Polka Dot Garland II

Adding this festive element to a ho-hum umbrella or shade can turn it into a fun place to gather under and chat.    Use it for a table decoration or drape on the back of chairs for even more cheerful effect.

MATERIALS:

• Felt
• Scissors
• Sewing machine and supplies
• Polyester transparent thread (not shown above)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Beginning with the color you want as your main, cut 3″ circles.  The don’t have to be perfect.  I cut one and then used that one as my pattern piece for the rest.

Cut your secondary color felt at a 2″ circle.  Make sure you are happy with the ratio before you begin cutting the rest of the smaller circles. 

Cut your desired amount of circles.  I wanted enough for 2 large market umbrellas.

Take your transparent thread and load your bobbin too.  It works just the same as regular thread and actually feels like a light gauge fishing line. 

Depending on how you will be attaching them, you may need some extra thread pulled before you begin stitching.

Begin using a straight stitch.  Once you get to the end of the first circle combo, just keep stitching the second circle combo.  There will probably be a small gap in between each circle.  That is actually good so your circles can move and turn in the breeze.  I calculated I needed 16 circles sewn end-to-end to fit in each umbrella spoke.  Adjust your measurements to fit your needs.
 

Sit back and enjoy the view!