Drawn-In
1. Ask your child to sketch a simple picture of a summer memory, vacation spot or activity. The less detailed it is, the easier it will be to embroider later.
2. Scan or photocopy the picture so you have a spare, just in case. It helps if you plan ahead and match the size of the paper to the front of the journal, but if that kind of forethought isn’t in the stars for you, no worries—you can just resize the drawing during copying.
3. Sandwich the transfer paper between a bottom layer of fabric and top layer of your kid’s drawing. With a stylus or pen, press firmly and trace over the drawing so it’s imprinted on the fabric.
4. Wrap the fabric around your journal for sizing, centering the drawing on the front cover. Cut the piece so it measures 1" taller 9" longer than the closed journal (this will account for all hems and two 4" flaps)
Life's a Stitch
1. Place fabric piece in an embroidery hoop. With a needle and desired colors of floss, use the split stitch (search online for several free instructional guides) to embroider over the transferred design.
2. Remove piece from hoop, and iron it.
3. With the wrong side facing you, fold the top and bottom of the fabric over ¼", pin, and sew hems. Fold the left side of the fabric over ¼" (twice if you want to create a rolled hem). Pin and sew. Fold the same end over 4", and sew along top and bottom edges to create a flap. Repeat on the right side, then slip the cover onto your journal and enjoy your memories! |
