Monogrammed Needle Book Tutorial

I really enjoy doing needlework, so I made this cute needle book to add to my sewing kit. It is a perfect place to store my pins and needles for when I am traveling around with a project. Needle books can be a great gift for someone who enjoys sewing. They are fun, simple and easy to make and you can use ends of fabric and embellishments. Here is how you can make your own needle book.

Supplies
Thread
6" x 12" Outer Fabric
6" x 12" Inner Fabric
2 ½" x 2 ½" Fabric (monogrammed patch)
6" x 12" Batting (optional)
9 ½" x 4 ½" Felt
9 x 4" Felt
Fabric Marker or Fabric Chalk
Ruler
Embroidery Floss
Embroidery Needle
Buttons
Ribbon
Embellishments
Scissors
Pinking Shears (optional)

Instructions
Step 1
Use a ruler and fabric marker or fabric chalk to draw lines 1" apart on the outer fabric of your needle book. Then stitch along the lines with decorative stitches or attach ribbon and other embellishments. Press the fabric on the wrong side with a suitable heat setting.

I drew eleven lines on my fabric and I then used several decorative stitches from my sewing machine in different colour threads. I selected colours that coordinates with the colours on the inner fabric. In the middle, I used cotton eyelet ribbon piped with a pink satin ribbon. I also did some couching with pink cotton yarn and a zig zag stitch and I added a decorative stitch over pink velvet ribbon.

Step 2
Use a top stitch to attach your 2 ½" square piece of fabric onto the outer fabric of your needle book in the desired position. Leave room for a ½" seam allowance.

Using a fabric marker or fabric chalk, in your best handwriting write your initial on the 2 ½" square piece of fabric. Chain stitch the outline and fill in your letter with embroidery floss. I used three strands of embroidery floss and knotted the ends together, which made for a six strand embroidery stitch. For a finer look, try using two strands with a single knot. I stitched my patch on the lower right hand side and then I later embellished with some buttons.

Step 3
With right sides facing each other, sew the outer and inner fabric pieces together at ½" seam allowance leaving a 1 ½" minimum opening along one side. Trim corners and turn right side out. Then press for a crisp edge and top stitch ¼" around the outer edge.

Step 4
Attach ribbon, buttons or other embellishments to your felt pieces. You can also use a pinking shears and trim around the edges of the felt (optional).

Step 5
Place the layers of felt on the inside of your needle book and stitch down the center of the book to create pages. I only used two sheets of felt; however, you can add additional pieces of felt to make a fuller book.

Step 6
Now place your pins and needles in your new needle book.

Tips!

• For a quilted cover you can add batting between the layers of your cover. Sew the batting onto your outer or inner fabric at a ¼" from the edge, then follow "Step 3."
• To add a closure for your needle book, you can use ribbon, snap or a button with elastic cord. Sew ribbon or elastic cord into the seam during "Step 3." Place the ribbon or looped elastic cord between the outer and inner fabric facing the center of the book with the edges along the edge of the fabric.
• If you are adding a snap closure, you may need to make the felt pages smaller. Follow the package instructions to attach the snap.

Front

Back View

Side View

A needle book can be a fun addition to your sewing kit. The monogrammed patch is a great personal touch especially if you are giving your needle book as a gift. You can have fun playing with different stitches on your sewing machine or add a variety of cute embellishments. This project was done using a sewing machine, but will also be great with hand sewing and hand embroidered details.

Happy stitching!