabric. your needle to the front. Repeat to
make more stitches.

BACK OF THE FABRIC BACK OF THE FABRIC

Finish Trim the thread

2 Make another loop, then push the 3 Neaten the back of the fabric by snipping
needle through it again. Pull tight so off the excess thread by the knot.
that the knot sits close to the fabric.

11
 Backstitch
Backstitch is a strong stitch that makes a continuous
line. It looks like stitches made on a sewing machine.

Knot

Getting started Make your first stitch

1 Make a knot in your thread and push 2 Push your needle through to the back,
the needle up through the fabric to one stitch length ahead of where your
the front side. needle came out.

Go backward Go forward
4 Bring the needle back to where the 5 Bring the needle out one stitch length
last stitch finished. Push the needle to ahead of the last stitch.
the back to make the stitch.

12
 Smile! ne
Use backstitch
i s o n e
h o
en
when you want to
create a solid li t i t c t h
ne
c k s a ck
such as a mouth.
Bastitch b
r w a r d.
fo

Wrong
side

The stitches on the

right side are neat
Next stitch and even, but they
3 Bring your needle through from the look a bit messy on
back, one stitch length ahead of the wrong side.
where your needle went through. Right side

Backstitch
brings a smile
to my face.

13
 Buttons galore!
Great for fastenings and decoration, buttons
also make perfect eyes for toys. First, you
have to learn to attach them!

How to sew on a button

Pull the thread through Push to the other side

1 Knot the thread, then push the threaded 2 Push the needle back through the other
needle up through the fabric and one hole hole in the button, and then to the back
of the button. Pull the needle through so of the fabric. Next, bring the needle back
the button drops near the fabric. through the fabric and the first hole.

Buttons will add a pop

14
 But
to n

s come in .
all sha es
pe s and siz

Go over and under Finishing

3 Keep sewing up and down through the 4 To secure the button, bring the thread
button and fabric. Do this about under the button. Sew backward and
10 times so the button holds firm. forward behind the button, then cut
the thread.

of color to your sewing!

15
 Sewing cards
Sew colorful stars, hearts, and swirly shapes
onto bright backgrounds. They make great gifts
or greeting cards for your friends and family.
Use the templates on

Make
page 59 for this design,
and for the other patterns.

them speciathl!at
read
Use bright th
out from
really stands
nd
the backgrou
paper to
construction
look.
create a bold

Sew a wavy
pattern in
running stitch,
adding buttons
as you go.

16
 How to make a card
Top tip You Fold the
Plan your designs
on a piece of paper will need construction
paper in
before you start
making your • card • a piece of half, then
open it
cards. thick cardboard out again.
• construction Place it on
cardboard.
paper • pins •
embroidery thread Prick out the design
• tapestry needle 1 Trace a design from page 59 onto
paper or draw your own. Add dots to
• buttons show where the stitches will go. Push a
pin through the dots and the paper.

Sew your design

2 Thread a needle and tie a knot in the
end. Pass the needle through a hole
from the inside. Using backstitch, pass
the needle through all the holes.

Top tipread
th
Embroidery
wel l, since
shows up
r than
it is thicke
ing
ordinary sew
thread.

Finish your design

Simple patterns are
3 Keep passing the needle through
fairly easy to make. the holes until the design is finished.
Pull the needle to the inside and
knot the thread.
17
 Bright y
and lifvmealking
Instead o ts grey,
han
your elep
e them in lovely
ma k
d felt
coloure .
e
or fleec

nt fam i ly i s of f on a trip.
p h a
e le k they ’ ll go on a ju
he hin mb
T ut oj
yo e
t?

You will need

Do

construction paper • felt • pins • scissors

• pieces of fabric • tapestry needle and
embroidery thread • soft-toy stuffing
• yarn • googly eyes • fabric glue

18
 Eddie the
elephant
ck
I need to pa
y t r u n k
m e big trip.
or th
These adorable elephants are so
easy to sew, you can make a
whole family.
19
 2 layers of felt

Make the templates

1 Trace the templates on page 60 onto
construction paper and cut them out.
Pin the body shape onto two layers
Body of felt and cut around the shape.
cut 2

Make the ears

2 Use the ear template to cut
out two ears in fabric and
two in felt. Pin each fabric
ear to a felt ear and sew,
Ears
leaving the flat edge open.
cut 2 fabric
cut 2 felt

ars.
M ak e t w o e

1 layer of felt and

1 layer of fabric.

