Celebrate & Create: Juneteenth Flag Patch DIY

Step 1: Print the provided template and cut out all shapes.

• • Printable Template - Download Here

Step 4: Thread the machine with red or blue in the top and bobbin.

Tip: match the thread on top with the fabric on top, then have the bobbin match the color on bottom for a balanced color in your stitch.

Step 5: Since this is technically considered “curved piecing” due to the horizon shape, pinning the fabric will not properly align it for sewing. To start sewing, line up one end with right-sides together. Place this under the foot and sewing a small amount 1”-2” (2-5cm) with a ¼” seam allowance.   

Step 6: After sewing the small amount, put the needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot, and adjust your fabric so the edges in front of your foot line up. Lower the foot to continue sewing the curve in small increments, realigning the edges of the fabric as you sew.

Tip: If your machine has Needle Stop Up/Down as a feature, this will make sewing and readjusting quick and easy.

Step 7: When your curved background is sewn, cut small clips into the curve so it will lay flat. Iron the seam towards the blue.

Step 8: Take your star and burst template pieces and trace these on the paper side of the double-sided fusible webbing in pencil.

Step 9: Roughly cut these shapes out of the fusible webbing.

Step 10: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and iron these shapes to the wrong-side of your white fabric.

Tip: Use a spare piece of plain cotton as a pressing cloth between your project and the iron to ensure the iron doesn’t get any sticky residue from the fusible webbing.

Step 11: Carefully cut your fabric along the edges of the fused shapes.

Step 12: Find the center of your sewn background and place the center star there after removing the paper from the webbing. Iron in place.

Step 13: Place the outer burst shape around the star. Make sure the top point of the star lines up with a point on the burst and iron in place.

Step 14: Switch The top thread to the white embroidery thread and the bobbin thread can match or be white bobbin thread.

Step 15: Select a medium/thin satin stitch or a zig-zag stitch with lower width and length settings.

Tip: Practice on scrap fabric to feel comfortable with your selection, make sure you place stabilizer behind the area you are stitching.

Step 16: Place stabilizer behind your background, stitch over all exposed edges of the star and the burst.

- Sewing Tip: When you get to the tip of a point, make sure the needle is on the right of the satin stitch when you go to pivot. Then for inside angles, stop the needle in the left position when you want to pivot.

- Accessory Tip: Using an open-toe presser foot will give you better visibility which can help you obtain more accurate stitching.

Step 17: Remove the excess stabilizer from the back.

Step 18: Trace the outline of your patch onto the paper side of double-sided fusible webbing and cut out.

Step 19: Press this to the back of your patch and then remove the paper backing.

Step 20: Place the patch on your item and iron it in place.

Note: Make sure wherever you place the patch is somewhere you can use your machine and still use the function. For example, if you want to put this on a pocket and still use the pocket, you will need to hand stitch that. But if you want it on a sleeve shoulder, you can remove the machine’s accessory tray and sew it over the free-arm of the machine.

Step 21: Select a satin stitch or a zig-zag stitch with lower length settings.

Tip: The width of this satin stitch can be wider than what was used on the stars because it is not as small and there aren’t’ small details being accentuated by the stitch.

Step 22: Pace stabilizer behind your project and stitch around the outside of the patch, covering the raw edges. Remove excess stabilizer when done.