Do you love to read but find your place constantly slipping away? Are you looking for a quick and charming project to add a touch of handmade delight to your books? Then look no further! This beginner-friendly tutorial will guide you through creating a functional and adorable pen holder bookmark in a flash. Forget flimsy paper bookmarks – this sturdy little creation will hold your page and your favorite pen, ensuring you're always ready to resume your reading adventures.
Forget complicated patterns and hours of sewing – this pen holder bookmark is designed for absolute beginners. With just a few simple supplies and straightforward steps, you'll be crafting your own personalized bookmark in minutes. Ready to transform a scrap of fabric into a practical and pretty reading companion? Let's dive into the easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions below.
Preparation and Safety Guidelines
- Fabric
- One-sided fusible fleece
- Fold-over elastic
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Pins or clips
- Chopstick (optional)
- Always use sharp scissors to prevent injury and ensure clean cuts through the fabric.
- Supervise young children if they are participating in this craft to prevent accidental needle pricks or ingestion of small parts.
- Be mindful of your needle placement while sewing to avoid accidental pokes or injury.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pattern and Fabric
- Print and trace the pattern onto your fabric and cut it out.
- Fuse a piece of fusible fleece, slightly smaller than your fabric piece, to the wrong side of your fabric.
Prepare the Pattern and Fabric Attach the Elastic
- Fold the fold-over elastic in half and mark the center point on both short ends of your fabric.
- Place the elastic centered over the marks and sew it in place, close to the edge.
Attach the Elastic Assemble the Pen Holder
- Fold your pocket fabric in half with raw edges together and pretty sides out.
- Place the pocket piece on top of the elastic, matching raw edges. Add the other fabric piece on top, right side down, pinning or clipping at the top.
- Sew around all four sides using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a 2 1/2 inch opening on one side. Use the back stitch at the beginning and end. Sew around corners by lifting the presser foot, rotating the fabric, and continuing to sew.
Assemble the Pen Holder Finish the Seam
- Clip the corners to reduce bulk, being careful not to cut the stitches.
- Turn the fabric right side out through the opening, using a chopstick if needed, and push out all seams and corners.
- Fold the raw edges of the opening inward, matching the seam, and sew it closed. Press flat.
- Top stitch around the entire rectangle using a 1/8 inch seam allowance, keeping the elastic out of the way. Alternatively, you can just sew the opening closed for a less refined finish.
Finish the Seam
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Tips
- Use a chopstick to help turn the project right side out and push out the corners.
- Don't sew past the pocket piece at the opening to ensure a flat finish.
- Ensure the elastic is out of the way when top stitching.