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Follow my tutorial, on how to make an Ocean Waves Quilt. These beautiful fabrics are from the new collection ‘Explore the Oceans’ and is The Craft Cotton Co's latest collaboration with The Natural History Museum, they are all available from Craft Cotton, and also available to purchase in Fat Quarter packs at Hobbycraft. Please read through all the instructions before starting your project. Approx. finished size 34" x 40" Download templates here Materials ‘Explore the Ocean’ panel 2 FQ’s teal solid fabric - waves 2 FQ’s sky blue solid fabric - waves 2 FQ’s whales on navy blue fabric - waves 2 FQ’s boats on white fabric – waves4+ 2 FQ’s of lilac solid fabric FQ penguins on teal fabric ½ metre of cotton denim fabric ½ metre of fish on white fabric ½ metre of white boats on blue fabric Cot size pack of heritage premium wadding Gutermannthreads in blue # 1292 and lilac #158 Guterman sulky thread in torquiose for the quilting #1288 Haberdashery items Iron-away marker pen Quilters ruler, rotary cutter/scissors Iron Cutting mat Basic sewing supplies 505 basting spray or pins Waves templates Clover white marker pen Making the Waves Cut two 1 ½” squares from a solid FQ and two 1 ½” squares from a patterned FQ, sew one of each fabric with RST using ¼” seam allowance, press seams towards darker fabric. Nest the seam together to create a 2 ½” block, press. Cut four of the smallest triangles using the template, two from each of the fabrics used for the above block. Sew the same coloured triangle to the top of the block which is the same colour as the top left square, press. Repeat this process for the remaining two triangles. Continue using this method, adding triangles and pressing after every addition, until you reach a 6 ½” block. Continue making the wave blocks until you have: 3 teal with white whales on navy 4 teal with boats on white 4 blue with boats on white 4 blue with white whales on navy The blocks can now be joined together to create the top quilt Top Quilt Sew two wave blocks (teal and navy) together. From the cotton denim cut two 1 ½” x 6 ½” pieces, and sew a strip to either side of the wave block. Repeat for the two waves blocks – blue and navy. Cut four further strips from the denim cotton measuring 1 ¾” x 14 ½”, and sew with RST to the top and bottom of the two wave blocks. Take the panel, cut blue whale, fish, boat on teal and the penguins to make four blocks, measuring 9” x 6 ¾”. Sew the two teal panel pieces to either side of the blue/navy wave block. Then sew the two blue panels to either side of the teal/navy wave block. Trim so these measure 8 ¾” x 26 ½”. Complete these two rows by sewing an 8 ¾” x 4 ¼” pieces to either side, these can be put aside for now. From the panel cut the word ‘explore’ to measure 17 ¾” x 5 ¾” From the lilac solid fabric cut two 1” x 5 ¾” and two 1” x 18 ½” Sew these to the ‘explore’ panel, press, and leave to one side. Take three wave blocks, and sew together– see photo below. From the denim cotton, cut two pieces, each measuring 1 ½” x 18 ½”, and sew to the top and bottom of the 3-wave block. Repeat this for the following three wave blocks – shown in photo below. Take the ‘explore’ block, and sew these two-wave block, above and below. Cut a further two strips from the denim cotton, measuring 1 ½” x 22 ½”, and sew to each side of the ‘explore’ block. To complete this block, cut two strips from the denim cotton measuring 1 ½” x 6 ½” and sew one to the right-hand side of a single wave block – blue/navy. Sew the other to the left-hand side of the remaining blue/navy wave block. Cut four pieces from the denim cotton measuring 7 ½” x 8 ½” and sew one to the top and bottom of each wave. These two panels can now be sewn to either side of the ‘explore’ block. Sew the two waves strips you put aside from earlier to the top and bottom of the ‘explore’ panel. Cut two strips from the denim cotton measuring ½” x 33 ¾”, and sew to the top and bottom of the top quilt. The top quilt is now complete, baste this to a 34” x 42” piece of wadding. To make the backing, lay the boats on blue fabric out, and cut a horizontal piece measuring 20 ½” x 34”. Cut a piece 15” x 34” from the fish on white fabric. Fussy cut two identical pieces from the penguins on teal fabric, measuring 8” x 6 ½” each (vertical). Take the remaining three waves