Instructions for Artistic Scissors Pocket
by Terry White
Artistic Scissors Pocket
I used Havel’s 5 ½ inch curved scissors as he pattern for my appliqué design. By tracing the actual scissors, I can easily identify what’s in the pocket. There are several techniques presented here, some may be new to you or a variation of something you do. This is an interesting and quick little project and the result is sweet.
Fabrics used are 100% cotton. This project uses small amounts of fabric, so instead of telling you yardage amounts, I’ll cut to the chase and give you the cut requirements. I used gorgeous batiks for mine; I think this project will work with vintage prints, hand dyes and novelty prints. The lining fabric is cotton sateen. The finished size is 4 ½ x 7 ½ inches.
Fusible web is used in this project. Choose your favorite (I use a lightweight paper backed fusible web.) Press according to the manufacturer’s directions. 1 yard is more than sufficient for this project. I like to have extra in case I make mistakes.
I use Havel’s Rotary cutter to cut my strips, rectangles and the triangles in this design. This big rotary cutter saves time and its large handle is easy to hold while working.
Cut:
Front piece, back piece and two lining pieces- 5”x 8”
Two 1 1/8” wide x 6” long strips of contrasting fabric for the top of pocket
1 1/8” wide strips from two contrasting fabrics for neck strap (mine is 34” long)
Cut two pieces of fusible web 5”x8”. Fuse to the wrong side of front and back pieces. Fuse the lining to the wrong side of the front and the back pieces.
Appliqué:
Using Free Motion Stitching
There are six fused appliqué pieces in this design. Trace the shapes onto fusible web. Press the shapes to desired fabrics. Cut and fuse them to the front of the pocket according to the drawing.
I use Havel’s 5 ½ inch curved scissors to cut my appliqué shapes. The scissors are very sharp. The curve and point on these scissors help me to get a clean cut in intricate shapes. They are also easy to handle while cutting because they are a perfect size.
Free-Motion Stitching:
I used a free-motion stitch technique to stitch the appliqué pieces to the front of the pocket and to add details. I used three different cotton multi-color threads (Star threads from my own design collection).
If you don’t want to free-motion stitch, you can use a very tiny zigzag or buttonhole stitch on your sewing machine. Other options are to use textile paints along the edges or don’t finish them at all and let the fusible web do its job.
Assemble the Pocket:
Place the front and back pieces of pocket, wrong sides together. Trim the front and back together according to the drawing. I use Havel’s big rotary cutter for this process. You may draw the lines and use big sharp shears
Assembling the Pocket and Neck Strap
instead.
Cut two strips of fusible web 1”x 6”. Fuse to the top contrasting strips. This is the green fabric strip at the top of the pocket. * Fold the strip lengthwise over the top of the front of the pocket. Trim the strip along the width if necessary to the design. Press to fuse the strip over the top pocket edge…pressing and fusing the strip to itself at the ends. Trim the ends to the size of the pocket. Repeat from * for the back piece.
Use an edge stitch to sew the pocket pieces together. You can use a serger for this. I used an overcast stitch with a special edge foot. Use a decorative thread in a contrasting color for a pretty finish.
Neck Strap:
You must determine the length of your strap. Fuse strips of two contrasting fabrics together. This creates a double sided fabric strap which has body and strength. I use Havel’s Pinking Shears to cut a lovely decorative edge as I trim the strap to about ½ inch width.
Use a wide bar tack stitch on your sewing machine to attach the strap.
One of the creations I’m most proud of isn’t a quilt, it’s an instagram account called @quiltstories where people share their quilts and the personal stories behind them. I was inspired to start this account one day when I was feeling down on myself for not being good enough, not having amazing enough designs. The online quilt community can be a double-edged sword. It’s wonderful for encouragement, inspiration, and camaraderie, but it can also be so tempting to compare yourself and your work to all the awesome things other folks are making. When I was feeling down on myself that day, I thought about what I really love about quilts, and what I could give back to the quilt community that would make me feel better. It occurred to me that the stories behind quilts are my favorite part, and that I could provide a place for people to share theirs. I try to post one a day. It has quickly grown into a really lovely community. Posting to @quiltstories is always highlight of my day. Join me there! And submit your stories! I post them all, in the order received.
“Howdy! I’m Jessica, aka blueskycrafter, and I’m so excited to be taking over the Havels Sewing IG feed this week as one of their newest sewing ambassadors. I took up sewing as a hobby seven years ago when we moved from Texas to St. Louis and didn’t know anyone, but it quickly morphed into a passion for me. Now, I spend as much time as I can behind my machine or on the couch working on my newest love, needle-turn applique. I am in the midst of my second year as the secretary of the St Louis Modern Quilt Guild and work part time at a local fabric store (in addition to my “normal” job as a freelance editor). I just got back from QuiltCon and can’t wait to get to work on some new ideas and projects inspired by all the loveliness I saw there. Can’t wait to show you more this week, so stay tuned!” – JS
“My Havel’s Sewing embroidery scissors are a staple in my sewtogetherbag. Perfect for hand sewing on the go.” – JS
My favorite quilt I’ve made was inspired by the early spring / late winter in Chicago, this quilt brings together precision and free piecing. For anyone who has experienced a Chicago spring, they’ll know that just as you get comfortable with the newly warm temperatures, a snow storm will hit! The unexpected weather changes in spring can be frustrating, but they bring about a level of pre
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