Towel topper for 5x7 hoops.

I have come up with this design for those of you who asked. You can refer to the pictures from my larger design if you need. Here are the instructions for the 5x7 hoop.

Handle:

You will need 2 pieces of fabric 7.5 x 3 inches (for each handle)

WSS or tear-away in your hoop





Color 1: Placement line for fabric

Place fabric in hoop – right sides up on both sides and tape or carefully pin in place



Color 2: Tack down



Remove hoop and trim fabric close to stitching line. Leave approximately ½ inch at the bottom of the handle (to attach to base)



Color 3: Satin stitching around handle



Color 4: Buttonhole



Repeat for colors 5 – 8 for a second handle



Base:

You will need 2 pieces of fabric 7 x 5 inches

WSS or tear-away in your hoop

1 piece of lightweight batting – 6 x 2.5 inches (optional)



Prepare your towel. I like to cut off the hard seams at the top to prevent breaking needles.



Color 1: Placement line for the towel



Step 2: Align your towel with the placement line. Make sure your stitching line is slightly above the placement line – otherwise your stitching will show. The towel should be face up.



Color 2: Tack down. This will tack your towel down



Remove hoop from machine and place your fabric face down on the towel. The top of the fabric should align closely with the top of the towel. Tape or pin the fabric down. Repeat for the back of the hoop.



Color 3: Tack down for the fabric. This will also sew a placement line for the handle.



Remove hoop from the machine, center your handle over the placement line. Fold the base fabric up so the fabric is face up. If you wish to add an embroidery design or some quilting, insert the batting.



Pin or tape your fabric in place.



Color 4: outline of the base.



Remove hoop from machine and trim away excess fabric. Trim close to the stitching line but be careful not to cut any stitches or cut through the handle. Make sure you trim the fabric away from both sides.



Return hoop to the machine and stitch out color 5 – the satin stitching.



Color 6: this is a buttonhole if you want to insert one.



Remove from hoop and trim away any stray ‘hairs’, sew on the button or insert a snap and you are finished!