block (blue/white) and sew together. Sew a penguin piece to either side of the waves, to create a horizontal strip. Sew the fish to the top and boats to the bottom of the wave strip. The backing quilt is complete, baste to the other side of the wadding. To quilt, use a Free Motion Quilting foot on your machine with Gutermann sulky thread #1288. Quilt around the ‘explore’ letters. Use the clover white pen and the fish templates, draw four fish on the denim fabric which sits between the three waves block and the two waves block. Also draw one large fish and four smaller fish on the large denim pieces. Quilt over these markings. Trim the quilt and press well. Cut 1 ¼” strips from the lilac fabric, join these together to create binding. Sew to the front of the quilt. Press ¼” of the raw edge over, and hand sew to the reverse. The quilt is complete. This ‘Ocean Waves’ Quilt and tutorial has been designed and created by Michelle at creativeblonde. To see more of my tutorials, you can follow my blog and/or Instagram page and Facebook Stockist for the fabrics and wadding found in this tutorial www.craftcotton.com 0161 832 9431 Stockist for Gutermann threads gutermann@stockistenquiries.co.uk 01453 883581 Made by Michelle Roberts for The Cotton Company 2019 #quilt #freesewingtutorial #fatquarters #naturalhistorymuseum

We sent Frankie aka KnitWitsOwls some Star Wars fabric and she crafted up this insane dress! Check out her blog for the full details! #dress #starwars #dressmaking #freesewingtutorials

A lunch box has been on my to sew list for months since George lost his old one. I have been waiting for the perfect fabric and the Craft Cotton Company's "Explore the Oceans" collection is definitely it. Towards the end of 2018 I got the chance to visit their warehouse, along with the rest of the team I got to meet Victoria who designs all their fabrics. It was fascinating to hear how they all start off. This collection has been put together alongside the Natural History Museum and all the illustrations are taken from real illustrations from their archives. Teamed up with facts and names of the animals, this is the perfect fabric to take to nursery everyday. There are a few things you will need that you may not have in your stash. The first is the thermal wadding. I used it to help keep his lunch cool. It is fully washable and can also be tumble dried which is great news since it will be holding a 2/3 year olds lunch. Due to the number of thick layers I found that I needed to use my walking foot attachment on my sewing machine. This was a little fiddly to make so not a great first project and you will need to set aside a couple of hours at least. YOU WILL NEED Explore the Oceans fat quarters 8x8" plain cotton Thermal wadding Heavy weight interfacing 8" velcro Rotary cutter, mat and quilting ruler Clips or pins Sharp scissors Sewing machine Walking foot Iron and ironing board METHOD Cut out all your fabric, interfacing and wadding. Pocket lining - 8" x 10" (plain blue) x2 side panels outer 5" x 10" (whales) x2 side panels inner 5" x 10" (fish) x2 front/back panels outer 17½” x 8" (penguins) x2 front/back panels inner 17½” x 8" (fish) x2 handle strips 8" x 2" (penguins) x2 interfacing for handle 8" x 2" 2.4 metres" 2" wide bias binding (ships) Wadding 8" x 10" x2 side panel wadding 5" x 10" x2 front/back panels wadding 17½” x 8" BOAT BLOCK If you have decided to do the boat panel follow these steps. If you are keeping it simple cut a 8 x 8" piece in which ever fabric you prefer and skip to the lunch box method. When I put together this boat block for George’s lunch box, I created it in my unique “make it up as I go along method”. It made me realise how much I need to up my quilting game so I have set myself lots of quilt along challenges to start 2019. I have already learnt lots of techniques and my head is spinning with new ideas. Start by cutting your fabrics. The measurements are given in width x height which is important if you are using directional fabric. White Background A - 2 ½” x 4 ½” B - 3 ½” x 3 ½” C - 1 ½” x 1 ½” D - & E 2” x 2” F - 1 ½ x 4 ½” G - 3 ½” x 1 ½” H - 1 ½” x 3 ½” I & J - 1 ½” x 2” K – 3 ½” x 1” L – 4 ½” x 1” M – 8” x 1 ¼” Turquoise Sails A - 2 ½” x 4 ½” B - 3 ½” x 3 ½” C - 1 ½” x 1 ½” Blue Ships N – 6” x 2” O – 1” x 5” Blue Whales P - 8” x 1 ¼” Step 1 You will need your As, Bs and Cs to