So quite a while ago, in fact I think it was almost 2 years ago, I wrote a tutorial on how to make an usamimi. I’m still loving them all of this time later so I thought I would rework the tutorial and show you and even easier way to do it.

This is what you’ll end up with…

VioletLeBeauxP1040248_14626
VioletLeBeauxP1040245_14623VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-58_1398 copy

What you need:

  • Fabric
  • Needle and thread or sewing machine
  • Wire

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-33_1396 copy

First thing you need to do is work out how long you want the usamimi to be and cut a rectangle of fabric to that size. Fold it in half on the long side (so it’s very thin and long) and cut the ends into slightly curved points. The photo below shows what the points should look like unfolded.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-36_1396 copy

This is what you should end up with, two points on each end.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-34_1396 copy

Fold it so the good side of the fabric is on the inside and start stitching at the crease. Go up to the point:

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-37_1396 copy
And back down the other side.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-38_1396 copy

Continue stitching all the way down the side until you reach the end of the other point.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-41_1396 copy

Tie off the thread and leave the other end of the point open.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-40_1396 copy

Turn the whole thing inside out through the hole at the point.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-45_1397 copy

If you need to, use something pointy like a pen to help push it all through.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-46_1397 copy

You should have something along these lines:

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-49_1397 copy

Cut a length of wire a few inches longer than the fabric is point to point. Fold one end of the over and twist so it forms a loop. This will prevent it from poking through the stitching on the other side.  Push the piece of wire into the usamimi through the hole and all the way to the other point.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-53_1398 copy

In the other tutorial I wrote the wire was stitched around the outside of the fabric, that works best if you have very thin wire, this technique works best if you have thicker wire.

Once the wire is all the way in, twist the other end in a loop too.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-55_1398 copy

Fold the edges of the hole under and hand stitch it completely shut.

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-57_1398 copy

Test it out by twisting it together and you’re good to go 😀

VioletLeBeaux-Usamimi-Tutorial-61_1398 copy

Very simple to do and super quick if you do them on the sewing machine too. If your fabric is very puffy you might like to topstitch the sides to flatten it a bit but I actually prefer the puffiness.

VioletLeBeauxP1040243_14621

Hope you guys enjoyed, there’s a video version of this coming soon too!

 

hey-bestiesWant to download this tutorial in one handy portable file?

Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a list of all of my downloadable tutorials? OMG so convenient! I know right?

Just sign up to The VLB monthly newsletter/magazine/awesome thing below and have the list delivered right to your inbox in the welcome message!

Subscribe to the VLB newsletter for a full list of downloadable tutorials!

Click here to learn about the VLB.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close