Tag: sewing pattern

the stitched vessel sewing tutorial and stitch book day 29!

February 14, 2025
by annwood
comments 13

collection of small stitched containers made from scraps

It’s like paper mache, but with fabric.

Have you got scraps? Tiny fragments of fabric you love but don’t know what to do with? Stitched Vessels are for you. And no printer? No problem – there are no templates – it’s a technique – and you can view the instructions on you computer or smart device. The process is simple, intriguing and (be warned) addictive.

You probably already have the other materials you need (they are top secret).

I made this project for the stitch club community and over the last year members have made lots of wonderful vessels in all shapes and sizes.  There were also vessel workshops in France and LA last year.

hand holding small stitched vessel

The technique scales and most fabrics work (just avoid anything stretchy). This is super chill, get set up somewhere cozy, meditative, slow stitching. I’m pretty sure it makes me a more agreeable person…

You can buy the tutorial in the shop for 8 bucks or get it free when you join stitch club.

Plus February is International Scrap Month! (that’s a thing I made up that is also totally legit) and wabi sabi vessels made from your most favorite scraps are the perfect way to celebrate.

hand stitched collage with fish

the hundred day stitch book challenge – we are at the 1/4 mark

Today – Friday- is  day 29 and beginning the fifth week today – it has flown by so far.  We have a solid amount of work behind us and I’m wondering how you’re feeling in the process? Each year I’m nervous to start. So worried it will feel stale or that  no inspiration will appear. And once again the process is delivering energy and ideas. In the stitch club community and on instagram I’m seeing lots of imaginative stitching.

collection of stitched collages and fabric scraps

The two pages above, created by Stitch Club member Barbara, are bursting with movement and energy. There’s an incredible sense of vibrancy, drawing you in—there’s so much to explore, and it pulses and vibrates… Barbara has been a member from the beginning and it’s been super interesting to watch her tap into her intuition more and more. One of the core goals of this kind of improvisational work is to deepen that connection. I firmly believe that work, that practice, that listening delivers our best and most singular work.

PS – There will be a painting shop update next Thursday -2/20 noon-ish Eastern time.

PPS – The sunset at 5:22 yesterday – the lengthening days are such a welcome, happy thing – do you have early spring fever too? Are you on track in your 100 day stitch book? Somewhat behind? Not exactly, technically, started? Is there a scrappy vessel in your future? Let us know in the comments.

new sewing pattern : patchwork pouch

October 13, 2023
by annwood

get the pattern

scraps are magic

And I get pretty excited about patchwork. It’s in my DNA. Partly from my holly hobby childhood and partly from a love of improvisation – the magic of combining castoffs into something new.

Your little cotton scraps are perfect for this patchwork thread pouch. The blocks that make the little bag can be as detailed, layered and slow stitched as you like (add embroidery or personalization for a cute sewy gift). Endless possibilities.

It’s just the right size (4 inches high when open) for a few spools of thread and a mini needle book (included in the pattern). It feels good in my hand, soft and simple and cozy.

*This post contains an affiliate link marked with an *asterisk

Besides scraps you’ll need cord or twill tape (I love twill tape and *get it by the roll here) for the draw string and a little felt. Something new with this pattern- instead of including the resource list within the pdf I’ve created a resource list online. Stock runs out, sources change and this way I can update the list to currently available materials. I’m going to add an online source for all the patterns eventually.

You can sew the whole bag by hand or use the machine as well. I’m almost always working on one of these bags. The little blocks come with me for slow stitching and then get assembled on the machine at home.

Is patchwork in your DNA? Does your thread cry out for a pouch? I hope you enjoy making  the little bag.

ghost kitties : a new tutorial and notes from the forest

September 22, 2023
by annwood

boo! sew up a batch of friendly cat ghosts

They are sweet and silly and  I’ve made you a tutorial and everything. It’s super easy and quick  to do and you probably already have everything you need to make them.  Sew by hand or machine. This is also a perfect pattern for using freezer paper if you have it. Trace the template onto your freezer paper and iron it on (shiny side down). You can stitch around with the freezer paper still attached. And you can use the freezer paper template multiple times.  For the demonstration below I’m using a plain paper pattern.

