Strawberry Needle Books
A fun hand embroidery sampler class! We are going to make wool felt needle books, a classic sewing notion to store your needles and pins. You can choose from three different designs: Dog, Cat or Rabbit. No matter which animal you choose, the lessons and stitches will all work the same for everyone.
In each lesson, you will learn a new stitch and complete a section of the needle book. The finished books are 2.5 x 3.5 inches with a snap closure and three felt pages for storing needles. You do not need embroidery experience for this class. Beginners are welcome! Featured stitches in this project: blanket stitch, figure eight knot, rope stitch, whip stitch, back stitch, pistil stitch, fly stitch, and cross stitch.
There’s a materials list with everything you’ll need for this project below. In the lessons, you’ll find a picture-in-picture view so you can see both the instructor and a close up view of the studio table so you can see every stitch step-by-step.
What’s included in this class:
15 video lessons, 145 minutes of instruction
You get to choose your animal: dog, cat or rabbit.
Step by step demos from start to finish
Resources for materials & favorite tools
Lots of photos with close up views of the stitches
Lessons are accessible via your web browser on any device
What you’ll need to provide for this project
You can source your own materials or you can purchase a kit for this project.
Your kit will include wool rayon blend felt, pattern pieces printed on water soluble stabilizer, perle cotton threads in matching colors, snap, needle, sequins. You will need to provide scissors and a glue stick.
Materials kits will be mailed generally within 1-2 business days. Kits are purchased separately from the class registration because my class system can’t handle shipping & mailing addresses.
Who doesn’t love beautiful tools?
This class has a specific project that we will work on together, but you can use these stitches for so many other things! The design gives you lots of opportunity to practice different stitches, just like a sampler, but at the end you get something fun you can use.
Needle books are a classic sewing notion and a great way to stash your favorite needles & pins, especially if you like to take a project along with you. The snap closure keeps everything snug inside and you can tuck some extra threads between the pages for mending on the go.
I’m trying something new. You should too.
This class is a hybrid. I also offer a live Zoom version of this class held on Thursdays at noon starting April 2024. This on-demand version parallels those live lessons, so you can take the live class and use this pre-recorded version if you miss a lesson, need a review, or want to make another fish.
In this on-demand version you work at your own pace, completing the lessons on your schedule whenever you want to stitch. There’s a comments section in every lesson to ask questions if you need help.
Register now.
Cost: This class is $25.
Level: Intro/Beginner
About Becka, the instructor
Becka Rahn works in a micro-studio in Minneapolis. She creates pieces in fabric and paper, specializing in hand embroidery and surface designs using recycled papers. She has received grant awards from Jerome, McKnight Foundation, and MN State Arts Board for her work. She’s the co-author of The Spoonflower Handbook, a DIY guide to designing your own fabrics and wallpaper. She is passionate about helping artists conquer technology barriers to make their work more accessible.