Attach the tail, sew

5 closed, and add eyes
With the tail in place, sew up the gap
to close. Glue an eye on each side.

Cut a short
piece of yarn
for the tail and
make a knot
at the end.

Don’t forget
to add my
20 googly eyes!
 Repeat th
is
p.

s te
Sew on the ears Sew closed and add filling
3 Sew the straight edge of the ear to the 4 Using running stitch, sew the two pieces
elephant's head. Repeat on the other of the elephant together, leaving a space
side with the other ear. to add stuffing. Fill with soft-toy stuffing,
pushing it into the legs with your fingers.

ak
M

Flappy earsrs em
e ea e soft and cuddly w
If you make th it
in fabric and
with one side
the other in fe
lt, they'll squishy fl
stay upright.
ha
lin
g.

21
 Top tip
Colored yarn is
good for threading,
but you will have to
use a needle with
a very big eye.

Leave a space
between each
felt shape.

Put the flags out!

Flags aren't just for outdoors—this cheerful bunting
will brighten up any room. And all you need to do is
thread a few simple felt shapes together!

You will need

construction paper • felt
• tapestry needle • yarn or cord

22
Transform your room!

Cut out the pieces Thread the shapes

1 Trace the template on page 58 onto 2 With a needle and yarn, thread the
construction paper and cut it out. Pin felt shapes together with a few
to felt and cut out the felt pieces. running stitches in each.
23
 A crazy
character
See who ca
n design th
most origin e
al bottle
carrier. You
can create
monsters,
animals, or
just fun pa
tterns.
Flower power

Charming colors

Dippy d
onkey

You will need

socks • scissors • needle and thread
• string or cord • construction paper
• pins • felt • buttons • ribbon It ’s hard
I
• scraps of fabric to believe e
used to b
24 a sock!
 something new!
socks...

spots
s and
old
cle

in to
y
Rec

e
Strip
emt h
Starry

u r n
...t
,
starry
night

Bottle carriers
You'll always have a drink handy with these cheery
holders. Buy some colorful socks or use odd socks
that don't have mates. With just a few tweaks,
you'll be ready to go!

25
 Top tip
Using the top end Recycle any
leftover socks. You
can cut them into
Cut off the foot rings to use as cool
1 Cut the sock just above
hair ties.

the heel. You only need

the top part of the sock
for your carrier. The sock is
inside out.

Sew the end

2 Turn the sock inside out.
Sew up the cut end of
the sock using backstitch.

Using the toe end

Make a decoration Cut the top off the sock

1 Trace the templates on page 62 onto 2 Cut the sock to the required size.
construction paper and cut them out. Place the felt flower on the felt
Pin them to felt, then cut out the shapes. circle and sew on a button.

26
 Add the handle
3 Cut a long piece of cord for the handle. Place each
end on the inside of the sock. Sew lots of stitches
over each other to hold the handle in place.

Keep
hydrated!
Don't dry up! Take your
bottle carrier with you
and drink lots of water—
especially when
it's hot outside.

Top tip Add the handle

You might find it 4 Pin each end of the handle
easier to sew on the
trimming if you to the sock. Sew lots of
put a bottle in your stitches over each other
carrier first. to hold the strap firmly
in place.

Sew on decoration
3 Pin the ribbon to the cut edge, then
sew it on using running stitch. Pin
and sew the felt decoration to the sock.

27
28
 Rainbow birdies
Wouldn’t it be fun to make a beautiful birdie in every
color of the rainbow? The sky’s the limit!

Take flight
To make your bird
s
fly, hang them fro
m
a twig or branch.

You will need

construction paper • pins • scissors
• felt • needle and thread • buttons
• beads • tapestry needle and
embroidery thread • soft-toy filling

29
 Large wing
cut 2 Body
cut 1

Sew a small
button to the
Small wing two wings.
cut 2

Tail Beak

Cut out the pieces Sew on a button

1 Use the templates on page 60 to cut 2 Place each large wing together
out a body, beak, wings, and tail from with a small wing and sew
construction paper. Pin the templates onto together through the button.
felt and cut around them.

Put the tail in position

before you sew.

