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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Get Organized Tutorial: Make A Laminated Fabric Folder



Laminated cotton is an all star fabric in my book.  It's easy to keep clean, super strong and holds up to serious wear (my 3 year old laminated high chair cover is proof of that!). So being incredibly versatile and durable, why not use it as a substitute for weaker materials? Paper folders get stained, torn or worn out over time.  Substitute with laminated cotton and these folders virtually indestructible!  

You'll Need:
- 5/8yd Laminated Cotton
- 17in x 22in piece of Ultra firm stabilizer
- Sewing Notions (shears/rotary cutter, ruler, disappearing marker)
- Flat Clips (I use hair clips, but binder clips, bobby pins or Wonder-clips also work)
- Lip balm (this makes the laminate smoothly move under the presser foot)

From the laminated cotton, cut the following pieces: (2) 18in wide by 12in high and (1) 18in wide by 8in high.  My measurements are for a standard folder (to hold 8.5x11in paper), so adjust accordingly if using different size.

Fold the piece 8 inch high piece lengthwise, with wrong sides together, and line up along the bottom of one of the larger pieces.  Pins will leave permanent holes in laminate, so use clips to attach the layers together.

Run a bit of lip balm along the edges of the fabric that will be sewn.  This will prevent the laminate from sticking under the presser foot.  Baste the pocket on the sides and bottom 1/8 inch from the raw edge.


Place the other folder piece on top, right side down, and clip together all the way around.  Stitch together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, leaving a 3 inch gap on one of the short sides:

Trim down the corners to reduce bulk and turn inside out, using a pencil or other pointed object to poke corners outward:

With disappearing marker & a ruler, draw a line down the center for the fold and add some lip balm to make the upcoming stitching easier:

From the ultra firm stabilizer cut two pieces that are 8.5in wide x11in high:

Roll up one piece of stabilizer and insert into the folder sideways and then open and push into place.

Clip that side of the folder around the edges to hold the stabilizer in place and stitch down the center to make the folder's crease (just wipe the lip balm away when done).

Insert remaining piece of stabilizer, clip in place, then topstitch all the way around to close the gap & finish things off.


Now the folder is ready.  Perfect for storing paperwork, patterns, schoolwork or anything else flat.

And there's no tearing, no staining, no falling apart over time.  Organizing never felt so good - or so invincible!



I'm also sharing this project with my FAVE LINK PARTIES.
Click HERE to check them out!

24 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Melanie - it was so easy I definitely want to make more!

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  2. This looks like a fun, easy project...but why not just put scotch tape or Press 'n Seal on the bottom of the presser foot instead of messing with the lip balm? I've never heard of using lip balm for this. Doesn't it leave a waxy residue behind?

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    Replies
    1. You could, or use a Teflon foot, but sometimes that does not give enough glide for the fabric to move smoothly. I'd had many frustrating attempts with using tape or having it leave adhesive residue (which can gum up your machine). The lip balm just wipes away so it's very easy to use and can't hurt your machine since it's a lubricant. I've tried many different ways, including tissue paper, and this is by far the easiest & gives the best results.

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  3. I've been using tissue paper to help my laminated fabric pass under the foot, but the lip balm sounds way easier! Trying that next time :)

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    1. I used to use the tissue paper too and then Deb from Laminates fabric shop clued me into the lip balm - so much better in my experience. Hope it is for you too!

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  4. I love how Cute this is! Next craft for when my grandkids come over!

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    1. It's great because it's a quick project and totally useful when it's done. I'd love to see yours when you do make some Millie:)

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  5. Great project! I need to get me some of this fabric you speak of! so cute

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    1. Thanks Virginia! Be sure to enter my current giveaway for the gift certificate to Laminates fabric shop. They have a huge selection to chose from (and the prices are great for buying it too!)

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  6. This looks absolutely great - I love the chevron fabric and the 'indestructable'ness of the project! Have a great weekend!

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    1. Thanks Rebecca - I fell in love with the chevron fabric too. Now I need to make a big set of them with some of my our laminate stash. See ya crummy paper folders!

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  7. Wow fantastic. I follow you but also found the link on the Sweet Living Magazine - craftilicious link up 7. This is such a good idea to make it longer lasting

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much and so thrilled to hear you found me there & are a follower too:) Stay tuned for a new laminate fabric tutorial tomorrow.

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  8. What a great tutorial and I love the fabric! Thanks for sharing. Stopping by from Mom on Timeout :)

    RamblingReed.blogspot.com

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  9. Good night, you're a genius!! I probably spelled that wrong...seeing as how the spelling paper it was on probably fell OUT of my OLD folder!!! So excited to see a new way of making something that is cute cute and usable!! I wish I had known about that type of fabric while my boys were in school...I'd be a hero!!
    Thanks so much for linking up with my party this week!
    Blessings,
    Doni

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    Replies
    1. Aw Doni, you make me feel so great! I agree I wish this fabric had been around years ago - oh the messes it could have prevented...but at least we're making up for it now;)

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  10. Hi! You were the link before me at the 504 Main link party! I was excited to click over and see what exactly your project was! I love the end result! so bright and individualized! I love it!

    Cheers,
    Julia
    It's Always Ruetten

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    1. Hi Julia, I'm so thrilled you came over. I've checked out your blog too & am now following. I'd love for you to link up some of your projects to my weekly Craftastic party - you've got some great ideas!

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  11. I've sewn diaper covers and I've never heard of using lib balm... really clever!
    Tx for sharing,
    MammaNene

    SergerPepper.blogspot.it

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    Replies
    1. It's a great tip I learned from Deb over at Laminates. So much easier than anything else.

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  12. I love how bright and colorful your folder is! I bet organization is more fun with a folder like that, thanks for the tutorial!

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    1. Thanks Katie and you're right it totally is. I need to make a few more to keep my organizing fun for a good long time!

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  13. Very cute! Thanks for linking up with me for Friday Favorites!

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