“Let’s Get Sewing” with Eileen’s dies

The theme for April was sewing projects that use dies from Eileen Hull Designs. It was fun and a challenge to think of ways for create something to share. The versatility of many of Eileen’s dies gave me a number of ways to go. Wanting to make something that was fairly easy and using only a few materials, my results was this Fabric Holder For Credit Cards. Made with fabrics and a small amount of paper that are fused with a thin layer of a product called “wonder under” by Pellon, the project came together. NOTE: Pellon “wonder under” is used because it is a fusible that can be sewn through without causing damage to your sewing machine or needle.) 

For the cover a bright fabric was chosen for the outside and a light coordinated fabric for the inside.  

Outside cover fabric

Inside cover fabric

For the inner folders, two are made, another different fabric was used along with a thin, solid colored paper, in hues that match the fabric. All these are fused together with the “Wonder Under” before die-cutting elements. 

Fabric folder

Folder inside (paper)

Folder insert with folded pocket

View of folder insert

The “Notebook” die (#663635) is used for the cover and the folder inserts. 

If desired or needed, extra pockets can be made from with the fabric/paper combination and machine stitched in place. 

Extra pocket space

Additional pockets for folder covers

Additonal pockets sewn on before finishing inside

Folders with extra outside pockets

The two folder pages are machine stitched into the cover. 

Completed folders stitched to cover

Press the book well with an iron, creasing down the center. A tie made from the same fabric makes a tie for closing. NOTE: A soft flexible band can be used as a closure. 

Stitch a tie made from cover fabric

This holder will hold 12 cards. The number can be as few as 4 or as many as 16.

It can be embellished in any way you desire or left as simple as you’d like. The edges of the cover were first sewn with a zig-zag stitch. The edges of the page inserts are sewn with a regular straight stitch. 

I chose to add some rick-rack, a felt leaf and wooden button for decoration. 

Few added photos of completed holder - 

Space for 4 cards

Space for 2 cards

TIPS: 

• Before sewing in the folder pages and adding the extras,  I gave the cover a coat of clear matte gel medium on the outside and inside. 
• When cutting the folder inserts from the notebook die, be sure the bottom fold for pockets is slightly above the cutting blade of the die to keep the fold.
• Use a contrasting color thread for stitching - just because, why not be a little different.
• The completed holder is about 12" to 3/4" wide. This thickness makes it easy to store in any purse.
• Decorative elements can be added but not necessary. 
• Use a sewable fusible, some are not good to use for machine sewing, can gum up needle and cause issues.

Look at the dies you have and see how you may use them in a different way and with different materials and just have fun creating! 

Materials Used

Eileen Hull Notebook die

Sizzix Big Shot

Assorted fabrics

Coordinated paper, solid, thin

Pellon "wonder under" fusible

Iron

Sewing machine

Decorative elements, optional