Use running
stitch around
the edges.

Pin and sew together Add the filling

5 Fold the body in half. Pin, then sew the 6 Stuff the bird with soft-toy filling.
tail in place. Sew around the edge of You can push it in with a pencil
the body, leaving a gap for the filling. or use your finger if you like.

30
 Make sure the
wings overlap
as shown here.

Sew on the wings Sew on the eyes

3 Put a wing in place on the body as shown, 4 Sew on two small black
then sew through the button to hold it in beads for eyes.
place. Repeat with the second wing.

Top tip
If you don’t have
soft-toy filling, you
can use cotton
balls instead.

Sew on the beak

7 Put the beak in position,
then finish sewing up the bird.

31
 Wonderful whales
These swimming giants are having a whale of
a time! Make them from soft, colored fleece,
then sew a lovely smile in a different color.

Will you sing

us a special whale
song, please?

32
 You will need
construction paper • scissors • fleece
• tapestry needle and embroidery
thread • buttons • soft-toy stuffing

nd Wi l ma ca s h!
l ly a n make a mighty spla
Wa

33
 Two layers of
Top tip
fleece fabric If you use tw
o layers
of fleece for th
e water jet,
it’s less likely to
flop over. You
can also add a
bit
of stuffing to m
ake it
a thicker shape.

Top tiripc is
Fleece fab
se it’s
great becau
, and it
soft, cuddly
.
doesn't fray Two layers of
fleece fabric

Cut out the body Sew the water jet

1 Copy the templates on page 61 onto 2 Put the two pieces for the water jet
construction paper. Cut them out; pin to together and sew them up using running
two pieces of fleece. Cut out the shapes. stitch. Add stuffing if you like.

Attach the water jet.

Sew the whale closed Add the stuffing

5 Pin the water jet in position, then start 6 Push the soft-toy stuffing into
sewing up the whale using running the whale using a pencil or
stitch—but leave a gap at the front. your finger to fill up the tail.

34
 Repesm at
to pu
ta il e One layer of
e other side of the
on th
fleece fabric
fac
e.

One layer of
fleece fabric

Sew the mouth Sew on the eyes

3 On each separate piece of the whale's 4 Sew a small button on one side
face, draw a pencil line curving at one of the whale so that it looks like an
end. Then sew over it with backstitch. eye. Repeat on the opposite side.

Come and
—
play with methe
we can ride .
waves

Close up
7 Sew running stitch along the open
end. Finish with a double stitch.

35
 Make t
extra sp hem
Add fel ecial
t flo wers,
buttons
, or cut colorful
or shap ou
es to m t animals
bags fe ake al
el perso l your
nal.
These bags are g

in g y our good
eep i es
k saf
rea e!
t for

36
 Bags of fun!
Need a bag to keep all your odds and ends?
Here’s how to sew a real original using your
very own design and favorite colors.

ea home
M ak for
tiny
dinos.

You will need

pinking shears • different kinds
of fabric • pins • sewing needle
and thread • tapestry needle and
embroidery thread • yarn • ribbon

37
 Pinking
shears make
a zigzag edge.

Top tip
If you cut out your
decorations with
pinking shears, the Cut a piece
fabric won't fray. of fabric
12 x 5in
Folded edge (30 x 13cm).

Cut out the picture Trim the edges

1 Cut neatly around your 2 Cut the edges of your fabric with
picture with pinking shears. pinking shears, then fold in half.

Make sure the

drawstring only
goes through
one layer of
fabric at a time.

Sew through
both layers
of fabric.

Sew up the bag Thread the drawstring

4 Choose a lovely color and sew
5 Thread a tapestry needle with yarn
running stitch along each side. then sew big running stitches around
the top of the bag.

38
 Top tip
Sew your dinosaur
on just one side
of the bag or you A hemmed bag
won't be able
to open it!
1
Sew up the hem
Cut a narrow rectangle
for your bag. Fold over
both the short ends to
make a hem. Pin, then
sew in place with
running stitch.
Folded edge

Sew on the picture 2

3 Pin your picture to one side of the bag.
Sew onto the bag with running stitch. Sew up the bag
Place both hems together.
Sew up the long sides of
the bag with running stitch.

