Kid Craft - Make a Pretty Couch, Chair or Bed Organizer

This is a project I did with some kids who visit a local Nursing Home. They get the benefit of enjoying 'adopted' Grandparents while learning to respect adults and develop loving relationships and how to give of themselves unselfishly. The Seniors get the benefit of having visitors where most of them get none and have the pleasure of sharing stories and wisdom with the kids.

The children involved in this project ranged from ages 8 - 12 and while the instructable may contain information that many of us who sew already know it is there for the benefit of children who may want to try this project for their folks and grandparents or just a lonely friend in need of a visit.

This makes a great Birthday, Christmas or 'I just wanted to say I love you' gift that is both functional and handy for anyone and is only limited by the imagination.

While this instructable contains a lot of steps it has no complicated steps. It teaches how to follow a line on the machine plate, how to follow a creased line with the needle, how to make your own bias tape, turning a good corner, how to use an iron, how to use interfacing and working with various types and thicknesses of fabric

Step 1: Materials and Equipment

You will need:
1 piece of fabric cut 10 X 13 inches
1 piece of alternate pattern or plain fabric cut 6 X 13 inches
1 piece of Felt cut 24 X 13 inches
Coordinating Thread to match all three fabrics
Straight pins

Equipment:
Sewing Machine
Ruler
Scissors
Iron and Ironing Board

Optional Equipment:
Rotary Mat and cutter

Optional Materials depending on your level of skill and how sturdy or decorative you want your project to be:

*70 inches of patterned Fabric above cut into 2 inch strips (you may need to cut several pieces) to add a decorative border and help keep the projects shape.
*2 pieces of felt to line pockets for protecting things like eyeglasses from getting scratched)
*2 pieces of light weight, iron on fusible interfacing cut to match Felt pocket linings, to prevent bunching between fabric and felt..
*2 pieces of Stitch Witchery cut 13 inches long to make upper edges of the pockets more sturdy.

• Decorative buttons ribbons and trims, etc.

Step 2: Cut Materials

Measure and cut all pieces you intend to use listed in step 1.

Step 3: Prepare the Pockets

On each pocket piece turn down a press 1 inch of fabric. This will designate the top of the pocket.

On the remaining three sides of each pocket piece measure and press in 1/2 inch for the sides and bottom of the pockets.

(Optional) Place one piece of Stitch Witchery along the pressed line, fold under the excess fabric and press to hold the pocket top edge in place.

Step 4: Stitching Pocket Edges

Using a Top Stitch, make a few backstitches then forward stitch across pocket top just inside the line where you placed the stitch witchery. Make a few backstitches at the end.

Cut the top thread on the top, right side of the fabric, turn it over and tug gently on the thread on the bottom side to lock in the stitch.

Note: you should do this at the beginning and end of every stitch line.

Stitch around the remaining three edges on both pockets.

Step 5: Line the Pockets (Optional)

Cut and iron in a piece of fusible interfacing in the center area of both pockets according to manufacturers directions.

Peel away top paper exposing adhesive below.

Cut a piece of Felt to fit the same area of both pockets.

Press Felt and attach to interfacing below.

Step 6: Connect Pockets

Fold both pocket pieces in half lengthwise and press a guideline.

If you want four pockets on the smaller pocket, fold each side over toward the center guideline and press again.*If you want two large and two small pockets skip this step.

Lay the smaller pocket piece on top of the larger pocket piece lining up the center guideline, bottom and sides. Pin through all layers of the center guideline then each side guideline if you are making four pockets.

Step 7: Finish Pockets

If you are making four smaller pockets stitch through all layers on the two side center guidelines, do not stitch the center line yet. Lay both pocket pieces on top of the felt 1/2 inch from all edges. Pin in place.

Using the center guideline, pin and stitch through all layers to attach pockets to the felt. Next pin and stitch around the sides and bottom of the pockets.

*Be sure to check the next step to see how to make nice looking corners.

Step 8: Making a Neat Corner on Your Pockets

To make a nice looking corner start stitching down one side of the pocket, when you reach the corner make sure the needle is in the fabric to keep it in place. Lift the needle shaft and turn your fabric in the direction you want to sew.

Sew to the next corner and repeat, stitching up to the top of the pockets.

You can stop here or add more to your organizer for stability and decorations.

Step 9: Finishing Touches: Adding a Border

You can use Bias Tape for a finished edge or make your own decorative trim by cutting strips of matching fabric two inches wide, you will need about 70 inches total.

With right sides together sew pieces together to make one long strip. Cut the excess fabric to about 1/4 inch. Press the seams open then fold your strip in half and press the entire length.

Turn the strip over and fold both outer edges to the center fold leaving a little space on each side. Press the whole length again.

Fold the strip in half again with the folded sides to the inside and press the length one more time.

You now have the piece for the decorative border ready.

Step 10: Pin the Border

Start pinning on your border beginning at the center bottom and work your way all around the piece of felt.

When you come to the corner pin your border in place about three inches up on the side you will be pinning next.

Lift the border on the left side and using your finger push the bottom border piece underneath then push the side border piece on top and pin. Continue all the way around until you come to your starting point on the bottom edge.

When you reach the starting point cut away the excess border three inches past the starting point. Fold the excess back so the top just meets the starting point. Finish pinning in place.

Step 11: Finishing Touches

Stitch all the way around the border.

Cut two pieces of ribbon 12 inches long.

Slide onto a small gold safety pin, fold the ribbon in half and tie into a bow.

Pin onto pocket pieces from the center stitch line to give added stability to the pockets. You can also sew on a button or add any other trim you would like.

Hang across the arm of any chair or sofa and fill with goodies.

For a bedside organizer slip the felt piece in between the mattress and box spring.