Bertie Badger is going off on his travels. He hums a tune as he packs his suitcase. Camera, bucket and spade, teabags… hold on a minute! He pauses and looks at his suitcase. It’s very old. “This just won’t do,” he says, and he takes everything out again. He’ll come back to this later… there are more pressing matters at hand.

Materials you will need

A suitcase

Lots of fabric

Mod Podge glue (matt or gloss)

Paintbrush

Rotary cutter (optional)

1. He collects a big bundle of fabric and starts cutting out shapes—flowers, patterns, whatever catches his eye—until he has a nice big pile to work with.

2. After giving it a wipe with a damp cloth to clean it, he brushes some glue directly onto a small area of the suitcase and starts sticking his scraps of fabric on top. He then brushes more glue on top of his fabric, smoothing out any wrinkles and bubbles as he goes.

3. He repeats the process, layering it on gradually in small areas. He takes his time when he reaches the edges, handles, and catches, trimming the fabric carefully with scissors (you could also use a rotary cutter), and folding it over to the inside of the suitcase.

4. When the suitcase is completely covered in fabric, he brushes glue all over the fabric to seal it and leaves it to dry for a few hours. Now he can get on with his packing.

Bon voyage, Bertie!

Taken from Chloë Tells You How…To Sew by Chloë Owens

Published by CICO Books, photography by Claire Richardson © CICO Books