2/5/2018 How To Sew Quiet Book Pages | Imagine Our Life

How To Sew Quiet Book Pages

Here is a little tutorial on how I sew up my final quiet book pages. My designs are 9″ x 9″ on a felt background. I sew my final pages using
9″ x 12″ felt sheets – white for the front and colored or patterned for the back. If your pages are a different size you’ll have to modify
accordingly.

1.  Pin your design to the white felt. I put mine close to the right edge but leave about a half inch.
2. Zigzag stitch around all four sides. If you have dangly bits, make sure you hold them out of the way!
3. On the reverse side, pin on the background (wrong sides facing.)
4. Sew all the way around.
5. On the front, I sew a line 1.75″ from the left edge. I use a hole on my machine as my guide.
6. Sew another line just inside of it. I use my presser foot as my guide.
7. Sew a line just to the side of the far left seam like in step 6.

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8. Gather what you need to put in grommets. I made a template so all of my pages would match up.
9. Mark your holes. Place them in the channel you made for strength.
10. Cut out holes as directed on your grommet package.
11. Put in your grommets as directed on the package.
12. All done!

When I have a 2-page spread, I sew the right-hand page with steps 1 – 4. Sew the left-hand page like steps 1 – 4 but align everything to
the left of the page instead of the right. Place the pages together, right sides facing. Sew over the far left seam, then make the same
seams as in steps 5 – 7. Continue on to make your grommets. You’ll now have a separate page you can take out of the book and the
two halves will always stay together!

I hope this helps! I’ll post about my cover soon… I still have to make it!

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In "Quiet Book" In "Crafts"

This entry was posted in Crafts, Quiet Book, Sewing, Sewing Tips and tagged Crafts, Quiet Book, Sewing, Tutorial on November 1, 2011
[https://www.imagineourlife.com/2011/11/01/how-to-sew-quiet-book-pages/] .

52 thoughts on “How To Sew Quiet Book Pages”

Lisa
November 29, 2011 at 17:18

Thank you for posting all of your quite book pages. I am making one for my son using your patterns. I love them. One question, am I right
that the back of each page is blank? So, when you open it you would have an activity page and then a blank page on the other side
(unless you have a double page spread) and then the next page is another activiy then blank and so on? You don’t sew the activity
pages together? I’m not to that point just yet, but I don’t want to mess it up;) Thanks!

Stephanie Post author

November 29, 2011 at 17:46

That’s the way I did mine – just a solid color on the back. It’s just personal preference. I wanted to be able to mix and match the pages in
my book(s) without taking more than one activity out at the same time. You could certainly sew them back to back if you wanted to
keep them in a permanent order.

Deanna
January 8, 2012 at 19:46

I’m really enjoying all the patterns that you’ve provided through this blog! I was wondering what size grommets you use when binding
the book? Thanks!

Stephanie Post author

January 8, 2012 at 23:21

I tossed my current packaging, but the holes measure 1/4″. Hope that helps!

Deanna
January 10, 2012 at 18:12

Ok, thanks! : )

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Jen
May 14, 2012 at 13:23

I used a bunch of your patterns and finally finished my own quiet book.
Thanks for all the patterns!

http://beebeebellies.blogspot.com/2012/05/quiet-book.html

Jen recently posted..Quiet Book

pam carroll
June 6, 2012 at 21:46

I love your posts and have done several of your pages with more on the way. When you sew your pages together back to back do you
put anything in between, example pellon or anything. thanks for the really cute ideas.

pam carroll
June 6, 2012 at 21:47

I love your posts and have done several of your pages with more on the way. When you sew your pages together back to back do you
put anything in between, example pellon or anything or just the two finished pages? thanks for the really cute ideas.

Stephanie Post author

June 6, 2012 at 22:21

I don’t add anything in between. My quiet books get so packed full that two layers of felt (plus whatever is sewn on the page) makes
them plenty thick!

Tiffany
July 21, 2012 at 12:33

Hi there. LOVE your quiet book! I’m trying to figure out all the specifics of the one I’m making and was wondering how wide your spacing
is for the grommets. I have a double needle for the 2 lines on each side but can’t for the life of me figure out how wide the gutter should
be. Thanks!

Stephanie Post author

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July 22, 2012 at 18:33

I’ll have to measure… It doesn’t really matter, just as long as you are consistent!

Brenda
September 20, 2012 at 21:30

Thank you so much for sharing your templates! They are amazing! I just made my first page (the Sandcastle.) I am completely new to
sewing and blanket stitched everything easily. Where did you get the metal rings to hold it all together? Thanks!

Stephanie Post author

September 21, 2012 at 13:25

I got mine on Amazon… The price has gone up since I bought them, but you do get 10 of them. http://tinyurl.com/binderrings

Carrie
January 1, 2013 at 15:31

Thanks for all your tutorials. I finished the circus train, mailbox, and made a few of my own (“paper” doll dress-up and ladybug counting
beads) after looking through all the inspiration! My question is, do you have any trouble with the grommets not holding? Once I
assembled the book with the binder rings, several of the grommets have pulled out when the felt stretched as the pages are turned.
Maybe I need to try another size or style of grommet? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Stephanie Post author

January 2, 2013 at 14:03

Hm, I’ve only had one come out, because I cut the hole for it too big. You want to go as small as possible with the hole, and preferably
have at least 2-3 sheets of felt you are going through. You could try sewing button holes if you are patient!

