Making It Yours series - Signature Square

I've never met a pattern or a project that I didn't want to change!  Whether sewing or knitting or just about anything else, I always seem to find something I want to change.  That's how I got started designing purses in the first place.  So I decided to write a series of posts about how you can do the same thing.  Yes, I want everyone to feel my pain!  Not really, it can be fun :).

This post, I'll show you how to put your signature on something...like a purse.   My signature square is easy to do and adds a personalized touch.  I'll show you how I do it, but remember, you can change it!

First, cut 2 pieces of fabric, one from the lining fabric 2" x 4.25" and a second from the outer fabric 1.5" x 3.75".

Then fold each in half, right sides together, short ends touching.  Stitch down each long side close to the edge, about 1/4" in. Turn both pieces inside out and push the corners out to a point.  

Turn the unsewn edges in to make what looks to be a square.  I just eyeball it.  Pin the larger square if necessary.  

Take the smaller square and position under the sewing foot so that the needle will start at the logical starting point for your initial.  You can draw your initials first with a washable marker, but I just eyeball this, too.  If your sewing machine has a setting so that the needle stays down when stopped, engage this.  

Now start sewing!  I go pretty slowly, lifting the foot slightly and turning the square as needed.  This gets easier the more you do.  Once you finish both initials, pivot the square on the needle and go back over your stitch lines slightly weaving over them. When you get back to your original starting point, pivot and go over the initials for the third and last time.

To sew your squares on your purse, position the little square centered on top of the larger square. Then position both somewhere on one of the purse pieces where they will show and not be in the way of seams, etc.  Stitch just inside of the smaller square all the way around.

That's it! It's harder to explain (and read about) than it is to do it. As you can see, I don't try to achieve perfection.  That's part of the 'signature'.   Now there's no mistaking who made that beautiful purse you're carrying!