More on the ghost kitties in a moment….

notes from the forest

mark making with stamps and paint on newsprint in progress

In other news I’ve just come back from the Squam Art Retreat in New Hampshire.  A glorious time  was had by all. Maybe mostly me. I so needed the change of pace and some time to play and experiment and listen to the loons and the wind in the pines. The group energy is wild and motivating. I came home with lots of percolating ideas.  The class (taught by myself and Autumn Song) was a day of creative play that began with mark making. The rest of the day is top secret…

And you never know who you might bump into in that big pine forest….

The dastardly owl and sleepy very nice mice and little  wire bed by Mary B. So sweet!

make a cat ghost doll

download the pattern

You will also need:

  • cotton fabric
  • a basic sewing kit
  • chopstick or similar
  • stuffing – I like wool
  • buttons
  • embroidery thread for the features

1.  Download and cut out the template.  Pin it to a double layer of fabric (right sides together) and trace with a pencil or disappearing marker. Mark the space for the opening indicated on the pattern.

2. Remove the paper pattern and re-pin the fabric (use lots of pins).  Cut out around the seam line with 1/4 inch seam allowance.

3.  Stitch the seam by hand or machine.  Clip tiny wedges into the seam allowance around the curves. Clip close to the seam but be careful not to snip it. Clip off the tips at the ears and tail and remove a little of the seam allowance. Reducing the bulk at the points will make them turn out more easily.

back to the cats in just a moment:

It has been a priority here for years to create high quality and fun free patterns (there are tons) like the ghosty cats on an ad free site. There are not very many of those left and it is becoming increasingly difficult. In an effort to keep the free awesomeness flowing I’ve created an opportunity for you to support and show some love to my free pattern library.

support the ann wood handmade free pattern library with a happy donation

Support free patterns like ghosty cats with a happy donation. 

Click here to add your support.

 

back to the cat spectres:

4. Turn it right side out. Use a chopstick to push out the small parts.Gentle pressure and a twisting motion will help push the tips all the way out.

5. Place the pattern over your right side out cat and use a pencil to poke through the paper to make guide dots for the simple features.

6. Stuff -I’m using this wool stuffing.  Add a little at a time and be careful not to block narrow parts.

Read More

when life gives you lemons make tiny needle books and herb markers

July 14, 2023
by annwood
a mini cloth gook fastened with a red string

a very small cotton needlebook with a haret in the center - there is a needle with green thread in it wrapped in a criss cross fashion

And also maybe a sad bulb… 

let’s start with the needle book

It’s super small, just 2 and ½ by 3 inches. And it’s made with template C and the heart from the free needle book tutorial. A couple details are different from the pattern:

  1. I added a layer of cotton batting in the heart and rectangle.
  1. Instead of the loop closure  I used a string with fringed ends. It’s tied around the button and long on one end for wrapping. 

It was fun to make and the size is sweet but most importantly it helped me bust out of inertia. 

Usually, in the early summer, I take a little  time off to travel or just mess around in the garden and swim. This year, instead of that, I got super sick and did a lot of tedious website maintenance work…  Finding my energy and focus on the other side of that and getting back into a working/creative rhythm has been tough. I’ve been firmly stuck in the doldrums, not even a whisper of a breeze to push me out.

a mini cloth gook fastened with a red string

 In a doldrum emergency like this the question to ask myself is : what would I be willing to do. Not what should I do, but what might I possibly, actually, maybe be able to get myself to do.  For me the answer was a tiny needle book. And twig herb markers.

 If you don’t see the video click here.

