It's been a while since we've had a 'Sewing 201' post! I've been sewing with my rolled hem foot quite a bit lately, so I snapped a few photos. In this blog post I'm going to share some tips and tricks to get this foot working for you. The rolled hem foot sews just that, a narrow rolled hem that's pretty on scarves, blouses, dresses, or even curtains.
A quick and easy picture filled tutorial on How to Make LuoPads. Trust me, they are way eaiser to make than you think!
Sew a beautifully fitting Shorts with this shorts pattern- with an elastic waist in the back and with a fitting waistband in the front with zippered opening
Stitch a simple case to help keep your favorite sewing scissors safe and secure! Use up larger scraps and you can stitch one up in just about an hour.
Three Pocket Scissor Holder I thought I would make yet another version of the three pocket scissor holder because it is indeed a handy little project to ke
A simple tutorials on how to make handmade mitered corners napkins from fat quarters as an easy DIY project for home or homemade gift idea.
Something a little different today. It's not strictly a bag, but it's something everyone who sews should have in their sewing room and this one is a
I’ve been having fun making a variety of zipper pouches lately and I thought I would share with you a few of my most favorite zipper pouch tutorials! First of all, I have to talk about the one common element in all zipper pouch tutorials – the zipper! In almost all tutorials I’ve used, it is okay to use a zipper that is longer than needed. At some point in the tutorial the zipper is trimmed down anyway – so if the pattern calls for a 8” zipper and all you have is a 12” zipper then use it! I like to keep a variety of zippers on hand. My favorite source for zippers is an etsy shop called Zipit* They have such a fantastic variety, the prices are great and the shipping is fast. It’s my go-to shop for zippers. And with such pretty colors, it’s actually FUN to shop for zippers! I must warn you though, it’s hard to choose just a few! *this post contains affiliate links The second thing I’d like to mention is what kind of interfacing I use. In the past I’ve used a variety of interfacings and I really didn’t love any of them. Well I now have a new favorite. I now use Heat n Bond Craft Extra Firm fusible interfacing (or Pellon 809 is the equivalent). I love that it gives so much structure, and helps the zipper pouch stand up on it’s own- even in the larger size pouches. I have to thank Emily (Simple Girl Simple Life) and Marion (My Quilt Diet) for encouraging me to try a stiffer interfacing in my zipper bags – I’m converted! Alright – now to show you my favorite tutorials! These two pouches were made using a tutorial from Jedi Craft Girl called the “Favorite Zipper Pouch.” The tutorial is easy to follow with plenty of photos. I made one of these pouches for a swap and I loved it so much I made a twin sister pouch to keep. Another favorite pouch tutorial is the Open Wide Zippered Pouch Tutorial (by Noodlehead). She provides measurements for three different sizes of pouch – this one below is the small size. I love the Open Wide Pouch just because it does exactly that – opens wide! So even in the smaller size you can fit a lot in it because you can pull that zipper all the way open. And it’s easier to see those smaller items that float to the bottom. And to show you the scale, here is the medium sized “Open Wide Pouch” next to the “Favorite Zipper Pouch” with a bottle of my favorite lotion (yum!) You can see here that the medium sized pouch is a pretty generous “medium.” It would be perfect for your larger sewing notions (cones of thread, bottles of Flatter or Best Press, machine oil, rotary cutter, etc.) Or a pound of M&Ms and a bag of Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups. Because you know, snacks. Another pouch that I’ve made and love are the little Dumpling Pouches. I first blogged about them last February. These are all the larger size dumpling – which still is quite small. I use one of my dumpling pouches to carry cotton balls, q-tips and make up sponges when we travel. A dumpling pouch would also be a cute way to carry those Clover Wonder Clips that we all love. Don’t be afraid of the curves in this pouch. They’re not bad! If you read my first post, you can see how I used my Clover Wonder Clips to hold the zipper in place as I sewed it. So there you go – my three favorite zipper pouch tutorials! Open Wide Zippered Pouch (Noodlehead) My Favorite Zipper Pouch (Jedi Craft Girl) Dumpling Zip Pouch (Michelle Patterns) I also just ordered a new batch of zippers so I see many, many more zipper pouches in my future! Do you have a favorite pouch tutorial? I know there are so many that I still haven’t tried! What's your favorite??