make your sails. I don't know if my rectangle method is an official technique but it gave me the result I needed. You will need to pair them up to make half square triangles and a rectangle. Use a fabric pen or chalk to mark from one corner to the other and sew along the line. Place your turquoise fabric facing up and your background on top, right sides together, it will need to be on its side so when it is pressed out it is facing the right way. You may need to have a play around and look at the next few pictures so you understand what I mean. The B & C squares are placed exactly on top of each other but the rectangle needs to be placed as the picture shows and sewn from one corner to the other. Trim the access and press your seams open. Step 2 You need to use the same method to make your boat using D, E and N. Trim the access and press the seams open. Step 3 You now need to sew this sections together as shown in the picture: A & F C & G B & H D, N & E Press your seams open. You should now have 4 sections that look like this. Step 4 Join your small and large right hand sail and piece L to the bottom of this section. Sew K to the bottom of the left hand sail. Sew P to the bottom of the boat. You should now have these 3 sections. Step 5 Join O in between your two sales. Step 6 Join your sails to the bottom part of the boat. Trim and press. Your boat is complete! LUNCH BOX METHOD Step 1 With your boat finished you can now start piecing everything together. The boat will be the front pocket. Since the inside won't really be seen I have used a plain bit of blue cotton from my stash. Layer up with right sides facing out, the boat, wadding and lining with the shiny side facing the lining. Pin in place and baste the edges. Step 2 Apply binding to the top of the boat panel. Trim. Step 3 Layer up all your other panels with right sides facing out and the shiny part of the wadding towards the lining. Baste the edges. Step 4 Place the boat pocket on top of the front panel, match up the bottom edges. Pin in place and baste the sides. Step 5 Sew on your Velcro. One half needs to be sewn on to the top of the front panel, around 1" from the top edge. The other half needs to be sewn to the inside of the back panel, around 1" from the top edge. Step 6 You now need to sew your binding to the top edges of all of your panels. Step 7 Make the straps next by sandwiching the pieces right sides together with the interfacing on the outside. Sew all the way around with 1/4" seam allowance, leave a gap to turn it out. Trim the corners and turn it out. Step 8 Top stitch all the way around close to the edges to close the gap. Step 9 You need to pin the strap to the outside of the large back panel, around 1" from the top and side edges. The strap will not lie flat. I have sewn a square and a cross on each side of the strap so it is extra secure. Step 10 With wrong sides together and the bottom edges lined up, pin or clip your back and from panel together. Baste them together. This is when I found my layers were getting to thick and I switched to my walking foot. Step 11 Apply binding to this bottom edge. Step 12 This is when it gets tricky. I found clips were the easiest way of doing it. One side at a time, clip your side panels to your front and back. Match up the bottom corner with the front panel corner and fold the back panel around. Step 13 Sew them together with raw edges exposed and repeat on the other side. Step 14 You need to hide all of those raw edges now using your binding. You will probably need to trim off some of the bulk first. Clip it into place. I found I couldn't get away without a few folds around the bottom corners. When I got to the ends I folded it over and back stitched. With hindsight I would have left the top edges of the front and back panel until this point and and done a mitre corner here. Well done, you are finished! If you gave this tutorial a go I would love to hear from you. I have a YOUR GALLERY page dedicated to all your Fabric Squirrel makes and share them each month on my Facebook page with prizes up from grabs. Fore more free tutorials make sure you have subscribed. Made by Katie Done for The Craft Cotton Company 2019 #kids #lunchbox #bag #accessories #home #nautical #patchwork #fatquarters #naturalhistorymuseum #freesewingtutorial

