Thread Catcher

Fabric Requirements .
4 - 2&1/2 x 8&112 rectangles in primary fabric ~
4 - 2&1/2 x 8&1/2 rectangles in coordinating fabric [-::-.\
12" on~-inch wide double-fold binding (optional)
**Note: you can just use one fabric color for the entire project, including the
binding.

Directions
I) Lay a strip of primary fabric on sewing surface like you are getting ready
to sew it. Then lay a rectangle of coordinating fabric on top, right sides
together, with the length of this rectangle directed to the left (see drawing). It
will look like an L upside down and to the left. Sew pieces together but stop
'i4 " away from the end of the coordinating piece and backstitch. You will not
have intersecting seams later so backstitching is crucial. Press open. Repeat
process with the other three "sets" of rectangles ~\ ~f'bl'rTc P\e.c.e. 0.-+ It4
2) Lay two sets of rectangles next to each other so that one rectangle faces in
each direction, like four spokes. Flip one set on top of the other, you'll notice
that your seams automatically lock. Backstitch and sew 'i4" from the top and
finish with a backstitch 'i4" from the end. Press open. Repeat process with the
other two sets of rectangles.

3) Now sew the spokes together. For instance, take a primary spoke and
twist it so that it is right sides together with the coordinating spoke next to it.
The coordinating spoke will end up being much shorter than the primary
spoke and it will be on the bottom as you sew the seam. Don't worry that the
comer where the spokes meet isn't perfect, just line the fabrics up as best you
can. Be sure and backstitch at the beginning because there aren't really any
intersecting seams here. What you are making is going to look like a box with
seams on the outside. Repeat process with other set of spokes and you'll have
two boxes. .

4) Tum one box inside out so that the seams are on the inside, this will be the
outer shell of your thread catcher. The other box will be the lining of your
thread catcher. You may find it helpful to finger press the seams of the spokes
just to help them lay a little flatter. Place the lining box inside the outer box,
lining up the comers of both boxes with each other as best you can. Trim the
upper edges of the boxes even with each other so that you can apply binding
or fold and topstitch them.

5) You have two choices for finishing the thread catcher. You can fold the
top edges in towards each other and topstitch together or you can apply the
double-fold binding. I like to pin my binding all the way around and overlap
at the starting point. Make sure that you are catching both the inside and
outside edge of the binding as you sew around. I usually do a quick satin
stitch to cover up the raw edge of my binding where it overlaps the beginning.