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Journal With Thread: A Practical Guide to Sewing Seasonal Stories in Fabric & Thread with Iron-On Transfers
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.
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.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2024
7 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 16, 2024
Such a beautiful book.
It was a joy to look through.
It seemed like the author assumed readers might want to copy her designs to the letter... I would think a 'journal' would be more personal than that.
But if you wanted to follow her instructions completely certainly you could do that. Or use her pages as an inspiration.
It was a joy to look through.
It seemed like the author assumed readers might want to copy her designs to the letter... I would think a 'journal' would be more personal than that.
But if you wanted to follow her instructions completely certainly you could do that. Or use her pages as an inspiration.
June 24, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and after the introduction to the book, l was glad to finally find out about making a fabric journal and what it entails.
The Author tells you that to make a stitched journal, it should be something to work on over time and not rushed. She also tells you that you can make it anyway you want and not just be stitches on a fabric page, but can enhance it as a seasonal project as well.
She talks about what can be your inspiration and how to source the equipment to make it. She allows you to believe it could be a treasure to take it through, not only seasons but time itself, adding bits that make you happy, and you can show a story for your life.
She also lets you know you can keep a sketchbook along with the journal. Seeing items around you to add to your sewing. Pictures you want to embroider in the journal, etc.
Then onto the Tools and Materials, choosing threads, how to make variagated threads for different outlook, Appliqué, adding motifs, etc.
l loved the iron-on transfers at the back of the book, and the idea that you can also trace them onto fabric that is not too thick, so as not to damage the book.
She talks you through different stitches to use on pages and how to achieve them.
Then the exciting part. How to Construct Your Journal. This section is Full to the brim on how to do that. Most helpful for Newbie Stitchers.
l loved her picture of how to start your front cover. Ideas and different techniques.
All in all, this book made me think about starting something, l can take on my journey to make a journal and also to make one for a friend, which she can embroider, stitch, and make her own journey.
l would definitely recommend this book. A book, I thought, would make a super pressy or gift to a sewer to try something different.
Well done to Jessie Chorley. Look forward to finding more of your books
The Author tells you that to make a stitched journal, it should be something to work on over time and not rushed. She also tells you that you can make it anyway you want and not just be stitches on a fabric page, but can enhance it as a seasonal project as well.
She talks about what can be your inspiration and how to source the equipment to make it. She allows you to believe it could be a treasure to take it through, not only seasons but time itself, adding bits that make you happy, and you can show a story for your life.
She also lets you know you can keep a sketchbook along with the journal. Seeing items around you to add to your sewing. Pictures you want to embroider in the journal, etc.
Then onto the Tools and Materials, choosing threads, how to make variagated threads for different outlook, Appliqué, adding motifs, etc.
l loved the iron-on transfers at the back of the book, and the idea that you can also trace them onto fabric that is not too thick, so as not to damage the book.
She talks you through different stitches to use on pages and how to achieve them.
Then the exciting part. How to Construct Your Journal. This section is Full to the brim on how to do that. Most helpful for Newbie Stitchers.
l loved her picture of how to start your front cover. Ideas and different techniques.
All in all, this book made me think about starting something, l can take on my journey to make a journal and also to make one for a friend, which she can embroider, stitch, and make her own journey.
l would definitely recommend this book. A book, I thought, would make a super pressy or gift to a sewer to try something different.
Well done to Jessie Chorley. Look forward to finding more of your books
March 6, 2025
This is an enjoyable book in which Jessie shares a lot of tips and information for her embroidery style. There are detailed instructions and templates to make a journal, but suggestions on how to make it your own. Beautifully presented. I found the beginning a little repetitive, but the main body of the book read well.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews