As shown at A in Plate XIII, the needlecase should be planned to hold
four papers of needles, two at each end. The size of the case will
depend on the size of the papers of needles, and must be planned
accordingly. Make the width a little more than twice the width of a
paper of needles, and allow a little space lengthwise between the
papers of needles to permit their easy removal. The pockets are formed
of strips of vellum pasted on to each end of the foundation, and their
depth should be a little more than half the length of a paper of
needles.
An accurate working drawing of the completed case should be made (see
Plate XIV). From this, mark out and cut the newsboard to the correct
size. The front covering of vellum should have laps on the sides only
and may well be a little shorter than the foundation. Make freehand,
dimensioned sketches of this piece, of the vellum pockets, and of the
marbled paper. The pockets should have ½ inch laps on three sides for
pasting to the back. On the other edge, which is to be free, allow at
least an eighth of an inch to be turned over like a hem onto the wrong
side for a neat finish. The paper for the back should be one-fourth of
an inch narrower and shorter than the foundation.
Mark out and cut with the scissors, the pieces of vellum and marbled
paper. The front covering should be pasted on first. Before pasting the
pockets (which should be fastened to the back only) turn over the hem,
and crease it hard, but do not paste. The hem will extend onto the side
laps. From these laps cut off the under side of the hem that it may not
be double. Paste on the pockets and the back. Dry all under weight.
[Illustration: PLATE XIII. A needlecase, a checkerboard and a blotter.
Good problems upon which to practise the processes involved in
bookbinding.]