Home For My Double Pointed Needles

DPN Holder

Although I prefer to use two circular needles when knitting hats or socks, there have been a few instances lately when double needles have been needed. I ordered Carbonized Patina 7″ Double Point Bamboo Knitting Needles 14 Sizes (70 Pieces) from Amazon. They are not an expensive set, but have proved to be perfect for my needs.  The problem was there were 70 pieces and I didn’t have anything to store them in. After searching the Internet, I found this tutorial on Crafty Avocado. I pulled out some of the fun knitting-themed fabrics I have and after making a few modifications, I made holders for both Curls and me.

Material

Materials and cuts:

1. Main Body (Timeless Treasure Fabric; Fun-C9182) – Cut 2- 13.5″ x 10.5″
2. Upper Pocket (Timeless Treasure Fabric; Knit-C7588) – Cut 1- 13.5″x 8″
3. Upper Pocket lining (From stash, very old)- Cut 1- 13.5″ x 7.5″
4. Lower Pocket (From stash, very old) – Cut 1- 13.5″ x 6″
5. Lower Pocket lining (From stash, very old) – Cut 1 – 13.5″ x 5.5″
6. Flap (From stash, very old) – Cut 2 – 13.25″ x 6.5″ (the flap width needs to be cut narrower so it does not get sewn into the side seams)
7. Pellon fusible fleece – Cut 1 – 13″ x 10″
8. Pellon fusible interfacing – Cut 1 – 13″ x 10″
9. 1/4 inch wide grosgrain ribbon – Cut 2 – 16″

Steps:

Pellon linings

1. Fuse the interfacings to the two main body pieces. A lesson from my mom is to always cut the interfacing slightly smaller than the piece being lined. You don’t want it caught up in the seam line making a bulky seam. I used the damp cloth method for both which according to the instructions gives a stronger bond.

Pocket linings

2. Our mom was a fabulous seamstress with courses at the University of Minnesota in Fashion Design and a degree for UCSB in Home Ec. We were taught to always uses the best sewing technique to give a “finished” look to our project. Because of my background, I could not use the method for folding down the pocket edges and stitching as shown on Crafty Avocado. There is nothing wrong with that method, it’s just not for me. I lined the pockets which I think is much faster and gives an added support to the pockets. The linings are cut 1/2″ less in depth so that when ironed with the bottom edges together, the top pocket in automatically turned in giving a nice finishing edge. Press, press, press.

Marking the lines

3. Matching the bottoms of the upper pocket with the inside body, pin so it is easy to mark. It is important to start with the center line and mark the lines on both sides. I used the silver marking pencil which I love for marking quilts. Any non-permanent marker will work.  Lines widths from left to right: 1″, 1″, 1″, 1 -1/8″, 1 – 1/8″ (this is the center line), 1- 1/2″, 1-3/4″, 1-3/4″

Sewing Lines

4. Before sewing the lines, sew a line 1.75″ up from the bottom. If you look you can see it at the top of the fabric. Sew the center line first. Another tip from mom – always sew the lines in opposite directions to avoid fabric bunching. Sew one “up” and the next one “down”. Works as a charm. Notice I continued the lines past the 1.75″ line. The ends were backstitched so the stitching would hold. Add the bottom pocket and repeat the line markings and sewing as you did for the top pocket.

Rounded Edged Flap

5. I decided a rounded edge would look nice on the flap so I grabbed my paperclip holder which has a rounded edge and used it as a template. With right sides of the flaps together, I traced the rounded edge template onto the fabric and cut. The flap fabrics were sewn together right sides facing. The rounded edges were trimmed and the flap was ironed open. Press, press, press. Top stitch about 1/4″. Pin in place on the top of the lining and sew a basting line about 1/8″ from the edge.

Fray Block the ribbons

6. I wanted the DPN Holder to fold smaller so I used ribbons instead of a tab. Cutting two 16″ pieces of grosgrain ribbon, I cut two of the ends at an angle for a more finished look. Then Fray Block (or Fray Check) was used on both ends to keep the ribbon from fraying. When the ends were dry with the help of the hair dryer, I added them to the pocket side.

Sewing the ribbons

7. Marking the middle of the right side, the ribbons were attached using a zigzag stitch along the edge. I like to make sure they are secure. A lot of tension is put onto those ribbons. Finish the holder by matching the right-sides of the outside body to the inside of the holder, pin the edges together. Using a 1/4″ seam allowance stitch around the holder. Leave a small opening on the left side for turning. Trim the corners, turn and press, press, press. Close the opening either by hand or sewing along the edge. Top stitch around the holder. Topstitch the flap along the top edge.

Finis!

Finis! Now fold and tie your DPN holder into a cute little bundle.
As usual have a great crafty day. Try something new.