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The Crafty Lass does… Fabric Flowers! Ingredients: Fabric Thread Pencil or Tailors Chalk (Optional) Pompoms or felt balls, buttons Tools: Scissors Sewing Needle (Optional) Pinking Shears (Optional) Templates – A jam jar, cup, glass, protractor or similar (Optional Essential) Tea & Biscuits Perhaps you’d like to make your own fabric flower wedding buttonholes, a floral corsage to jazz up a special outfit, or add them to a clip for a new hair accessory! Fabric flowers could also be made larger for table centrepieces, sewn on to cushions and other home decor, or perhaps even added to special presents as part of the gift wrapping! How you use them is up to you… There seems to be a lot of steps and explanation below, but they are in fact very simple to make – when you know how…! Enjoy! Method: Step 1: Fabrics! Select your fabric - how much you need really depends on how big and how many flowers you want to make. To make one of the example ones pictured, would take approximately one quarter of a fat quarter. If looking to incorporate printed fabrics, it is best to choose ones that contain smaller designs – as you would be unable to see larger prints - unless you just like the colours of course! Small spots, stripes or plains would work well. The fabric should also ideally be fairly thin to both replicate natural delicate petals, but also for ease of folding and sewing. It is also best to choose a fabric that does not heavily fray - cotton and poly cotton would be a good choice. Step 2: Templates! What shapes, and how many you need to draw (and then cut out) will greatly depend on what you would like your finished flower to look like: Circular plain ‘carnation style’ flower: You will need 12 ‘larger’ outer circles and 6 ‘smaller’ (around 80% of the larger size) inner circles. Or, perhaps swap the 6 ‘smaller’ inner circles for perhaps a button or pompom centre. I have used some metal circular templates in the example photo, but you could use a jam jar, cup or glass as a guide, or a protractor to draw circles. ‘Wavy’ edged flower: Free hand draw 12 ‘larger’ wavy edged circular shapes and 6 ‘smaller’ (around 80% of the larger size) inner circular shapes. Or, again - perhaps swap the 6 smaller ‘inner’ circular shapes for a button or pompom centre. Longer petal ‘daisy style’ flower: Free hand draw ‘outline daisy shapes’ (see photos for example) – you will need 12 of these and then a button or pompom centre. Why not experiment with the different shapes and styles – and you could even combine them together! As a general rule – you will just always need 12 ‘larger’ shapes and then either 6 ‘smaller’ shapes, or adding in either a pompom or button for the flower centre. I have specified that the ‘smaller’ shapes should be around 80% of the larger size – but play around with this for a different look or feel for whatever flower you’d like to make. And, why not mix up the colours – you could even do different fabrics or patterns for each petal! Step 3: Drawing! Decide the final look and then either draw around your chosen templates, or freehand draw your shapes lightly using a pencil, or tailors chalk as a guideline. The way each flower petals get folded up you are unlikely to see any small, light pencil marks on the finished flowers if you don’t cut perfectly within the lines, so don’t worry! Step 4: Cutting! Once you have decided what you want make, and drawn out the shapes – you will need to cut these out. I find if you fold the fabric over, you can cut 2-3 layers together at the same time. The ‘daisy style’ petals are slightly more complex with multi layers of fabric but it can be done if you take your time! You could also use pinking shears instead of scissors if preferred for a ‘zig-zag’ edge finish. Do not worry about every one being perfect/uniform – in real life nature isn't, so neither should these be! Step 5: Folding! Select a small offcut of fabric, we will use this as our flower base. Don’t worry if currently larger than the flower might be – we can trim it back afterwards. To make each petal more ‘3D’ we will need to fold each petal and sew on to this base. Select one of your ‘larger’ shapes and fold in half. Then fold again, and back on itself into ‘thirds’. You will then have what resembles a triangle and the petals will look like an elongated ‘S’ with six layers of fabric. This sounds quite complicated on paper, but this is easier than it sounds, I promise! Use the photos for guidance and give it a try! Step 6: Sewing – Stitching ‘Outer Petals’! Thread your needle – ideally with a similar colour to your fabric, and double the thread back on itself and knot - which means you’ll be sewing with two strands of thread. This is doubly secure - and your needle won’t come off whilst sewing! Stitch the very corner of your triangular ‘petal’ somewhere in the middle of the base – two small stitches per petal is best, and as close to the bottom point of your petal triangle as you can to allow as much ‘3D’ effect as possible. Repeat the folding and sewing of your outer petals 5 more times – putting each one next to one another around to create your first ‘layer’. The easiest way to describe this is the petals will look like 6 triangular slices of cake all round in a circle! Step 7: Sewing – Second Layer ‘Outer Petals’! You will repeat the process here as per Step 6 – except you will layer the next lot of petals overlapping across where the previous layer ones meet – so there are no gaps. Repeat this so you have all 12 outer petals sewn on, with 6 in each of the two layers. Step 8: Sewing – Button, Pompom or ‘Inner Petals’! Depending on your chosen style of flower will depend what you need to sew here. Button: Push back the petals and choose a button that covers the stitches! Sew on to secure. Pompom or Felt Ball: Sew into the middle of your petals. To get a more 3D effect with the petals up around the pompom/felt ball turn your flower over, squeeze your petals up around the ball and put a few stitches through to secure. ‘Inner Petals’: If you have chosen to have a ‘carnation style’ flower with the ruffled petals inner you should have 6 ‘smaller’ shapes left. Sew these on in the same way as Steps 6 and 7 – but use one stitch per petal base and pull tight – this allows them to pulled ‘upright’ and gives a fuller centre to the flower. This final bit is the fiddliest – but worth it for the final finish! Step 9: Trim! Now you have made your flower – make sure the base piece of fabric is smaller than the petals so this is hidden and trim if required. Trim any petals that may need it, but remember it doesn’t need to look ‘perfect’! Step 10: Et Voila! One Flower! Now decide how you want to use your flower! These can either be sewn on to cushions or other homeware, or even clothing. Sew on using the base part of the flower - and ideally also sew some of the back petals down with small stitches to secure and hide any leftover base fabric. Or they could be hot glue gunned on to brooch backs, headbands, table runners for weddings, or add ribbons and additional décor to be used as wedding buttonholes! So much choice! I would love to hear how you’ve used your flowers. If you’d like to come along to a craft workshop to learn how to make these lovely flowers in person and for more information about The Crafty Lass and how to book, visit: www.thecraftylass.com Facebook: @thecraftylass facebook.com/TheCraftyLass/ Instagram: @thecraftylass instagram.com/thecraftylass/ Made by Paula Milner for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #fabric #flowers #sewing #fatquarters #floral #freesewingtutorials #accessories