You will need: 4 - Fat quarters ½ Mtr - lining fabric 2 - 18inch squares of fusible fleece. 9” x 5” piece of Heat n bond lite, iron on adhesive Ribbon Download template here Step 1 From your 4 fat quarters, cut out a selection of 72, 3 ½ inch squares. From you lining fabric cut 2 18inch squares. Step 2 Lay them out in rows 6 x 6, once you are happy with your layout sew them together using 1/4inch seam allowance, repeat with your back outer panel. Step 3 Print out your knit template, place your 9” x 5” piece of heat n bond centred over the word and trace using a pencil (Fig C), iron your template onto the wrong side of your fabric, once cooled cut out each individual letter and peal the paper from the back. Place your word on the centre of your front outer panel and iron into place. Appliqué your word onto your fabric using your preferred method (i used a blanket stitch). Step 4 Fuse your fleece to the back of both outer panels and quilt as desired. Step 5 From your lining fabric cut 2 pieces measuring 14.5inches long x 2.5inches wide for your drawstring channel, fold each short edge over 1/4inch twice and stitch into place, then fold in half lengthwise and press, repeat with both pieces. Baste each piece in the centre along the top edge of each outer panel. Step 6 Place both outer panels on top of each other with wrong sides together and stitch all the around leaving the top edge open using ¼ inch seam allowance. Using a ruler mark and cut out a 2.5inch square from each bottom corner. Bring both raw edges together with the seams in the middle and sew together using 1/4inch seam allowances. Repeat with your lining panels making sure to leave a gap at the bottom around 4 inches for turning through later. Step 7 Place your bag outer inside your bag lining with right sides facing taking care to line up the seams, pin or clip into place and stitch all the way around the top edge using 1/4inch seam allowance. Step 8 Turn you bag right side out using the hole you left at the bottom of your lining fabric. Topstitch around the top edge. Feed your ribbon through both channels and knot off the ends. Repeat on the opposite side to complete your bag. Your bag is now complete! Follow Joanne on Instagram @unicornharts Made by Joanne Hart for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #accessories #knitting #bag #freesewingtutorial #fatquarters

Make your own baby mobile with these gorgeous new Miffy fabrics. You will need: Miffy FQ x 5 8” (or larger) embroidery hoop (section without screw) Small amount yellow felt White felt Wadding 3mm ribbon 2 Small rings (1 optional) Matching thread Pins Paper Step 1 Sketch shapes onto paper, approximately 6 - 8” high, and cut out (NOT USING YOUR FABRIC SCISSORS). Remember you need to add a 5mm seam allowance at some point. I added mine as I cut the fabric out. Step 2 From each pattern piece cut 1 of wadding and 2 of your chosen fabric. Iron on the wadding or tack in place (please note I change Miffy shape on mobile) Step 3 Cut 4 x 50cm, 1 x 60cm and 1 x 10cm length of 3mm ribbon. Place the 50cm lengths on the top of the right side of the cloud, sun, moon and rainbow, facing inwards, place the 60cm one at the top of Miffy, between the ears. Place the 10cm length on the moon, so it will be hanging down from the top point. Step 4 Cut 12 sub rays from white felt and place around the circle, pointing inwards, machine sew in place at approx. 4mm from outer edge. Step 5 With right sides together sew around all the shapes, leaving a gap for turning. Trim with pinking shears or clip the curves. Clip any corners. Step 6 Turn right sides out and press. Ladder stitch gap closed if you wish. Top stitch around edges and add any detailing you wish (be careful not to sew ribbon ends into top stitching – speaking from experience). Step 7 Cut out 2 star shapes from yellow felt and hand stitch the two together, encompassing the short ribbon hanging from the moon. Step 8 Attached the moon, sun, cloud and rainbow to the hoop by tying the ribbon 15cm from the object to the hoop with one knot. Spread out evenly around the hoop. Step 9 Gather to loose ends of the ribbon together, along with the Miffy one. Thread through the small ring, if using. Step 10 Cut a strip of fabric and wadding, 2” x 6”, place wadding on wrong side of fabric and fold wrap edges to centre on the long edges. Sew the ribbon ends one end of the fabric strip as shown below. Thread a small ring into the centre of the fabric. Step 11 Fold the fabric in half lengthways and ladder stitch down the two long edges. Your mobile is now complete! Follow Stephanie on Instagram Made by Stephanie Marsh for The Craft Cotton Company 2019 #kids #miffy #baby #freesewingtutorial #fatquarters

