As needle books go, my new one is something of a tome. It's large enough to hold all my hand and machine needles, including my longest doll needle at 5 1/2 inches. It's ten (single-sided) pages include labelled storage for loose needles, small plastic needle cases, and a strap to hold packaged needles that I haven't opened yet.
I designed this needle book myself because I wanted one place to store all my needles. As usual, I took it one step further and made a beautiful paisley motif felt applique for the cover to make myself that much happier every time I open it. And, of course, it took me much longer than it should have to finish it. I mentioned it way back in this post, but it was already long in process at that point. Oh, well. I never do anything unless it's worth taking a long time to do (that makes me sound a bit like Treebeard, though. Hmmmm.).
Anyway, my needle book measure about six inches tall and four inches wide. It holds all my needles, which are organized by type and size so I will be sure to find the needle I want when I need it. Labels next to each type help me keep track of which needles are which. Basically, it keeps me organized and gives me a place to put otherwise homeless needles.
Here's how you can make one of your own.
Materials:
- Felt for pages (see below for my dimensions or customize as desired)
- Felt for pockets
- Felt for needle holders
- Felt for cover
- Thread
- Twill tape or ribbon for labels (optional)
Instructions:
Cut a second piece 6" x 8.5"
Cut a third piece 6" x 9"
Stack the felt so that the largest piece is on the bottom, the second one is centered on top of it, and the smallest one is centered on the first two. Use clips to keep the pages in place. Find and mark the center of the pages (chalk is pretty useless on felt, but pins work well if you don't have disappearing ink). Using a stitch length between 3 and 4, sew the pages together along the center line.
Note: I attached all my pockets toward the back of my book since I don't switch machine needle as often as I want a different hand sewing needle.
Note: Larger gauge needles and tapestry needles fit better with a longer stitch length.
And my needle book is finally done! Okay, I may have a couple labels left to sew on, but, other than that, it's finished!
Although I designed the final needle book myself, I used lots of sources for inspiration. Here are some of my favorites:
Tiny Apartment Crafts Needle Book
Mmmcrafts Needle Book
Domestic Doozie Needle Book Tutorial
Little Birdie Secrets Needle Book Tutorial
Paisley Applique Design
Paisley Template
How to Draw Paisley
Do you have a favorite needle book? Does it hold all your needles or just the most used ones?