"Try your hand at quilting with these three gorgeous and manageable designs for mini quilts, perfect as household decoration, wall hangings or plant pot stands! Craft the perfect gift for a loved one this Valentines day." Embroidery Hoop Mini Quilt Scrappy Mini Quilt Log Cabin Mini Quilt For the full tutorial head to the Hobbycraft blog or click here #valentinesday #pink #heart #floraandfauna #miniquilt #embroideryhoop #hobbycraft #quilt #seasonal

Tropical Paradise! These cotton fabrics makes me want to get on a plane and on holiday in the sun! With such a bright selection of tropical themed fabrics within this fat quarter pack it'll make you want to make everything out of it! What you’ll need to make this simple to do make up brush holder: Cutting Mat Ruler Rotary Cutter Cotton Wadding Thread Pins 2 fabrics from your Fat Quarter pack How to make your Make Up Brush Roll Cut your chosen 2 fabrics to size. For the main part of the roll you will need to cut one FQ piece into two measuring 10 inch x 16 inch. In your second chosen FQ fabric, cut a piece 12 inch x 16 inch this will be for holding the brushes. Cut your wadding 10 inch x 16 inch. When you have cut your main fabric colour you will have scrap pieces left over, these are ideal for making matching ribbon for your roll. I trimmed my pieces to 1 1/2 inches width (10 inches long from off cuts) Simply fold both edges into the middle and finger press. Sew along the outer edge on your machine. This will make the ribbon, I just simply folded one end and sewn along the edge which will be the end of the ribbon so it does fray. Now that you have all the pieces ready for making the roll its time to piece it all together! YAY! Fold your 12 inch x 16 inch fabric in half along length ways and place on top of one of your main pieces. Next, get your additional main fabric piece and place this pretty side down on to the pretty side of your other fabrics in place. Peel back and place your two ribbon ties in place at the one end of the roll. Place this on top of your wadding and pin in place leaving a larger gap in between pins at the top of the roll. This will allow you to pull everything through to turn around the correct way. Sew all the way around the fabric about a 1/4 inch in leaving the gap open to allow you to turn inside out . Trim the corners of the fabric and wadding. Pull everything through the gap you left so that the right side of the fabric is now on show. Fold the fabric into the hole so that it sits well with the rest of the edge and sew all the way around the fabric this time, again a 1/4 inch in. Now it's just a case of sewing lines down the roll to create the sections for your Brushes, you can do as many or as little as you need and make different sizes. Woohoo! There you have it… a beautiful tropical themed make up brush roll that you’ve proudly made yourself in no time at all! :) Made by Danni Watts for The Craft Cotton Company 2017 Follow her on Instagram @sew_watts_craft #fatquarters #tropicalpalm #makeupbag #sewing #freesewingtutorials #summer #accessories

