Hand Sew Teatime Set

We recommend using embroidery floss for these hand stitches. Use two strands from a six-strand embroidery floss so when both strands are threaded through the needle and folded over, the two strands will become 4 strands.

Thread the needle and tie a knot in the end of the thread.

On the inside of one of the fabric pieces, put the needle through a tiny bit of fabric. 

Pull the thread almost all the way to the knot. Stop pulling, split the thread close to the knot creating a gap then slip the needle through the gap. 

Pull the thread taut. The thread should now be knotted to the fabric.

NOTE – Tying the thread to the fabric this way will prevent the knot from coming through the fabric as you stitch.

Put the needle through to the right side or underside of the fabric depending on which side of the fabric the needle needs to be on for the next step.

Backstitches are used for outlining or adding fine detail. 

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Pull the needle to the right side of the fabric close to the raw edge, or at the point you want to start your stitches. Pull the thread to the right side.

Push the needle down about ⅛ inch away, pulling the thread all the way through. This will create a small stitch.

Push the needle back up about ⅛ inch away, pulling the thread all the way through, creating a gap from the first stitch.

Push the needle back into the same hole as step 2.2, pulling the thread all the way through. This will close the gap and complete the first backstitch.

Repeat steps 2.2 to 2.4 creating a length of backstitches as desired.

This is a simple stitch usually used along an edge. You will catch your thread with your next stitch, keeping it in a straight line.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

From the inside of the fabric, push the needle to the underside of the fabric, pulling the thread all the way through the fabric.

Push the needle from the wrong side of the fabric close to the raw edge, or at the point you want to start your stitches. Pull the thread to the right side.

Insert the needle through the fabric approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch from the raw edge. Then move it along approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch to the left and insert again approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch from the raw edge, making sure the thread is looped around the needle. 

Tighten the thread then repeat.

TIP – To keep your stitches a regular distance from each other, make three markings on your thumb or pointer finger ⅛ to ¼ inch from each other so you can align them with your stitches.

This is a looped embroidery stitch, shaped like a flower petal or teardrop.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Bring the thread to the right side of the fabric. 

Put the needle back down into the fabric right next to where you brought the needle up. Leave a loop of thread on the top side of the fabric.

NOTE – Leave a small amount of fabric between where the needle was brought up to the right side and where the needle is being put back down into the fabric.

Move the needle forward about ⅛ to ¼ inch and bring to the right side of the fabric. Put the needle through the loop of thread. As the thread is pulled up from the underside of the fabric, pull the thread straight forward and be sure to pull the loop taut.

NOTE – This step can also be done by weaving the needle from where the needle is put into the fabric in Step 4.1 to where it comes up in this step. Be sure to have the needle come up in the loop so the Chain Stitch is created. 

On the OUTSIDE of the loop, insert the needle close to where the needle was brought from the underside of the fabric in Step 4.2. Pull the thread all the way to the back of the fabric. This locks the Chain Stitch in place.

NOTE – Leave a small amount of fabric between where the needle was brought up to the right side and where the needle is being put back down into the fabric.

This creates the first seed.

Repeat Step 4.1 to 4.3 to create as many seeds as desired.

This stitch is used to create small decorative knots. Don’t let French Knots scare you, they aren’t as scary as you may think.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Push the needle to the underside of the fabric and then bring it to the right side of the fabric at the point you want to add the french knot. Pull the thread all the way to the right side.

Working close to where the thread comes out of the fabric, wrap the thread around the needle three times.

NOTE – If you wrap the thread more than three times, the french knots can become loose or untidy.

Carefully tighten the thread on the needle and pull the threads together on the needle. Holding the threads taut on the needle, push the needle into the fabric close to where you brought the needle to the right side of the fabric. Slowly pull the needle through to the underside. This will create a French Knot on the right side of the fabric.

NOTE – Do not push the thread back through the same hole as the working thread. Push it through just next to the original hole, leaving a little space of fabric between.