3
Thread the ribbon
Thread a needle with ribbon. Push
Gently pull it through one hem, then the
both ends of other. Knot the ends of the ribbon.
yarn tightly to
close the bag.

Tie a knot and close That ba

6 is just g
m
color. y
Pull the drawstring through, then
tie the ends together with a knot.

39
 he s tar
I’m t e show!
of th You will need
construction paper • pins • scissors • felt • small
buttons • rickrack • ribbon • needle and sewing
threads • tapestry needle and embroidery thread
• soft-toy filling • googly eyes • fabric glue

40
 Under the sea
Once you’ve made a few of these cute little fish,
you can invent your own underwater world to
fill with jellyfish, starfish, and all their friends.

Wait for me!

My legs feel
like jelly!

We
lov e to splish and splash
n d s
with our cool fri e
41
 How to make a fish
Sew through the button
to secure each eye.

Mouth cut 1 Body cut 2

Fins 1 of each

Eyes cut 2

Sew on the
2 decoration
Cut out the pieces Sew on felt circles and buttons
1 Trace the templates on page 62 onto for eyes. Pin rickrack on each
construction paper. Cut them out. Pin side of your fish and sew it in
onto pieces of felt. Cut out the shapes. place using running stitch.

Sew both fins

on before stuffing

Add the filling Add the mouth

4 Use soft-toy filling to stuff the 5 Put the mouth in place, pin,
body. Push it into the tail with and then sew up the rest of
a pencil or your finger. your fish.

42
 How to make
a jellyfish
Cut out the shape
1 Trace the template onto
construction paper. Cut it out.
Pin it to felt. Cut out two shapes.

Sew up and
2 add the filling
Sew the body Sew the two
3 Pin the two halves of the body pieces together around
together, put the fins in place, the edge. Add the
then sew partway around using filling to the open end.
running stitch.

Sew through each

Making fri piece of rickrack

You can fin ends to hold it in place.

d template
the back of s at
the book to
make me a
nd the othe
Why don't r fish.
you make
of us? The all
more
the merrier
!

Position rickrack and sew up

3
These big t for
Put lengths of rickrack just inside
the jellyfish's body. Pin, then sew
y e s a r e g r ea
e er
to hold the rickrack in place.

seeing und Attach googly eyes

water! 4 Glue the eyes in position.

43
 Topeyt'siepars so
rn
Cut Ba r hand
y o u r un you
that if fur
em, the
over th n wa
a y
m o o t hs dow e.
s is fac
from h

y e ars
M oft
f e e l s
u r r y.
and f

Barney
Bear bag
Everyone will want one of these adorable
little bags. Not only are they extra cute,
but they are also so easy to make.
44
 You ca
me up n jazz
colored with a
strap.

You will need

construction paper • felt • furry fabric • tapestry
needle and embroidery thread • needle and
sewing thread • buttons • cord or ribbon

45
 Make Barney bear
ney smile!
Bar
Ears
cut 2
ke Draw a

Ma
Muzzle faint pencil
cut 1 line as a
guide for
his smile.

Nose cut 1
Eyes
cut 2
Head
cut 2 Cut the head
from two
layers of dark
brown felt.

Cut out the pieces Sew the nose and mouth

1 Trace the templates on page 63 onto 2 Sew a nose onto the muzzle with
construction paper and cut them out. running stitch. For his mouth, stitch
Pin the head, muzzle, eyes, and nose over your pencil marks in backstitch.
onto felt and pin the ears onto furry
fabric. Cut out all the shapes.

Top tip
Sew lots of stitches
over each other to
hold the strap firmly
in place.

Sew the bag together

5 Pin both pieces of the bag together with
the ears in position. Cut a piece of ribbon
for the strap and pin it in place, too. Sew
around the edge with running stitch.

46
 Sew on black Single layer
buttons for of dark
eyes. brown felt

Place the face Add the eyes

3 Pin the felt circles in place for 4 Sew on the buttons through the white
eyes. Pin and sew the muzzle circles of felt on the front of the head.
to the head with running stitch.

Make Percy Panda or Clara Koala

Percy and Clara are made in a similar way to Barney. Just use different felt shapes
for the eyes, nose, and ears, and use backstitch to make a mouth. I love to eat
eucalyptus.

My favorite food
is bamboo!

