16 Home Accessories to Make with a Simple Stitch Zigzag Rope Sewing Projects KATHERINE LILE
4 Zigzag Rope Sewing Projects INTRODUCTION Welcome to the world of sewing rope! I’m so glad you have found this book, because I am excited to share one of my favorite creative outlets with you. I learned this craft as a way to use up fabric remnants and scraps from other sewing and quilting projects. Over time—years of trying different ropes, threads, fabrics, styles, sizes, and looks—it has become my main interest, and I love the endless options. I hope you do too. This craft is complementary to so many other sewing practices, and a wide-open world of customizing awaits the rope basketeer. The intention of this book is twofold: first, to provide a variety of projects that will help you develop a versatile set of skills; and second, to give you a foundation to build on as you create your own style. Each project in this book is a step toward the next project, allowing you to build your skills, but of course, you can decide to work through the book in order or jump between favorite items. You’ll find insightful tips with each project, along with ideas for customizing the look and function to fit your own style. Be sure to utilize the informational and technique sections at the beginning of this book, where I teach you about the materials and tools you’ll need, the basics about rope sewing, and a whole host of tips and tricks to make your workflow easier and more fun. These are valuable resources—don’t miss them! Like many other handcrafts from woodworking to quilting, rope-based sewing projects bring together artistic beauty and everyday function. Yes, this is a book of projects—but it’s also a launchpad to get you going in your own rope-sewing adventures. Ultimately, I hope that you can take the projects and techniques in this book and make them your own. Happy stitching! Cheers, Katherine P.S. By the end of this book, you will feel very differently about fabric scraps, zigzags, and coils. You’re welcome.
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6 Zigzag Rope Sewing Projects Getting Started Learn the Ropes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sewing Machines, Supplies, and Materials for Sewing Rope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Starting a Round Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Starting an Oval Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Fabric Wrapping 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Machine and Stitching Tips and Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Shaping Your Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 CONTENTS Projects Coasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Confetti Trivet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Fabric-Wrapped Trinket Bowls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Fabric-Wrapped Placemat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Braided Headband . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Dip-Dye Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Speckle-Painted Drawer Organizer . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Hanging Plant Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Bread Basket with Knot Handles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Charging Caddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Wall Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Tricolor Easter Basket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Braided Basket Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Hanging Wall Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Oval Storage Basket with Color Block Handles . . 134 Colorful Market Tote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 94 100 106 6 6 5 8 6 2
INTRODUCTION 7 128 134 8 6 142 54 120 7 8 7 2 112 8 2
GETTING STARTED Use the information in this section as you gather supplies and plan your projects. These helpful resources will be a guide as you evaluate options, work to understand the settings of your sewing machine, and make style choices. Remember to refer to this section as you continue to build your rope basketry skills! The best rope for indoor projects is solid braided 100% cotton rope. This rope is normally available in a natural beige color, but can be dyed or wrapped with fabric to liven things up.
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10 Zigzag Rope Sewing Projects The rope you use is the foundation of all of the projects you make and therefore deserves careful consideration. Rope choice determines the visual aesthetic, the feel of the project in hand, and the overall durability of the finished piece. Unless otherwise noted, the rope used in this book is a 100% cotton solid braid from my company, The Mountain Thread Company in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Many ropes are industry-specific, and there may be thousands of options to choose from. Instead of getting bogged down with all the choices, use the information in this chapter to help you make your selection of the best rope for your coiled rope projects. These are the two sizes of rope used for the projects in this book: 3/16" (5mm) (left) and 5/16" (8mm) (right). As we discuss the many rope options out there, you may begin to ask yourself how your rope choice will actually affect the outcome of the project. What does one kind of rope really mean for a sewn basket or bowl, compared to another rope? There are many ropes and rope-like materials that can be coiled and stitched, but the resulting projects will have many differences. LEARN THE ROPES Quality rope will ensure durable, timeless projects. These three bowls are made with three different types of ropes. They look similar, but have varying levels of durability and functionality.
