Whimsical Wall Tidy

Really 
quite simple and the idea is easy to adapt

Posted by Free & Easy Stitch Style

About

So a tidy desk indicates a tidy mind, does it? I’m not sure I agree – I like my desk messy! But this wall tidy could definitely persuade me to make a place for everything. I’ve suggested a fruit ’n’ veg theme as it makes a great way to store the endless bits of paper that clutter up the kitchen, from utility bills to the ‘I’ll make it one day’ recipe cuttings.

Again this project looks like it took loads of 
work and bucketfuls of skill, but it is really 
quite simple and the idea is easy to adapt. It would make a great addition to a child’s bedroom, and you could use nursery rhymes 
as your appliqué theme.

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You Will Need (7 things)

  • Thread in various colours
  • Fabric for your chosen appliqué designs
  • 20 x 20cm (8 x 8in) x 6 of pocket lining Fabric
  • 20 x 20cm (8 x 8in) x 6 of pocket Fabric
  • 80 x 60cm (32 x 24in) of backing Fabric
  • 80 x 60cm (32 x 24in) of background Fabric
  • 45cm (18in) of tape or Ribbon in a 
complementary colour

Steps (7 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

    Trim all the pieces of fabric for the wall tidy, its backing, six pockets and their linings. Cut the tape into three 15cm (6in) lengths ready to make hanging loops.

  2. 2

    Place the wall tidy and its backing right sides together. Sew them together, inserting the three hanging loops at equal intervals across the top and leaving an opening for turning along the bottom seam.

  3. 3

    Trim the seams to minimize bulk and then turn the fabric right sides out. Turn the opening edges in and press them in place. Stitch the opening neatly closed with matching thread.

  4. 4

    Cut out the fabric pieces for your chosen appliqué design, choosing the fruit and vegetable templates from page 125 or making your own up. Sew the appliqué in place by outlining the shapes onto the squares of fabric for the pockets (see pages 14–15). You could add ribs to the banana and any other detailing you think makes the objects look more charming. When the appliqué is finished, trim the threads and press each pocket piece.

    TIP: When choosing your appliqué design, think about what your wall tidy will be used for. It could be an ABC tidy for your child’s bedroom or a handy kitchen tidy. Make up your own designs to suit your purpose.

  5. 5

    Sew each pocket front to its lining in the same way as you did for the main tidy, remembering to leave an opening for turning. Turn right sides out. Press them flat. You can sew the openings closed when you sew the pockets on to the tidy.

  6. 6

    Lay the pockets out on the wall tidy and pin them in position. Remember that some contents will stick out of the pockets, so allow plenty space above each row and position the pockets nearer the bottom than the top of the tidy.

  7. 7

    Sew each pocket in place, ensuring that your stitching is secured with reverse stitch and neatly closes the opening along the bottom edge.