Tag: howtomake

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My processes to create Exclusive Artisan Handmade cushions ….

As my past and present customers are aware here at Dizzy Tyke Designs, I make all of the cushions covers here in my studio.

Heres a little insight into the processes I undertake to create my exclusive designs and how the cushions covers are produced.

Stage 1 – Create Design Element

Using the BROTHER PE design program I create a design that represents the picture I want to create. Ensuring the pieces are attached in the correct order and stitches give the desired effect. this is then uploaded into the sewing machine ready for sewing.

If you have an idea for a pattern and its not available, drop me a line and if its something quirky for you I can give you costings, if its something I could add to my web site I can always look to absorb the cost for the design element away from the price.

Stage 2 – Fabrics

I try to use repurposed but new fabrics where possible. Many of the cover fronts are excess stock curtains. Whist the backs vary from good quality cotton sheeting, blackout backing curtains and curtain linings.

A lot of the appliqué materials are offcuts from a local upholstery manufacturer.

Creating card templates of each design element allows fabrics to be selected and cut to correct shapes before they are sewn into place.

Stage 3 – The Machine

I use a Brother PX1050x machine which hold up to 10 colours at any time.

Once fabrics have been chosen threads come next, whether I’m looking for contrast or harmony I have a wide selection of Kingstar polyester threads to choose from, they are then loaded onto the machines and threaded ready for sewing.

Stage 4 – stitch out design

Then starts the process of stitching out the design. Once all the elements are stitched in place. The edges are embroidered in a zigzag stitch to stop edges fraying.

Stage 5 – Create the cushion.

The backs are cut to shape, raw edges overlocked and a zip attached under an overlap to conceal it on the finished cushion. The Zip is typically placed 2/3 inches from the bottom of the cushion on the back.

However, some cushions are created using the envelope style and have buttons forming part of the design on the front.

The back and front are then sewn together and lastly the edges are overlocked to prevent fraying.

Stage8 – Finishing

The covers are then checked over, strands of cotton removed and tidying around appliqué to give clean lines.

Stage 7 – The Final Product

The cushion covers are then pressed, have a temporary filler placed in them for photographing. The filler is then removed and the cover placed in storage until it is sold.

You may wonder why temporary fillers are used. This is because they take a beating putting them in and out of different covers and pummelled into place for the photograph. So keeping a few fillers just for photographs allows every cushion that is dispatched to have a brand new filler placed in it ready for its new home.

All the fillers are solid to me as hypoallergenic, however are I can not guarantee all the fabrics I use are hypoallergenic, so I do not market them as such.

What’s coming over the next few months….

  • Summer knitting ideas start to make an appearance
  • More designer cushions and bespoke ideas
  • With lockdown from Covid-19 starting to relax, people are thinking of getting those special family event caught up on so I’ll be looking at how my products can enhance your special Christening, Wedding, Birthday or family get together.

Don’t forget to follow me in Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, alternativly join my mailing list for update and offers. Use the links at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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How to make button loops….

Knitted buttons loops allow you to easily add to the edge of knitting without interfering with the cast on or off.

Here at Dizzy Tyke Designs we use them a lot on sleep sacks to stop corners flapping around. Have a look at the Martley, Abberley and Honeybourne sleep sacks

They look great when finished and are not complicated or difficult to make. Have a practice on the edge of an old bit of knitting or even fabric as consistency is the key to a professional finish.

Identify where you want the edges of the loop, then using a tapestry needle attach yarn so there are 2 thickness.

Thread the needle through the work from back to front, where you want the second edge of the loop to be. The long stitch should be slightly bigger than the button diameter.

Pass the needle through the long loop from front to back, then pass the needle through the small loop, then pull firmly but not excessively. This creates a stitch around the long loop.

Keep repeating the needle going through the long loop from front to back, then pass the needle through the small loop, until all of the long loop is covered. By keep the firm pull consistent you will get a neat edge. but not excessively. This creates a stitch around the long loop.

Once the long loop is all covered, pass the thread back through a few stitches to secure and allow the end to be hidden when cut.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)

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Bespoke Orders

Bespoke orders

Don’t forget here at Dizzy Tyke Designs , I can work with you to come up with personal and imaginative designs for that special gift.
All the cushion designs at Dizzy Tyke Designs are exclusive to my label and shipping is worldwide.

This pair of cushions were a special something for a cycling loving couple. The mirror images cyclists and bikes were colour coded to suit the couples kit.
This bird and flower design with a hint of skull, was commissioned as a gift for an ageing rock chick who now lives in a country cottage.

Both of the above designs will be making an appearance on the for sale page soon, but if you are desperate to get one early drop me a line, using the link at the bottom of the page..

Astley Beret

The Astley Beret is designed to fit a 6 to 12 month old child. Its knitted flat and has no complex stitches.

The tassel creates a fun finishing touch and the instructions on how to make it are below.

How to Create at Tassel

What you need (A) Yarn, Cardboard, Scissors and a darning needle

  1. (B) Cut piece of cardboard template 5” wide, (C) Wrap yarn around cardboard 15  times.
  2. (C)Thread tapestry needle with yarn, pass between yarn and template, tie round yarn snugly. 
  3. (D) Thread tapestry needle with of yarn and wrap around tassel 6–10 times, snugly. Then pass through the center of the tassel and out of the head. 
  4. (E) Remove from cardboard and Cut ends of yarn .
  5. (F) Trim tassel ends evenly if necessary.
  6. Attach to desired location .
A
B
C
D
E
F

What’s coming over the next few months….

  • Christmas decorations start to make an appearance
  • More designer cushions and bespoke ideas
  • More bridge are looking for that special something to show off their rings and make their wedding album a bit different, so a new range of ring cushions will be here before the Autumn.

Don’t forget to join my mailing list for update and offers.

Thanks for taking a look at my update and site.

Deb (The Dizzy Tyke)