The little book would make a great gift and I might make a couple for the shop (I’m still in a tiny needle book making place). You can check out the book in the video above. The thread wrapped needle detail is a simple thing that makes it feel extra special.

making stick herb markers

Every year I mean to make them and don’t. They’re super quick and easy, just twigs with the bark shaved off and a fine sharpie. Mine are kind of a mess but that’s in keeping with the current theme here. I love them.  

The tiny projects did the trick, somewhere between the needle book and the twig markers  there was a glimmer of motivation and momentum. The wheels are turning again and I’m nurturing that precious momentum. 

blulb stitched form cotton with a green sprout and sad stitched face

Let’s talk about this guy. He was a bonus project for the zoom botanical class.  I’m considering a sewing pattern or mini class for him.  

How is your summer? Have you hit the doldrums? What’s on your worktable? Do you need a sad bulb in your life? Let us know in the comments.

little chicks : free sewing pattern

February 3, 2023
by annwood

Little chicks! Super quick and easy to make.  And you can make little chicken families using the free chicken sewing pattern.

You just need fabric scraps and a few other things to get started.

**download the pattern**

You will also need:

  • fabric scraps – light cotton or linen
  • felt (I like wool felt)
  • embroidery thread
  • glue stick
  • stuffing
  • a basic sewing kit
  • pencil or disappearing marker

1. Pin the body pattern to 2 layers of fabric with the right sides together and cut out.

2. Mark the seam line,  location for the beak and opening marks lightly in pencil or disappearing marker. Cut out the beak from felt. Pin the body pieces – right sides together – near the tail end.

3. Add a tiny bit of glue to just the back edge of the beak.

4. Fold back the top layer of fabric and place on the body fabric exactly as shown – point facing in. Use the guide lines on the wrong side of the fabric to check the placement.

5. Fold the top layer back down, pin and stitch the seam with very small, straight stitches. I got a much better result stitching these by hand. After stitching trim little triangles into the seam allowance being careful not to clip the seam.

support the ann wood handmade free pattern library with a happy donation

Support free patterns like little chicks! And keep the awesome free projects flowing.

Click here to add your support.

 

 

6. Use your chopstick to turn the chick right side out. Push all the curves out with firm pressure.

7. Stuff with wool.

8. Fold in the opening of the edges and stitch closed.

9. You will  find this method for hiding your knots helpful for embroidering the details. I added an X on each side for eyes using 2 strands of embroidery thread.

10. You can leave the beak as is or clip a little triangle out of the center.

11. For the legs use embroidery thread. Put the needle in the bottom seam as shown – coming out about 3/4 of an inch from where you inserted.

12. Pull the thread through so you have some length on each end and knot close to the fabric

13. Trim the legs. Use starch to give them a little stiffness (pro tip – hair gel works too)

You could also add a couple stitches on the side for a little wing detail and a hanging string (use this method again to hide the ends).

hello little chicks!

I hope you make lots of little chicks! If you do I’d love to see. Please use #annwoodpattern on instagram. Or share in the ann wood handmade community.

textile book tutorial part two – making the sections

February 23, 2022
by annwood

*  The tutorial is divided into 2 parts. Please read both parts entirely before beginning. Seriously, it helps. Start here.

The book has 20 pages, including cover and back. There are five sections – each composed of 4 rectangles/pages.

3 sections have slots.

and 2 sections have tabs.

This tutorial demonstrates how to construct the two kinds of sections in the book – slot and tab. Before you begin to sew the sections please read this post on how to create and organize the pages.

