Table of Contents
Unroll the Fun: Crafting 'Official Retirement Papers' Toilet Paper
The project is beginner-friendly and uses basic craft supplies plus an embroidery machine. In the video, the maker creates two rolls labeled “OFFICIAL RETIREMENT PAPERS,” then packages them in clear bags tied with curling ribbon. It’s quick, clean, and funny—perfect for party gifting.
What you’ll need: the crafting toolkit
- Two rolls of toilet paper
- Two clear bags (Great Value Twist Tie Bags are shown)
- Curling ribbon (red and blue appear in the video)
- Hot glue gun
- Stabilizer and a water-soluble stabilizer topper
- Thread and scissors
Pro tip
- Lay everything out on a flat, clean surface. The video uses a blue cutting mat that makes it easy to keep materials organized while you fold, hoop, and trim.
Preparing your canvas: folding the TP To give the stitches something stable to bite into, the tutorial folds nine squares of toilet paper accordion-style to form three layers of three squares. This creates a cushioned rectangle that can handle the needle without tearing.
Quick check - You should see a tidy, compact block with three layers. Keep edges aligned so placement stays consistent when you move to the hoop.
Setting up for success: hooping and stabilizing Next, hoop a piece of stabilizer and spray it lightly with Odif 505 temporary adhesive. Press your folded TP onto the sticky stabilizer where you plan to stitch the design, then add a layer of water-soluble stabilizer (often called a topper) on top of the toilet paper. This top layer helps the stitches sit cleanly instead of sinking into the paper’s texture.
Watch out - Apply adhesive only to the hooped stabilizer (not directly onto the toilet paper) for better control. The video shows Odif 505 as the temporary adhesive used.
If you’re already comfortable with hooping, you can adapt your setup to suit your tools and machine. Some crafters prefer framed or magnetic systems for tricky materials—choose what you know and keep the top water-soluble layer in place for crisp lettering. magnetic embroidery hoop
Stitching Your Farewell: The Embroidery Process
Machine magic: embroidering your design With the sandwich ready (stabilizer + folded TP + water-soluble topper), the video moves the hoop to the machine and stitches the design, “OFFICIAL RETIREMENT PAPERS.” Keep an eye on the first few passes to make sure the paper is secure and the thread flows smoothly.
Quick check - Thread path looks even, no snagging, and the design is stitching where you planned. The presser foot should glide without tugging.
The tutorial doesn’t name the machine model or settings, so use what works for your setup. This is a beginner-friendly project if you’re comfortable running a basic embroidery file. If you’re brand-new to machines, choose a readable, not-too-dense design to reduce stress on the paper. embroidery machine for beginners
From the comments
- There were no viewer questions or comments provided for this video at the time of writing. If you’re curious about specific designs or supplies, the creator invites questions in the video’s closing.
The big cleanup: trimming and tidying After stitching, remove the hoop from the machine and trim all excess threads. Then neatly trim the extra stabilizer close to the design’s edge. The video shows careful, close trimming to get a crisp outline without cutting into stitches. Small, sharp scissors give you control.
Watch out - Don’t rush this step. Cutting into the paper or the stitch line can weaken the piece and cause fraying or tears when you glue and wrap it onto the roll.
If your setup makes hooping delicate materials tricky, consider alternatives you already use for thin fabrics. Some makers prefer different frame styles to keep layers flat and even during stitching—pick the gear that gives you good visibility and control. magnetic embroidery frames
Putting It All Together: Assembly and Finishing Touches
Secure the layers: gluing your embroidered TP The video reinforces the folded piece by hot-gluing the layers together in a simple Z-shape pattern. Apply the glue, press gently, and watch your fingers—hot glue is, well, hot. The goal is to minimize seep-through while giving the paper density and strength.
Watch out
- Use just enough glue to hold the layers; too much can bleed through. The tutorial explicitly cautions about hot glue burns—work carefully.
Pro tip
- If you have silicone finger protectors or a pressing tool, they can help you press the glued sections without touching the hot surface. The video doesn’t show these, but the principle is the same: protect your hands while achieving a secure bond. embroidery machine hoops
Wrap it up: attaching to the roll To attach your embroidered band to a full roll, run a hot-glue strip along one long edge of the band and center it on the roll. Adhere the first edge, then add a glue strip to the opposite edge and roll the toilet paper to capture that second edge and complete the wrap. The maker emphasizes starting in the middle, bringing up one edge, then rolling to the opposite edge for a clean alignment.
