Pencil Pusher

Excerpted from Quilting by Biz Storms (Kids Can Press, 2001).

Make this easy project in an afternoon. Try using different fabrics for the inside and outside.

You will need:
•a 25 cm x 25 cm (10 in. x 10 in.) square of fabric for the outside
•a 25 cm x 25 cm (10 in. x 10 in.) square of fabric for the inside
•a 25 cm x 25 cm (10 in. x 10 in.) square of cotton batting
•embroidery floss
•a snap closure or Velcro
•a button, bead or tassel (optional)
•scissors, pinking shears, embroidery needles, pins, pencil, ruler

To make this craft click see steps in this craft below pencil case photgraph.

Basic Stitches:

Loop Knot:
Begin and end your seams with this simple knot.
1. Make a small running stitch leaving a 2.5 cm (1 in.) tail.
2. Backstitch over the first stitch but leave a tiny loop sticking up.
3. Slip the needle through the loop from the top and pull the loop closed.
4. Make another backstitch and loop. Slip the needle up from the bottom and pull the loop closed. Trim the thread, leaving a 0.5 cm (1/4 in.) tail.

Running Stitch:
Use a small running stitch for seams and a medium running stitch for quilting or sandwiching.
1. Start at a corner with a loop knot. Push the needle down through both layers of fabric.
2. Bring the needle up through both layers a short distance away and pull the thread through. Repeat, making even stitches.

Backstitch:
1. Make a small running stitch.
2. Make another stitch in the same spot with the needle going down and up through the same holes.