47
 Butterfly clips
Butterflies can really brighten up old hair clips.
They also make lovely gifts for friends.

For a pretty effect, sew

running stitch in a Put a smaller
different color thread shape on top
around the edge. of a larger one,
then sew them
to a piece of
rickrack along

t io ns such the center.

co ra
Add tty de
as

pr e Headban
felt

Another ds
way to
use thes
e butterfl
sha

is to atta ies
ch them
a headb to
pes

and.
.

Use pearly buttons and

rickrack for an extra touch.

You will need

construction paper • felt • scissors •
needle • sewing threads • rickrack or
ribbon • tapestry needle and
embroidery thread • glue • hair clips

48
 Make the templates Sew on decorations
1 Copy the templates on page 58 onto paper,
2 Using a different colored thread,
then pin them to felt and cut them out. sew on felt shapes as decorations.

Cut the
Cut ribbon antenna
or braid to to the length
the length that you
of the clip. want.

Assemble the butterfly Add the antennae

3 Place the smaller shape on the larger one, 4 At the top, push a threaded needle in, then
then pin it to a piece of rickrack or ribbon. out, bringing the thread with it. Tie a knot
Sew together using running stitch. in each end and trim off the extra thread.

Press down
firmly.

Apply
the glue.

Attach to hair clip

5 Spread glue onto a hair clip and
press it firmly onto the back of
the ribbon. Let dry.
 They’re off!
The horses are at the starting line! Which hobby horse
will you ride to win the race? Will it be Checky,
Red, or Blue Rocket?

Top tip
You can make the
manes from yarn,
string, or trimmings
used for curtains or
lampshades.

e ’ r e a l m ost
W
c k a n d n eck!
ne
Giddy-up!

50
 NI S
FI
H

I’ve won
by a sock
length!

You will need

construction paper • pins • felt
• scissors • fabric • sock • soft-toy
filling • needle • sewing thread
• string • stick

51
 Ears Don’t cut
cut 2 all the way
Cut a small slit to the edge.
in the middle of
each ear.

Forelock
cut 2 Mane
cut 4

Noseband Eyes
cut 1 cut 2 white and
2 black circles

Cut out the felt Make the mane and forelock

1 Pin the template from page 61 onto felt. 2 Cut out four 43⁄4 x 43⁄4in (12 x 12cm) pieces
Cut out the ears. Cut two 1in (2.5cm) circles of fabric for the mane, and two 11⁄2 x 3in
of white felt and two 3⁄4in (2cm) of black felt (4 x 8cm) pieces for the forelock. Cut slits into
for eyes. Cut a strip 3⁄4 x 8in (2 x 20cm) of these as shown above to make fringes.
black felt for a noseband.

Sew several extra

stitches on top of
Sew on the each other to give
2 pieces extra strength to
of felt for the reins.
the eyes.

Sew on the eyes and ears Add reins and noseband

5 Sew on white and black circles for 6 Cut a length of string for reins. Tuck
the eyes on either side of the head. the ends of the reins into each side of
Then stitch on the ears. the noseband. Pin in place, then sew.

52
 Shape the ears by placing
one cut side over the other.
Overlap the
pieces of mane on
each side of the
neck. Pin along
the dotted line.
Top tip
Make a patterned
mane for a plain
sock, and a plain
mane for a Pin the mane pieces
jazzy sock. along the middle of
the neck so that they
hang down each side.

Add the filling Pin on the ears, forelock,

3 Use soft-toy filling to stuff the sock. 4 mane, and noseband
Pin on the ears, the forelock between
Push it to the end with your finger,
the ears, and the pieces of mane on the
or use a pencil.
neck. Wrap the noseband around the
Sew along these nose and pin.
dotted lines.

Add the stick

8 Push the stick in the sock, then
tie firmly with a piece of string.

We’re the
winners!
Attach the mane
7 and forelock
Sew the mane and forelock to
the head with running stitch to
hold them firmly in place.

53
 ma k e o rdinary bookm
hy
a ncy o arks when you
W
ew
f nes
? Use stretchy hair
ties to make
your bookmarks.
s
can

You can use

rickrack instead
of ribbon.

Create your
own style
Mix and match your
favorite colors of ribbon,
buttons, and flowers for
You will need your bookmark.

patterned cotton fabric • scissors

• needle and thread
• buttons • ribbon • rickrack
• elastic hair ties

54
 Fancy bookmarks
You’ll never lose your place with these clever
ribbon bookmarks. Just sew a pretty button onto
a fabric flower, add a ribbon, and you’re done.

