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carolyn friedlander

carolyn friedlander

fabric and pattern designer

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Quick Thread Catcher Tutorial.

February 23, 2018 by carolyn friedlander 13 Comments

quick thread catcher tutorial . carolyn friedlander

Yesterday I mentioned that I liked traveling with a little thread catcher, and so today I’m posting a quick thread catcher tutorial. This is based on one given to me by the sweet owners of the Janie Lou quilt shop in St Louis, Missouri. What I really like about it is that it folds up nice and flat, which makes it easy to bring with me anywhere. Plus, it’s silly how quick and easy it is to put together. I’ll be making many more of these for my sewing buds…

Materials: *NOTE, Mini size is listed in update below.

+ Exterior Fabric – cut to 8 1/2″ x 17 1/2″

+ Lining Fabric – cut to 8 1/2″ x 17 1/2″

+ (optional) Interfacing – cut to 8 1/2″ x 17 1/2″ applied to Exterior.

Fabric/Interfacing Note: Neither of the thread catchers shown in this tutorial are interfaced. The one that I was given (above) has a sturdier canvas on the exterior. It’s nice. The one (outlined below) in this tutorial is made from un-interfaced quilting cotton for both the exterior and lining. I was mostly curious to see how it would turn out, and it’s surprisingly structured! I’m very pleased with it and will totally do it this way again. But of course, if you like interfacing, you can always incorporate it into your project.

All seam allowances are 1/4″. While I’m using my serger in this tutorial, you can just as well use your sewing machine. All raw edges will be enclosed, except where noted below.

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Fold in half (RIGHT sides TOGETHER) so that short edges are aligned. In the photo below, my short sides are at the top, and the fold is on the bottom. Do this and the following for both the exterior and lining panels.

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Pin (if desired) and stitch along the sides.

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Create a boxed corner by pinching side seam to bottom fold on each side.

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Mark a line 1 3/4″ from pointed edge. Stitch along this line.

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Turn exterior (RIGHT side OUT).

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Place lining inside exterior, aligning side seams. Pin in place (if desired). Tip: Alternate the direction of the side seams when you match them up. This will make things less-bulky.

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Stitch along top edge. A serger will finish this edge as you stitch, but if you’re using a sewing machine, you can use a zigzag stitch to finish it. Or, if you want to bind it, you can totally do that too, but since the top is folded, it isn’t super critical.

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Fold the top down a couple of times, and you’re good to go!

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

I hope you enjoy yours as much as I’ve enjoyed mine!

Thread Catcher Tutorial . Carolyn Friedlander

Dec 21, 2018 UPDATE – In my newsletter I outlined how to make a mini thread catcher, and so I thought I’d update the directions here as well. If you’d like to make a little mini, follow directions above but cut your Exterior and Lining fabrics to 4 1/2″ x 12″. Mark your boxed corner 1″ from point. There you have it!

Mini and Regular Thread Catcher . Carolyn Friedlander

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. erin says

    February 26, 2018 at 7:02 am

    Thread catchers are the second project we make with the 8th graders I teach sewing to. The pattern I use is a bit smaller, but I love the size of this one. Will have to make myself a larger one! (Great seeing you this weekend!)

    Reply
    • carolyn friedlander says

      March 2, 2018 at 8:57 am

      Nice! This would be a perfect project for them. It was great seeing you too!

      Reply
  2. Michele Edwards says

    February 27, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    Thank you for this quick tutorial! I just made one in record time and it’s so cute!

    Reply
    • carolyn friedlander says

      March 2, 2018 at 8:56 am

      Great! I’m so glad you like it!

      Reply
  3. Carina says

    July 1, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    Thank you for the pattern, I made a thread catcher this afternoon, love it!

    Reply
    • carolyn friedlander says

      July 2, 2018 at 5:32 pm

      Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. Diane says

    September 11, 2019 at 4:27 pm

    Thank you so much for this tutorial. The thread catchers are easy to make and totally enjoyable!

    Reply
    • carolyn friedlander says

      September 23, 2019 at 9:27 am

      Thanks, Diane! I’m so glad you like them!

      Reply

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