DIY Network

Sweet Memories: Vinyl Photo Album Covers Simple designs are embroidered on crisp white vinyl album covers. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-139

(Continued from page 1)

When you're putting the vinyl pieces together to sew them, be sure not to pin the vinyl fabric: pins will leave holes in the photo album cover. Instead, draw pencil lines as guides. These lines can be easily wiped off after the album is completed.

advertisement

Making the Photo Album Cover

Measure and sew the side seams:
The next step is to determine the placement of the album side seams. First, sew the right side seam (using the white all-purpose thread) 3/4" from the tip of the top beak on the bird design, keeping a small (1/8") seam allowance. You should fold under the extra vinyl fabric so that wrong sides are together and you are sewing through two layers of vinyl. Next, determine the placement of the left side seam by measuring 10-1/4" from the edge you just sewed. Make a pencil line (figure D), fold under the extra vinyl fabric so that wrong sides are together and sew up, keeping 1/8" seam allowance (figure E).

Figure D

Figure E

Use pinking shears to cut inside flaps:
Flip over the photo album cover (back side up) and measure 4-1/2" in from the each sewn edge. Using the transparent ruler, draw a line perpendicular to the each sewn edge. Next, use the pinking shears to cut off the excess material. You should cut inside the line so that the finished edge is slightly less than 4-1/2" in width and so the pencil markings are cut off (figure F).

Sew top and bottom edge:
The next step is to measure where the top and bottom seams need to be sewn. The top seam should be 1-1/4" from the top of the bird's wing. Using the transparent ruler, mark a pencil line across the length of the vinyl cover (make sure the line is perpendicular to the sides). Next, measure down 6-1/2" and make another pencil line parallel to the line you just made across the top (figure G). Sew along each pencil line and trim the edges with pinking shears.

Figure F

Figure G

Attach ribbon closure:
The final step is to attach the ribbon closure. Find the center of the album and make a pencil line. Next, find the center of the ribbon and place it over the center of the album. Sew back and forth over the center of the ribbon several times to secure it in place.

Now just slip the sides of the photo album into the cover, tie the ribbon into a bow and trim any excess length. You now have a beautiful album that will last for years. Just wipe the vinyl cover clean to keep it looking brand new.

These are a few of the looks you can create with just a little imagination.

Additional Suggestions and Ideas

• You can also use this same idea and make pocket-sized photo albums.

• Download other embroidery designs to fit with the album's contents from a website such as www.embroidery.com.

• Don't have an embroidery machine? Consider using an appliquéd design, or hand-embroider the bird instead.

1 | 2

RESOURCES :

White Floridian vinyl
Website: www.hancockfabrics.com

Nonrefillable hardcover photo album
Style #824637
Website: www.walmart.com

GUESTS :

Sarah Neuburger
E-mail: info@thesmallobject.com
Website: www.thesmallobject.com