Wednesday, September 17, 2008

How to Make Fabric Pinwheels

These instructions are for a pair of Pinwheels 




The finished Pinwheels will be the same size as the square of fabric you use.

1. Cut out 4 squares, of the size you need.
You can use all the same fabric or different fabrics for the front and the back. You will also need to cut 2 of fusible web (fusing). The squares need to be perfectly square.

2. Line them up so you have 1 fabric piece face down. Add the layer of fusing. Now put the other fabric piece face up. Iron them together.

3. There are a couple of options for this step. I mark the cutting lines and center. Then I use Fray Check and apply it to the raw edges and on the drawn lines on both sides. I let it dry, then cut the lines.
The other way is to satin stitch all the raw edges.

4. Thread a needle and knot the thread. Insert the needle through the center dot from the back to front. Take a corner with a dot and bring it down over the needle and push the needle through the dot. You want to catch enough fabric that it won't pull out. Repeat for each of the four corners. An embellishment could be added here. (ie. a button, bead, etc.)


5. Sew the points together with a few stitches then securely sew the "propeller" to the toe of the bootie. (or attach it to whatever you have in mind)
These pinwheels can be made any size and used for a variety of things. Hung from a mobile in different fabrics for eye candy for your baby. Double them up in different sizes for a double pinwheel. Use them to replace the bow on gifts. Decorate your Christmas tree. Use a big one for a wall hanging.
These are additively easy to make and you are only limited by your imagination and your fabric stash.
Have fun...till next time,

2 comments:

  1. Another option is to use a snap so the pinwheel will spin...after "tacking or securing" the points together, use a pronged snap to secure them.
    Position the "Cap or Ring" part of the snap over the center of the centered points and push the prongs through the layers of fabric. Turn the pinwheel over to the back side. Use the eraser end of a pencil to finish pushing the prongs through the fabric. Place the female half of the snap in position over the prongs and hammer them together (using manufacturers instructions).
    Attach the other part of the snap to the bootie or whatever you'd like to attach it to, so the male or nipple part of the snap is on the outside.
    Snap them together.

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