macaron tutorial & giveaway
February 23, 2014 So. How long have I been meaning to write a tutorial for this cutest ever little macaron kit? Too long. But I finally got down to business and wrote it because The Cloth Parcel wants to give a kit away to one of you! I'm very excited about this. :)
Ok. For starters, this kit is cute cute cute. I bought four for myself a "while" ago. This is the second I've made and now I can hardly wait to make the other two.
Here's what comes in the kit:
You will also need a sharp needle with an eye big enough to thread 2 plies of embroidery floss and thread scissors. I also recommend white embroidery floss, but it isn't necessary.
The kit comes with instructions, but they are not in English. The graphics are pretty clear, but if you need a little more explanation, this tutorial will help.
One other thing - this macaron is assembled entirely by hand. All the sewing is done with the colored embroidery floss that comes in the kit. I always separated one ply of floss, folded it in half, threaded the ends and knotted the loop for all my sewing so I stitched everything with 2 plies (one ply doubled).
Step 1: To make the first lid, sew a running stitch around the edge of one LARGE felt circle.
Gather it slightly.
Divide the wad of stuffing in half. Set one half aside. Place the other half of the stuffing onto the cupped felt circle.
(Note: If you want the inside of your macaron to be a little puffy, don't use all of the stuffing in this step. But I like the outside of my macaron to be super puffy so I used all of my stuffing for the outside. You can always cut a few little circles from scrap quilt batting to fill the inside hollows, if you like.)
Then place a white cardboard circle on top of the stuffing. Gently pull the running stitch until it is snug. Tuck the stuffing under the cardboard as best you can. Secure the running stitch.
Make the second lid.
Step 2: To make the zipper into the circle shape, first mark the seam line.
The instructions say to stitch the seam 5mm from the teeth clasp.
If you work in inches, your seam should be a generous 3/16" from the teeth clasp.
THIS MEASUREMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT (she said speaking from experience). If your seam allowance isn't just right, the zipper will not fit properly.
I marked my stitch line with a pen (which will not be seen).
Pin the ends of the zipper (right sides together) and then following the stitch guide in the instructions, sew the ends of the zipper together with a backstitch.
NOTE: This step is where I would recommend using white floss. It's not necessary, but it does make your seam invisible from the outside.
Step 3: Sew a running stitch along both sides of the zipper and gently gather them.
Step 4: Slip stitch one lid to each side of the zipper.
Note: The instructions say to stitch the zipper 3mm (or 1/8") from the teeth. If you look carefully at the zipper, you will see a woven pattern. I've drawn a mark along the stitch line. Try to sew on that line. And you also want to match up the stitch line on the zipper with the edge of the cardboard circle inside the lid. You can feel it easily with your fingers. I know this sounds like a super fiddly thing to do, but it will make a difference in the finish.
Step 5: Slip stitch one small felt circle to the inside of one lid. (This is where you can add a bit more stuffing if you like.)
Tip: Fold the teeth back towards the outside to make it easier to sew.
Repeat for the other side.
Step 6: Attach the beads and ribbon.
You're all done! Super cute. :)
I'm going to use my macaron as a scissor fob. It's the perfect size to hold a bobbin of thread for binding, English paper piecing, hand quilting, ... ... ... Plus the colour of the felt matches some of the flowers on my scissors. I know you get how awesome that is!
I will put a link to this tutorial in the Tutorials & Free Patterns link in my navigation bar at the top of this page so you will always be able to find it.
If you'd like to win a macaron kit, please pop over to The Cloth Parcel by clicking here to see all the available colors for this kit. Then come back here and leave a comment (not an email) telling me which macaron color is your favourite. This giveaway closes Sunday March 2nd and I'll announce the winner Monday the 3rd. Good luck to you!
Reader Comments (161)
I saw these gorgeous macarons some years back and fell in love with them then. I can't recall the site, but the kit looks familiar. So thankful for your tutorials as you really do simplify the patterns. As well, you iron out all the snags one often encounters when attempting a new project.
Your wee scissor keep is truly a 'keeper' :D
Thanks for a fun giveaway!
Thanks for sharing this tutorial!
I love to make hand made items for gifts etc. and you do an awesome job of inspiring me to be creative.
I thought all the macron's were adorable but the hot pink would probably be my favorite. Wishing you continued joy in your sewing.
Thanks!