I thought it was about time I put another sewing project on my blog (it is called Make Do SEW after all). The nights are drawing in and the weather is getting colder, a draught excluder is the perfect mini project. I added some freehand machine embroidery and reverse applique inspired by Poppy Treffys work, see the link for the website below.
Machine embroidery is so easy, if your machine has the capacity to do a darn stitch and you can lower the feed dog then you do can freehand machine embroidery. You will need an embroidery hoop and it is better to have good quality thread and a loose tension setting on your sewing machine.
You may want to sketch up some rough designs, I prefer to just see what happens and not plan too much!!
See my step by step instructions below.
Step 1: Measure the width of your door and decide the depth you want for your draught excluder. Multiply the depth by 2, add on a 1cm seam allowance all the way around the pattern for the finished size needed. For the optional hanging loop, again work out the dimensions you want and add 1 cm seam allowance all the way around.
Step 2: Cut out the motif shape you want to the size and number you require.
Step 3: Pin your motif on to your base fabric, the right side of the motif fabric should be facing down.
Step 4: Place your embroidery hoop over the motif and tighten the screw to secure. You will need to pull the base fabric so there is no slack in the fabric within the hoop. You will know the tension is correct when you tap the fabric and is sounds like a dull drum.
Step 5: Stitch the motif to the base fabric, don't worry about neatness, the more haphazard the better. Sew around the motif until you get the density of stitching you want.
::sew until you get the density of stitch you want::
::sew your motif as many times as needed::
Step 6: Taking great care not to cut the motif fabric, cut away the base fabric from the inside of the embroidery stitching to reveal the right side of the base fabric underneath.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have added the desired amount of motifs.
Step 7: For the freehand machine embroidery motif place your embroidery hoop on the fabric in the required location and start to sew your design, as in step 5 don't worry about being too neat and add as much embroidery you want until you get the density of stitch you like.
::sew until you get the required density of stitch::
::see finished reverse applique and machine embroidery below::
Step 8: Fold the fabric for the hanging loop in half longways and sew 1cm in from the edge, turn this through so the seam is on the inside. You can do this by using a safety pin, it is easier if you trim the 1cm seam allowance to about 0.5mm. Once turned through ensure the seam runs down the middle and press. This seam will go on the inside once made up so it wont be seen.
::1cm seam allowance::
::trim seam allowance down to 0.5mm, turn through and press with seam running down the centre on the loop::
Step 9: Fold your draught excluder fabric in half longways ensuring the right sides are together and pin, add the hanging loop in the desired location and sew a 1cm seam (the loop should be on the inside with a small overhang on the outside to be secured in place when sewn). Ensure you leave the end without the loop unsewn so you can turn the fabric through to the right side and stuff.
::right sides together::
::add hanging loop to required end::
::turn through and stuff::
Step 10: Tuck in the raw edges and pin to create a neat end, slip stitch the edges together if you want an unseen stitch or top stitch on the machine if you don't mind a visible sewn edge.
The finished product!!!
I've kept my design simple however buttons, ribbons, ricrack and other types of embellishment can be added too.
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