Simply Rustic Pocket Advent Calendar Embroidery Project

Gather all your supplies and review instructions before beginning.( If using an unfinished board you can either paint or leave unfinished. Your preference for the look you'd like to achieve).

Cut your fabric into 7 ½” width strips. (Allow for the stripes in the buffalo print as you cut. to size)  We will be making a total of 25 bags.

Serge/zig zag long side edges of  cut strips

Fold down each side edge by ¼” and iron press. Stitch in place approx.. 1/8” seam allowance from serged/zig zagged edge. ( this will make a casing to insert the twine)

Cut 25 strips @ 2 ½” wide.  

EMBROIDER EACH BAG WITH A NUMBER #1 -#25.
You can create the double digit numbers with your embroidery software program or load the numbers in your machine and create in edit mode per your machines instructions. 

Hoop a piece of tear away stabilizer. Lightly spray temporary adhesive spray onto stabilizer. Center a cut pocket strip onto stabilizer by folding the pocket in half. ( you will be emroidering on the top half of the strip as that will be the front of your pocket.) Mark side and top axis lines. Place onto stabilizer matching axis points to the hoop markings.  

Attach hoop to machine. Confirm center needle placement per your machine's instructions and begin the embroidering process. Embroidering complete. Remove hoop . Cut and trim all jump stitches and loose thread ends. Tear away stabilizer. Repeat steps for the remaining numbers. 

CREATING THE POCKET
Fold your embroidered strip in half right sides together matching top edges. Stitch side seams using ¼” seam allowance . Place your needle below the serged edge to begin stitching. ( casing) turn right side out. Complete step for the remaining embroidered strips. 

Thread your long needle with the twine and feed through top front casing from left and into back casing. Slip knot ends. Repeat for the remaining stitched pockets.

Woohoo. Way to go. All 25 pockets are complete.

Mark board on each side 1 ½” down from top and 3” in between markings for next 4 rows. Last row (5) marking should be approx 1 ½” from bottom of board.  ( Total: 5 rows)

Lay your twine across your board from side to side at markings. Secure using your staple gun by stapling on the back over the twine. Repeat for the next 4 rows.

Arrange your pockets with 6 pockets per the first 4 rows and #25 on the bottom row. Secure in place with your clothespins. Fill the pockets and your Simply Rustic Advent Calendar is complete and ready for the countdown to Christmas.