TUTORIAL - reversible jar toppers...

 

Now first of all, let me apologise for the quality of the photos in this tutorial. We've had lightning, thunder and heavy rain today and it's getting worse tonight as I sit here writing this blog post, so the house was darker than usual, which always affects photo quality. 

But you should still find the pics clear enough to follow along while I show you how I make my reversible jar toppers, step by step. :-)

NOTE: You can make the jar toppers any size you like. I have tweaked the size of my cardboard circles to the point that the finished toppers fit a wide mouth Mason jar perfectly. So these are the measurements you'll see me using. 

1. Choose two fabrics that you like - the topper is reversible, so you might like to make one side a wintry colour base, and the other a spring. You could also do as I have done today and make one side a festive Christmas print, and the other side a fabric for everyday use. I simply love checks and spots as my everyday pantry jar toppers, so I chose those as my reverse prints.

2. You will need to cut yourself three circles. The sizes of mine are in the photo below. I used a compass and some light cardboard from an old cereal box to make them. 

3. To make yours the same size as mine, cut two 9 1/2" squares of fabric per jar topper. I made two toppers so I cut four squares. If you have some orphan squares from a layer cake, they are perfect for making jar toppers as they measure 10" square (that's what I started with about six months ago).

4. Lay your two pieces (for one jar topper) right sides together and trace around the largest circle with a disappearing pen. I use a black Frixion pen that disappears when I iron it. 

5. In one corner make two markings on the circle, about 1.5" apart. 

6. Pin the two sides of the topper together and sew along the traced line, leaving that 1.5" space in the corner open. 

7. Trim 1/4" outside the circle, and turn the topper right side out to press flat. 

8. Fold a hem along the open section of the topper, but do not sew it shut. We need it open to thread the elastic through later. 

9. Trace two more circles onto one side of your topper, using the remaining two circles of cardboard. Just as you made markings for keeping one section of the larger circle open, do the same with the second circle, directly beneath the opening along the topper's outer edge. The smallest circle needs no opening. 

10. Sew along the line of the smallest circle. Then sew along the line of the middle circle, keeping the space between your markings unstitched.

11. Cut a piece of 1/4" wide elastic, about 10 inches if you're using my measurements. Thread it through the open edge of the topper. I put a small safety pin into the end of my elastic and use it to guide the elastic through the seam and back out the same way it went in. Overlap the two ends of the elastic by 1" so that they sit on top of each other, and sew together. You can do this by machine, but I find it too fiddly so I use a strong Perle 12 thread and hand sew through the two layers of elastic. Trim any excess elastic. 

12. Use your machine to sew along the open section of that middle circle, securing the elastic inside. 

13. Ladder stitch the opening along the topper's edge to close it securely. 

Here are my two toppers completed. Festive one side, to be used each Christmas, and my usual spots and checks on the other, ready to be swapped over in January. 

By this stage I was in need of a cuppa and some of my delicious gluten free almond and sultana muffins, before hand sewing a lace edge on one of the toppers. I also enjoyed the latest episode of All Creatures Great and Small on Britbox, and can't wait to watch the Christmas Special on December 24th! :-)

Once the lace was sewn in place I filled the Mason jars with candy canes, and Quality Street toffees for the grandchildren when they visit next week, and added my newest toppers. 

I might add some lace to the second topper tomorrow if I have time, but my first priority is the housework, grocery shopping, and cutting out the pieces for a few more tiny dolls for Rafaella. I think my fingers are finally rested enough. Ha ha!

Let me know how you go with making your own jar toppers. Is there a colour or design theme you'll choose for your pantry or shelving? I'm sure sometime next year I'll change my theme, but for now I truly do love the checks and spots. Once you start making these, you may never stop...just a warning. ;-)

And don't forget, these make wonderful gifts! You could even fill a jar with shortbreads, lollies, dried fruits and nuts, and make the gift even more special with a pretty topper attached. 

Okay, it's after 9pm and I am in need of a cool drink (regardless of this thunderstorm the weather is still very hot and humid here in the tropics), and a half hour or so with my new book from the library. For six months I've been reading about England during WW2 and I'll share some of my favourite novels set in that time when we chat again. 

God bless you, keep you safe, and fill you to overflowing with His perfect peace,

Hugs

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