care to cover the raw edge
(thread that co-ordinates with
the fl esh-coloured felt is best).
Using an erasable marker,
draw two curved lines for
the eyes using the template
as a guide.
Hand-sew a chain stitch line
with black embroidery thread
along these marked lines, then
make stitches for eyelashes.
Pass the thread to the reverse
of the fabric and secure before
trimming. Press. (See Pic A.)
Trace one lip shape and two
cheeks onto bonding web.
Fuse to the respective felt
pieces. Cut out, peel o the
backing and place in position.
Press to fi x. Machine-stitch
carefully around each shape
close to the edge with a
straight stitch setting. (See Pic
B.) You can always hand-stitch
these bits if you prefer! Lay the
wadding and
fl oral fabric
Upper Back
pieces WST on
a table. Tack-
stitch around the
edges except for a
long straight edge. Finish
the straight edge with a
zigzag stitch or overlocker
then make a 1cm single-fold
hem at this edge.
Lay the felt and wadding
Lower Back pieces WST on
a table. Tack-stitch around
the edges and make a simple
hem as before along the long
straight edge. Make a
buttonhole,
if desired, at
the centre of
the Upper Back
close to the hem.
Pin a strip of ribbon
across the narrow section
of hair on the front and back.
Machine-stitch.
Place the assembled Front
on the table with RS facing up.
Lay the Upper Back
piece RS facing down on the
top of the front piece.
Place the Lower Back piece
RS facing down with straight
hemmed edges overlapping
by 3cm.Pin all around the edges
and tack-stitch in place to stop
the felt moving as you sew.
Sew with a 1cm seam
allowance all around the hot
water bottle, lengthening the
stitch setting a little to make
sewing multiple layers easier.
Remove the tacking.
Notch the curved seam
allowances. (See Pic C.) Trim
across the corners then turn
the hot water bottle case
inside out, pushing out the
corners. Press.
Sew on a button at the
back to match the buttonhole.
Hand-stitch on a ribbon bow
to fi nish.Top tip
Forget special machine
feet or tools, you can
hand-sew the whole
thing if you prefer!Bethany says...
This lovely lady would make
a good Christmas gift, and a
great stash buster!
A
C
B
http://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk 31LS45 p30 hot water bottle.indd 31 19/09/2017 15:27