Sponsored Content* To see the overview of this Master Craftsters campaign,
click here.
* To read more about the machine used in this project, explore BERNINA's website
here.
Decorative Leather Cuffs using the BERNINA 350PEI think my favorite thing about the BERNINA 350 Patchwork Edition are the stitching options. Seriously, since I've taken this machine out of her box, all my husband has had to listen to is me rave about the decorative stitches. Since it's my absolute favorite thing about the BERNINA, I wanted to come up with a project that showcased the different options. The idea of decorative leather cuffs hit me when I was looking through my hoard of fabric and stumbled upon my stash of leather scraps.
This is the perfect project if you are looking for a quick and easy gift. The great thing is that it looks far more complicated to make than it actually is... the machine does all the work for you. All you need is some leather scraps, some snaps, and some thread. It also helps if you have a rotary cutter, straight edge, and a snap setter, but none of those are essential.
The first thing I did was cut down my leather scraps into long strips of leather. The width and length is up to you. I happen to like chunky cuffs but I think this would look equally cool if you used thinner strips and used just one decorative stitch as the focal point.
After my leather was cut to the length and width I wanted, I had to select some stitches. The BERNINA 350PE comes with a handy stitch reference card so you know which number to enter for each beautiful stitch. I had a hard time choosing.
Once I finally settled on a stitch, I simply placed my leather strip under the foot and started stitching. I was amazed at how easy it was to stitch the leather and how neat the decorative stitches came out. I think I'm also in love with snap on sole #20, the open embroidery foot. I love being able to see how the stitches are coming out as the machine stitches them.
I tried out all sorts of combinations as well. It was easy to use the stitches themselves as guides to keep them lined up neatly.
The fun part is combining different stitches together to come up with personalized and unique cuffs. After I was done adding decorative stitches to the leather, I simply added the snaps. I think I literally squealed with delight when I was done.
I had a hard time picking a favorite but this has to be one.
My mind is already brewing up an idea for some leather bookmarks using the same technique.