Repeat steps 5.1 to 5.3 for each french knot.

TIP – Cluster these together to create a dense, textured filling, or scatter them loosely to create a lightness to your embroidery. Creating individual french knots can give your design a little punctuation.

These stitches are created without looping or crossing your thread. They can be used to create broken or unbroken lines or starbursts, fill shapes, and create geometric designs.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Insert the needle from the wrong side of the fabric close to the raw edge, or at the point you want to start stitching. Pull the thread to the right side.

Push the needle down about ⅛ to ¼ inch away, pulling the thread all the way through. This will create a small stitch.

Push the needle back up to the right side about ⅛ to ¼ inch away from the last stitch, this will create a space between the first stitch. Pull the thread all the way through to the right side.

Repeat steps 6.1 to 6.3 creating the desired number of straight stitches in the desired pattern.

These stitches can be used to join two pieces together almost invisibly.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Directly across from the starting point, push the needle through the felt and then back down through the fold on the opposite seam to create a stitch that is between ⅛ – ¼ inch long. When the thread is pulled through, the stitch is concealed within the seam crease, this will be a horizontal stitch connecting the left and right sides of the opening.

Repeat all the way around. To tighten the stitches, gently pull the thread. This will conceal the stitches in between the seams.

NOTE – The stitches have been left loose in this picture to show what the ladder stitch looks like. Pull the thread through and taut after each stitch.

A running stitch is a straight line of stitches created by pushing the needle and thread through the fabric without back stitching. These stitches can be far apart or closer together. This stitch will be seen on both side of your fabric.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

From the inside of the fabric, push the needle to the underside of the fabric, pulling the thread all the way through the fabric.

Moving the needle about ⅛ inch to ¼ inch forward, insert the needle from the underside of the fabric and pull the thread to the right side.

Move the needle forward about ⅛ to ¼ inch and then put the needle back into the fabric at about the same distance, ⅛ to ¼ inch from where you brought the needle up. 

TIP – Instead of stitching each Running Stitch individually, the stitches can be taken more than one at a time by weaving the needle in and out of the fabric. This makes Running Stitches quick to sew.

Repeat the stitches across until the desired length is reached.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach to the inside of the fabric pieces, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

TIP – To make the stitches even, mark your finger with lines ⅛ to ¼ inch apart. Use this to line up your stitches, matching the distance on your finger.

Put the needle through one of the pieces of the fabric so it comes out on the right side of the fabric about ⅛ to ¼ inch away from the edge. Then bring the needle over both pieces of fabric and insert it into the fabric ⅛ to ¼ inch from the edge. Pull the needle through to the underside of the fabric.

Move the needle back over both pieces of fabric and put the needle back into the fabric about ⅛ to ¼ inch away from where it came up. Be sure to go through both layers. Pull the needle all the way through to the wrong side of the fabric and pull the thread taut. 

Repeat all the way around.

Pattern Markings

Transfer pattern markings onto fabric with tailor’s chalk or disappearing fabric ink.

Fusible Webbing

Draw the Cookie pieces and the Cracker pieces onto the fusible webbing.

Iron the fusible webbing onto each piece and cut them out. Set aside. Do not remove the paper backing yet, that will be done in a later step.

TIP – Make sure to use the manufacturer’s instructions for ironing in place. We would also suggest you place a pressing cloth between the fabric and your iron to protect your iron. Occasionally the glue used in the interfacing can leak out and can mark your iron. If you do not have a pressing cloth, a clean, thin tea towel or scrap of 100% cotton can suffice.

Interfacing

Draw the Tea Bag and Tea Bag Tag onto the interfacing. 

Iron each of the interfacings onto their color of fabric and cut out the pieces. 

TIP – Make sure to use the manufacturer’s instructions for ironing in place. We would also suggest you place a pressing cloth between the fabric and your iron to protect your iron. Occasionally the glue used in the interfacing can leak out and can mark your iron. If you do not have a pressing cloth, a clean, thin tea towel or scrap of 100% cotton can suffice.

