Making floss tags

Mouse asked a good question about how I make my floss tags so I thought I'd share here for anyone else who might be curious.

My very first floss tag

The first tag I made (seen here) I used iron on interfacing behind the stitched part and another piece of interfacing the same size on the backing fabric.  Then I stitched it on three sides with the sewing machine, after turning it right side out I slip stitched the opening closed, and gave it a good press.  It turned out pretty good. 

My first bee (second ever floss tag)

I did the same thing for this one.  Both of these turned out nicely but I wanted my next one to feel stiffer, more tag-like and less floppy.

Floss tag made by Staci

The method I used for the second bee tag was actually from Staci's tutorial over at Snippets and Stash.   I was lucky enough to be partnered with Staci in an exchange. She made me the floss tag above.

My second bee

So this time around I used her method and I liked the stiffness of the finished tag.  The difference was I used interfacing, fusible web and a piece of batting this time around.  These additions really did make a difference and acheived the stiffness I wanted.  This time I hand stitched the two sides together using a ladder stitch instead of using the sewing machine.

Also, I will say that I'm in love with my Crop-A-Dile for making the holes and setting the grommets.   You don't have to have one of these tools to make a floss tag but I already had one and it worked like a charm! 

I would say the method you use is a personal preference thing.  You may pass out at the thought of using glue or fusible anything near your stitching.  That's cool, do what you feel comfortable doing.  This is what I'm comfortable doing and it acheived the feel I was personally looking for.

Here are a couple more tutorials I found on a quick Google search.  Anita's over at Anita Little Stitches  and Vonna's over at The Twisted Stitcher.  I'd say try a couple methods and see what works for you.

I hope this helped answer any questions and hopefully inspired you to give it a go yourself.

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher

Tutorial: Dyeing rick rack

I thought you all might be interested to see how I dyed the rick rack for the BBD project bag.  I used the Barb and Alma's instructions included with the chart.

Also, please don't pay attention to my craptastic 1970s kitchen counter and backsplash.  I live in an old house and the kitchen hasn't been high on the remodel list.  It's functional...nuf, said.

So let's get on with it shall we?

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Cast of Characters

• Rick Rack  (Mine was 100% polyester from JoAnn's)
• Tan Rit Liquid Dye (I found mine at Wal-mart)
• Old clear glass jar with tight fitting lid.  (I used a pint canning jar)
• Metal Tablespoon  (Unless you don't mind custom colored plastic)
• Measuring cup - 1 cup size
• An apron or clothes you don't mind getting dye on.   (I opted for the apron.)
• A couple wet paper towels to wipe up any spills.  (Unless you don't mind a spotty countertop.)

Place 1 cup of water in the jar.

Microwave the water for 45 seconds on High.

Add two tablespoons dye to the warm water.

Make sure to screw the lid on tight and shake to well to mix.

  It will get a little foamy.  Don't worry it's okay.

Wet the rick rack with warm water.

Add the wet rick rack to the dye mixture.

Replace the lid tightly and shake well.

Let sit until the rick rack is the color you want.

I let mine sit about 15 minutes.

If you use 100% cotton it might not take this long.  Just keep an eye on it.

Remove the rick rack when you are happy with the color.

As you can see I used tongs.  I really didn't want to walk around with brown fingers.  You might be okay with that look.  Just sayin'.

Rinse the rick rack.

Some of the dye rinsed out so it's not so dark.  It will also dry lighter too.

Keep this in mind if you want yours darker.

Allow it to air dry.

I figured over the sink was the best place to do this.

You may want to iron yours.  Especially if you use cotton.

I didn't need to do that with mine.

Here are the end results close up.

Ta Da!!!

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I hope this tutorial inspired you to give dyeing a try.  It really was pretty easy.  I'm still amazed that 100% polyester took the dye like it did.  I would definitely do this again!

Special thanks go out to the Blackbird Designs girls for excellent written instructions.  Worked like a charm!

Until next time,

The Inspired Stitcher