Ginger bread men

Design plus make As a class we are going to design a ginger bread man mobile Each person has to make two ginger bread men and another shape of your choice This will help us develop our hand stitching, attaching a button It will also be beneficial to remind our self how to do it after the holidays.

Steps.... Collect fabric and template and pin the template to the fabric and draw round it with tailors chalk and cut two pieces out of the fabric. You choose what other shape you would like to attach to your mobile and YOU will have to design your own pattern to make it.

Steps.... You can attach the features using felt, thread or fabric pens it is up to you its your mobile. Sew on a row of small buttons down the tummy

How to attach a button Select buttons and thread Knot the bottom of the thread On the surface of the ginger bread man pinch the fabric together Push the needle through the fabric, take a very short stitch which will leave the knot on the surface Thread the needle through the button pull through to the back side continue this going through the button until it is secure Finishing by wrapping the thread around the other threads and fabric until nearly finished then finish it off

Steps..... Pin the two pieces of fabric together and using a blanket stitch begin sewing all the way round the outside until nearly finished and leave a small gap.

How to blanket stitch Push the needle through from back to front and about a centimetre away from the edge of the blanket Pull through Until you reach the knot at the end of the thread Now, staying on the front of the blanket, place your needle about 1 centimetre along the blanket at the same level as the start of the first stitch Push the needle through the blanket but come up again by going through the loop you have thus created with the thread. As you pull the thread gently through the created loop you will see the first blanket stitch start to form Finish the stitch off by pulling neatly but not tightly or you’ll distort the stitch To continue simply go straight back to placing the needle, front to back, a centimetre along from the top of the last stitch To finish off - Work front to back going over the last stitch, almost like you’re sewing it again.

Steps..... Using the top of a pencil and push a LITTLE stuffing in through the hole until gently puffed up. Now continue the blanket stitch to close the gap neatly.

Steps..... Collect four pieces of card and attach them to form the top of the hanging to support your ginger bread men pieces. Punch holes in area of card you would like to attach the gingerbread men and also one at the top to attach thread to make a loop.

Steps..... Use scraps of vintage fabric to attach pockets, scarf's or bow tie. If you want you can sew the hands to the front.