A first look

Follow the thread.

1. 01

   Cut and steady the fabric

   Cut two matching 8 x 2.5 inch felt rectangles. Keep the backing piece aside. Hold the front rectangle with the side you want to show facing up; the stitches will decorate this piece before the two layers are joined.

   About 7 min
2. 02

   Mark a loose path

   Test the removable marker on the offcut first. Draw a gentle line down the centre of the front rectangle, keeping it at least 1/4 inch from every edge. Leave the backing unmarked.

   About 5 min
3. 03

   Thread and practise

   Cut about 18 inches of floss and separate two strands. Thread the needle and knot one end. On the offcut, bring the needle up through the felt, then down a short distance ahead. Repeat, leaving a small gap between stitches. Pull only until the thread lies flat.

   About 6 min
4. 04

   Stitch the centre line

   Stitch along the marked path on the front felt piece only. Try stitches and gaps about 1/8 inch long. Use a second colour for a short echo line if you like. On the back, pass the needle under two nearby stitches and through its own loop to secure the thread; the backing will hide these tails.

   About 15 min
5. 05

   Align the felt layers

   Remove any visible marker according to the marker instructions. Put the decorated front over the second felt rectangle, smooth the layers from the centre outward, and hold them together with your fingers while you prepare to sew.

   About 5 min
6. 06

   Sew the four edges

   Join the two layers with small running stitches about 1/8 inch inside all four edges, passing through both layers on each stitch. Keep the thread relaxed so the felt stays flat. Secure the end beneath nearby stitches, trim the loose tail, and tuck it between the layers.

   About 7 min