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Make a patchwork needle case: free sewing pattern

This pretty needlecase uses the crazy patchwork method, which is a great way to use up odd scraps of fabric. By Kirsten Edwards

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You will need

● 1 x 9in square piece of calico or other cotton backing fabric
● Assorted pieces of cotton fabric in different colours
● Piece of felt
● Piece of thin wadding
● 2 x 7in lengths of ribbon

How to make

Enlarge the template (below) on a photocopier until it measures 8in x 6 1/2in. When you make the pockets, fold it in half to form the pocket template.

Lay the needle case pattern onto a piece of calico or soft cotton backing fabric and cut one piece.

Cut a 3in square of fabric for the centre of the patchwork (you will use this fabric only once) and then cut five to eight angles onto the square. Pin into the centre of the calico, right side up.

Cut a variety of fabric strips no wider than an inch and a quarter.

Place the first strip onto the centre fabric, wrong side up, lining it up to the edge of one of the angles, making sure it is longer than the angle. Place a pin at each end of the angle.

Sew a ¼ in seam by machine or hand from one pin to the other. Flip the fabric strip back and press. Now trim the edges of the strip, lining up your scissors with the edges of the central fabric.

Turn the calico clockwise and lay a second strip of fabric, wrong side up, across the end of the first strip and the next angle on the centre fabric.

Repeat until the whole of the calico has been covered with strips of fabric. Turn it over and trim back to the original pattern shape.

Use the needle case pattern to cut a piece of wadding and inner lining. Lay the lining on top of the wadding and fold in half to find the centre.

Using pinking scissors, cut out a 5in x 2¹/₂in rectangle of felt and another slightly smaller to make a small book for needles. Lay the smaller rectangle over the larger and fold in half to find the centre.

Lining up the central folds, sew the felt with large stitches to the inner lining and wadding.

Lay the crazy patchwork piece on to the lining and wadding and lightly tack together.

Cut out the two pocket pieces and hem the straight edges. Lay them at each end of the inside of needle case and tack into place.

Pin the ribbon at each end of the case and tack into place.

Cut a 1in strip of fabric for the binding, ensuring it is longer than the circumference of the needle case, or use some readymade bias binding. Pin onto the right side edge of the needle case.