Needle Book - A Tutorial

Needle books have been around for generations. Webster's 1913 dictionary defines them as "A book-shaped needle case, having leaves of cloth into which the needles are stuck." I've been carrying a needle book for a while now and I find it comes in handy for more than just my crafting. I've had a few people ask about my simple needle book and so I thought I would put a tutorial for those of you who would like a needle book of your own.


You will need three pieces of fabric 5"x7". One will be the outside. One will be the inside. And the third will be the pocket. You will also need a 5"x7" piece of fusible interfacing.

I like to use wool felt for the pages of my needle books, but any felt would work. You will need a 5"x5" piece for the page and the closure. Cut a one inch strip off the felt square. Set your felt pieces aside until later.

Follow the directions on the fusible interfacing and iron it to the wrong side of the piece of fabric that is to be the front of your needle book.

Next, fold the pocket piece in half and iron. The pieces should now measure 2.5"x7".

Next you will pin the layers together. Start with the piece that is to be the inside face up. Next place the folded pocket piece lining up the open edges along the bottom of the first piece. Then lay the one inch strip of felt halfway up the right hand side with the edges flush. It should line up closely with the height of the pocket. Place the front fabric on top with the interfacing facing up. Pin all the layers in place and then using a 1/2 seam stitch around leaving a two inch gap to turn it right side out.

Trim the corners being careful not to cut your stitches. This will help the corners from being too bulky. Turn the project right side out. Use a turning tool or knitting needle to help push out the corners and make them nice and square. Turn the opening under and press.

Top stitch close to the edge all the way around being sure to close the opening.

Center the large piece of felt in the middle of the book and stitch. Remember to stitch forward and back at the beginning and end to secure your sewing.

Fold your needle book along the center stitched line and press. Line up where your button should be placed and hand sew on. Cut the felt closure strip to size and cut a slit for a button hole. You're finished except to fill it with your needles and pins. I like to carry a few safety pins as well. They always seem to come in handy.

The pocket is a great place to tuck some thread and a band aid.

Hopefully this tutorial is clear. It is the first one I have written for a craft/sewing project. Please leave me a comment if something is unclear and I will try to explain it better. I would love to hear about the needle books you create or better yet see a picture. So please come back and leave me a comment.