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August 26, 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment which guaranteed a woman’s right to vote. Suffragists (also sometimes called Suffragettes) were the women who campaigned for this right. Commemorate the centennial of the women's suffrage movement's ultimate victory with a celebratory button designed by Maker Team member Camille of @notsomodernmillie, featuring the slogan, “Votes for Women.” It's the perfect accessory for this election year!
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 3 hours
Additional Supplies:
Suffrage Button Template (click to download)
Votes for Women Cross Stitch Instructions (click to download)
Marking Pencil - optional
Directions:
1. Click on the links above to print the PDF patterns. The Votes for Women Cross Stitch instructions includes basic cross stitch and finishing tips. The Suffrage Button Template is the template for the felt ribbon and should be printed on cardstock.
2. Begin by stitching your Votes for Women design. You may find it helpful to put your cross stitch fabric in a hoop when stitching, as it keeps the fabric taut. When the design is completed, remove from the hoop, iron and set aside.
3. Cut out the pieces from your cardstock template. Trace the 1 3⁄4” and 2” circles onto the white wool blend felt. Cut. Trace the 2” circle onto the white stiffened felt three times. Cut.
Glue two of the stiffened felt circles together. Center and glue the 1 3⁄4” felt circle on top of these. Next, glue the 2” wool blend felt circle on top. These pieces will make up the button center. The remaining stiffened felt circle will be the backing. Set aside.
4. Cut a 3 – 4” circle around the finished cross stitch design. Position the design over the felt button center. Tuck or gather the raw edges and glue them to the back of the button center. A small portion of the cross stitch will be folded behind so the border looks continuous.
5. Trace the 2 1⁄4” circle onto the vineyard felt. Trace the 2 3⁄4” circle onto the emerald felt. Trace the 3 1⁄4” circle onto the silver felt. I find a white marking pencil makes it easiest to see your trace lines on the darker felt. If you don’t have a marking pencil, a white map pencil or dark pen will work fine.
Cut around the outside edge of these circles using pinking shears. Center and glue the felt circles to one another from smallest to largest.
6. Trace the small ribbon pattern onto the lilac felt two times. Cut. Trace the large ribbon pattern onto the evergreen felt three times. Cut.
On top of the single stiffened felt circle (reserved for backing), arrange the large and small felt ribbons. The tops should fit inside of the circle and extend to form the tail of your finished button. Glue in place. If desired, trim the ends of the felt ribbons at a 45° angle.
7. To assemble your button, glue the Votes for Women center onto the three felt circles. Glue these to the backing circle with ribbons. After these elements are dry, turn over the ribbon and glue on a pin back.
Well done, Sister Suffragette!
Thanks to Camille for designing and writing this tutorial! You can follow her on Instagram @notsomodernmillie or visit her website. Stay tuned for more Benzie Design Maker Team tutorials from Camille and the rest of the Team!
