Making a cheater quilt using Spoonflower’s Fill A Yard service
Read moreMaking Face Masks
These are strange times for sure. When our (UK) Government first mentioned face masks/coverings, there seemed to be confusing science around whether or not they help in the fight against covid-19. Now, my own logical thinking is that if everyone’s wearing a mask, surely it would help stop the spread along with social distancing?
Read moreEasy Make Waterproof Placemat
Introduction. A simple tutorial showing you how to use Odif’s OdiCoat (Fabric Becomes like Oil Cloth) to make your favourite cotton fabric into oil cloth which will make it waterproof. Once we’ve done that, I’ll show you how to create a very simple placemat that is perfect for kids as it’s so easy to wipe clean. Please read through the whole tutorial before beginning.
Supplies. 1 piece of cotton fabric approximately 13” (33cm) x 16” (41cm), a pot of Odif’s OdiCoat, anti-slip draw or shelf liner - I got mine from Lakeland UK but you can also buy it from Amazon. You will also need scissors or rotary cutter, ruler, binding clips, greaseproof paper and sewing machine with thread and a walking foot. Please refer to your sewing machine manual on attaching your walking foot if you’ve not done this before.
I’ve used my own fabric from my Puddles & Ducks range available from Spoonflower - click on this link to see the range. You can also buy OdiCoat from most good fabric shops. Amazon also sell it.
Notes: Finished size of my placemat is approximately 15” x 12”. You can make them any size you like. Use a placemat you already have as an idea for size. I made mine a little bigger than most placemats for when my grandson visits so he do his play-doh and other messy play on it as well as using it for a placemat.
1. Press and cut your piece of fabric to size. Find something to protect your table/surface from the OdiCoat covering and place your fabric right side up on it. Using the supplied applicator, paste on the OdiCoat all over the fabric making sure it’s got a good overall covering. Leave for approximately 20 - 30 mins and then apply another coat. I applied only 2 coats to my fabric but you can apply 3. It will make the fabric more shiny and robust the more layers you apply. I’ve always found 2 layers is enough.
Leave for 24hrs to dry thoroughly.
2. Once the fabric is completely dry, get a piece of grease proof paper to cover the fabric and gently press with a warm iron - no steam - this will “set” the coating of OdiCoat and make the fabric washable. I’ve never washed mine as it’s very easy to wipe over to clean but I always like to “set” it in case I do want to ever wash it.
3. Cut a piece of anti-slip draw liner the same size as your fabric. Place the draw liner on top of the fabric so right sides are together. Not all anti-slip draw liners have a “right side”.
4. Use binding clips to keep the pieces together while sewing. Leave a gap of approximately 4” at the bottom - use binding clips to mark the beginning and end of that gap. This gap is where you will turn the placemat right sides out.
5. If you haven’t already, you will need to attach your walking foot. The walking foot makes it easier to grip the anti-slip liner when sewing. Sew all the way round remember to leave that 4” gap. Make sure you do a backstitch at the beginning and the end to secure your stitching. Take your time to sew as the anti-slip liner will want to resist going through the machine. Use an approx. 1/4” or 3/8” seam allowance.
6. Cut excess fabric from each of the corner and turn right sides out. Use a poking tool or similar to carefully poke out the corners. Finger press all way round including the open seam allowance. You might need to kind of roll the fabric until you feel the seam allowance to get it straight and then finger press it.
7. To close the gap, sew all the way round about 1/8” of an inch. This will also give the palcemat a nice finish. Done. It’s now washable and wipeable making it perfect for kids.
Easy Make Drawstring Bag Tutorial
This is a lovely, easy sewing project to make a simple drawstring bag.
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