EAN 5 1 9 9 9 $19.99 US | $24.99 CAN A complete guide to this fun craft, Zigzag Rope Sewing Projects is perfect for anyone looking to try something new with their scraps! With this book, not only will you develop versatile sewing skills, but you’ll also discover your own unique style and endless possibilities. Opening with informative overviews on materials, supplies, techniques, stitching tips, and more, this book also provides thorough tutorials to help you get started with the basics of sewing rope. From there, have fun sewing a collection of coasters, bowls, plant stands, baskets, tote bags, and other functional but beautiful projects. The perfect beginner-friendly guide, Zigzag Rope Sewing Projects will open the door to a whole new world in crafting that’s easy, fun, and fast! • Learn to coil rope and make 16 durable and decorative bags, bowls, baskets, trivets, and other accessories and home décor items • Provides insightful sections on the basics of rope sewing, advanced shaping techniques, and lots of finishing ideas to add unique details Author Katherine Lile is the owner of The Mountain Thread Company, a shop that specializes in coiled rope baskets and highquality quilting cottons. She is a 4th generation quilter, having started sewing in preschool. LEARN THE EASY & EXCITING CRAFT OF SEWING WITH ROPE “Katherine brings her expertise, wit, and contagious enthusiasm to life in this complete guide to all things rope.” —Lee Chappell Monroe, Sewing Teacher and Author; Founder of MayChappell.com “Such a thorough and fun book! I found myself learning something new on every page. This book is a phenomenal resource on rope sewing!” —Brittany Lloyd, Quilt Pattern Designer and Founder of Lo & Behold Stitchery and Beginner Quilting Academy
Charging Caddy Makes one oval basket, 11" (27.9cm) long, 6" (15.2cm) wide, and 2" (5.1cm) deep A hidden slit in this caddy keeps cords close by when not in use. Adapt this idea and vary the size of the project to fit other devices! SUPPLIES • 12 yds. (11m) of 3/16" (5mm) cotton solid braid rope • One 220-yd. (200m) spool of 100% cotton 50 wt. thread in desired color • Straight pins • 4 sewing clips • Ruler MACHINE SETTINGS Stitch: zigzag Stitch Width: up to 7mm Stitch Length: 1–3mm for start; 3–5mm for coil; 1–3mm for finish Needle: 100/16 denim needle This charging caddy is a perfect blend of form and function to help corral must-have charging cables.
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Wall Mobile Makes five basket “bells,” each approximately 3" (7.6cm) deep with a 6" (15.2cm)–wide opening, assembled into a mobile Who said baskets were just for tables and shelves? Put a twist on your project style by turning them upside down and suspending them in the air. SUPPLIES • 40 yds. (36.6m) of 3/16" (5mm) cotton solid braid rope • One 1,422-yd. (1300m) spool of 100% cotton 50 wt. thread in desired color • Straight pins • 10 yds. (9.1m) of 1mm leather cord • Fifteen 1" (2.5cm) felted wool balls • Natural wooden beads with large opening of at least 3mm wide • Small charms and/or other accessories • Tapestry needle or other needle with a large eye • 1 yd. (0.9m) of cotton embroidery floss (such as DMC® Six-Strand Cotton Embroidery Floss) (for threading through felted wool balls) • Branch or rod MACHINE SETTINGS Stitch: zigzag Stitch Width: up to 7mm Stitch Length: 1–3mm for start; 3–5mm for coil; 1–3mm for finish Needle: 100/16 denim needle This whimsical project will bring bright energy and vibrant colors to your favorite space.