How to sew a pyramid pouch. DIY Free Sewing Tutorial + Pattern
Sewing piping can add a professional touch to the edges of cushions, bags, quilts and clothing. Learn how to sew piping for beginners.
Use your scrap fabric to make this free quilted sleep mask! Step by step instructions for a beginner-friendly tutorial.
you’re new to sewing, you may have just started with the standard presser foot that comes on the machine and haven’t yet changed it out.
Raise your hand if you're good at misplacing your car keys. I know I am! I haven't always been this way and I'm pretty sure the little helpers running around my house have something to do with it. Today's tutorial may help out a little with those keys and other small belongings that like to hide from us when we need them most. How about a lanyard that is easy, attractive, and convenient? All we have to do is hook our keys onto the lanyard ring and they are suddenly a lot harder to lose! Let's get started with this easy lanyard tutorial from Morgan: To start, we will need a scrap of fabric that is 4" wide by 40" long, and a D-ring. If you don't have a scrap this long, why not try a patch work lanyard? Simply sew multiple scraps together that are 4" wide until you have a 40" strip. Now we will take our strip, fold it in half length wise, and iron so we have a nice crease. Open the strip back up so the crease is going down the center. Now we will fold both of the long sides in so that they meet at the crease in the center, and iron. Once ironed, fold it in half again lengthwise like we did in the beginning. The original center crease we made will be along the bottom and the two folds will be lined up at the top, like a bias tape as shown below. Do not sew the edges. Now slide our D ring onto the strip as shown below. On each end of our strip we will unfold the edges and line the two ends up right sides together. Pin and sew, creating one continuous loop. Press the seam open and fold the fabric back into place. Now we will topstitch 1/8" in from the edge along both sides, moving the D-ring out of our way as we sew. Now find the D-ring and fold the lanyard strip flat around it, as shown in the picture below. Sew across the strip 1/2" from the D-ring. And just like that you are finished with a quick and easy lanyard for your keys, name badges, gym passes and whatnot. Happy sewing y'all, Morgan
Tiny Fold-Over Pouch sewing tutorial from Sotak Handmade
This sewing tutorial will explain what sewing machine tension is, its function, why we need to adjust it, and how to find the right tension for your project.
One of the things I love the most about being able to sew, is being able to make just about whatever I want. One of my favorite things to create is unique and personalized baby gifts. Last year I made this one for a friend to give to a friend of hers. The blocks were a huge hit! So this year, I got another request for baby blocks—this time for a baby girl. I…
Patchwork Zipper Pouch DIY Tutorial
Who else loves rotary cutting! I hate using scissors to cut out patterns but pattern weights are a must to keep the paper from slipping as you roll around it. Riley Blake sent me some
Create custom continuous bias with a fat quarter to match any sewing project. Technique is so simple that you will never look at the package stuff again.
Let’s sew some DIY Bookmarks! Last weekend I wanted to make a super-quick gift to make for some young women in our church and this is what I came up with. This easy sewing project is jelly roll friendly because it uses 2 1/2’’ strips. You can also personalize the pieces with machine embroidery before sewing them together.
Sew a soft book for your favorite little ones! Each NEW! Soft Book Fabric Panel by Sanda Magsamen for Studio e Fabrics features a sweet story with colorful
This zip pouch is made with scraps sewn together to form panels.
Written plus video tutorial shows you how to sew a zipper pouch - great practice for zippers and fun and quick gifts to make
Today I'll be showing you my favourite neckline finish for knit fabrics. It's my personal method for sewing knit neckline bindings, and I prefer it to the standard method!