You will need 1 x Set of Llama Llama FQ’s Fusible web Felt & Embroidery thread Zip (optional) Wool & Pom Pom maker I chose two fabrics from the FQ set. R/S together, cut 8’’ across both sections. Sew one 8” Section and one 10” R/S together, you will now have two backgrounds. Create a Llama template, I drew this one by hand but there are lots of images available if you don’t feel confident to draw your own. Copy the image onto some double sided fusible paper. Iron onto the fabric you chose for the Llama. Cut the shape out, peel off the paper. Iron the Llamas onto the background fabric, then top stitch round. Use some wool felt to create the Llama hair do. Using a bow maker I created a tiny Pom Pom as above with embroidery thread. Attach to Llamas neck and then sew an eye, nose strap and reigns. Make a saddle from another of the co-ordinating fabrics, and add some tassels. With the second piece made earlier, mark 2’’ in from each end across where the pieces are joined. Unpick the stitches carefully in between the two marks you made. This is where you will insert the zip. With an appropriate sized zip, place it from the inside R/S out and pin to secure on the outside. Sew with a zipper foot on your Sewing Machine. Do one side at a time. Once you have sewn down both long sides of the zip do a few security stitches back and forth over the zip ends. R/S to R/S put the back section on top of the front section, pin and sew all around the outside of the cushion. TIP (open the zip before sewing round the outside) Turn the right way out and add a couple of fun Pom Poms.. Ta Da!!!!!! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and it has inspired you to have a go. I would love hear your feedback and see your creations, please share with me, on Instagram @bobbincottagebodkin Made by Nicola Hills for The Craft Cotton Company 2019 #llama #cushion #home #freesewingtutorial #fatquarters

Make a gorgeous MOM Foundation Paper Piercing that you can frame or add to any sewing project. It's the perfect gift for Mothers Day and looks especially cool with this Wonder Woman fabric. Click here to download the full pattern and tutorial. #mothersday #mom #wonderwoman #fatquarters #fpp #home #seasonal

You will need: 2 Fat Quarters (Up, up and away) 1 pack of Bosal Foam 1 17 Inch Zipper or longer Download template here Step 1 Using the template provided, cut 2 outer panels, 2 lining panels and 2 foam panels, Fuse your foam to your outer panels and quilt as desired. Step 2 Using the templates cut out and sew the darts for both outer panels and both lining panels. Step 3 With right sides facing place 1 outer panel and 1 lining panel on top of each other and sandwich your zip in the middle with you zipper pull facing your outer panel, pin or clip into place and sew along the edge. Repeat with the 2 remaining panels on the other side of the zip, Press and topstitch along each edge of the zipper. (This will help stop the fabric getting caught while opening and closing the zip). Step 4 Open your zip to the middle, bring your outer panels and your lining panels together with right sides facing, matching up the darts and seams and pin or clip together. Sew all the way around leaving a 4inch gap in the lining. Step 5 Turn your bag right sides out through the hole in the lining and sew up the hole to finish. Made by Joanne Hart at UnicornHarts for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #accessories #makeupbag #fatquarters #freesewingtutorial

