Prima Makes

This is a really bumper issue of Prima Makes – it’s packed with projects. We have focused on stitch craft so there is lots of choice for lovers of sewing: simple makes for beginners and enjoyable designs for more experienced stitchers. The quick and easy key rings (page 42), using scraps of colourful fabrics, are great to sell at fêtes and school fairs; while the cross-stitch caravan embroidery (page 72) is one to treasure or make for a very special gift. The two amazing free gifts – a sewing roll kit (turn to page 130 for the instructions) and the stunning dress pattern worth £8.99 – make this issue great value. The wrap dress pattern can be adapted to make four designs, and on page 148 we show you how you can…

DEEPLY FELT Designed by Christine Leech of Sew Yeah, this kit contains everything you need to make a cute felt banner that will look great on the wall of your workroom. Plus, you can use the flower template to make more for other projects. Suitable for beginners, £16, cloudcraft.co.uk. CHALK IT UP PlastiKote has a great new range of spray paints with a chalky finish in seven earthy colours, perfect for adding a vintage look to furniture, mirror frames and other decorative pieces in your home. £6.79 for 400ml, from Hobbycraft, The Range or plasti-kote.co.uk. PERFECT SETTING This pretty Park Wildlife range from Cath Kidston is ideal for spring meals indoors or out. Prices are good, too. From £4, cathkidston.co.uk. HELLO DOLLY Textile designer Sarah Campbell’s handmade dolls are more for grown-ups than children. Made from Sarah’s…

HELPING HAND This clever pot holder makes a smart gift for a friend You will need Pieces of co-ordinating cotton fabric (we used four different designs) Polyester wadding Matching thread Sewing machine To make Using the heart template on page 246, cut out two pieces of fabric, adding a seam allowance of 1cm. Cut wadding to the same shape as the template. With the wrong sides together, enclose the wadding within the fabric pieces, pin to hold in place and stitch within 1cm of the outer edge all around. Using the smaller half-heart template, cut four pieces of fabric, adding a 1cm seam allowance, plus two pieces of wadding the same size as the template. Make up in the same way as the heart shape. Using bias binding or a strip of one of your fabrics cut on the bias, lay…

Use chain stitch to add a design or words to a plain tote bag for a cute gift You will need Plain cushion covers Embroidery thread in a darker colour Matching beads Needle Fabric pencil Sewing thread To make Draw simple leaf and flower shapes on to the front of a plain cushion cover using fabric pencil. Embroider around the outline of the shapes using chain stitch and embroidery thread in a stronger colour than the cushion. Sew on the beads by hand to finish. CHAIN STITCH Pull needle through to front at 1. Make a loop and insert needle next to 1, coming out again at 2, Keeping the thread under the needle as you pull. Insert needle again next to 2 and continue. FEATURE AND STYLING: CATHERINE WORAM PHOTO: SUSSIE BELL CUSHION COVERS: HEMASHOP.COM/GB…

For a great casual bag, use a striped ticking and a light denim fabric You will need Floral fabric Faux leather fabric Leather handles with D rings (u-handbag.com) Cotton webbing about 2.5cm wide, to match handle Sewing machine Matching thread To make Decide on the finished height, width and depth of your bag. Ours measured 35cm tall and 44cm wide, with a 12cm box base. The two fabrics for the bag are each cut in one piece, so there is no base seam. For our bag, the width of each piece measured 48cm and the length 86cm. Calculate your material by adding 4cm for seam allowances to your desired final width; for the length use double the bag height, plus the depth of the base, then add 4cm for seam allowances. Cut one in fabric and one in faux leather. Fold…

ABBREVIATIONS ch chain ch-sp chain space dc double crochet htr half treble crochet rep repeat ss slip stitch st(s) stitch(es) tr treble crochet yo yarn over YOU WILL NEED Crochet cotton or linen thread (no more than 2m needed per necklace) 1.5mm crochet hook Scissors Yarn needle for weaving in ends Fine-nosed pliers Wire cutters 2 sterling or silver-plated jump rings, 6mm in diameter Fine sterling or silver-plated chain with clasp, 45cm long with links about 2-3mm in diameter To make Make a slip knot and 6ch, joining with a ss to form a ring. Row 1 Ch 1 (does not count as st), 10dc into the ch ring. Turn. Ensure you make your sts close up to one another, so that they form a semicircle rather than filling the whole ring. Row 2 Ch 6 (counts as 1tr and 3ch-sp), miss 1dc at base of chain, 1tr into next dc, *…