This is an easy mini pouch that can be made in 30 minutes.It would be good to store earphones, small cosmetics, or use it as a small wallet.Make several with various fabrics and give it to your loved
Tutorial for a portable first-aid kit roll made with fabric and ribbon.
Serger tension can be tricky for the beginner sewist. But with a little bit of clarity, you’ll know exactly how to turn those dials or knobs to achieve the perfect tension for all of your sewing projects.
Zipper tabs are functional, plus add detail. Learn zipper anatomy and how to reduce a zipper by adding fabric tabs. Details you need to know when sewing.
This is a versatile accordion-shaped pouch bag.You can organize small items such as handicraft supplies, sanitary pads, and cosmetics.This pouch is easy to make, so it's a great gift for someone. 5
Learn how to sew a lined drawstring dice bag with a circular bottom with this free sewing pattern and tutorial.
Yay! Here's a little tutorial on how I make my needlebooks. They're super easy, fast, and fun... so let's get started. You'll need: 12- 1.5" fabric squares in assorted prints for patchwork back 1- base fabric for front: 3.5" x 4.5", appliqued/embroidered any way you like 1- strip of fabric...
Lunch Money Zippered Apple Pouch Tutorial
Have your dress your spoons, forks, and knives to the nines with this Cutlery Pockets Sewing Pattern. No matter what special occasion you are preparing for, easy sewing projects like this make creating sewn kitchen crafts easy, breezy, and fun. Use this cute design to deck the halls during Christmas time, or switch to more neutral patterns during the summer to create a table setting for a formal family dinner. You don't have to spring for store-bought kitchen decor when we've got everything you need right here with this free tutorial.
Do you loop a tape measure around your neck while sewing? This design capitalizes on the habit, turning a measuring tape into a mini caddy. Scissors on one end and a pincushion on the other - or customize the tools to you!
Need to make a walker tote or a walker pouch? Use this how to sew a walker caddy tutorial
A quick and easy boxy pouch tutorial. By the end of this blog post, you will be able to sew your own box zipper pouch!
This Pincushion is So Quick, Easy and Very Handy! Do you tend to fumble for the pincushion when removing pins while you’re sewing? This pincushion attaches right to your machine, making it easy to find. It’s such an obvious idea that we wonder why we didn’t think of it! All you need to make this …
Learn how to make easy reversible bowl cozies
How to Make Bias Tape: Step by Step. Bias Binding Free Sewing Tutorial
Hey friends! I have been trying to think of ways to be more environmentally friendly when I am quilting. I am really thoughtful about the beautiful fabrics I select and I want to use every scrap so that nothing goes to waste. Today I am sharing a scrap buster tutorial to make a quilted bookmark! How to make a quilted bookmark: Materials: Fusible Midweight Interfacing Quilter's Cotton Scraps Sewing Machine Iron & Pressing Mat Other Helpful materials: 6 1/2
In this tutorial, we show you how to add ric rac to your favorite fabrics to create beautiful reversible cloth napkins perfect for any table.
Sew your own DIY Cosmetic Case with just a few sewing supplies including regular quilting cotton. My free sewing pattern is very easy and has step by step photos to make each part as clear as can be.
Learn how to make cloth napkins easily in about 10 minutes. DIY cloth napkins are eco friendly, easy to sew and useful!
Boxy Travel Pouch DIY Tutorial. How to Sew
Zipper tabs are functional, plus add detail. Learn zipper anatomy and how to reduce a zipper by adding fabric tabs. Details you need to know when sewing.
Something a little different today. It's not strictly a bag, but it's something everyone who sews should have in their sewing room and this one is a
A simple tutorials on how to make handmade mitered corners napkins from fat quarters as an easy DIY project for home or homemade gift idea.
Learn how to sew a set of homemade quilted pan protectors to keep pans from getting scratched with this step by step sewing tutorial.