Embroidery Hoop Organiser Tutorial

I can't remember where I first saw the idea of an embroidery hoop organiser, but it's been on my to-do list for quite some time now. If there's one thing I like it's a good mix of practical and funky. Needless to say, when Leesa from Craft Boxes approached me about writing a tutorial, I didn't exactly back away quietly. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom of this tutorial for you chance to win your very own Sew Box from Craft Boxes.

You will need:

• Embroidery Hoop
• Batting - at least 2'' larger than the hoop
• Fabric 1
• Pocket One Fabric
• (Optional) Pocket Two Fabric
• (Optional) Felt for the back

Layout of organiser

I used fabric scraps from a previous project. As you can see in the image above, each fabric needs to be at least 2'' larger than than hoop. For the pockets, be sure to add an extra inch in length for the hem.

Step 1 - Hem the Pockets
Hem each pocket by folding down one edge 1/2'' then another 1/2'', to the wrong side. Press and sew in place.

Fold and press 1/2'' and another 1/2''

Sew the hem in place

Step 2 - Sew the Pocket One Dividers
On your table, place the Batting, Fabric 1 and Pocket One in order and with the right sides facing you. Rest the hoop on top, making sure the pocket is in the correct position. Place some tools along the pocket and pin in the gaps. Alternatively, leave out the tools, pin in the centre and about 2'' on either side of the centre.

Position the hoop on top of the layers

Pin the gaps between the tools

Remove the hoop and sew through all three layers at each pin, from the hem of the pocket to the edge. You may like to draw a straight line to follow. I winged it as I had a disagreement with my chalk recently and I'm still not talking to it. In my defense, it did mark my project and refuse to come out.

Step 3 - Add Pocket Two (Optional)
If you are adding a second pocket, place it into position about an inch or two below Pocket One. You may like to pin the layers to stop them shifting, though it's not entirely necessary.

Check the positioning of Pocket Two

Step 3 - Trim to Size
Place the hoop on top, ensuring each layer of fabric is in the correct position.  Trim around the edge, approximately 1'' from the hoop. You want enough overhang so that the fabric will easily fold to the back of the hoop.

Look....you don't even have to be neat

Step 4 - Prepare the Felt Back (Optional)
You don't necessarily need the felt back but I find it helps the hoop lie flat. Plus, it looks terribly professional.

Trace around the outside of the hoop on a piece of felt and cut it out.

Trace around the hoop

Cut out the circle

Step 5 - Finish

Place the organiser into the hoop.  Be sure everything is even and firm before tightening the hoop.

Fold the overhanging fabric to the back of the hoop and glue in place. Alternatively, hand stitch a basting stitch on the overhanging fabric. Pull it gently to gather the fabric and neatly hide it at the back of the hoop.

Glue or hand stitch your felt circle to the back.

Secure the felt to the back, with overhanging fabric hidden

Hang your fancy new organiser...then turn around and make about a dozen more because they're just too awesome.

Funky and Practical

See?...addictive

 

The lovely Leesa, from Craft Boxes, has very kindly donated one Sew Box, which is a Subscription Box from Crafty Boxes, to give away to one lucky reader. All you need to do to enter is comment below telling me what you would make for your sewing space with this month's Sew Box. Remember to include your email address so you can be contacted if you are the winner.  

What's in the August Sew Box I hear you ask? All sorts of fantastic goodies including....

• Spotty Pastels Fat Quarter Pack 6 colours 50cm x 50cm
• Heavy Weight Iron On Interfacing 90 x 1m
• Coloured Heart Pins
• Embroidery Hoop 20cm
• Toggles 4 White
• Elastic 8mm x 4m
• Bias Tape Maker 25mm 
• Rainbow Wonder Clips 14
• Spotty Heart Wood Buttons 18, assorted colours
• Birch Mini Sewing Kit
• *NEW* Ironing Board Cover Pattern by Tigerlily Patterns
•  *NEW* Machine & Overlocker Cover Pattern by TigerLily Patterns
• *NEW* Sewing Machine Mat & Pin Cushion by TigerLily Patterns 
• *NEW* Hoop Art Pattern by Molly and Mama
•  Sew Box Fabric Baskets Tutorial
• This Embroidery Hoop Organiser Tutorial 

Check out the Craft Boxes Facebook page for a picture of all the terrific goodies.

Terms and Conditions of the Competition

1. Competition is open to Australian residents only.
2. Only one comment per person.
3. Entries close at 8PM AEST on Tuesday 11th August 2015. Any comments made after this time will not be considered.
4. A winner will be selected from the entries by myself, Rachael Godfrey of Sew Today, Clean Tomorrow.
5. The winner will be announced on this blog on Wednesday 12th August 2015.
6. The winner will receive a single Sew Box, which is a Subscription Box from Craft Boxes. The prize is a single box only, not a subscription.
7. If the prize is unclaimed, it will be redrawn on Friday 6th November 2015.