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Tricolor Easter Basket Makes one round basket with handle, approximately 7" (17.8cm) across and 3 1/2" (8.9cm) deep; overall height with handle is 10" (25.4cm) Fill a pretty Easter basket with candy and surprises for the little ones. Use the same idea for treats and treasures in all seasons! SUPPLIES • 18 yds. (16.5m) of 3/16" (5mm) cotton solid braid rope • Three 220-yd. (200m) spools of 50 wt. thread in desired colors • 1 sewing clip • Straight pins MACHINE SETTINGS Stitch: zigzag Stitch Width: up to 7mm Stitch Length: 1–3mm for start; 3–5mm for coil; 1–3mm for finish Needle: 100/16 denim needle These baskets are great because once little ones have pulled out all the gifts, they can continue to use them in their rooms to store their favorite things!
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152 Zigzag Rope Sewing Projects INDEX accessories and hardware, 26 basket handle: color block, 141; large, 117, 147; small, 132 blended fiber rope, 12 braiding rope, 75–77; decorative braid, 123–127 construction of rope, 11, 12–13 cotton rope, 12; and paint, 11; dye, 12 craft glue, 25 denim needles, 22, 23 diameter of rope, 11 diamond braid rope, 11, 13; cut end of, 14 dyes, 26; tip, 78, 144 edge sealer, 23 fabric method for joining ropes, 40 fabric strips, 23, 24; tip, 60, 64 fabric wrapping, 36; confetti, 60; creative tips, 68; handheld pre-wrap method, 36; style, 36; tied-up pre-wrap method, 37; tip, 40; wrap-as-you-go method, 38 fiber content, of rope, 11, 12 gap in stitching between rope layers, 39 glue stick, 23, 25 handheld pre-wrap method, 36 hardware and accessories, 26 hidden slit, 103–104; color block handle, 141 hot glue gun, 25 joining ropes: fabric method, 40; thread method, 42 knot handle, 98 loops, sewing, 69; creative tip, 71 needle: denim, 22, 23; size, 21; use, 22 oval project: creating more perpendicular sides, 50; sewing straights and curves, 48; starting a, 32; tip, 84, 85, 102, 103, 123; 137; two-layer start, 34 paint, and cotton rope, 11, 85; dye, 12 paints, 26, 85 paracord, 12 presser foot, 20; changing pressure of, 44; standard, 23 pre-wrap method: handheld, 36; tied-up, 37 quantity of rope, calculating, 16 ran out of rope, 40 rope construction: comparison, 14–15; cut ends of, 14; diamond braid, 11, 13; solid braid, 11, 13; twisted, 11, 13 rope quantity, calculating, 16 rope size, 11 round project: additional options for, 29; creating more perpendicular sides, 47, 48; starting a, 27; tip, 109 ruler, 23 scissors, 23 seam ripper, 23 sewing clips, 23, 25; use with fabric wrapping, 64 sewing machine requirements, 17; what to look for, 18; what to avoid, 19 sewing machine: set up for sewing rope, 39; thread tension, 43 sewing rope, tools and notions for, 23, 25 sewing thick layers of rope, 45; tip, 94 shaping, 46; keeping bases flat, 46; more perpendicular sides, 47, 48, 97; oval projects, 48; perpendicular versus angled sides, 46; round projects, 47; tip, 115 shortcut oval method; 34 sides: creating perpendicular versus angled, 46; more perpendicular, 47, 48, 50 size of rope, 11 solid braid rope, 11, 13; cut end of, 14 standard presser foot, 23 stitching tips, 39, 57 straight pins, 23, 25 synthetic rope, 12 thread method for joining ropes, 42 thread, 23, 24; color tip, 54; colors, 29; weight, 24 tied-up pre-wrap method, 37 tools and notions for sewing rope, 23, 25 troubleshooting: gap in stitching between layers, 39; presser foot pressure, 44; ran out of rope, 40; stitches do not look right, 40; thick layers of rope, 45; thread tension, 43 twisted rope, 11, 13; cut end of, 14 two-layer start, 34 W start, 31 wrap-as-you-go method, 38 zigzag stitch: length, 20; options, 19; tip, 39, 57, 62, 88; width, 18, 20 zigzag swirl start, 29