Stabilizer

If you are sewing the Teapot or Teacup, cut the Teapot Sides, Teapot Bottom, Teapot Lid Sides, Teapot Lid Base, Teacup Sides, and Teacup Bottom pieces. Do not iron the pieces on yet, this will be done in later steps.

TIP – Before ironing the stabilizer onto the pieces, trim it approximately ⅛ inch on all sides so it cannot be seen once the sides are stitched.

NOTE – I’ve used stabilizer in the Teapot in this tutorial, however, you can use double sided interfacing or interfacing, but it will not have the same structure. 

Iron the stabilizer between all 12 Teapot Side pieces, and Teapot Lid Side pieces. There should be 6 sets of each set of side pieces once they’ve been ironed. Then, iron the Teapot Bottom and Teapot Lid Base pieces with the stabilizer in the middle. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for ironing in place. We recommend placing a pressing cloth between the fabric and your iron to protect the iron. Occasionally the glue used in the interfacing can leak out and can mark the iron. If you do not have a pressing cloth, a clean, thin tea towel or scrap of 100% cotton will suffice.

Thread the needle and attach to the Teapot Side following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

NOTE – If you are going to add embroidery to the side of the Teapot, do this before stitching the Teapot Side pieces together. This will leave the inside of the Teapot without any visible stitches.

Lay two sets of the Teapot Sides together. The pieces will be stitched together using Whipstitches. Follow the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Repeat with all remaining pieces for a total of 12 pieces – 6 pairs of Teapot side pieces stitched together. 

Thread the needle and attach to the inside of the Teapot Bottom following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

The bottom of the Teapot will be attached using Whipstitches. Lay the Teapot Bottom on the base of the Teapot then follow the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Tie the thread off, insert the needle into the Teapot pushing the needle out at a random spot. Cut the thread and let the thread drop back into the Teapot.

Thread the needle and attach to the top edge of the Teapot following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

The top raw edge of the Teapot will be finished using a blanket stitch. Follow the ‘Blanket Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Thread the needle and attach to one side of the Teapot Handle following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

The Teapot Handle pieces will be attached using whipstitches. following the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Repeat step 1.4 for the inside curve of the Teapot Handle.

Separate the two pieces of felt and stuff with Poly-fil using a chopstick or blunt knitting needle. 

Thread the needle and attach to a seam between two Teapot Sides following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

A ladder stitch will be used to stitch the Handle to the Teapot. Follow the ‘Ladder Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. Repeat for both sides of the handle.

Thread the needle and attach to one side of the Teapot Spout following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

The Teapot Spout pieces will be attached using Whipstitches. Following the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Fill the Teapot Spout with Poly-fil.

Thread the needle and attach to a seam between two Teapot Spout pieces following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Use a ladder stitch to stitch the Teapot Side pieces. Follow the ‘Ladder Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.   

Tie the thread off, insert the needle into the Teapot Spout pushing the needle out at a random spot. Cut the thread and let the thread drop back into the Teapot Spout.

Thread the needle and attach to the Teapot Lid following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

NOTE – If you are going to add embroidery to the Teapot Lid, do this before stitching the Teapot Lid pieces together. This will leave the inside of the Teapot without any visible stitches.

Lay two pieces of the Teapot Lip together. The pieces will be stitched together using Whipstitches. Follow the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Repeat with the remaining pieces for a total of 12 pieces – 6 pairs of Teapot Lid pieces stitched together.  

Thread the needle and attach it to the Teapot Lid following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

The Teapot Lid Base will be attached using Whipstitches, following the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Tie the thread off, insert the needle into the Teapot Lid pushing the needle out at a random spot. Cut the thread and let the thread drop back into the Teapot Lid.

Thread the needle and attach it to the base of the Teapot Lid following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Braid the three decorative strips for the Teapot Lid. Lay all three pieces down and pin the top ends together. Take the right strip and bring it over the middle strip, making it the center strip. Take the left strip and bring it over the middle strip, making it the center strip. Continue taking the right to the middle, then the left to the middle, until you reach the end of the strips. 