Gift idea
Why not g
ive your
friends who
lov
to read a lo e
v
personal bo ely
okmark?

55
 Cut a circle of
43⁄4in (12cm)
diameter from
fabric.

Cut out the fabric Sew around the edge

1 Draw a circle on a piece of fabric, 2 Sew long running stitches all the
then carefully cut it out with scissors. way around the edge of the circle.

Sew ribbon
around an
elastic hair tie.

Add a button
5 Sew on a button in the middle Sew ribbon
of the gathers. onto the back
of the rosette.

Sew on the ribbon

6 Sew the ribbon to the back of the rosette.
Measure the ribbon's length by wrapping it
around your book. Cut, then sew the other
end of the ribbon around the hair tie.

56
 l l og et h a sh d o wn.
Pu t e r, then squ
Sew a few
stitches
to hold
everything
in place.

Pull the thread Flatten the sewn edge

3 Take one end of the thread and pull 4 Press the gathers down, then hold
tightly to gather the edge together. them in place with a few stitches.

Top tip Don't lose you

rp
lace
Measure your
bookmark by wrapping
the ribbon around
your book before B oo !
you sew on the
hair tie. k
ma
rk it!

57
 Templates
Use these handy templates to cut out fabric shapes.
You'll need them to make the projects in this book.

How to make a template

Draw the templates Cut out the templates

1 Place construction paper over each 2 Carefully cut around your drawn shapes,
template, as shown. Trace over the lines. then follow the instructions for the project.

Bunting Butterfly
heart clips
from page 22 from page 48

58
Sewing cards
shapes from page 16

Draw this wiggly line or

one of your own. Add
buttons as you sew.

59
 Rainbow
birdies
from page 28
Beak
Body

FOLD

Tail

Wings

Eddie the elephant from page 18

Ear

60
 Wonderful
whales from page 32
STITCHING LI
NE

Ear
Hobby horse
from page 50
CUT LINE

61
 Fat fi
sh

sh
lyfi
Jel
Under the sea
from page 40

Thin
fish

Starfish
Bottle carrier
flower from page 24

62
Barney Bear bag
from page 44

LI
N

SEW
INGG !

b
ag

ear
Mak py b
e me—I’m a hap 63
 Index
A, B, C, D L, M, N, T, U
Backstitch 12–13 Needle case 6–7 Tape measure 7
Bags of fun 36–39 Needle threader 7 Templates 58–63
Barney Bear bag 44–47 Needles 6–7 They’re off! 50–53
Bookmarks 54–57 threading a needle 8–9 Threading a needle 8–9
Bottle carriers 24–27 Threads 7
Bunting 22–23 O, P, Q Trimmings 50
Butterfly clips 48–49 Pin cushion 7 Under the sea 40–43
Buttons 7 Pinking shears 7
how to sew on a button 14–15 Put the flags out! 22–23 V, W, X, Y, Z
Buttons galore 14–15 Wonderful whales 32–35
Cotton fabric 6, 37, 54 R, S
Rainbow birdies 28–31 Acknowledgments
E, F, G Ribbons and cords 6
With thanks to Laura Palosuo
Eddie the elephant 18–21 Rickrack 40, 54
for proofreading, and James
Embroidery threads 7 Running stitch 10–11 Mitchem for additional editing.
Fancy bookmarks 54–57 Scissors 7
With special thanks to Hannah
Felt 6, 19, 29, 40, 48 Sewing cards 16–17
Moore for creating and making
Fish 40–43 Sewing kit 6–7 the projects, and to our hand
Fleece 6, 18–21, 32–35 Sewing on buttons 14–15 models Eleanor Moore-Smith
Furry fabric 6, 44, 47 Socks and Annie-Mae Lane.
Googly eyes 21, 41 Bottle carriers 24–27
Hobby horses 50–53
H, I, J, K Soft-toy filling 7
Hair clips 48–49
Hobby horses 50–53
Clean up!
When you
’ve finish
sewing, ed
put every
away. If y thing
ou think
you've dro
pped pins
needles, y or
ou can us
magnet to ea
help you
find them
!
64