Have you ever worked with woven wool before? If not, then you're in for a real treat! It is such a beautiful medium to work in and once you try it, you'll be hooked!
I'm very happy to bring you this tutorial, in conjunction with the friendly folks at Penny Rose Fabrics, who I design for. The pattern for this pincushion "In The Summertime" is available at Essence of Cloth.
First up, let's talk about what tools and other necessities are required. I like to use the following:
- Aurifil 28wt Cotton Mako Thread in colours to match my wools
- Milliners Size 11 Needles (Sue Daley brand)
- Sandpaper board (Sue Daley brand)
- Water soluble glue stick
- General office stapler
- Light weight freezer paper
- Sharp 4" pointed embroidery scissors
- Rotary cutting equipment
- Mechanical grey lead pencil
- Circle template
So let's get started.
I always make a habit of washing my wool before I use it and that is just a matter of putting in through a hot wash and then popping it into the dryer. This condenses the fibres and makes it nice and soft and fluffy . . . . and even more irresistible!
Step 1.
Rotary cut your stems and background.
Step 2.
Trace all other shapes, including the scalloped rectangle, onto the dull side of the freezer paper, leaving approximately 1/4" between each piece.
Step 3.
Cut the shapes out roughly and iron them onto your chosen coloured woven wool, using a dry iron.
Step 4.
Cut the shapes out on the drawn line and peel the freezer paper away.
Step 5.
Using your sandpaper board so that it grips the woven wool, apply water soluble glue to the back of the scalloped rectangle and position it on top of one of the cream rectangles.
Step 6.
Using your sandpaper board to grip the wool, apply water soluble glue to the back of each of your shapes to hold them in place. Centre the stems, flowers and leaves inside the scalloped rectangle then press down flat with the help of a large ruler or just use your hand.
Step 7.
Using a general office stapler, staple each of the pieces into place for a firm hold. The staples will be removed once the pieces have been appliqued.
Step 8.
Using an Aurifil 28wt Cotton Mako thread in a colour to match your woven wool, blanket stitch around the edges of each shape.
Step 9.
Once all of your pieces have been appliqued in place, remove the staples by pushing up with your index finger toward your thumb until the end of the staple pops out from the wool.
Gently bend the staple back to straighten it and then pull it out from the wool.
Step 10.
Place the two rectangles right sides together and using a 1/4" seam allowance on your sewing machine, sew around all four sides, leaving a small section open for turning through. Clip the corners before turning.
Step 11.
Fill the pincushion with 2-3 cups of ground walnut shells and stitch the opening closed!
And there you have it!
A gorgeous little woolen pincushion made with luscious wool that's begging to be used . . . and I'm sure your friends will be begging for you to make one for them!
Hope you've enjoyed this Working with Wool tutorial . . . head on over to my online store, Essence of Cloth and take a peek at some of my other designs that feature this beautiful medium . . . told you you'd be hooked!
Until next time,
Leonie