Use a ladder stitch to attach the decorative braid around the base of the Teapot Lid. Follow the ‘Ladder Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching instructions above. Be sure to attach securely.

Thread the needle and attach to the top raw edge following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Along the top raw edge of the Teapot Lid, pinch two side piece seams together. Use a Running Stitch to stitch horizontally through the seams. Repeat, pinching each Lid piece together and stitching all the way around the top edge. Follow the ‘Running Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. Securely stitch the two side seams together so it stays pinched after you let go. 

TIP – Stitch twice around the Teapot Lid to help secure it.

Thread the needle and attach to the Teapot Lid Handle, following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Follow the ‘Running Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above to stitch around the edge of the circle, leaving the thread long at each end. 

Pull one end of the thread to gather the circle. Tie the thread off. Insert the needle into the Teapot Lid Handle, pushing the needle out at a random spot. Cut the thread and let the thread drop back into the Teapot Lid Handle.

TIP – If you’d like a rounder Teapot Lid Handle, stuff the Handle with Poly-fil.

Thread the needle and attach to the top raw edge of the Teapot Lid following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching instructions above. 

Securely attach the Teapot Lid Handle to the top of the Teapot Lid following the ‘Ladder Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching instructions above. 

Tie the thread off. Insert the needle into the Teapot Lid, pushing the needle out at a random spot. Cut the thread and let the thread drop back into the Lid.

NOTE – I’ve used stabilizer in the Teacup in this tutorial, however, you can use double sided interfacing or interfacing, but it will not have the same structure.

Iron the interfacing between all 12 Teacup Side pieces, there should be 6 sets of Side pieces once they’ve been ironed. Then, iron the Teacup Bottom pieces with the stabilizer in the middle. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for ironing in place. We would also suggest you place a pressing cloth between the fabric and your iron to protect the iron. Occasionally the glue used in the interfacing can leak out and can mark the iron. If you do not have a pressing cloth, a clean, thin tea towel or scrap of 100% cotton will suffice.

Thread the needle and attach to the Teacup Side following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

NOTE – If you are going to add embroidery to the side of the Teacup, do this before stitching the Teacup Sides together. This will leave the inside of the Teacup without any visible stitches.

The Teacup Sides will be stitched together with Whipstitches using the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Repeat with the remaining pieces for a total of 12 pieces – 6 pairs of Teacup Side pieces stitched together. 

Thread the needle again and attach to the Teacup Base following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

The Teacup Bottom will be attached using whipstitches. Follow the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. Lay the Teacup Bottom on the base of the Teacup. 

Tie the thread off, insert the needle into the Teacup pushing the needle out at a random spot. Cut the thread and let the thread drop back into the Teacup.

Thread the needle and attach to the Teacup Handle following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Stitch the Teacup Handle together using whipstitches. Follow the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Section.

Repeat Step 2.4 for the inside curve on the Teacup Handle.

Separate the two pieces of felt and stuff with Poly-fil using a chopstick or blunt knitting needle.

Thread the needle and attach to a seam between two Teacup Sides following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Use a ladder stitch to stitch the Teacup Handle to the Teacup. Follow the ‘Ladder Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Repeat step 2.6 all the way around the Teacup Handle to secure it to the Teacup. 

Thread the needle and attach to the top raw edge of the Teacup following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

A Blanket Stitch will be used to finish the top edge of the Teacup. Follow the ‘Blanket Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Taking one of the top two Cookie pieces, fold it in half and make a small cut in the fabric. Open the fabric back up and carefully cut the heart out.

Repeat with the second Top Cookie, and one of the fusible webbing pieces. 

Take the fusible webbing paper off the back of the Cookie piece the fusible webbing was ironed onto. Carefully align the Top Cookies. Iron together using the manufacturer’s instructions. Set these pieces aside. 