Bags galore and more! From frame bags to bags with bases - this Classroom is for all lovers of bags of all shapes and sizes. Learn quick and easy ways to get a bag with a base... click here for free PDF download. #jennierayment #bags #purse #freesewingtutorials #fatquarter #accessories

This stunning Indian elephant collection of fabrics have been created in beautiful bright and bold colours, which went together so well with the metallic threads. Finished size of baby doll Quilt: 20” x 17” (perfect for a girls/boy’s baby doll bed) Materials • Fat quarter bundle of the Bright Indian Elephant fabrics from craftcotton • Two pieces of white fabric, each measuring 12” x 20” • Two pieces of ‘purple textured blender’ fabric, each measuring 6” x 20” • 1 fat quarter of ‘navy blue textured blender’ fabric • 38” of dark navy-blue bias binding • Extra thick wadding measuring 18” x 21” • Fat quarter of heat and bond • Gutermann thread, in metallic silver and baby pink Haberdashery items • Iron-away marker pen • Quilters ruler, rotary cutter/scissors • Iron • basic sewing supplies • pins • Baste spray • 4” heart template and 2.5” template CREATIVEBLONDE TIP Use metallic silver thread to blanket stitch your hearts in place, it looks so wonderful next to the Indian elephant fabric. Making the dolls quilt… Step 1 Take your ‘heat and bond’ and draw around the heart template 13 times. Roughly cut these out, leaving excess around the template, and iron onto the wrong side of the fabrics you have chosen to make the hearts from. (I made: 3 pink elephants, 2 teal elephants, 4 navy textured blend, 2 white baby elephants, and 2 teal baby elephants = 13 hearts) Step 2 Cut these hearts out accurately, and baste or pin in place on one of the white pieces of fabric. Step 3 Using the Gutermann metallic silver thread, blanket stitch your hearts in place. Take your two purple pieces, and the other white piece and with right sides together, join them up, but before you sew the final two ends together, spray baste the top of the quilt to the wadding, sew up the final edge, and turn right way out, so your wadding is inside. (top and bottom of quilt not joined yet) (photo below showing the back of the quilt) Step 4 To quilt this blanket, draw 2.5” hearts in 6 places on the front, using a heat removable marker. I then hand quilted the hearts, making sure to go through all the layers. I used a baby pink thread. Step 5 Trim top and bottom of the quilt, and sew your bias binding in place on to the front, then hand sew with a small stitch on the reverse. Your dolls quilt is finished, if you wanted to make the quilt larger, you could use this as a panel and join them together. I love the cosiness of this quilt, using the extra thick wadding, I will have to make myself one, the colours are so inspiring. Creativeblonde recommends the following; Retailer for the Indian Elephant fabrics and other fabrics needed to complete this project www.craftcotton.com Stockist for Gutermann threads Gutermann@stockistenquiries.co.uk By Michelle Roberts at CreativeBlonde for the Craft Cotton Company 2017 To see more of my tutorials, you can follow my blog www.creativeblonde.co.uk and/or Instagram page www.instagram.co.uk/creativeblonde66 and www.facebook.com/creativeblonde66 #quilt #fatquarter #sewing #quilting #kids

"In this video we are making a zippy make up bag with lining. I always suggest to make the un-lined zippy make-up bag version first. You can find this here: https://youtu.be/-UcwfUtPpBg" #misslibbyrose #makeupbag #pouch #freesewingtutorials #video

"I used six fat quarters of fabric from The Craft Cotton Company, and a 16" piece of calico for the squares. Fuse fleece to the wrong side of the back of the bag." #debbieshore #video #fatquarter #patchwork #bag #tote #freesewingtutorials #accessories

