The Swag and Tail Design and Pattern Book
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 The Swag and Tail Design and Pattern Book, pages 71 - 74.
© Copyright Merrick & Day
Making a Bow

Before commencing, read through all the instructions.

  1. To make the bow, cut a piece of fabric and net 42cms (16½") x 22cms (8 ½")
  2. Place the net onto the wrong side of the fabric.
  3. With right sides together, machine a 1.5cms (½") seam down the longest edge (see fig. 54).

    fig 54
    Press the seam open.
  4. Turn through to the right side.

    Flatten out the tube so that the seam lies down the centre (see fig. 55).

  5. Seam the ends of the tube, with right sides together, to form a ring.

    Turn the seam to the inside of the ring (see fig 56).

  6. Pinch the centre of the bow together, forming an inverted pleat, stitch to secure.
  7. Cut a strip of fabric 4 cms (1½") x 13cms (5").

    Fold the longest edges into the centre of the strip, to conceal the raw edges.
  8. Wrap the strip around the centre of the bow, trim away excess fabric and stitch to secure (see fig 57).

  1. To make the tails for the bow, cut two strips of fabric 14cms (5½" wide x 40cms (16") long.
  2. With right sides together, fold the strips in half lengthways.
  3. At the bottom of the strip, machine a line at a 45° angle starting at the folded edge.

    Continue machining up the side, taking a 1.5cms (½") seam allowance (see fig. 58).



    Trim away excess fabric at the point.

    Repeat for the other tail.
  4. Turn the tails through to the right side and press.
  5. Put the two tails together, overlapping at the top but with the tips facing inwards and slightly apart.

    Turn over 1.5cms (½") at the top of the tails and stitch to the back of the bow (see fig. 59).
Making a Maltese Cross

Before commencing, read through all the instructions.

  1. Cut two pieces of fabric and net 42cms (16½") x 22cms (8½").
  2. Continue as for 'Making a bow, steps 2 - 5).
  3. Take one ring, pinch in the centre to make a bow and stitch to secure.
  4. Place the bow inside the second ring at right angles, pinch the front and the back of the second ring separately and stitch to secure

  1. Cover a 29mm (1 1/8") button in fabric and sew in the centre of the Maltese cross to finish (see fig. 60).
Making a Rosette

Before commencing, read through all the instructions.

  1. Cut a piece of fabric 8cms (3") x 72cms (28").
  2. Seam, with right sides together, down the shortest edge taking a 1.5cms (½") seam allowance (see fig. 61).


  3. Press the seam open.
  4. Fold the strip in half placing the raw edges together.

    Using strong thread and starting with a knot, sew a running stitch 0.5cms (¼") in from the raw edge (see fig. 62).

  1. Pull the thread to make a tight circle and secure (see fig. 63).
  2. Cover a 29mm (1 1/8") button in fabric and sew in the centre of the rosette to finish (see fig. 64).

     
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