journal with thread: sew your own stories in fabric and thread with this practical guide

Discover the art of slow stitch fabric journaling with this practical guide to creating a fabric journal from textile artist, Jessie Chorley.

Learn how to stitch your own stories in fabric and thread to create a hand-stitched journal. Jessie encourages readers to collect special pieces of fabric, threads and other ’treasure’ and explains how to combine these precious items with techniques including simple patchwork, hand embroidery and applique, to create a unique, hand-stitched book to treasure forever.

There are step-by-step instructions for how to make the fabric journal measuring 20cm x 20cm (7.8in x 7.8in). Jessie explains how to create your own seasonal story throughout the book so you can chart your year and mark any memorable occasions or events that you want to include, making it a wonderful memory book for a loved one or a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.

The central theme of the project is the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, and there are four seasonal hand drawn motifs on iron-on transfer paper that can be used as the basis of the designs. The four seasonal motifs are accompanied by four further motifs which are intended for the inside and outside covers.

Jessie then explains how to fill in and embellish these designs using a variety of her favourite stitches, threads, special notions, treasures, and keepsakes. As well as sewing techniques including scattered applique as a form of drawing and simple patchwork.

In addition to the full-page templates there is a large selection of smaller motifs for readers to use throughout their books. These include Jessie’s signature alphabet and number motifs which can be used to mark people, places, and dates.

Journal With Thread is suitable for all skill-levels - if you are a beginner you can follow the instructions very closely to make a beautiful book, however, if you an experienced maker, you can use it is as an inspirational guide to creating your own fabric journal, packed with Jessie’s beautiful artwork templates.

This guide is about having fun with mark making with needle and thread and creating your own unique fabric journal.

Jessie Chorley is a London-based textile artist, specialising in embroidery and paper crafts. Born in Kent in 1980, she spent her childhood in North Wales, before moving to London to study for the BA in Fine Art Textile Practice at Goldsmiths College. Jessie now delivers masterclasses internationally at venues that include the V&A Museum and The Foundling Museum, both in London.