You will need: Pooh Bear and Friends FQ set. 1 Plain Dyed Contrast Fabric. Bosal Stiffener Ric Rac and Buttons for Decoration Step 1 Using the FQ length I cut it in half width ways for the top part of the tidy. Repeat with the plain dyed FQ. Add different fabric and sizes for pockets. Step 2 Sandwich the ric rac between the R/S of the outer and lining fabrics. Pin, sew then turn out. Iron Flat. Step 3 Place the top fabric on the Bosal Stiffener and Quilt as desired. Step 4 On the bottom plain dyed section, place the pockets and sew. Place the top and bottom together on a calico backing fabric then sew a partition to create large pocket on bottom section. Add decoration. Step 5 To the top right I added a ribbon cross to hold cards or notes. Step 6 Neaten edges, once everything is sewn in place take another piece of calico and place over the R/S of the Tidy. Sew all around but leave a 3” gap. Turn out, press and sew up the gap. Step 7 To make the hanger, cut a 3” strip and follow instructions below. Then sew down both sides. Step 8 Sew Handle onto the back then the tidy can be hung anywhere. I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. These fabrics were so adorable to work with. If you follow my tutorial and create your own Toddler Tidy please share with me on Instagram @bobbincottagebodkin Made by Nicola Hills for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #kids #winniethepooh #baby #freesewingtutorial

This bag is the perfect hiding place for lots of treasures and the dinosaur print fabric is a must for any dinosaur fans, it would also make a perfect den for a herd of toy dinosaurs to hide! Materials National History Museum “explore the plains” fabric by the Craft Cotton Company 60x50cm of fabric in one pattern for the outside 60x50cm of fabric in one pattern for the inside 30x30cm of fabric in one pattern for the pocket Batting 60x50cm Thread Needle Ruler Paper Pencil Scissors Pins Step 1 - Make the paper templates: Draw out a triangle which has a base of 20cm and is 20cm high at its mid-point, this forms the template for the side edges of the bag. Draw another triangle with a base of 20cm and is 20cm high at its mid point, then draw a line across the middle of the triangle 10cm up from the base, this forms the pocket template. Draw out a square which measures 20x20cm this forms the template for the base of the base. Step 2 - Cut out the fabric and batting: Using the template for the side edges and adding a 0.5cm seam allowance cut out 4 pieces from the outside fabric, 4 pieces from the inside fabric and 4 pieces of batting. Using the template for the base and adding a 0.5cm seam allowance cut out 1 piece from the outside fabric, 1 piece from the inside fabric and 1 piece of batting. Fold the fabric for the pocket in half so it measures 15x30cm then place top edge of the template for the pocket along the fold, add a 0.5cm seam allowance around the remaining sides of the pattern and cut out 1 piece to form the pocket. Step 3 - Sew the outside together: Take one of the outside fabric pieces and place on top of a piece of batting, next place the folded pocket piece on top followed by another outside fabric piece placed right sides together and then a final piece of batting. Sew down the right hand side stopping 1cm from the bottom. Take another outside fabric piece and place right sides together and sew down the right hand side to secure stopping 1cm from the bottom. Repeat with the final outside fabric and batting piece. Next sew the first and last outside fabric piece together placing right sides together and sewing from the top 5 cm down, leaving a 10 cm gap for turning, then sewing the remaining 4cm closed (stopping 1cm from the bottom). Take the bottom outside fabric and batting pieces and place right sides together against the sides of the bag. Pin to secure. Sew around 1cm from the edge to secure. Turn out the right way. Repeat this process using the inside fabric. Do not turn out the right way. Step 4 - Sew in the lining: Place the lining fabric inside the outside fabric. Fold the raw edges of the lining fabric backwards and the outside fabric inwards by 1cm and pin to secure. Slip stitch around the edges to secure. Your storage bag is now complete! Made by Lesley Foster at Hook, Stich, Sew for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #kids #accessories #naturalhistorymuseum #storage #freesewingtutorial

