how to: stiched half heart

Here's some more of what came out of this weeks heart play. These little stitched ones are incredibly quick and very satisfying for using up bits from the scrap basket. They make wonderful gift toppers and look beautiful hanging from a delicate branch. Make them into a vertical garland by attaching several together or tie them to a string for a horizontal bunting. Machine sewn or hand stitched, they're fun and versatile. Bet you can't stop making them once you start!

Fold fabric in half to cut out hearts free-hand. For light-weight and shifty fabrics, I recommend ironing them to a piece of freezer paper first. Just remember to use old scissors not your best fabric shears or the paper will dull the blade. I loved using the creased hem of an old curtain I've been using up for many projects.

Use the first heart as the template for cutting out the second, so that they match.

Open them each and place right side to right side.

Stitch down the center fold.



Fold each heart onto itself and sew down the center with a decorative stitch that catches both sides- zig zag or feather work well. Snip off the excess thread at the bottom, but keep the ones on top for hanging...or keep adding hearts with a little room between the two and then hang.

Have a loving and creative weekend!

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