Make the base for stitching a ring
These directions are for making a base for stitching a napkin ring or a temari stand. The same technique can also be used for a bracelet - just make it large enough to go on your wrist.
The finished ring is 6" (15 cm) circumference.
Supplies:
Strip of cotton fabric cut on the bias
Batting - thin, compressed batting like Warm and Natural
Scotch tape
Poster board
Light weight typing paper
Scissors
Needle, thimble, wide rubber band (for pulling out a stuck needle!)
Strong thread - buttonhole thread or heavier
Calculator
Measuring tape
Pencil
1. Measure circumference of form. The form I used is 4 1/2" (11.5cm) circumference. It's a bottle from a travel kit.
2. Cut bias fabric 1 5/8" (4.2 cm) wide. The length should be 1 1/2” (3.8 cm) longer than circumference of the form. You can use purchased bias tape. However, I found that it's really hard to get a needle through this heavy fabric when stitching. I much prefer a softer quilting cotton.
3. Fold back 3/8” (1 cm) on short end of bias fabric strip.
4. Lay bias fabric strip around form with the right side against the form. Lay it with the folded side up and wrap all the way around. Secure with Scotch tape. Don’t pull too tightly so bias stretches. Leave it a little loose so it slides easily on the form. It will be easier to fold over and stitch down in Step 8.
5. Cut batting 1 5/8” (4.2 cm) wide and long enough to go around the form. Wind it around the form on top of bias tape. Stitch short ends together.
6. Cut poster long enough to go around the form 4 times (length) and 5/8” (1.6 cm) wide. Wind it around the form centered on top of batting. Secure starting and stopping points with Scotch tape.
7. Bring long ends of batting over to meet in center of ring and stitch together all the way around.
8. Bring long ends of bias fabric to meet in center of ring and stitch together very tightly all the way around.
9. Cut a length of regular typing paper 5/8” (1.6 cm) wide to the circumference of the ring (length). Make the number of divisions that you’ll need to stitch the pattern - use a measuring tape and calculator. Tape the marking paper to the ring.
10. Cut batting 1/2” (1.3 cm) wide by circumference of ring. Lay it on top of the ring, centered over the paper measuring strip. Stitch a line down length of batting, around the ring to secure batting to ring.
11. Stitch your pattern. These are stitched with DMC #5 pearl cotton.