 TIP – We would also suggest you place a pressing cloth between the fabric and your iron to protect your iron. Occasionally the glue used in the interfacing can leak out and can mark your iron. If you do not have a pressing cloth, a clean, thin tea towel or scrap of 100% cotton can suffice.

Repeat for the Cookie Jam and Bottom Cookie pieces. 

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach the thread close to the edge of one of the bottom Cookie pieces following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

A Blanket Stitch will be used to stitch the two bottom Cookie pieces together. Follow the ‘Blanket Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above. 

Repeat step 3.3 to stitch the Jam pieces and then the Top Cookie pieces together.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach the thread close to the bottom of the Heart on the Top Cookie following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Place the Top Cookie on the Jam piece making sure they are aligned.

Use a whipstitch to stitch around the inside of the heart attaching the Top Cookie to the Jam following the ‘Whipstitches’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach the thread close to the edge of the Top Cookie following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

The Top Cookie and Jam pieces will be stitched together with a ladder stitch following the ‘Ladder Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Repeat Step 3.7 to attach the Jam to the Bottom Linzer Cookie. 

Before stitching the Cracker together, iron the Top Outer Cracker pieces, Bottom Outer Cracker pieces and Middle Outer Cracker pieces together with the double-sided interfacing in the middle. 

Take the fusible webbing paper off the back of the Cracker piece the fusible webbing was ironed onto. Carefully align the matching Cracker piece. Iron together using the manufacturer’s instructions. Iron the Cracker Filling and Top Cracker pieces together as well. Set these pieces aside. 

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach the thread close to the edge of the Bottom Outer Cracker following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

A Blanket Stitch will be used to stitch the two bottom pieces together. Follow the ‘Blanket Stitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Repeat step 4.1 to stitch the Cracker Filling pieces together, and to stitch the Top Cracker pieces together.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach the thread close to the edge of the Bottom Cracker following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Layer the three pieces together in the following order: Bottom Cracker, Cracker Filling, Top Cracker. 

Making small ‘X’s’ push the needle all the way through all 6 layers of fabric, pull the thread taut. Repeat throughout the top of the Cracker attaching the pieces together and making an indent in the fabric to give the impression of a cracker. 

Move the thread to the next spot by pushing it down halfway through the fabric and moving it to the next spot and bringing it to the right side of the fabric.

Repeat around the cracker. Tie off the thread, put the needle into the Cracker coming out at a random spot.  Trim the thread allowing it to fall back into the hiding the tail in the Cracker.

Before stitching the Tea Bag together if you are embroidering anything onto the tea bag do so now.

The “tea” lettering in this picture is stitched on using Backstitches. Follow the ‘Backstitch’ instructions in the Hand Stitching above.

The flower in this picture is stitched using single chain stitches. Follow the ‘Single Chain Stitch’ instructions in the Hand Stitching above.

You could also use ‘Straight Stitches’ and ‘French Knots’ to create designs.

Thread the needle with colored embroidery floss/thread and attach the thread close to the edge of the Tea Bag following the ‘Attaching Thread’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Use a whipstitch to stitch around the Tea Bag, leaving the top edge open. Follow the ‘Whipstitch’ directions in the Hand Stitching Instructions above.

Repeat step 5.2 for the Tea Bag Tag, leaving the bottom edge open.

Cut three strands of embroidery floss about 3 inches long. Tie a knot at one end and attach a safety pin or use a needle to pin it to a pillow – or the leg of your pants to make it easier to braid.

Braid the three strands of thread together. Knot the end of the finished braid.

Insert one knotted end into the Tea Bag Tag, securely attach it in place. Then finish the Tea Bag Tag by stitching it with whipstitches along the bottom. Follow the ‘Whipstitch’ instructions in the Hand Stitching Section.

Repeat Step 5.6 for the Tea Bag. Tie off the thread, put the needle into the Tea Bag coming out at a random spot.  Trim the thread allowing it to fall back into the hiding the tail in the Tea Bag.