Quick check
- The design should sit level with even tension. Both edges are secured without visible glue on the outside.
Presenting your masterpiece: packaging tips Slip each finished roll into a clear bag. The creator uses Great Value Twist Tie Bags, then ties them with curling ribbon—red and blue are shown. Curl the ribbon ends for extra pop. The result looks store-bought polished, making the joke land even better.
Pro tip
- Package soon after finishing to protect the embroidery from handling and dust. If you’re making multiples, set up a small packing station with bags and pre-cut ribbon lengths for speed. magnetic embroidery hoops
Troubleshooting and FAQs
What kind of toilet paper works best?
- The video uses standard toilet paper and specifically folds nine squares (three layers of three) to stabilize the surface. Ultra-thin paper may need extra care when trimming.
Do I need special stabilizer?
- The tutorial shows a hooped stabilizer sprayed with temporary adhesive plus a water-soluble topper (such as Solvy) over the toilet paper. This combo keeps stitches on top and prevents them from sinking into the fibers.
What design should I choose?
- The video stitches “OFFICIAL RETIREMENT PAPERS.” In general, avoid overly dense fills to reduce stress on the paper. Keep text bold and legible.
What glue works?
- A hot glue gun is used to reinforce the folded piece and to attach the embroidered band to the roll. Work quickly to avoid visible glue lines and to keep everything aligned.
Can I adapt this for other occasions?
- Yes. While the demo shows a retirement gag, the same folding, hooping, and packaging approach works for other short text designs. Keep the design area similar in size for best results.
Pro tip
- If your usual hooping approach tends to shift delicate materials, consider options you already know—some crafters like tool-free magnetic setups for faster positioning. Use what gives you control and visibility without changing the recipe here. snap hoop monster
Safety and Care
- The creator reminds you: hot glue is very hot. Protect your fingers and keep your work surface heat-safe.
- Trim slowly and keep the scissor tips away from the stitch line and the paper edge.
- Keep the water-soluble topper piece flat during stitching so the presser foot doesn’t catch.
Watch out
- Glue strings can cling to paper. Pull them away once the glue sets to keep edges clean.
Quick check
- Gently run your fingertip along the wrapped edges: no loose corners, no ripples in the band, and the design sits straight.
Time and Tools Recap
- Folding: nine squares into three layers of three
- Hooping: stabilizer hooped and sprayed with temporary adhesive; folded TP pressed down; water-soluble topper added
- Stitching: run the design and monitor thread
- Trimming: cut loose threads and trim stabilizer close to stitches
- Gluing: Z-shape reinforcement, then edge-to-edge wrap onto the roll
- Packaging: clear bag, curling ribbon
Materials and brands shown
- Odif 505 Temporary Adhesive
- Water-soluble topper (the video references Solvy)
- Great Value Twist Tie Bags
- Curling ribbon (colors shown: red and blue)
Note
- The video doesn’t specify machine model, stitch density, or exact design dimensions. Adapt to your setup and test on scrap if you’re uncertain.
Pro tip
- If your workspace or machine makes thin materials fussy, choose a familiar hooping solution. Many crafters like strong, repositionable systems for delicate substrates—use what you trust. mighty hoop
Why Embroidered Toilet Paper is the Ultimate Gag Gift
- It’s instantly understandable. The recipient doesn’t need an explanation—just a grin.
- It’s quick to make once you’ve mastered the fold-hoop-stitch sequence.
- It feels personalized, especially with clean packaging and a crisp design.
- It’s budget-friendly and uses household-adjacent supplies.
From the workshop
- The creator demonstrates finishing two rolls in one session—once the hoop is set, batching saves time on both stitching and packaging.
Styling ideas
- Stick with bold, high-contrast threads for legibility. Keep the stitched area compact so it wraps smoothly.
- Use ribbon colors that match your event palette. Neat curls elevate the presentation.
Pro tip
- Keep a small stash of pre-folded nine-square blanks. When a new party pops up, you’re minutes away from a finished, gift-ready roll. magnetic hoops for embroidery machines
Further practice
- Try a short, two-line message similar in footprint to the retirement text. Make sure the top water-soluble layer covers the entire stitch area to keep the lettering sharp.
Packaging polish
- The clear bag, twist tie, and curled ribbon combo is simple and effective. It frames the joke while protecting the stitches until gift time.
Final check before gifting
- Edges adhered? Design straight? No glue strings? Pop it in the bag and tie it off. You’re done. magnetic embroidery hoops