Supplies:
Fabric and Notions
• Fabric for background and leaves:
dark teal, blue distressed, blue floral,
vine, aqua, blue crosshatch, blue
gingham
• Fabric for pomegranates: blush dots,
dark brown, rust
• Threads to match fabrics: dark blue,
light blue, blush, dark brown, rust
• Sewable iron-on adhesive
• Rust sequins
• Rust or brown embroidery floss
• Patterns for pomegranates and leaves
(provided)
Tools:
• Rotary cutter
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Ruler
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Point turner
• Marking pen
• Iron and Ironing surface
• Vario Tool
• Vario Rivet Tool Set
•7.5 mm Rivets
Instructions:
Finished project size: 16” x 20”. All seam allowances are 1/4” unless otherwise
indicated. Backstitch at the start and end of each seam.
1. Prepare background pieces.
Using rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler, cut fabric to sizes indicated.
2. Prepare appliqué pieces. Cut out provided patterns for pomegranates and leaves.
Apply iron-on adhesive to fabrics below according to instructions on package. Pin
patterns to fabric and cut out as indicated.
3. Sew background strips. Refer to the illustration and arrange background pieces on work surface. Take dark teal strip in upper left corner, and the blue distressed square to its right. Pin right sides together on short side of strip. Repeat for right side, bottom, and left side, pairing and pinning a strip with its adjacent square. Sew each pair to create four longer strips.
4. Sew strips to center panel. Take strip at upper left, and place on center panel, right sides together, aligning in upper right corner. Pin in place. Starting at the corner, sew along the long edge, but stop several inches from end of center panel. Later, this will allow for the left side strip to be sewn at the upper left corner of the center panel. Repeat for the other three strips, working around the center panel and stopping several inches from end of center panel. Go back and complete the seams that were previously stopped short, to close the gaps and complete the seams at the corners of the center panel. Press seam allowances away from the center panel.
5. Attach border. Sew long border strips to top and bottom, right sides together. Repeat for the strips on the two sides. Press seams flat.
6. Appliqué leaves and pomegranates.
Arrange appliqué pieces on center panel to determine placement. Remove the iron-on
adhesive paper backing from the outer and inner leaves only, and iron on following
manufacturer’s directions. Tip: Use a pin to help peel the paper backing from the
adhesive. Use matching thread and sewing machine to appliqué inner and outer leaves. Tip: Before sewing on projects, test stitch style and size on similarly layered fabric to
achieve desired effect. Repeat appliqué process for pomegranates.
7. Sew pomegranate seeds.
Referring to pattern, use a pen to mark placement of sequins. Hand sew sequins onto
inner pomegranate using two strands of embroidery thread and a French knot.
8. Sew on backing.
Pin the pieced front panel to the 16 1/2” x 20 1/2” backing, right sides together. Sew
around all four sides, leaving an opening of about 4”. Turn the project right side out. Use
a point turner to turn out the corners. Use an iron to press seams around all four sides. At the opening, turn seam allowance under and press in place. Hand sew the seam closed invisibly using a slip stitch. Knot several times at the end. Hide knot under seam by poking needle between the two layers at the seam, and then up through the back side of the project. Cut the loose end of the thread and pull it into the interior of the project.
With sewing machine, topstitch about 3/8” from the edge around all four sides to
complete the project.
Step 9: Mark Rivet Placement
Decide where you’d like your decorative 7.5 mm rivets to go. Using a fabric-safe marking tool, mark each placement point on the challah cover. Keep spacing consistent for a cleaner finished look.
Step 10: Punch Holes for the Rivets
Using the hole-punch tool on the Vario Creative Tool, align the punch with each marked point and squeeze firmly to create a clean hole. Repeat for all marked spots.
Step 11: Insert the Rivets
From the right side of the fabric, push the rivet post through the hole. Place the rivet cap on the wrong side so the two pieces sandwich the fabric.
Step 12: Set the Rivets with the Vario Creative Tool
Install the 7.5 mm rivet tools into the Vario Creative Tool. Position the rivet between the dies, ensuring everything stays aligned. Squeeze firmly until the rivet is fully set—there should be no wobble. Now your project is accessorized and complete!
Challah Cover Pattern: