Scrappy Journal TUTORIAL
Today is the first day of Twelve MORE Weeks of Christmas and I'm pretty excited! This tutorial is a scrappy journal; it will make the perfect gift for anyone on your list. I first made one for myself. Lets just say that I learned a lot:) And then I made one for the guru. And then I made tons more as gifts! They're addicting AND they use up scraps!!
Let's get started!!1. Fabric & Supplies: You need a hardbound book. I buy the 8 1/2" x 11" version. I've found the smaller ones are more difficult, but any size will do! I bought this one at Michaels for $9.99. You'll need a half yard of flannel. (If you're local, go to Sew Original for this. They have the best kind. It's called heavy chamois flannel. Chamois is pronounced shammy:) You'll also need one 2" x wof (width of fabric) for binding.
And a bunch of scraps!! It's the perfect time to use all those small hoarded pieces of precious fabrics.
2. Measuring: Measuring the book properly is key to your success! I've made a worksheet to help you measure.
3. Cutting: Cut a piece of flannel to Measurement One + 1" x Measurement Two + 1". You're adding 1" because you'll want excess to square up after you quilt.
4. Piecing: This is an anything goes section! You could make blocks, use hexies or even use one fabric you love. I've chosen to scrappy piece. There are a couple "blocks" that I used as well. Start by selecting some fabrics to fussy cut.
Square in a Square: Here is how I make these; there are lots of ways. My center will be the bunny. I cut him 2" x 2". Because the center of this block is on point, I cut him out on point. For my outside square, I cut 2" larger on both sides; in this case, it's 4" x 4".
Cut it in half diagonally in both directions.
It will frame the bunny like so.
Sew two opposing corners with a 1/4" seam.
Press and you should have this.
Trim off the excess.
Sew on the other two opposing corners.
Press and you should have this. This background is oversized so that you can square it up and get perfect points.
Square up the block 1/4" outside of the points.
This is what you should have!
When you attach another piece to this block, you want to sew through the intersection.
This will give you the perfect point every time!
Log Cabin: I prefer to accurately cut all my pieces before making a log cabin. It ensures a more accurate block.
Sew piece by piece.
You can trim it so that the sides are different widths for added interest.
Frame (Courthouse Steps): This is a variation on the log cabin. As with the log cabin, I prefer precutting all pieces to what they should be. Easier to piece AND more accurate!!
Sew the shorter pieces first and then add the other two sides. Voila!
Layout all your pieces and blocks and just start piecing! You cannot mess this up!
This is a great time to use selvage! Lay it 1/4" on top of the piece you want to connect it to.
Topstitch about an 1/8" from the edge.
This is what it should look like.
Keep piecing! Lay it on your flannel as you work so you'll know if you have enough.
You're done when your piece covers the flannel. Do not trim.
5. Basting & Quilting: I prefer safety pins for basting.
Use your walking foot for straight line quilting.
And some free motion quilting if you like!
Practice different designs in each square.
6. Trimming: Trim the quilted piece to Measurement One x Measurement Two.
It should look like this.
7. Binding: Press the 2" strip in half lengthwise. Cut this piece in half so you have two pieces of binding measuring approximately 20".
Attach each piece of binding to the short ends using a 1/4" seam.
Finger press the binding.
Press.
Turn over the whole piece. And finger press it from the top.
Press again. Make sure the binding is tightly wrapped around the edge.
Use wonderclips (or pins) to hold the binding in place.
Topstitch the binding. If you're a Bernina user, use a #10 foot:)
This is what it should look like.
Trim off the excess binding.
Ta-Da!
8. Finishing: Fold in the bound edge 4 1/4". Fold right sides together.
Measure in from the raw edges 1 1/4" and mark a line.
It should look like this. Mark and pin both ends.
Sew along the line. Back stitch front and back a few stitches at the binding to lock the stitches. Sew all four lines.
Turn the piece right side out.
I use this corner tool. Chopsticks also work well!
Press.
Insert the book putting excess fabric to the outside. It will be snug.
You're done!!
These are great fun to make! Please add any that you make to my Made with May Chappell Flickr group! See you next week for the Mod Tree Wall Hanging!!Grab the button for your blog!
xo LC