I love these little 3 1/2″ Embroidery Scissors for hand sewing and detailed cutting. They are lovely and make me feel sophisticated when using them, and they are darn right handy for quick snips and hand sewing projects. The problem is I always seem to be misplacing the tiny thing, or little hands try to steal them away when I am not looking. For a while, I tried to keep them on a ribbon around my neck when sewing, but I kept poking my belly with its sharp nose. As my belly grows, this is becoming more and more an issue.
So I designed this Needle Book with Scissor Shield. It holds embroidery scissors and hand sewing needles – perfect for those “Take-It-Around-The-House” sort of projects. I’ll tie it on a ribbon or slip it on a necklace, and I won’t lose track of my scissors and needles in my couch cushions (or in the grass this summer).
Do you or someone you know need one?
I’ve put together a pattern and tutorial for you.
(sample page)
You will need to download and print two PDF files.
- Needle Book with Scissor Shield – PATTERN (1 page – 1 MB)
Be sure to select “no scaling” when printing this page. - Needle Book with Scissor Shield – DIRECTIONS (6 pages – 18 MB))
As of now, I am giving away this pattern for FREE. In return, would you do a few things for me?
- Please let me know if you have any suggestions for this project or any others! My email is sewfearless [at] gmail [dot] com or @sewfearless on twitter.
- Could send me a picture of your finished project? I would love to see how yours turns out, and I may even post your pictures to my blog.
- I am asking that this pattern not be used for commercial purposes (do not make items for sale). If you would like to ask me more about this please, send me an email.
Materials needed to make a Needle Book
- scrap leather – The cover and pocket of this needle book are made out of scrap leather. Leather stores sell bags of scrap leather inexpensively. My sister bought me a bag for about $10 a couple of years ago when I wanted to make some baby shoes. No leather store nearby? You can repurpose an old leather purse or wallet. Craft stores also carry small pieces of leather, but this would be the priciest source. The pieces don’t have to be very big. The finished needle book is 3″ x 4 1/4″.
- felt – A single sheet of craft felt is enough for this project.
- Heavy Duty Stabilizer – You only need two small scrap pieces about the size of an index card each. I used Pellon Peltex 70.
- Thread – Standard all-purpose thread will work for this project.
- Size 16 sewing needles – This is a must when sewing leather on a sewing machine.
- Thin Elastic - I used a piece of oval elastic, but a hair rubber-band will work too. You only need a 3″ strip.
- Scrap Ribbon – You only need 4″ of ribbon or twill tape.
- 3/4″ Button
- Hand Sewing Needle – You are going to have to sew that button on.
- Embellishments – The most fun part of this project is decorating the front cover. Embroidery, buttons, applique, reverse applique. The possibilities are endless. Have fun with it. Make it your own.
- Glue Stick and Binder Clips – Pinning leaves permanent holes in leather. So instead of pins, we will use a glue stick and binder clips to hold everything in place while sewing.
- (Optional) Teflon foot or Masking Tape – A teflon sewing foot is helpful when working with “sticky” materials like leather. If you do not have a teflon sewing foot, you can apply masking tape to the bottom of a standard sewing foot to prevent sticking.
So, there it is, my first pattern in 2011. Eleven more to go. 
Jodi!! I am so excited – the pattern and final product are awesome!!! Great job!
Thanks Danielle. I had a lot of fun putting it together.
This is very clever. I’ve seen in my favourite Signé Chanel documentary that Chanel seamstresses are using similar bags/ books which they wear around the neck. They are not using them for pins (they have wrist pin holders for that purpose) just for things like scissors and small sewing utensils for quick tasks. I was thinking about making one of those. I think yours is really very nice and useful. Thanks for sharing this!
Well that makes me feel awesome.
Please send me a picture if you make one. I would love to see what people come up with.
Fantastic needle book. I love anything done with leather
Anxious to see what you come up with next!!! Good going.
Great googly-moogly!
This is, hands down, one of the BEST tutorials I have ever seen. For reals. I love the layout, the Google Doc convenience… you, Miss Lady, are awesome.
I’m making this one this weekend for sure. Photos to follow!
Michelle
Why thank you, Michelle. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
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This is so neat. Perfect for those scraps of leather and always know where a needle is handy too.
I have really been enjoying having mine. Next project to make, a pin cushion bracelet.
What a great idea, I have tons of leather scraps and even Leather needles but still too chicken to sew with leather, you’ve inspired me to try, thank you.
Give it a go. This is such a small project, screwing it up doesn’t hurt much.
What a great little project! I don’t have fancy little embroidery scissors, but I do have my small Fiskars spring-loaded snips. A loop or straps with a snap might work for those! I will definitely send you a pic if I attempt it!
Oh i love these: and leather yet. I have never sewn on leather with my machine. Like the tip on what number needle to use. But I really LOVE the tip for how to fake a tefalon needle. Who would have thought good ole’ masking tape!!. Gotta try that. You don’t sound like a beginner sewer. lol
I wouldn’t call myself a beginner, but there is A LOT I need to learn.
oops meant tefalon foot. sorry
Nicely done! (and I have those same scissors. Love them.)
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If you haven’t had a chance to make this needle book yet, be sure to enter my giveaway! http://bit.ly/je0Com They come with a pair of those cute little snips!
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