Stitched Form Pattern Builder

Materials and Tools

Learn which materials and tools to gather before beginning a Stitched Form project.

Materials

  1. Chipboard
  2. Cardstock: 100 lb acid-free cardstock. Make sure the sheet size you choose is appropriate for the size of your project.
  3. Fabric: Quilting cotton. Check your home stash first. This is a great way to use scraps from other projects. Most projects can be completed with a fat quarter, but check the pattern before purchasing.
  4. Glue: Use a neutral pH permanent PVA adhesive.
  5. Water-activated tape: Used for container projects and reinforcing joints.
  6. Lightweight fusible interfacing: Used for hinges and other areas that need extra support or protection from fraying.

Tools

Measuring and Cutting

  1. Cutting straightedge: Use a sturdy metal ruler to guide your knife and protect the edge while cutting chipboard.
  2. Utility knife: For cutting chipboard.
  3. Craft knife: For cutting cardstock.
  4. Cutting mat: Use a self-healing mat to protect your work surface.
  5. Fabric cutter: Use a rotary cutter or sharp fabric scissors.
  6. Quilting ruler or carpenter square: Optional, but helpful for measuring rectangles.
  7. Spacing guides: Optional, but convenient for keeping gaps consistent.

Gluing, Folding and Pressing

  1. Glue spreader: Use a silicone glue brush, an old credit card, or a cotton swab. A credit card works well for scraping glue into a thin, even layer.
  2. Creasing and smoothing tool: Optional, but helpful for smoothing fabric, pressing edges, and making crisp folds.
  3. Iron: For pressing fabric and applying fusible interfacing.
  4. Weights: Use heavy, flat objects, such as books, to press glued pieces while they dry.
  5. Work surface: Protect your table with a silicone craft mat or parchment paper.

Step 1

Chipboard

A sheet of 2 mm chipboard

Chipboard is a dense paperboard that forms the rigid structure of a project. It may also be called book board and is commonly used in bookbinding.

Stitched Form projects are designed for 2 mm chipboard.

Step 2

Cardstock

A sheet of 100 lb acid-free Bristol cardstock

Cardstock is used for linings and other fabric-covered panels. It holds its shape while remaining flexible enough to wrap and install.

Choose 100 lb acid-free cardstock to help prevent discoloration and deterioration over time.

Step 3

Fabric

Quilting cotton fabric

Quilting cotton is a good choice for beginners because it is tightly woven, easy to cut and fold, and thin enough to wrap without adding too much bulk.

Choose a print scale that suits the size of the project. Before cutting, look for a directional design or a clear top and bottom.

Press the fabric before beginning to remove wrinkles and creases.

Step 4

Measuring and Cutting Tools

Rulers, sharp knives, a self-healing cutting mat, and a fabric-cutting tool

Cut chipboard with a sharp utility knife and metal ruler. A ruler with a finger shield helps keep hands safely away from the blade.

A smaller craft knife works well for cardstock and detailed cuts.

Protect the work surface with a self-healing cutting mat. A larger mat provides more room, but the mat should be at least 11 × 17 inches.

Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter can be used for fabric. A quilting ruler is also helpful for measuring rectangles and cutting straight edges.

Step 5

Gluing and Folding

PVA glue, a glue spreader, a bone folder, and a protected work surface

Choose a neutral pH permanent PVA adhesive made for paper, board, and fabric.

Spread a thin, even layer of glue with a silicone brush, old credit card, or another flat tool. Silicone brushes are easy to clean and reuse.

A bone folder helps smooth fabric, sharpen folds, and press wrapped edges into place.

Protect the workspace with a silicone craft mat or parchment paper.

Step 6

Pressing and Weighing Tools

Heavy, flat weights and parchment paper or a silicone mat

Heavy, flat objects keep cardstock linings, wrapped panels, and fabric folds smooth while the glue dries. Books, paperweights, and other clean, stable objects all work well.

Place parchment paper or a silicone mat between the project and the weights to protect the fabric from glue, dirt, and marks.