Monday, March 16, 2009

Linen Heart Sachet Tutorial

The contrast of rough linen and the delicate lace-like design of a fancy heart appeals to me. I think it’s the marriage of down-to-earth practicality with the romantic side of my nature.

Over the weekend I made a linen heart sachet using a free copy of a cross-stitch chart, Coeur Romantique, designed by Isabelle Mazabraud Reflets de Soie. I’ve saved this project since 2003 and don’t think she offers it anymore as I can’t find it on her site for you.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved


I used 18-count linen and stitched one thread over one thread. The finished piece is 7-inches across, a good-size heart I stuffed with aromatic lavender. It can be hung in my closet, placed on a shelf with our linens, decorate a doorknob, or used in other ways.

While the cross-stitch design isn’t mine, I can share with you how to make a heart of your very own. You can use any design you like, embroidery, cross-stitch, or even a piece of patchwork. The following tutorial is also available in PDF version or in my sidebar.

Linen Heart Sachet Tutorial

Materials

  • 2 pieces 18-count linen (or other fabric), each piece at least 9½-inch square. You’ll stitch your chosen design on one fabric piece. Note: my finished cross-stitch design is 4x3¼ inches.
  • Heart template (I’ve made a PDF template for you here)
  • Water-soluble marking pen
  • Silk or satin ribbon, 6-inches in length
  • Thread to match linen
  • Lavender
Instructions

  1. Centering the linen, complete your chosen needlework design on one piece of the linen.
  2. Using a lightbox, window, or other light source, center the heart template on the back of the fabric with your finished design (the light source helps you see the design through the back of the linen). Using a water-soluble pen, trace around edge of the heart pattern.
  3. Place the two fabrics right-sides together, pin in place, leaving space in the top of the heart for the ribbon hanger.
  4. Fold your ribbon in half. Place it in inside the top center of the heart so that the ribbon ends extend past the top center (the ribbon itself should point towards the design area). Pin in place. You will secure the ribbon in the next step.
  5. Stitch around the tracing line you marked, leaving a 3-inch opening on the lower side of the heart, near but not on the point. Trim the excess fabric away and notch the curves of the heart, including the top of the heart where the ribbon is attached. Turn right-side out.
  6. Fill your heart with lavender. Pin opening in place. Slip-stitch closed.

8 comments:

Lena said...

June, it's beautiful! You are stitching one thread over one? I'm so impressed. I've only just started my first linen cross-stitch project, and found it a bit challenging at first, just to stitch over two threads. I think it just takes a little practice though. I like the one over one, much better. It has more of the finer look that I was hoping for. Maybe I can master that, next time.
Thank you for your wonderful tutorial. Your projects always look like the work of a master crafter, and I admire the patience that it takes to acheive that.

Thimbleanna said...

Very pretty Junie Moon! I love the look of linen with needlework too!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful and just what I needed! I've been wanting to make some lavender sachets. I'll be linking as well.

dutchcomfort said...

Thanks for sharing your heart June! It looks so pretty and I love linen and embroidery!

Anonymous said...

June, you amaze me not only with your wonderful creativity and energy but with how quickly you are able to complete some of these projects. This is really lovely and I too like the juxtaposition of the linen with the delicate embroidery

Anonymous said...

The sachet is precious - like a work of art!

kristena marie said...

So pretty!

Anonymous said...

Great tutorial! I love projects that yield something antique-looking. Thanks for posting it!