TECHNIQUE
Machine Stitching
SKILL LEVEL
Moderate
Create in a weekend
YOU WILL NEED

  • 25cm (10in.) of 150cm (60in.) wide white organza
  • 25cm (10in.) of 150cm (60in.) wide silver organza
  • 150cm (60in.) of 8cm (3in.) wide beaded ribbon trim
  • Two beaded tassels
  • Chalk pencil/marker and ruler
 
1 Take the 150cm (60in.) length of beaded trim, pin and stitch the trim down the centre on the right side of the white organza. Stitch down both long edges, stitching both in the same direction. On a flat surface, place the white and silver organza right sides together and pin the side edges.
 
TIP: Pin frequently as the organza will slip and slide.
 
2 At one end, measure up 20cm (8in.) from either side edge, mark position with chalk pencil. Draw a chalk line diagonally down from marked position to side end of stitched trim on both sides of trim. Pin along the chalk line through both layers of fabric. Repeat at the other end of the runner.
 
3 Machine stitch from trim end, up diagonal and along the side edges, taking 15mm (5⁄8in.) seam allowance. Continue to other end, pivot at trim end and stitch across trim. Fix stitch and cut thread.
 
TIP: When stitching across trim ends, stitch slowly turning the balance wheel by hand to prevent it breaking on any beads.
 
4 Stitch the other side of the runner, again starting at the same end as before, stitching in the same direction. Leave a turning gap of 20cm (8in.) in the side edge. Finish to end. Set machine to small zigzag and stitch again, close to first row of stitching. Repeat on both side seams, again leaving the turning gap unstitched. Trim seam allowance close to stitching. Press, turn through and slip stitch the opening closed. Press again to finish. PC
 
 
Hints & Tips

Add another strip of beaded trim to the other side of the runner and make it reversible. Finish the look by placing a glass dish filled with crystal glass pebbles in the centre, surrounding candles wrapped in beaded twists. When pinning sides together, place pins at right angles to the raw edges so they can be removed easily as you machine stitch.
 
Suppliers
Beaded ribbon trim and beaded tassels are from the British Trimmings Beaded Opulence range, these are available from John Lewis Department stores and other special soft furnishing shops.
For further information visit:
 
www.britishtrimmings.co.uk
 
White and silver organza fabric available nationally from good fabric shops.