https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/cuckoo-clock • Posted by Octopus Publishing
Cuckoo Clock When I was little, I was fascinated by the cuckoo clock in my playroom. I’d almost forgotten how much I loved that clock until I saw one recently at a flea market. This version doesn’t have a working cuckoo, but it does tell the time and it’s just enough to give a little sense of nostalgia. TIME This is quite a lengthy project, as there are a few different techniques involved. You should be able to complete it in two or three evenings, but you could spend longer on the embroidery if the mood takes you
Cuckoo Clock When I was little, I was fascinated by the cuckoo clock in my playroom. I’d almost forgotten how much I loved that clock until I saw one recently at a flea market. This version doesn’t have a working cuckoo, but it does tell the time and it’s just enough to give a little sense of nostalgia. TIME This is quite a lengthy project, as there are a few different techniques involved. You should be able to complete it in two or three evenings, but you could spend longer on the embroidery if the mood takes you
MAKE THE CLOCK Cut out the smaller cuckoo-clock pattern and trace around it onto the mount board. Mark the centre of the clock face – where you will attach the clock mechanism – using a bradawl or pin. Cut out the cuckoo-clock shape from the mount board carefully. Keep the template, as you will use it again later.
Using the bradawl or a drill, make a 0.6cm ( in) wide hole in the marked spot on the mount board. Note that you need to be precise with this step to ensure that the clock hands align perfectly.
Pin the larger cuckoo-clock pattern from the template onto your piece of fabric, and cut it out.
Stick double-sided tape around the edges of the back of the mount board. Peel off the top layer of the tape and lay the fabric on top, right side facing up. Stick it in place. The fabric should be 1cm (¼in) larger than the mount board all the way round.
Clip the fabric at all corners (see Figure 1). Turn over the mount board, and again stick double-sided tape around the edges. Peel away the top layer from the tape, fold the edges of the fabric over and stick in place. Take care at the corners to keep them neat.
Take the smaller cuckoo-clock pattern again and pin it onto the felt square, positioning it so you will have enough leftover felt for the leaves. Cut out.
FINISH THE DETAILS Transfer the cuckoo door outline and clockface markings (including the centre marking where the mechanism will fit through) onto the felt with pins or tailor’s chalk. With your contrasting embroidery thread, stitch the door and clock face (but not the centre marking) using backstitch and French knots. Make a hole at the centre marking on your felt with the bradawl.
Trace the cuckoo-clock leaves onto your leftover pieces of felt. Embroider the leaf markings on to each leaf using backstitch. Stitch the leaves to the clock, ensuring these stitches aren’t noticeable from the front.
Cut the ribbon into two pieces, one 15cm (6in) long and one 30cm (12in) long. Stitch the felt hearts, balls or beads onto the end of each length of ribbon and secure them in place. Stitch the ribbon to the back of the clock at the bottom, so that they hang down. Make sure they are evenly spaced, so your clock isn’t lopsided.
Trace the cuckoo shape onto the contrasting felt, and cut it out. Stitch the features using your second colour of embroidery thread, and stitch the cuckoo onto the clock face.
Stick double-sided tape around the edges of the messy side of the fabric-covered mount board (the side with the fabric folded over the edges). Peel off the top layer of the tape and position the felt cuckoo-clock face, being careful to align the centre hole of the clock face with the hole in the mount board. Stick down.
Assemble the clock mechanism according to the instructions that came with it and attach it through your clock face. Put in a battery (rechargeable if possible) and there’s your hand-crafted cuckoo clock!