In February, I published my first supplies chat, sharing supplies you can use in your creative projects. (I began with stick and stitch stabilizer.) After sending that email, I received a message from someone asking about needle minders—namely how to make them. Well, asked and answered! Today, I've got an easy-to-DIY tutorial on how to make a button-style needle minder.
You might see “needle minder” and it doesn’t mean much to you—especially if you don’t embroider or do any other needlework. But if you have hoop, will travel, a needle minder is likely your best stitching friend.
Orts housekeeping: Orts is taking a break next week. I’m going to Craftcation where I will be making all of the things! If you’re going to, let me know!
So, what is a needle minder?
A needle minder is a decorative magnet that keeps your needle at bay. It comprises two parts: a top magnetic portion that sits on the right side of your fabric and a bottom portion that is a single magnet. The top portion has a decorative element that's commonly a button or an enamel pin.
To use a needle minder, begin by separating the two magnets. Then, place the top portion on the right side of your fabric. The single magnet meets it on the wrong side of your fabric.
As long as it has a strong enough magnet, your needle minder shouldn’t budge from where you place it. When you’re done stitching, bring your needle and stick it on top. The magnetic force will help it keep put. This is especially valuable if you're on the move with your embroidery.
How to make a needle minder
I’ve bought needle minders, but it’s just as easy to make them—and cheaper too! This quick project requires inexpensive supplies and can be a great way to use fabric scraps.
What you’ll need
- Covered button pieces (I bought this kit). The size will depend on how large you’d like it to be. I recommend 1” or greater.
- Fabric
- Hot glue or glue specially formulated for metal, glass, etc. (That’s what I used because I happened to have it on hand.)
- 2 magnets
- Pliers
Step 1
If you’re using a covered button kit—great! At this point, you’ll want to follow the instructions on the kit. Mine, for instance, had a pattern to cut out and button mold to hold the button frame still.
Using the circle pattern, cut out the fabric and then place it the wrong side up on the button mold. Place the button front down on the fabric, leaving enough room for all of the fabric to tuck into the back.
Step 2
Your button backing wasn’t meant to be a needle minder, so we need to help it become one. Using pliers, remove the shank from the backing. In its place (later), you’ll glue a magnet there.
Step 3
Add the backing to the button mold. Use the presser to secure the entire thing.
Step 4
Remove your button from the mold. Using glue, adhere one magnet to the back.
Step 5
Once the glue is dry, place your needle minder onto fabric in an embroidery hoop and use the other magnet to secure it. Congratulations, you're done!
Are there other DIYs you'd like to see? Reply to this email and let me know!
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Sara Barnes
Embroidery illustrator and writer
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