Hopscotch - tutorial!

So... it took me all week to get this together, but here it is!

Supplies:
Fabric - 1 yard main print, 2/3 yard secondary color, and 1/3 of border color,

Heavy cotton fabric for back- 1 1/4 yards

Rotary Cutter and mat
Freezer paper

Xacto blade

Fabric paint & brush

Iron, sewing mchine, thread, etc.

I recommend pre-washing all fabric.
Cut ten 10" squares from your main fabric, twelve 5 1/4 x 10" pieces of secondary color, and six 1 1/2" pieces for border. I also used my rotary cutter to cut twenty 9" squares of freezer paper. I used a Tahoma small cap font for my numbers (1-10), and they are all about 8" tall... give or take. I don't remember what size I had to print them at. Trace the numbers onto the matte side of the freezer paper and cut out with your xacto knife.This is a lot of cutting, I used a new blade and that helped it go a little smoother. Make sure you keep all the 'inside' parts to the numbers.

To keep the paint from bleeding through the fabric too much, lightly iron (2-3 seconds) one solid piece of freezer paper onto the back of your fabric. Turn it over and place your number on the front and iron. Repeat with all ten numbers.

I used Tulip brand paint because that's what was available to me. Do 2-3 light coats of paint, letting dry between coats. I left them for maybe half an hour between coats, then set them out overnight to dry. You might get a few bubbles if the paint is too thick, lifting it from the freezer paper in the back. Don't worry, just iron it upside-down (with no steam) and the bubbles come right out.

Once you are all ironed, sew the 4 and 5 together, and the 7 and 8 together. All other numbers get a solid on either side. Sew with right sides together and 1/4" seam allowances. Iron seams open.
Sew rows together in numerical order, iron seams open again.
Sew two of your 1 1/2" strips together, sew right sides together on long side of mat. Repeat for the other side. Finish with strips on top and bottom, again iron seams open. I used a heavy cotton for the back, and pieced it to be big enough. Sew with right sides together, leaving a 8" opening to turn through. I laid it out and pinned it because, well, I am a pinner. I can't help it. Turn right side out and topstitch. This gives it a little stability and reinforcement around the outside seam. I think it also helps it lay nicer. Enjoy!