When you download a notepad design, you'll find two files. One file will begin with the letter "X" followed by 4 numbers -- that's the embroidery file. The other file will be marked with "_DL" - that is the dieline.

The dieline is used to cut the fabric for the front and back of the notepad holder. If you have embroidery software, open the "_DL" (dieline) file and print it at full size.

If you don't have embroidery software, or cannot print from it, then hoop a piece of paper.

All of the inside elements will sew next.

On the color change sheet you'll see a line that says "back piece tack down". When you get to this step, remove the hoop from the machine, but do not unhoop the stabilizer.

Now add the back piece. Spray the wrong side of the back piece of fabric with a quick shot of adhesive and...

...lay the back piece of fabric inside the shape and onto the front piece.

Wind a bobbin that is the same color as the tack-downs and border. The remainder of the design will be sewn with this bobbin.

Insert the bobbin, and reattach the hoop to the machine. Continue sewing. The next thing that will sew is the back piece tack down. This holds the back fabric in place while the rest of the design sews.

After the design has finished sewing, remove the hoop, unhoop the stabilizer and gently tear the stabilizer away.

Using a craft knife, and cutting on a self-healing pad, cut both slots open. Cut all the way through the layers.

Add magnets to the top of the back of the holder. Add a drop of hot glue each magnet and...

...press the magnets in place.

You can also use self-adhesive magnets for this step.

Finally, add the spiral notepad or Post-it notepad by "threading" the back of the notepad through the slots on the front side of the holder.

Click here for a printable version of these project instructions.

You'll need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you don't have it, you can download a free copy by clicking on the icon below.