
Recently the kind folks at Quilt Girls sent me a cloth book panel to sew up. It is called “Fun in Somebunny’s Garden” by Kathy Rusynyk for Wilmington Prints. The pictures on this panel are timeless and sweet, and the story about the bunny making friends as he plays in the garden is so nurturing. I thoroughly enjoyed making this book and plan to give it as a gift.
The panel comes as one piece of fabric approximately 30″ by 45”, and the instructions are printed on the side of the panel. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. You can put one together in an hour, unless you get distracted by the story . . . and then thoughts of your own children or grandchildren! If you haven’t made a cloth book before, I’ve included a few tips at the end of this post. But it’s a very easy, quick project.
Just a few tips . . .
The instructions on the side of my cloth panel provided all the information I needed to sew this book. However, if you are new to this type of project and (like me) enjoy seeing visual examples, then I’ve included a few photos and notes about how I made my book. I hope you find it helpful!
- First, using your phone or iPad, take a picture of the entire panel. When you begin sewing this together, the page numbers will be sewn into the seam. The instructions will remind you of that and tell you to mark the pages somehow. But I found it handy to snap a picture so that I could refer to it later for the page order.
- I began by cutting the two-page spreads apart, using my scissors, on the dotted line as indicated in the instructions. I then pressed each of these spreads and used a bit of spray starch.
- Next I used my rotary cutter and rulers (doubled up) to trim the page spreads. Although the instructions indicated to trim them 10″ x 20″, I cut my 9 3/4″ by 20″. I only did this because I used the wooden frame in the image as a guide and I wanted nice finished edges. You’ll see what I mean in the pictures below. The important thing is to cut all of your page spreads the same size.
- Next you will put the pages right sides together, per the instructions, and add the layer of batting. The instructions say to cut the batting the same size as the page spreads. I chose to cut mine 1/2″ smaller, which would leave 1/4″ space all the way around. I think this makes turning easier and creates less bulk in the seam. I also used temporary spray adhesive to adhere my batting.
- I pinned my layers before sewing, and used the larger blue headed pins to indicate where to leave a hole for turning. You can see below how I trimmed my batting slightly smaller than the page spreads. Simply stitch all the way around, making sure to leave a hole for turning.
- Before turning this right side out, trim the corners as shown below.
- To close up the turning hole and to ensure that the batting stayed in place, I stitched all the way around each page spread, about 1/8″ from the edge. I used my walking foot.
- Finally, I layered the completed page spreads in order and sewed down the spine, securing the book together! I did backstitch 2 or 3 times at the beginning and end to make sure the pages stay together. What a fun project!
What beautiful illustrations in this book! That always grabs me with children's books. I just might know a brand new baby boy who would like this for Christmas 😊. Thanks for the pictorial guide.
You're welcome Pam! It's such a satisfying project because you just know the recipient will love it . . . and probably drool on it . . . and cuddle with it! Yes, your new grandson needs one of these for Christmas. What a good grandma!!
Thank you for sharing these helpful tips! Love how it comes together. Beautiful bright pictures with this fabric paneled story book!
You're welcome! It is a lovely panel and yes the pictures are very nice and rich in color!
That has got to be the sweetest little book ever! As always you did a wonderful job putting it together!! Makes me wish I was a kid again to be a recipient of that darling book!!
Thank you Tuki!!
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I'm so glad I 'found' your blog! Love your decorating ideas. Would you please tell me the size of your quilting book and which fabric you have used for it?
Darling little cloth books! I have been quilting for several years now, but haven't made a cloth book yet. Thank you Taunja for the instructions; I think I will make one for my soon-to-be one year old grand-daughter. 🙂 She will love them.
What great inspiration to make this darling book, I have never made a cloth book before. I have two babies being born shortly so would make a nice gift. The book also is teaching how to share with your friends. Nice job you did!
You are so welcome!! Thanks for stopping by!
I have never made a cloth photo album back. I have two babies swine born brusquely in view of that would make a in the middle of to establish. The photo album furthermore is teaching how to share your cardboard Box with lids links.
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