Measure the width of the shears by placing them on the vertical line so that the intersection of the handles and the points of the shears rest on the line. [Illustration: {making a pattern}] Measure across the widest part of the handles. (Ask your leader to help you read the ruler.) Label points E and G. Also measure the width ½ inch from the point of the shears. Label these two points as F and H. Make a pattern for the pocket by drawing lines with your ruler, from point E to F and G to H. Extend these lines to the full length of the shears. Mark the fabric; follow the illustration Use your ruler to measure and mark your fabric. It is most important that you are careful to measure accurately and mark very straight lines. Use tailor’s chalk or tailor’s pencil for marking. Then ask your leader to check your material and your markings. They must be perfectly marked to prevent trouble when you sew the case together later. [Illustration: Shears’ Length + 1 inch] Cut the fabric Since cutting material, especially heavy material like felt or nonwoven interfacing, is different than cutting paper, practice on some scraps of material before you cut the fabric for the case. You will have the best cut edge if you open the shears wide and take long even strokes in cutting. Do not close the points of the shears until you reach the end of the pattern or the material. Cut the piece of fabric along the marked lines. [Illustration: ALWAYS HOLD AND CUT MATERIAL ON THE TABLE] Mark the hem on section A A hem (material folded back on itself) is needed on the top edge of Section A to make the top strong enough so it will not tear when the shears are slipped into the pocket. [Illustration: Section A, ½ inch] Measure ½ inch from the top edge of section A. Mark with pins. Then fold the edge down so the pins lie on the outside of the fold. Press a fold along the pins. Ask your leader to show you how to press with a steam iron or a pressing cloth. [Illustration: Press QUICKLY: Material SCORCHES Easily!] You have learned to stitch straight by following a line. When you stitch this hem your presser foot _not the needle_ will follow a line. Place your material under the presser foot with the cut edge touching the inside edge of the toe of the presser foot. Your leader will show you how this is done. [Illustration: {Sewing hem}] Fold Use 8 Stitches per inch _Outside_ edge of toe runs along cut edge You may want to practice before stitching the hem into this part of your shears case. Look back to page 10 if you have forgotten how to start and end a line of stitching. [Illustration: Cut the flap as illustrated] Shape the flap of section B In order to neatly fold the top of section B over the shears, and also to make the shears case more interesting, cut the flap as shown above.