We love die cutting, if you haven't noticed. We know that it is an investment, so we like to find multiple uses for the dies we've created. Our Ready, Set, Rainbow Die is a fan favorite! We've used it to make ornaments, mobiles, appliques and now, a needle book! Our simple tutorial brings new dimension to this cheerful die and comes together in a flash because of the pre-cut stitching holes. Want some instant gratification? Ready, set, go!
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 2 hours
Additional Supplies:
Directions:
Die Cutting
1. Use Ready, Set, Rainbow Die and a cutting machine to cut the following from felt:
Stitchable Base - Cut 2 each from Cornflower, Lunar and Tellina; Cut 1 from Canary
Large Arch - Cut 1 from Azalea
Medium Arch - Cut 1 from Agave
Small Arch - Cut 1 from Cobalt
Rain Drop - Cut 2 from Cobalt
Embellishment
2. Beginning with the front panel, position Rainbow Arches on one Cornflower Base. Stitch each Arch in place with three strands of coordinating floss. It may be helpful to tack Arches in place with a small amount of tacky glue before stitching.
3. Cut Canary Base in half (from flat base to top of arch.)
4. Assemble second panel by placing one half of Canary Base along bottom half of Lunar Base. Stitching holes should be aligned. Position Rain Drop in top half of Lunar Base.
Repeat Step 4 as a mirror image for the next panel.
5. Before stitching Rain Drops in place, use E6000 glue to attach a Super Strong Magnet under second Rain Drop. Magnet and pocket will be in back of needle book to secure small embroidery scissors. Allow glue to dry, then replace Rain Drop. Stitch around both Rain Drops with coordinating floss.
6. Front and back panels of needle book have two attached sides - Cornflower Base (front is embellished) with Lunar Base and pocket on reverse side. Two center panels are singular Tellina Bases.
Prepare Tellina panels by completing a running stitch around rounded portion with coordinating floss. Tie off and clip floss at corners.
Assembly
7. Cut a long length of DMC 813 (Cornflower) floss. Use three strands to complete a running stitch from top corner around rounded arch of front panel. Be sure to catch all the layers while stitching.
8. At bottom corner, stack needle book panels in order as follows: Front Cornflower panel (Rainbow facing down), two Tellina panels, Lunar panel (pocket facing down) and back Cornflower panel with all stitching holes aligned. Panels are staggered in picture to show order.
9. Continuing with same length of floss, complete a running stitch along straight edge of needle book, going through all panels.
10. At corner, reverse stitching and complete a second running stitch along straight edge so all spaces are filled.
11. Flip over needle book and use remaining length of floss to stitch around back panel. Lift the components slightly to ensure that Cornflower and Lunar Bases as well as Canary pocket are aligned and being secured properly.
12. At end of arch, tie off floss and weave end through spine of needle book before clipping.
All that's left to do now is fill your needle book with all the little things you might need to sew on the go! There's needles obviously, but your front pocket can also hold a floss bobbin. The rain drop can serve as decoration or secure a safety pin or two.
And don't forget that back pocket and magnet made especially for your favorite pair of snips!
We hope you enjoy this sunny tutorial. And we'd love to know - what are you making with your Ready, Set, Rainbow Die? Share a picture on social media and tag @benziedesign so we can see!
