NEEDLE CASE PATTERN

 

My usual method of storing needles is to poke them into whatever spool of thread is nearest.  That’s fine until I forget it’s there and prick myseld when I pick the thread up.  So I decided that a needle case would be a good idea.  Did you know that according to Wikipedia another name for a needle case is etui.  Apparently it’s very popular as a crossword clue.

 

Fabric requirements for the needle case

 

For the outside of the needle case I used eighteen 1.1/22 squares.  You’ll also need rectangles 6.1/2″ by 3.1/2″ of backing fabric and wadding as well as a rectangle 5.1/22 by 2.1/2″ of felt.  It’s best if both the wadding and felt are made from wool as this helps preserve the needles – I think it’s something to do with the lanolin in the wool.

 

Making the needle case

 

Sew the squares together in rows of three and then sew three rows together to make two nine patch units.  Sew these together to make one rectangle 6.1/22 by 3.1/2″.

 

Lay down the patchwork rectangle with right side up.  Lay the lining on top with right side down and lay the wadding on top.  Sew round three edges leaving one short edge open, forming a pouch.  Clip the corners which have been sewn and turn the pouch right side out.

 

Turn under a 1/4″ seam on the open end and slipstitch it closed.  Sew around the edge of the needle case about 1/42 from the edge.  Then sew along the seams between the rows of patchwork.  this helps the needle case keep its shape.

 

 

Lay the felt on the lining side of the rectangle and sew up and down the middle.  it’s probably best to do this twice for extra strength.  This is the spine of the needle book.

 

 

That’s the needle case complete.  You have several pages for the needles so if you are ultra organised you could even have one page for quilting needles, one for embroidery needles and so one.