With the cold weather and dark nights drawing in, a little brightness is definitely needed and this cute bee embroidery is perfect, roll on summer! Materials -Grey fat quarter from the Sewing Bumble Bee fat quarter set by Stuart Hillard for The Craft Cotton Company -Pencil -Paper -Embroidery hoop (24 cm in diameter) -Embroidery thread: Yellow Black Orange White -Needle -Scissors -Felt – piece the size of the embroidery hoop -Ribbon – two colours, gold and brown: One piece in each colour 30 cm One piece in each colour 55 cm Step 1 On a piece of paper the size of the embroidery hoop draw out your bee pattern outline. Step 2 Trace the pattern outline onto the middle of your fabric. Step 3 Using backstitch go around the outlines of the different sections of the bee. Step 4 Using a satin stitch (using 2 strands of thread) fill in the legs and antenna. Step 5 Using backstitch (using 2 strands of thread) complete a variety of different patterns to infill the other sections of the bee. Step 6 Trace some hexagons onto the fabric around the bee and use backstitch to complete their outline. Step 7 Make sure the bee is in the centre of the embroidery hoop, then cut the fabric 3cm from the edge of the embroidery hoop at the back. Step 8 Running stitch around the edge of the fabric at the back of the hoop and pull to tighten, fasten off. Step 9 Cut the piece of felt so it is 1cm smaller than the size of the embroidery hoop, then use a running stitch to sew to the back of the hoop. Step 10 Take the two 30 cm pieces of ribbon and thread through the tightening bolt of the embroidery hoop then knot at the end to create the hanging loop. Next take the two 55cm pieces of ribbon and thread around either side of the bolt and tie to make a bow. Your hoop is now complete and ready to hang up! Made by Lesley Foster at Hook, Stitch Sew for the Craft Cotton Company 2017 #embroideryhoop #hoop #stuarthillard #sewingbumblebee #fatquarter #wallart #freesewingtutorials #home

I take my dog Molly on lots of walks every day; it’s always useful to have a cross-body bag to carry all the doggy things I need for Molly’s walks. I’ve made this bag with this in mind, with a clip on the outside for those doggy bag essentials, I hope you like it! You will need: Craft Cotton Co. Paw Pals Printed Fat Quarter pack of 6. Co-ordinating thread Fusible Fleece Sewing machine, pins or clips Erasable fabric pen How to make: Press fabrics on a cotton setting first. Use a ¼ “seam allowance throughout the project. To make the pattern template: Take a piece of template paper (I used normal copy paper and sticky-taped it together) measuring 11 ½ inches x 11 ½ inches square. From the top, measure in ½ inch each side and 6 inches down each side. Draw a line joining these and cut this out, this makes the top of the bag smaller so the bag will be tapered. Next, from the 6 inch point at the side of the bag, use a plate and curve the bottom of each side of the bag as in the picture. When you have the bag shape, folder the template down the middle to see that both sides are the same and trim if necessary. Mark each curved corner, draw a line 1 ½ inch inwards (3 inches from the edge of the first template) then measure ½ inch each side, and draw these lines to the same point, these will form the darts. Now you have your bag template. Cutting out your fabric: Take the Paw Pals Fat Quarter pack and cut into 3 inch squares. Arrange into the pattern you would like and at this point it’s a good idea to take a photo to remember the pattern! Sew strips together and then join the strips to form the patchwork. Make up the patchwork for both sides of the bag then place the template onto the patchwork to cut out the outer bags. Cut out two pieces for the outside of the bag in the patchwork fabrics Cut out two pieces from the lining fabric. Cut out two pieces from the fusible fleece. When you cut all of these out, make sure that you transfer the darts using an erasable pen. Bag Straps: Measure how long you would like the bag strap to be, I measured around 40 to 50 inches. Sew a length of the 3 inch squares together to make the bag strap. Sew together along the length, press and fold together then sew along the sides and bottom. Outside clip: Using one of the 3 inch squares, fold and press the sides in together, folder again and sew, this time making sure the ends are tucked in to give a clean finish. Take your clip and fold the fabric over the clip. Position this on the bag where you would like the clip to be and sew onto one of the outsides of the bag. (I used one I had from a trolley coin clip). Sew onto the bag securely. Sewing the bag together: First sew the darts on each piece of fabric and the fusible fleece. Next iron the fusible fleece onto the wrong side of the patchwork pieces. Sew the patchwork bag together. Sew the lining together, making sure that you leave 3 to 4 inches open at the bottom of the bag. Position your bag straps onto the inside of the patchwork bag, and then sew these in. Place the patchwork bag inside the lining and sew together around all of the edges, making sure that the straps are tucked in well. Then turn the bag the right side out and then sew up the gap you’ve left in the lining. Press the bag and top stitch around the top and you’re ready to go. Made by Sally Mitton for The Craft Cotton Co 2017 visit her blog here http://sallymitton.blogspot.co.uk/ #dog #bag #freesewingtutorials #fatquarter #patchwork #accessories

