Pumpkin Mat or Small Pillow (12″ x 8″) Sewing Project Kit Special – Hand Sewing – Includes Pre-Cut Fabric & Tactile Sewing Guides

Detailed Instructions on Kit Assembly:

*Use regular hand sewing needle (recommend Crewel size 3) and hand sewing thread – LEAVE PLASTIC CLIPS, SAFETY PIN AND 6-INCH FOAM STRIP ON UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 

1. Insert thread into eye of needle– we recommend double threading the needle at about arm’s length and tie off with knot. *Tip, if you have trouble getting the thread through the eye of the needle, we recommend the bow style needle threader. Instructions on how to thread using this tool are on YouTube @ Mitsy Kit Video Thread Needle With Bow Threader.  We also provide accessory sewing tools. Our mini hand sewing tool kit comes with bow threader, hair clip, crewel size 3 needle pack, tomato pin cushion, plastic clips and thread. You can find this on our site @ www.mitsykit.org or click here to go directly to the mini hand sewing tool kit.
2. You will be hand stitching (using a running stitch) to join the cotton fabric facing and backing pieces together around the perimeter, just underneath the tactile seam allowance guide stitching.
3. Your project includes a 12 by 8-inch fabric front with a pre-sewn tactile stitching guide along the perimeter attached right sides together with the cotton backing with plastic clips. Place the project so that the front (the piece with pre-sewn tactile stitching guide) is facing up to begin your stitching.
4. Starting to the right or left of the 6-inch foam strip at the top center of a long side of your project, you will perform the running stitch just underneath the tactile sewing guide stitching. *Tip, remove plastic clips before you reach them with stitching to prevent the thread from getting tangled in a clip. If needed, go to YouTube audio/video instructions to learn how to do a running stitch @Mitsy Kit Video Running Stitch Demonstration.
5. Once you have completed stitching across this side turn your project ¼ turn to the right (clockwise) if you stitch from right to left, or left (counterclockwise) if you stitch from left to right, and repeat the running stitch under the tactile guide on the second side. Repeat the running stitch on the 3rd side in the same way. On the fourth side, you will stitch up until you reach the opposite side of the 6-inch foam strip from which you started. Remove any remaining plastic clips.
6. Next, you will remove the 6-inch foam strip, then turn your project right side out by pulling the far corner edges from the inside and pull them right side out through the center opening. Continue to pull all the interior fabric right side out making sure to push your fingertip or blunt side of a pen or pencil into the corners to make them pointed.
7. Iron the project flat if you wish to use it as a mat or napkin. Next, fold in the edges of the 6-inch opening toward each other and stitch the opening together with a running stitch, or use iron-on hem tape to adhere the inside edges together. You can use the mat or napkin on a table with the decorative side of the fabric facing up. (There is a safety pin on one front corner of the decorative side of the fabric you can leave on to help distinguish the front from the back if needed, otherwise, you can remove it.)
8. To use as a small decorative pillow- purchase Polyfill from a local craft store and stuff the Polyfill into the opening making sure to fill the pillow evenly and snug into the corners. When the pillowcase is stuffed, fold in the edges of the 6-inch opening toward each other and stitch the opening together with a running stitch, or use iron-on hem tape to adhere the inside edges together.

We hope you have enjoyed this craft!  If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 978-419-1824.