You will need:

  • your 20 pages/rectangles
  • chopstick or similar
  • a basic sewing kit
  • embroidery thread

make a slot section

1. To make a slot page take two rectangles and lay them out with the right sides facing you.

2. Place one over the other – right sides together.

3. Draw a half inch margin down the right hand side of the top piece.

4. Clip the short lines on your page pattern. Fold the center section back.

5. Place it over the rectangles and mark the short horizontal lines.

6. Sew the half inch seam above and below those marks.

Read More

the crow sewing pattern

April 9, 2021
by annwood

get the pattern

He’s about 9 inches tall and 11 inches from top of head to tip of tail. The pattern has everything you need to make an awesome crow: learn to sew the sculptural shape of his body, carve a beak from a twig, make wire talons and create shimmery layer of feathers.

crow made from black textiles

I used calico for the example crow in the pattern. I like the combination of a sweet traditional print with more realistic details,  sort of celebrating the make believe. The other fabrics, for his feathers, are scraps of garments in different shades of black.

The sheen also varies. Incorporating fabrics that are flat and shiny and satin in the feathers emphasizes the layers. It makes a huge difference and gives crow -ish iridescence and depth.
Thrifted and antique garments are a great source of material for crows. I’ve always loved using really old garments for details. Pleats are particularly useful – you can incorporate them into the feathers for extra interest and dimension. And antique clothes often have mends and other stitch details that add character. The downside of very old garments is they are often fragile but fragile works for feathers since they aren’t part of the structural sewing.

Perhaps my most frequently asked question over the years has been “where do you find antique clothes to work with.” One of my best sources for Edwardian and Victorian clothes is Ebay. In the pattern I share a specific link (resources page) that’s helpful. I look for damaged garments – perfect for cutting up and not too expensive. And I check often – finding great stuff requires persistence.

In the not super old department thrifted suits are great – there’s tons of fabric and the weight and colors are good. Pin stripes would be awesome for a crow.

I took him down to the Henry Whitfield Stone House Museum for his beauty shots. It was the perfect environment.

get the pattern

I hope you make crows!! If you do you can share images on instagram  – please use :  #annwoodpattern or email photos to me at info at ann wood handmade dot com

owl ornament diy

November 27, 2020
by annwood

And I’ve made you something!

These little owl ornaments are a perfect project for little scraps and they are quick to make. I’m making lots as gifts or to add to packaging.

They’re inspired by the little, lost Saw-whet owl who was accidentally transported to NYC with the giant tree for Rockefeller Center this year. He has since gotten some first aid and been returned to his forest.  What an ordeal for the little guy!

owl ornament sewing pattern

Let’s make little owl ornaments!

You probably already have everything you need. And they lend themselves to batch production A glue stick really helps with that – the parts are little and a glue stick is much quicker and easier than pins. You can set up a bunch of fronts so they’re all ready to stitch.  It’s easier than pins.

download the pattern

You will also need:

  • scraps – wool, cotton and linen are great
  • a basic sewing kit
  • chopstick or similar
  • gluestick
  • buttons
  • embroidery thread

1. Cut out two body pieces, two eye pieces and one head and beak and one each of the three wing pieces.

2. With the right side of the front body fabric facing you use a tiny bit of glue stick to place your pieces as shown. Leave the top wing piece off for now.

3. Use a contrasting color embroidery thread to stitch the head cover and wing pieces in place.

4. Stitch buttons to the center of the circles with embroidery thread also. Use regular sewing thread in a matching color to stitch the beak in place with tiny whip stitches around the edge.

5. Uses a contrasting embroidery thread to stitch around the eyes and add some straight stitches to his breast.

6. Create a loop of string or embroidery thread for hanging and knot the ends. Mark the 1/4 inch seam allowance on the wrong side of the back fabric.

7. Place the hanging loop on the face of the owl with the loop facing down and the tails near fabric edge.

8.  Place the back body over the front – right sides together-  pin and sew the seam leaving open along the wing side.

Read More

lucky fish : slow stitch project

September 18, 2020
by annwood
slow stitch scrap fish diy

slow stitch scrap fish diy

Who doesn’t need some luck? Plus these very simple fish are pulling me out of slushy, stubborn stuckness.

