Roll it up – UKQU Sewing Challenge
It’s time to reveal the FOURTH project in the UKQU Sewing Challenge; a laid back, ‘join as you can and let’s have some fun’ challenge where we are using our patchwork and quilting skills to create garments, accessories, things for the home and perhaps also something for charity.
Having recently bought a new set of crochet hooks, I was reminded of the roll storage that I made LOTS of when the children were small – we used them to store felt tips, crayons, paint brushes and even cars! You may also have seen them used for make-up brushes, knitting needles, crochet hooks, chop sticks, cutlery, etc. The opportunities are endless. And, they are QUICK to make!
There are plenty of patterns and tutorials on the internet, so feel free to use one of those if you prefer.
Below I’ll set out how I made my latest one, but first of all, a fold over is a must for me – without it the content easily falls out. Secondly, it needs to have a sturdy ribbon to close it and finally, I like to use some funky fabrics.
Required fabrics for the crochet hook roll
- One 9″ (height) x 15.5″ (width) – orange fabric
- Two 12.5″ (height) x 15.5″ (width) – grey fabric
- 26″ long ribbon / narrow webbing – orange webbing
If you like the roll a bit more sturdy, consider adding some interfacing, wadding, fleece or extra layer of fabric. I didn’t for this one as the fabrics were rather thick due to the white surface printing.
Making of the roll
Take the orange piece of fabric and fold it hot dog style, so you have a double layer measuring 4.5″ tall and 15.5″ wide. Press flat.
Put one of the grey pieces on your table, right side facing up. Place the orange folded piece at the bottom of the grey piece, raw edges on top of each other.
To create the individual channels for the crochet hooks, close to the raw edge, mark your sewing lines with a pen. I marked my first line 1″ in from the edge, with the other ones 3/4″ a part, finishing 1″ from the other end. My marks were only 1-2mm long so easily hidden in the seam later on. You may like to draw your sewing lines all the way to the top of the fold, but I didn’t have a pen at hand that I knew for sure would disappear! Instead, I put pins at the top of the fold at 3/4″ distance to match the ones made with pen at the raw edge.
Next, sew along the sewing lines, making sure you secure your stitches properly at the top (at the fold) allowing the channels to last when using the roll-up. As you can see in the closeup below, my lines aren’t completely straight…
I then took a crochet hook to measure where I needed to put the ribbon; allowing for the fold-over of the fabric. For me, this meant the ribbon was added on top of the folded orange fabric. Pin in place.
Add the second grey fabric on top, right sides facing. Pin in place. Sew all around the rectangle, starting at the top and leaving an opening of approx 3″ to turn the fabrics through. I put in a few extra stitches to keep the ribbon in place. Clip the corners to reduce bulk.
Turn right sides out, taking care getting the corners as crisp and pointy as possible.
At the opening (that you turned the roll through), fold the fabrics in to match the seams on both sides. Pin in place making sure it is straight and smooth. With your fingers, make sure the two layers are laying as flat as possible along the seams all the way around. Pin in place (especially important if your fabric moves a lot!). Top stitch 1/4″ away from the edge all around, closing the opening at the same time. If you love doing FMQ, you may like to quilt the roll as a final touch.
Join in the discussion
Please do share your tips and ideas, as well as what you are making on Facebook. You’re welcome to use both our main group, UK Quilters United and our the dedicated UKQU Sewing Challenge (links below). If you add #ukquSewingChallenge to your posts in the main group, it’ll be easier for everyone to find them, but don’t worry as I can add topics/hashtags if you forget.
Feel free to join in when you have time; this is all about making something else than quilts and having some fun. Also, please remember, you’re keeping what you’re making, so there is no pressure to be done at a specific time, although I’ll be sharing a new challenge in the autumn.
- Main UK Quilters United: https://www.facebook.com/groups/UKQuiltersUnited
- UKQU Sewing Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ukqusewingchallenge
I’m looking forward to sewing your versions of the roll-up.
Happy sewing!
/ Nina xx
That’s lovely Nina, it’s now on my list to make and to share with my WI Craft group.