Make this super cute padded back pack, it looks great when co-ordinating with the T-shirt, shorts and baseball cap using the New England fabric range from my previous blogs. Time it takes to make: 3-4 Hours Skill level : Intermediate You will need: 2 x Fat Quarter Packs – 2 Pieces of 2 Different Designs 20” (50cms) Fusible Fleece 2 x 10.5 mm eyelets 100” (250cms) of ¼” (6mm) Piping Cord cut into 2 2½” (6cms) Hook and Loop Fastening 1 Button Glass for Template Bodkin or Safety Pin Scissors Matching thread Sewing machine Step-by-step instructions: All seams are ½” (1.3cms) unless otherwise stated. Before you start your project, gather all your supplies and have a quick read through the instructions just to familiarise yourself with the terminology. It is always a good idea to wash your fabric before you begin work to eliminate any possibility of shrinkage at a later date. Iron your fabric with a suitable temperature to ensure it is flat and easy to work with. You would be amazed with the difference in size a few creases can make. From the fabric, cut: 2 Pieces of outer fabric 9” (23cms) x 10½” (27cms) 2 Pieces of outer border / lining fabric 5” (13cms) x 10½” (27cms) 2 Pieces of lining fabric 13” (33cms) x 10½” (27cms) 2 Pieces of flap/lining fabric 6” (15cms) x 6” (15cms) 2 Pieces of lining fabric 9½” (24cms) x 2” (5cms) From the Fusible Fleece Cut: 2 Pieces of fleece 13” (33cms) x 10½” (27cms) 1 Piece of fleece for the flap 6” (15cms) x 6” (15cms) Step 1 With right sides together sew the front outer and border fabrics together, press the seam open flat. Using a longer stitch length, top stitch on the right side. Repeat for the back. Step 2 Following the manufacturer’s instructions iron the fusible fleece to the reverse of the outer fabric, front and back and one piece of the flap fabric, again on the reverse. Step 3 Using a glass as a template, round off the bottom corners of the two flap pieces. Step 4 With right sides together sew around the sides and curved bottom of the flap pieces. Reduce the bulk by layers and cutting ‘V’s up to the stitching, making sure you do not cut the stitches. For speed, try using pinking shears. Step 5 Turn the flap right side out, press then top stitch around the sides and bottom edge. On the underside (no fusible fleece) of the flap, position the hook tape 1” (2.5cms) up and centralised. Sew all the way round the tape. Step 6 Mark the centre of the flap with a pin, repeat with the front of the bag. Lay the flap on the front of the bag, matching up the pins. Under the flap, mark the position of the loop tape, sew in place. Step 7 On the two thin strips of the lining fabric, turn under each short end twice, press and stitch. Step 8 On the long edges of the strips, press under ½” (1.3cms) top and bottom. Position centrally and 2” (5cms) from the top of the bag on the front and back pieces. Pin, top stitch at the top and bottom of the strip, leaving the ends open, remembering to reinforce at each end by back stitching. Step 9 With right sides together and positioned centrally, pin the flap piece to the back outer piece. Place one of the bag lining sections on top, right sides together. Sew across the top, sandwiching the flap in the centre. Step 10 With right sides together, pin, stitch and sew the front section to the remaining lining piece across the top edge. Step 11 Position both the front and back pieces, now with the lining attached, right sides together. Match the seams, pin and sew all the way round leaving a 4” (10cm) approx. gap for tuning, at the bottom of the lining. Note: place a small piece of scrap fabric over the hook and loop tape just to stop them from sticking together whilst the pieces are sewn. Step 12 Trim the corners to reduce bulk and ease turning. Turn the bag right side out through the gap and press. Machine stitch the opening closed Step 13 Push the lining inside the bag, press again, paying particular attention to the top edge. Top stitch this edge all the way round the bag. Step 14 Push the lining right into the bottom corners of the bag. Following the manufacturers’ instruction add the eyelets to each corner. Step 15 Using either a bodkin or safety pin, thread one end of a piece of cord from right to left through the front channel and then repeat on the back channel in the opposite direction. Take it down to the eyelet, thread it through and knot. Repeat with the other length of cord starting at the left side of the front channel through to the right. Step 16 For decoration purposes, sew the button on the front of the bag over the hook and loop tape. This will also help small hands to open the flap. Congratulations! Your back pack is now finished. Made by Bernadette Wainwright for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 Find her on Instagram @bernie_sew_whats_new #bags #accessories #kids #fatquarters #freesewingtutorial