One thing leads to another, if you let it, but first you need to start. Where I really started was ironing, ironing scraps. It went on my to do list because it was an easy win (I felt like doing it). And I had saved a couple bundles of scraps, each sent by a friend, to sort and iron pre-move.

slow stitch fabric fish diy

As I ironed and sorted by color the wheels started to turn and I felt a strong and persistent spiritual directive to slow stitch some fish.

Maybe you feel like stitching some fish too. Let it be a meandering process, try stuff. Let one thing lead to another.

** DOWNLOAD THE FISH TEMPLATE **

You will also need:

  • fabric scraps – light cotton or linen
  • little scraps, buttons lace for embellishing
  • stuffing
  • a basic sewing kit
  • pencil

cutting out fabric fish shape

1. Pin the pattern to 2 layers of light cotton fabric – right sides of the fabric together – and cut out. Be sure to clip out the little triangle notches.

2. Mark the seam line lightly in pencil.

3. Stitch the seam by hand or machine, leaving open between the notches. Find hand sewing tips here. 

4.  Clip notches around the curves and clip off the points at the nose and tail. Be careful not to clip the seam.

5. Use a chopstick to turn the fish right side out.

6.  Pro tip: use a plastic mechanical pencil to push out the corners – retract the lead first.

7. Stuff your fish.

Read More

doll overalls : a free sewing pattern

June 11, 2020
by annwood
doll overalls free sewing pattern

doll overalls free sewing pattern

Of course the tiny rag doll need overalls. And they come in mr. socks size too cause I’m nice like that. They’re easy and quick to make and you could scale the pattern up for larger dolls. Sew them completely by hand or some seams can be done on machine if you like.

doll overalls free sewing pattern

You will need :

the template – get the doll overalls template here and the mr. socks overalls template here.

light weight cotton fabric

a basic sewing kit

and optional – tiny buttons and little scraps for patches

doll overalls free sewing pattern

1. Pin the strap fabric to single piece of fabric. Pin the overalls pattern to a doubled piece with the right sides together.  Pin the lining to a single piece of fabric – you can use a contrasting fabric or the same as the overalls.

Note – I’m using a print from the French General new lawn cottons. The prints are all super sweet and great for small dolls.

2. Mark the seam line lightly in pencil on the wrong side of the lining piece and both overall pieces.  It’s also helpful to mark the front and back on the overall pieces as indicated on the pattern.

3. With the right sides of the fabric together sew just the front seam of the overalls  as shown in red above – stopping at the end of the curve.

4. Clip a couple little notches in the seam allowance at the curve. Be careful not to clip the seam.

5. Press the straight part of the seam open.

6. Press the top seam allowance over – wrong sides together – on the lining and overalls.

7. Place the lining on the overalls with the right sides together and pin. Stitch only the curved seams as shown above.  Clip little notches into the seam allowance.

Read More

the elegant rag doll sewing pattern and a free and easy doll skirt pattern

May 1, 2020
by annwood
elegant rag doll sewing pattern

elegant rag doll sewing pattern

get the elegant rag doll pattern!

Elegantly dressed, or quite nude. It’s your choice. The finished doll is 16 inches tall. The pattern includes instructions for both versions. And there are sweet details like earrings and a fancy hairdo.

elegant rag doll sewing pattern

This pattern took forever to make. You may have noticed… It was mostly because I kept changing my mind about how to make and stuff the head. I’m super happy with the solution I finally settled on, I love the result and it’s simple to do. The other good news is I’m shipping wool again – it’s the ideal stuffing for the elegant dolls. 

And I’ve included the doll skirt pattern for you below. It’s a super easy way to make a doll skirt and you could easily scale it to fit any doll.

nude rag doll sewing pattern

I hope you make elegant dolls! If you do I’d love to see – please use #annwoodpattern on instagram or send an email to info at ann wood handmade dot com.

rag doll slipper diy

There is a free tutorial for the slippers too – find it right here.