Wow! What a better way to brighten these winter days with this lovely ‘Flora & Fauna’ fabric By Craft Cotton Company, by making such a bright pillow for your home. Made from Jelly Roll and Fat Quarter packs its great to make use of both, you can pick the colours you love most! What you will need to make a standard 16 x 16 cushion - two colours of your fat quarter pack - four colours from your jelly roll - cutting mat - rotary cutter or fabric scissors - ruler - 16x16 cushion insert - thread - pins - wadding How to make your cushion Step 1 First you will need to start by measuring your jelly rolls, you will require four colours. With each colour you will need to measure two 2 1/2 inch x 8 1/2inch strips and another two measuring at 2/12 inch x 4 inch. Once all four colours have been cut you will have - 8 of the 2 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch 8 of the 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch These will make up your pattern within the centre of the cushion. Step 2 Next you will need to cut out the corner pieces of your fabric. I've chosen to use a colour from the fat quarter pack to make the four corner pieces. These will measure 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch With these measurements you are allowing a 1/4 inch seam allowance for when piecing together. I like to use my 1/4 inch foot when quilting on my machine but you can always use the guides on your machine also. Step 3 Then begin to piece the two larger jelly roll colours together and stitch on the machine & press down the seam once sewn Step 4 Now, piece together the two smaller jelly rolls in the colour I'll be looking to use on the following patch, once these are sewn together i can then sew the corner piece on and press. Step 5 Then you will need to sew together the two pieces of the larger strips withe the smaller strips and corner pieces and press, ta-da! That's one of your four sections for the front of the cushion completed! Step 6 You’ll then need to repeat this process with the other three sections and once completed join and press all four together. Step 7 This is now where you add the wadding to the completed front panel, I like to just add some plain cotton to the back to ‘sandwich’ together for quilting and pin in place. You may prefer to tack in place with some cotton before quilting on the machine. Step 8 Quilt the front panel as desired :) and once quilted trim the excess wadding and backing cotton off to meet your front panel. Woohoo! So you have completed the front panel, your almost there to having a really lovely cushion. How to make the envelope back piece Envelope cushions are quick and easy to do and simple for getting your cushion in and out when needing to wash. For this you'll need to take one of your fat quarter pieces. Step 1 Measure and cut two pieces measuring 16 1/2 inch x 11 inches. Step 2 Fold and hem the edges of the two pieces that will be centre of the envelope opening as pictured. Step 3 Now place the pieces pretty side fabric down to pretty side fabric of your front panel one under the other, this is what creates the envelope opening. Pin in place and sew 1/4 inch all the way around the edge of the fabric. Step 4 Trim the corners with scissors/rotary cutter, this will allow the corners to turn out. Step 5 Turn inside out, insert cushion and there you have it! Your lovely cushion which will brighten your home! You can follow the measurements and always use more colours from your jelly roll to add extra colour! I hope you've enjoyed making this wonderful little cushion. Made by Danni Watts for The Craft Cotton Company 2017 Follow her on Instagram @sew_watts_craft #cushion #floraandfauna #jellyroll #pillow #quilting #sewing #freesewingtutorials #home

To celebrate the launch of the The Last Jedi I decided to make this fun blanket, combining a soft and cosy fleece with the fun printed cottons. You Will Need: Star Wars BB-8 Cotton Print Fabric - approx 1 metre Star Wars Resistance Cotton Print Fabric - approx 1 metre Star Wars Millennium Falcon Cotton Print Fabric - approx 1 metre Grey Blending Fabric - approx 1 metre Grey Fleece for Backing How to Make: Step 1 Cut your Star Wars squares using a 6” x 6” quilting ruler and a rotary cutter. You will need 32 Grey blender squares, 12 Resistance squares, 12 Millennium Falcon squares and 8 BB-8 squares. Step 2 Once you have finished cutting, lay the squares out in 8 rows of 8. This will make a square blanket, you can cut more squares if you would like to make a rectangle. ​ Step 3 Start sewing row by row using a 1cm seam allowance. Once you have sewn every row, press the seams in alternative directions per row. And sew the rows together, again using a 1cm seam allowance. Step 4 Give the front of the blanket a good press. Step 5 Using the front of the blanket as a guide, measure and cut the backing fleece. Step 6 Pin and sew right sides together using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Remember to leave a gap to turn the blanket through. Step 7 Once you have turned through, carefully press the edges and sew up the gap you left. Tutorial by Katherine Smith for the Craft Cotton Co Visit Katherine's website www.wonderfully-creative.com Follow her on Instagram here #starwars #patchwork #quilt #quilting #blanket #fleece #fatquarters #kids