Make this super cool boys/girls baseball cap, it looks great when co-ordinating with the T-shirt and shorts from my previous blogs. Time it takes to make: 3-4 Hours Skill level : Intermediate You will need: 2 x Fat Quarter Pieces 10” (25cms) x 45” (115cm) wide lining fabric 10” (25cms) x 10” (25cms) wide buckram 10” (25cms) x 36” (90cms) wide interfacing 10” (35cms) single fold bias binding 5” (12cms) of ¾” (2cm) wide elastic 1 ¾” (2cm) button to cover - optional Scissors Matching thread Sewing machine Templates – To be printed full size on A4 paper Download template 1 Download template 2 Download template 3 Step-by-step instructions: All seams are 5/8” or 1.5cms unless otherwise stated. Before you start your project, gather all your supplies and have a quick read through the instructions just to familiarise yourself with the terminology. It is always a good idea to wash your fabric before you begin work to eliminate any possibility of shrinkage at a later date. Iron your fabric with a suitable temperature to ensure it is flat and easy to work with. You would be amazed with the difference in size a few creases can make. Step 1 With right sides together lay your two fat quarter pieces on top of each other. Cut out from the templates all pieces as stated. Repeat for the lining and interfacing. Transfer the marking on the side panel 2. Step 2 Pin interfacing to the wrong side of all panels. Following the manufactures instructions attach the interfacing to the panels. Trim the interfacing to reduce the bulk. Step 3 With right sides together and using a ¼” (6mm) seam, pin, tack if desired and stitch a front section 1 to a side panel 2 matching notches. To avoid bulk at the point, press each seam open before stitching the next seam. Step 4 With right sides together and using a ¼” (6mm) seam, pin, tack if desired and stitch the side panel 2 to the back panel 3, matching notches. This now forms half of a crown, repeat for the other half. Step 5 ​With right sides together, pin the crown sections together. Tack if desired, stitch the entire centre seam using a ¼” (6mm) seam. Again press open. Step 6 Cut the two peak sections from the buckram. Place together and stitch ¾” (2cms) from all edges. Trim away 5/8” (1.5cms) seam allowance from all edges Step 7 With right sides together, pin and tack the two peak sections together. Stitch along the seam line leaving the inner curved edge open. Trim seam, notch with scissors or use pinking shears. Step 8 Turn the peak right side out, press. Insert the buckram into the peak through the opening, getting it right up to the seam. Step 9 Machine-baste the raw edges of the peak together. Clip the curve. Step 10 On the outside, pin the peak to the crown between the large dots, matching the centre front. Step 11 Stitch the lining as for the crown. Step 12 With right sides together, pin and tack the lining to the crown, (over the peak), matching all the seams and having the raw edges even. Stitch the lower edge. Step 13 Trim the seams and clip the curves. Turn the lining to the inside and press. Baste the raw back edges together. On the outside, stitch ¼” (6mm) from the lower edge between the front panel seams and back opening edge. Step 13 Your almost there. Take the bias tape, open out one folded edge. On the outside, stitch the tape to the back opening along the crease line and the ¼” (6mm) seam line. Allow the tape to extend ½” (1.3cms) below the lower edges. Step 14 Clip the curves. Press the bias tape towards the seam allowance. Turn in the ends of the tape. Press the tape to the inside, stitch in place. Step 15 Cut the elastic to 3¼” (8.5cms). Fold the back casing in half lengthwise. Stitch the long edge remembering to back tack at the beginning and end. Trim the seam. Turn to the outside and press. Thread the elastic through the casing, a safety pin may help here. Fold the inside ends in on themselves and stich the ends closed with a suitable stretch stitch. Step 16 On the inside pin the ends of the casing to the inside of the back opening, stitch securely in place. Step 17 Using a scrap of fabric cover the button and sew to the top of the hat. Congratulations! Your baseball hat is now finished. Made by Bernadette Wainwright for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 Find her on Instagram @bernie_sew_whats_new #dressmaking #kids #fatquarter #freesewingtutorial #shorts #hat #accessories