DIY// Creating a fabric map with decorative techniques!

Hi guys!

I'm so sorry that I've been incredibly off the radar lately!
Today marks the FIRST day of my holidays! so you can be expecting me lots on twitter, blogspot and of course onsugar!

I've decided to add an extra section in my blog devoted to DIYs:D!
This semester, I've created various types interpretations for maps and this map in particular showcases techniques such as molaing, embroidery and applique.

So Mola is basically a technique where you join layers of fabric together and sew by hand/machine a motif on it and cut it out. 
It has a similar concept to applying something on but in this technique you create a similar effect by cutting layers away.

here is my step-by-step guide through my mapping journey!

In my tutorial, I'm going to use 2 fabrics but the amount of fabric can be varied! You can also really use any types of fabrication, I've chosen to use felt because I liked the texture, if you find that the fabric you're using frays, there are ways that you can give it a clean finish or keep it raw! it makes an interesting effect as well!

STEP 1: select any amount of fabrics ranging from 2 to 7( or more.. but it could get confusing!) 
Join all the fabrics together by either stitching them together at the edges.

As you can see, I've used a grey and beige felt, and stitched them around the corner to hold it in place.

STEP 2: After you've stitched the fabrics together, you can start sewing on the motifs, keeping in mind about the negative space that you're going to be cutting out. For my mola, I did an intepretation piece of Melbourne's City map.

STEP 3: After you've finished your motif with stitch line, you can start using scissors or palm clippers to remove the excess fabric in the negative spaces

Keep cutting until you've got all the spaces cut out! and this is what I ended up with.

STEP 4: To achieve a more defined line structure, I decided to add a decorative stitch, if you've got a domestic machine, there are many settings that you can choose from! make it as fun as you want!

STEP 5: Adding on two more swatches of felt, to form the surroundings around the city.

STEP 5: I formed a grid out of stitch lines on the blue felt and then attached on pink stripes of fabrics for roads. Sorry! i actually didn't take any photos of these two steps! but here is the final outcome of the map!

I hope you guys liked this tutorial!

Toodles till later loves!:)

x