Wendy
January 25, 2013 at 22:19

I have one question I don’t see here, have you had any problems with the buttons coming undone? I love the idea of making something
like this for my granddaughters, but the thought of buttons scares the beans right out of me!

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Stephanie Post author

January 27, 2013 at 20:09

I haven’t had any buttons come loose, but Jax doesn’t play with his quietbooks unattended (and I sew them on very strong!) If you have
concerns, you should think about swapping them for felt. Do what works best for your situation!

Kourtney
January 25, 2013 at 23:18

I notice a lot of the items on your pages are hand stitched, do you just use normal thread or embroidery thread??

Ashley
January 29, 2013 at 10:35

Hi there! Do you mind sharing what sewing machine you use? I have just been creating felt projects by hand and wanted to tackle a
machine (clearly a newbie here!) A nice beginner machine would be nice, but I understand working with this type of material might
require something else.

Thanks!! You’re an inspiration to moms to be as creative as possible

Jenna
February 13, 2013 at 02:09

Hi! So i have just came across your site….and let me say its amazing! You have the easiest patterns and explanations not to mention the
SUPER cute quiet book pages! I have decided that um I can TOTALLY do this with your pattern. I have cut out the solar system page,
sock matching page ( my 4 year old like to match socks! That did not come from me. lol) and the fire truck page. Im sure i will have
many many questions, but first i saw that you made the fire station page and was wondering when we can get the pattern for that???
So i have it all cut out and now i go to assembling….which i know can be a time eating task. (Still working on my stocking of Holly
Hobbie) Im excited and sooo glad to come across your amazing page!

Stephanie Post author

February 13, 2013 at 16:27

I’ll be posting the fire station in installments soon! I’ve been swapped in my day job…

Jamie
February 22, 2013 at 21:11

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Where did you get the grommets? And what size did you use? Hardest part so far of making my quiet book!

Stephanie Post author

February 25, 2013 at 13:45

I got my grommets in the notions aisle of Joann’s Fabrics. I think the size is just called “large”.

Ashley
March 16, 2013 at 22:21

Hi Stephanie, I LOVE your quiet book pages and am enjoying many of your templates. I’ve noticed that some of your pages look like
they were sewn together rather than using the grommet method and was wondering if it was true and if there was a tutorial on on you
did it. Thanks!

vera
April 25, 2013 at 09:02

My question is same as Ashley’s, Mar. 16, 2013. Is there a tutorial for pages sewn together rather than using the grommet method. Do the
sewn together pages go in a different book & cover? I’m planning to make most of your patterns for 2 great grandchildren. They are
great.(your patterns) Thanks.

Joy
July 19, 2013 at 02:42

Thank You so much for sharing. I have downloaded the patterns I want to do in the Quiet Books. I can’t wait to get started.

Stephanie
December 20, 2013 at 16:16

Can you show an example of a finished two page spread?

Stephanie Post author

December 23, 2013 at 20:57

Here is one: http://www.imagineourlife.com/2013/04/25/bumble-bee-lacing-maze-quiet-book-page/

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kai
December 29, 2013 at 04:38

an idea instead of having them lose so you have heaps of blank pages but not stitching them together, use those white little clips
(having a brain block on their names) so the backs can join together but can be changed. Make it so the first (left) page has on side for
all of them and the second (right) page has all the other so they all can be interchangeable.

Stephanie Post author

December 30, 2013 at 15:38

Not sure what you mean!

Stephanie Post author

May 12, 2014 at 20:55

I generally don’t mix, except I like to use cheap craft felt as the backing piece when sewing the final page together.

Jessica
June 24, 2014 at 18:27

Hi Stephanie.. You are so talented in your crafts thanks so much for sharing. I am excited to make a quiet book and following your
website. I was just curious because I am on a budget. Do you buy your craft supplies (felt, etc.) in bulk online or just buy everything at
your local craft store?

Stephanie Post author

June 30, 2014 at 13:44

I currently have a felt sponsor that helps me buy nicer felt on sponsored projects. Otherwise, I use coupons for items sold in the craft store
and look around for the lowest prices on felt (usually on Etsy). I buy bit-by-bit and try to use every scrap.

Kayla
July 8, 2014 at 22:59

I’m starting my first quiet book and enjoy looking at all your designs! I noticed you replied to someone saying, “I like to use cheap craft
felt as the backing piece when sewing the final page together.” Is that the 9×12 “final” white sheet you sew your designed side to? And

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craft felt is acrylic and not wool blend, is that correct?

I’m trying to make sure I understand everything before I run out a buy supplies! I’ve seen several other blogs make mention of not using
the acrylic felt because it’s not durable.

Stephanie Post author

July 16, 2014 at 19:33

The backing the the blank 9×12 felt sheet that goes on the back side of the fully finished page. Yes, I mean acrylic or polyester felt you
find in craft stores for around 30 cents a sheet. I hope that helps!

Stephanie Post author

October 9, 2014 at 20:42

I find that cheaper craft felt tends to pill over time, so some of my older pages have a “loved” look. But everything done in wool blend
felt has held up well. When I have tiny pieces to sew, I make sure to use enough tiny stitches. More recently ‘ve added the step for felt
glue for the little bits. I still sew afterwards.

Niki Wiltshire
January 29, 2015 at 09:56

I am going to attempt a quiet book project. I am so grateful for your templates and tutorials. I wonder if you are doing any quiet books
soon that you might be able to record how you do the pages (how you sew them together after they are “decorated”). I just don’t get
that part. Believe it or not there isn’t a YouTube video on that subject either.
Thanks!
BTW- You are so talented!!!

Corissa C
February 11, 2015 at 11:10

I’ll be making two quiet books and I love everything you have for the ones you’ve done! At this point, mine will be 2 feet thick!

What grommet tool do you use?

Stephanie Post author

February 12, 2015 at 17:02

I use a mallet to hit a little metal thin that came with my grommets. I have no idea what it is called!

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Tracy
February 11, 2015 at 18:33

Thanks so much for sharing your patterns and all your creative ideas. I am getting started on quiet book pages for my kids. I love your
patterns, but as a fairly new sewer, can you tell me how to transfer the patterns on to the felt? Thanks again!

Stephanie Post author

February 12, 2015 at 17:00

I just cut out my paper pattern, pin it to the felt, then cut it out. Ylu can also print it on “freezer paper”, then iron that to the felt and cut it
out.

Jane
March 5, 2015 at 03:16

For all your hand sewing — do you use embroidery floss? How many strands? Your pages are amazing!

Stephanie Post author

March 5, 2015 at 10:16

I use two strands. Here’s a tutorial!

http://www.imagineourlife.com/2012/05/15/sewing-basics-embroidery-floss-and-back-stitch/

Stephanie Post author

May 29, 2015 at 13:06

Great idea! Thank you for sharing!

Amy
June 2, 2015 at 16:41

Good afternoon !! Congratulations on your creativity and talent. I will like to sew on my first quiet book for my grandaughter. She just
turned 1 year old a month ago.

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What are your suggestions on quiet book pages for this age? Don’t know how old your Jax is so can’t relate by your yearly pages what
are the correct ones for our girl.

Thank you and congratulations, again, on your amazing talent.

Rhien
June 10, 2015 at 22:02

This might be a dumb question but what do you use to make your “loose” pieces stick to the page? Velcro? Like with your sandcastle
page how do you get the sandcastle to stick to the “sand” when you are building it?

Cheryl
July 23, 2015 at 02:27

Love your pages. I’m new to the world of quiet books and love your ideas. I’m attempting my first for my brand new grandson (to be
born in September). I quilt and am in the process of making him an interactive floor quilt with a variety of felt objects. Started pages for
the book using fabric and some stabilizer and your method of sewing them together. You have so many wonderful designs I look forward
to piecing things on to the pages. The r a te I’m going it will be huge.

Rcoconut
October 29, 2015 at 12:22

Do you have any recommendations on pens to use on felt that are permanent, won’t bleed and are fairly fine tipped? Love your quiet
book. Glad I stumbled upon it!

Julie Mcgregor
February 9, 2016 at 06:15

I have just finished my first quiet book for my grand daughter using your patterns. I thought it would be the ideal gift for her from her
nanny because she lives in Paris I live in Australia so it’s very expensive to post over. They are the perfect gift for her and it’s something
that can be handed down. She is a bit little at the moment for the book so I am making pages to put in a pillow that I can add to. I will
be using teaching pages like the Bumble Bee lacing Maze,itsy bitsy spider, flip-flop matching and things like that to fill the pillow up so
when she travels to come and visit nanny she will have something to keep her happy on the trip. Eliza is 2. So thank you very much for
your wonderfull patterns I find it very calming I can sit and sew for hours.

JessiBerry
July 13, 2016 at 15:06

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Just came across these recently and love them!

I was wondering what size needle do you use for sewing the felt? Do you use a universal or sharp? What stitch length do you
recommend on the machine?

JessiBerry recently posted..The Kids Behind the Blog: Happy Summer! {TKBTB V6}

June Pawluk
October 4, 2016 at 17:41

I am making quiet books for my granddaughters and used your monkeys on the bed pattern. It is adorable!! Thank you so, so much for
sharing!

Harriet
November 11, 2016 at 16:12

Hi! I only heard about quiet books for the first time yesterday, and am currently sat here making my first page!! Absolutely love your site
and this page in particular is very helpful. I am confused though. I am putting my 9×9″ activity directly onto a 12×9″ piece of felt, which it
looks like you do – piggy bank, sock sorting etc – so would you then back that with something to make the page sturdier and hide any
stitching? Would the backing be 9×9 or 12×9? Or do you just leave if one layer thick? Thanks, I don’t know what to do for the best! Seems
a bit thin at the moment.

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