Stitch a wristband

1. Cut a piece of 4cm wide interfacing to a length that will wrap comfortably around your wrist with a 2cm overlap – our sample is 19cm long. Trim a strip of plain fabric and another of patterned, adding 2cm to the width and length.

2. Fuse the interfacing to the centre back of the plain fabric with a hot iron. Fold the material over the sides of the interfacing, mitring the corners and press.

3. Using a Sizzix Big Shot and chosen dies, cut small shapes from supple leather. We used butterflies, rings and medallions. Position the shapes along the front of the wristband, then temporarily secure them with a glue stick.

4. Use two strands of coloured embroidery thread to stitch the leather shapes into place. Rings and medallions can be sewn with long running stitches that won’t pierce the leather, working from the centre.

5. Add extra embroidered details (for example,swirly trails and antennae to the butterflies), if desired. Sew clusters of crystal bicones to the middle of medallions to add sparkle and try layering the designs over one another.

6. When the outer design is complete, place the strip over the patterned lining fabric piece with wrong sides together. Fold in the raw edges to align with the pressed fold of the top fabric. Pin and whip stitch together with tiny stitches or a neat running stitch.

7. Press the wristband on its reverse. Mark where the fashion snaps should be positioned on each end. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fix the fasteners into place. Ensure the smooth domed top and the protruding inner of each snap are sitting on the front of the wristband or it will not fasten.