Read Amy Butler's In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects for Free Online Page A

a 1 / 2 ″ seam around the Placemat, leaving an 8″ opening centered on one of the short ends. Next, trim all 4 corners in the seam allowance, making sure not to clip your stitching. ( FIGURE 3 )
    Step 4. Inserting the Timtex.
    First, turn your Placemat Right side out, using a turning tool to push out the corners, and press. Then, starting with the long edge of the Timtex, roll it up just enough so it will slide in through the 8″ opening. Then, with the front of the Placemat facing up, insert the Timtex through the opening and smooth it flat, lining up all 4 corners. Place the Timtex on top of the seam allowances to make the front of the Placemat appear smooth.
    Step 5. Finishing the Placemat.
    Next, fold under the raw edges 1 / 2 ″ at the 8″ opening and pin them in place. Then, slip stitch * the opening closed by hand. Press the Placemat flat, using steam to smooth out and flatten the Timtex. Finally, topstitch completely around the Placemat with a 1 / 4 ″ seam to secure the Timtex and give the Placemat a finished look.
    * See page 171 for an explanation of slip stitching.
    Step 6. Follow the instructions in steps 2 through 5 to make the other 3 Placemats.
    FIGURE 2
    FIGURE 3

NAPKINS
    FINISHED SIZE: 4 NAPKINS: EACH 21″ WIDE × 23″ LONG
    FABRICS
    • 1 1 / 2 yards (44″-wide) mid-weight cotton for the fronts
    • 1 1 / 2 yards (44″-wide) coordinating mid-weight cotton for the reversible backs
    OTHER SUPPLIES
    • Coordinating thread
    • Yardstick
    • Chalk pencil or fabric marker
    • Scissors
    • Straight pins
    • Turning tool (such as a closed pair of scissors)
    NOTES
    • All seams are 1 / 2 ″ unless otherwise stated. (The 1 / 2 ″ seam allowance is included in all cutting measurements.)
    • Preshrink your fabric by washing, drying, and pressing it before starting your project.
    Step 1. Cut out all pieces from the fabric.
    Simply measure and mark the dimensions directly onto the Wrong side of your fabric, using your yardstick and chalk pencil. Then, using your scissors, cut out each panel following the marked lines.
    FROM THE FABRIC FOR THE FRONTS
    • Cut 4 panels: 22″ wide × 24″ long
    FROM THE COORDINATING FABRIC FOR THE REVERSIBLE BACKS
    • Cut 4 panels: 22″ wide × 24″ long
    Step 2. Make the Napkins.
    Place the first front panel and the first reversible side panel with Right sides together, matching up the raw edges, and pin them in place. Stitch a 1 / 2 ″ seam around the Napkin, leaving a 3″ opening centered on one side, backstitching at each end. Next, trim all 4 corners in the seam allowance, making sure not to clip your stitching. Then, turn your Napkin Right side out, using a turning tool * to push out the corners.
    * See page 172 for an explanation of a turning tool.
    Step 3. Finish the Napkins.
    Fold under the raw edges 1 / 2 ″ at the 3″ opening and press. Pin the opening closed. Then, topstitch * with a 1 / 8 ″ seam completely around the Napkin to close the opening, and then press the Napkin flat.
    * See page 172 for an explanation of topstitching.
    Step 4.
    Follow the instructions in steps 2 and 3 to make the other 3 Napkins.

GIFTABLE RECIPE CARD BAGS
    FINISHED SIZES: SMALL GIFTABLE RECIPE CARD BAG: 3 3 / 4 ″ WIDE × 6 3 / 4 ″ TALL (FITS 3″ × 5″ CARDS) LARGE RECIPE CARD BAG: 4 3 / 4 ″ WIDE × 7 3 / 4 ″ TALL (FITS 4″ × 6″ CARDS)
    Every chef needs a place to keep her favorite recipes. When you’re organizing, storing, or gifting your prized pie recipes, you can whip up these lovely recipe card bags, which make any recipe even more special.

GIFTABLE RECIPE CARD BAGS

SHORT PLEATED APRON
    FINISHED SIZE: 31 1 / 2 ″ ACROSS THE BOTTOM × 24 3 / 4 ″ LONG, WITH 31″-LONG TIES; FITS MOST ADULTS.
    You’ll make your grandma proud when you don this traditional pleated apron, and you can give it your signature look by choosing bright and beautiful fabrics. We’ve put a towel loop right where you need it, and a pocket for you to stash recipes. Now twirl