 

rag doll sewing pattern

Find the skirt pattern and directions below. And to add the bustle detail like the skirts above gather a little section in the front and add a little button.

download the skirt pattern

You will need:

  • a 16 X 9 inch piece of  cotton fabric
  • one yard ribbon or string
  • large safety pin
  • basic sewing kit

easy doll skirt diy

1. Down load the skirt pattern and pin it along the fold of your doubled fabric – right sides together – and cut out. Clip out the triangles.

2. With the wrong side of the fabric facing you fold over and press the side fabric between the triangle clips.Stitch them in place with a small, neat straight stitch.

3. Fold over the top edge at 1/4 inch and press.

Read More

pin girls : sweet pin cushions made from scraps – free pattern

February 16, 2020
by annwood
pin cushion doll - free sewing pattern

pin cushion - pin girl- free pattern

*This post contains affiliate links – meaning I get a small commission if you purchase through the link.

Did you ever make something you liked so much you put it next to your bed so you would see it first thing in the morning?  This pin girl is like that for me. Something about it… And I’ve made a pattern for you. The pin girl is not only the official pincushion of the 2020 scrap festival but she is also the official pincushion of the miss thislte society.
Before we get started let’s talk about pincushion filling for a minute. I think walnut shells are ideal (unless you have a tree nut allergy). They add a nice weight and fill out the curvey shape beautifully. I got a huge bag here (I get a small commission if you purchase through this link).
Sand works too and you can most likely find fine sand at your hardware or gardening store. For this pincushion I don’t recommend using just fiber – the weight and shape won’t be nearly as nice. If you have other filling ideas please let us know in the comment section. Also – I’m thinking of putting together kits for the shop with sweet fabric, and everything else you need – what do you think?

Let’s make pin girls!

You will need:

download the pdf template

Affiliate links are marked with *

fabric scraps – cotton and a little wool or felt
A wooden bead- I used a ⅞ inch (about 22mm) bead – a little bigger or smaller is fine. You can get beads with faces! *right here.
wooden skewer – the larger size is best – what matters is that your bead fits on it. I *used these.
crushed walnut shells – I *used these
a little wool stuffing
trim and lace scraps
chopstick
funnel
glue stick
paint and brushes
white or wood glue
a basic sewing kit

1. Cut out one bottom and 3 doll pattern pieces. Mark a 1/4 inch seam line lightly in pencil on all your pieces.

2. Fold the top edge of the doll pieces over towards the wrong side at the seam line and press.

3. Pin two of the doll pieces – right sides together and stitch one side. Stitch over the folded edge and stop at the bottom seam line as shown. You can hand or machine stitch – in either case use a very small stitch.

4. Open the two pieces you just stitched together and match the edge of the third doll piece to one side.

free pincushion sewing pattern

5. Pin it in place and stitch the side.

6. Match the last two sides, pin and stitch.

7. The 3 pieces assembled should look like.

8. At the bottom edge press the 3 side seams open – you don’t have to press all the way up – just near the bottom.

9. Carefully matching the edges, pin the circle to the bottom opening.

10. Stitch the bottom circle to the opening –  make sure you follow the seam line and use small stitches. It is easier to do this by hand.

11. Use a chopstick to turn the doll right side out through the top opening and run the stick around the seam with firm pressure.

12. Painting the heads – paint simple features with acrylic craft paint or  *get heads that are already painted here.

13. I’m using *crushed walnut shells and a tiny bit of wool to stuff the body (probably not a great idea if you have a tree nut allergy).  Checkout the notes at the top of the post on stuffing materials. You can also use fine sand or sawdust.

14. Place a small funnel in the neck of the body and start adding the filling. As you add the filling use the funnel to crush and press it down and into the edges. Keep compressing and adding filling.

15. Use your chopstick to push filling into any soft areas and add more if necessary.  Tap the bottom of the body on your table to settle the fill and add more – stuffing as firmly as possible will make the best shape.

16. Paint a little glue on the blunt end of your skewer (white or wood glue works).

Read More