Do you ever
wonder how the sewing pattern companies precisely fold the patterns and
instructions and stuff them into the envelope?
The patterns neatly fit into the pattern drawer just waiting for you to
take them home. Then, it happens. You
take the pattern tissue out of the neat envelope, smoothing out the sheets and
begin cutting on the lines--so simple. Making your garment is so much fun you
never think about how all the pieces are going to precisely fit into the
envelope, look flat, and the envelope stays in perfect condition.
Ugh, no
matter how you press, fold, and stuff there is too much to go back into the
envelope and you end up tearing the envelope.
Now you can protect your pattern envelope in a roomy, fabric
envelope. You can even buy those ragged
patterns you see in plenty online, yard sales, estate sales, etc. NookCove will
soon be offering cloth sewing pattern envelopes custom made.
Using
photo fabric, sewing machine, and embellishments, you will have a roomy
envelope
which
will better protect your pattern. The sample
you see is easy to design and make.
Decide how long you want your envelope to be. The roll you see in the picture is 8.5” x
120”. The sample I have made is cut at
11” long.
First, you
will need to scan your envelope (front and back) into your favorite photo
processing software. I use Serif Photo
Plus X7. This picture is set to print 10” x 8”. You can make the pattern
picture as small or large as you wish. Next, you will place your cut pieces of
photo fabric into your printer tray and print the front on one piece and the
back on the other piece.
The
fabric peels off the backing which is the next
step.
Now
you are ready to place the two fronts together and sew a stay stitch around all
sides on eachpiece. This fabric has a tendency to to
ravel.
I
forgot to do so and sewed a zig-zag stitch around the top later. With right
sides together I suggest at least pinning the fabric as it has a tendency to
move while stitching. I use a ¼” seam
but you can use a width of your choosing.
Sew around the three sides leaving the top open.
Snip
off the corner of the bottom so the envelope
will have a sharp edge when turned.
The
top will need to hem. If you want to hang your pattern on a peg board, you can
sew into the hem a loop. Or you may want a pretty ribbon to close the envelope,
and if you do, make your envelope longer.
Turn
the envelope right
side out and WA-la, your sewing pattern is complete.
Embellishing
the envelope with decorative stitching, bling or whatever pleases you is an
alternative to a plain envelope. You can
put a snap or Velcro at the opening for a closure.
I get about
10 plain envelopes from 1 roll of photo fabric. There are three fabrics
Crafter’s Images offer. This roll is 100% cotton poplin, 100% cotton twill, and
100% Silk.
