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INSTRUCTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING YOUR SCISSOR FOB
Now that you have completed cross stitching the design, the next step is to assemble the scissor fob.
Stabilizing the cross stitched piece:
Adding a cotton-blend fabric of a matching color to the back of the stitched pieces is not required, but does help to stabilize the piece.
Pin the cotton-blend fabric to the back of the first cross stitched piece.
Count two threads from the outer edge of the cross-stitched design and attach the cross-stitched fabric to the backing fabric with a backstitch through both fabrics. You can use a thread color similar to the cross-stitch fabric or a contrasting color to provide an ornamental seam. This stitching will show in the final piece and is used to sew the fob together.
Continue until all four sides are backstitched to the fabric. Repeat the same process on the second stitched piece (the back).
Be sure that both the front and back pieces have the identical number of backstitches on all four sides or the two pieces of the fob will not match properly.
Trim the excess fabric on all four sides of the front and back pieces to measure ½ inch from the edge of the cross stitch. Baste the fabric at the edge to prevent raveling.
Assembling the fob:
Using your fingers, fold the fabric at the backstitching to the wrong side. Place the pieces together with right sides facing each other.
Using two strands of thread (color of your choosing), knot the thread, bringing the threaded needle from the wrong side of one piece at one corner to the front side of that corner at the backstitching.
Take your threaded needle and pass it underneath the backstitch, without piercing the fabric, of the same corner of the back piece.
Still with right sides together, pass the needle through the next backstitch of your front piece. You are sewing the front and back together by sewing through the backstitching only.
Continue stitching through the backstitch from one piece to another, back and forth, keeping the stitches taut and even without leaving any gaps. Be careful not to sew so tightly that the fabric puckers.
To strengthen the corners, it is recommended that you stitch more than once through the backstitch at the corners.
If your corners are not matching up, this is the best time to make your adjustments.
Stop stitching once you have completed the third side.
You may need to trim extra fabric across the corners to allow the corners to fold properly.
Stuffing the fob:
Reverse your fob and begin stuffing with polyester batting. Be careful not to stuff too tightly.
As an option, you may make a smaller pouch from a tightly woven fabric, fill this pouch with Emery Aluminum Oxide, and insert it into the cross-stitched fob in between the polyester batting. Emery is used to clean and sharpen your needles and act as a pin cushion.
Creating the twisted cord and finishing the fob:
Cut two strands of colored threads of your choosing, about 10” to 12” long for the twisted cord. Be sure the colors will compliment the completed fob.
If desired, this would be the time to add a charm or two. For the best effect, do not place the charms too close to each other. It’s up to you how long you wish the twisted cord to be. The pictured cord is approximately 4” long.
Approximately ½ inch of each end of the twisted cord is pinned into the open corner of the fob.
Using your fingers, fold the fabric of the fourth side of the square inward and continue with the needle passing underneath the backstitches across the fourth and final side. Securely tie off the thread end.
When finished, trim the thread, leaving only enough in the needle to pass the excess thread through the fob to hide it.
Optional Bead Border:
The beads I used for the border are 2 grams.
Start at one corner. Thread a beading needle, matching the thread to the beads. You can attach one bead to the fob at a time or as many as four to five beads to the fob. Be sure to always account for spacing. You may change the design to suit your taste.
Continue the beading pattern until you have completed all four sides of the fob. Securely tie off the thread end.
When finished, trim the thread, leaving only enough in the needle to pass the excess thread through the fob to hide the thread.
Congratulations! You have created a scissor fob that will be the envy of your friends.
I always welcome questions and comments.
Happy Stitching!
--Marie
No part of this pattern may be reproduced, unless for a
working copy only, in any way without precise written consent from Marie Driskill. This includes NO scanning
or reproducing for sharing or uploading to the internet. |
