Magnetic Needleminder Tutorial

So many of you have asked how I make the needleminders I decided to try and make up a tutorial to show you how. If you have any questions feel free to email me, I am always happy to help out!

First, gather supplies. You will need:
1. A stitched piece, about an inch in size.
2. Backing fabric that compliments.
3. Fusible interfacing for light to medium weight fabric.
4. Craft magnets. I get mine from Hobby Lobby. They look sort of like watch batteries.
5. Metal finishing form ~ two pieces, 1.5 inch size. I get mine from The Silver Needle.
6. Thick white glue that dries clear and is fabric safe. I use Aleene's Tacky Glue.
7. Sewing thread and needle.

First, wash your fabrics and iron dry. Then, iron on the interfacing following the manufacturers instructions. Please, pay attention to ironing on the interfacing. I embarrassed to admit I have ironed it on to the front side of my stitching...or adhered it to the ironing cloth instead of the fabric...or scorched it black.

Now, cut your fabric pieces into circles. I have a juice glass that fits these perfectly and I can see through it to see if I'm centered. The circles should be about 2.5 inches.

Here are my circles, finishing forms and magnets.

On each of your fabric circles make a loose running stitch (use regular sewing thread) starting from the front and ending at the front. You don't have to be perfect either! I usually use a thread close to the color of my fabric but I've used black here so you could easily see it. I'm almost done here...see the big knot? You need to be able to pull the ends tight to draw up the circle so use a big knot that's easy to grab. End close to your knot and leave a long tail...

Here, I have started drawing in on the thread. Get it cupped and then insert your form. and draw it in tight. Careful! Not too tight or you might break your thread or tear through your fabric! This is why you use interfacing...it gives the fabric a little more strength.

I've finished the backing side. Here is the front side with the magnet. I use a little drop of glue on the magnet (to keep it from moving around) but it does stick to the form by itself.

Finish drawing in your threads, pull gently until it's good & tight. Check the front to make sure it's centered. You can gently slide the fabric around on the form until you have it centered nicely. Then tie the ends of the threads together to hold tight.

Now, using a tooth pick, spread white glue over both pieces, being careful to get close to the edges but not getting the glue onto the areas that will be visible. Once your glue is on, place the backs together and squeeze them gently, make sure to get the edges even. The magnet will tend to hold them too. I don't bother...but you can place the needleminder under a book until the glue dries.

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The finished needleminder! Was that easy or what?

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox