Introduction
This instruction manual provides detailed guidance for assembling your Bucilla 86585 Nordic Gingerbread House Felt Applique Advent Calendar Kit. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning to ensure a successful and enjoyable crafting experience. This kit is designed for adult crafters.
Image: The Bucilla 86585 Nordic Gingerbread House Felt Applique Advent Calendar Kit, showing the finished design on the packaging. The kit includes all necessary materials for assembly.
Kit Contents
Before starting, verify that all components listed below are present in your kit:
- Stamped felts (pre-printed with design outlines)
- Cotton floss (various colors, separated)
- Color-separated sequins
- Color-separated beads
- Two needles
- Instruction sheet (trilingual: English, French, Spanish)
If any components are missing or damaged, please contact Bucilla customer support.
Setup and Preparation
- Workspace: Prepare a clean, well-lit, and organized workspace. Ensure you have enough space to lay out all felt pieces and work comfortably.
- Tools: In addition to the kit contents, you may find the following tools helpful:
- Small, sharp scissors for cutting felt and floss.
- Thimble (optional, for comfort during stitching).
- Embroidery hoop (optional, for tension control on smaller pieces).
- Tweezers (for handling small beads and sequins).
- Review Instructions: Read through the entire instruction sheet provided in the kit before starting any stitching. Familiarize yourself with the stitching techniques and assembly order.
- Organize Materials: Separate the felt pieces, floss, sequins, and beads according to the instructions. This will streamline the assembly process.
Assembly Instructions
Follow these steps to assemble your Nordic Gingerbread House Advent Calendar. Refer to the included instruction sheet for specific stitch diagrams and detailed placement guides.
- Cut Felt Pieces: Carefully cut out all stamped felt pieces. Ensure you cut precisely along the indicated lines to maintain the correct shape and size for each component.
- Embroider Details: Begin by embroidering the details onto the main felt pieces as indicated in the instructions. This typically involves using various embroidery stitches (e.g., backstitch, satin stitch, French knots) with the provided cotton floss.
- Attach Sequins and Beads: Securely sew sequins and beads onto the felt pieces according to the design. Use the provided needles and floss, ensuring knots are hidden on the back of the felt.
- Assemble Layers: Layer and stitch the smaller felt pieces onto the larger base pieces to create dimensional elements like windows, doors, and decorative accents.
- Construct Pockets: The Advent Calendar features small pockets. Follow the instructions to form and attach these pockets to the main gingerbread house structure. These pockets will hold small treats or notes for each day of Advent.
- Final Assembly: Once all individual components are embellished and prepared, assemble the entire gingerbread house structure. This usually involves stitching the front and back pieces together, leaving an opening for stuffing if desired (stuffing not included).
- Finishing Touches: Add any remaining decorative elements, such as hanging loops or additional embellishments, as per the instructions.
Tip: Work in sections and complete all embroidery and embellishment on smaller pieces before attaching them to the main structure. This can make the process more manageable.
Care and Maintenance
To preserve the appearance and longevity of your finished felt applique advent calendar:
- Cleaning: Spot clean only with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. Do not machine wash or submerge in water, as this can damage the felt and embellishments.
- Storage: Store the calendar flat or gently rolled in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and dust accumulation.
- Handling: Handle with care to avoid snagging threads or dislodging beads and sequins.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Stitches appear uneven. | Inconsistent tension or stitch length. | Practice maintaining even tension. Use an embroidery hoop to keep fabric taut. |
| Beads/sequins falling off. | Insecure stitching. | Ensure each bead/sequin is secured with at least two passes of thread, knotting securely on the back. |
| Felt edges fraying. | Rough handling or improper cutting. | Use sharp scissors for clean cuts. Handle felt gently. Fraying is less common with felt but can occur if cut roughly. |
| Difficulty threading needle. | Floss separating or small needle eye. | Twist the end of the floss tightly or use a needle threader. Trim the floss end cleanly. |
Product Specifications
- Model Number: 86585
- Brand: Bucilla
- Product Type: Felt Applique Advent Calendar Kit
- Finished Dimensions: Approximately 18 inches (width) x 25 inches (height) / 45.72 cm x 58.42 cm
- Primary Material: Felt
- Kit Contents: Stamped felts, cotton floss, color-separated sequins and beads, two needles, trilingual instructions.
- Theme: Nordic Gingerbread House
- Assembly Required: Yes
- Age Range: Adult
Warranty Information
Bucilla products are manufactured with quality materials. For specific warranty details regarding manufacturing defects or missing components, please refer to the information provided within your kit packaging or contact Bucilla customer support directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
Customer Support
For assistance with your Bucilla Felt Applique Advent Calendar Kit, including questions about assembly, missing parts, or general inquiries, please contact Bucilla customer support:
- Manufacturer: Plaid Inc
- Address: PO Box 7600 Norcross, GA 30091-7600, USA
- Phone: (800) 842-4197
- Website: PlaidOnline.com
When contacting support, please have your kit's model number (86585) and purchase information available.