Adding extra width to the waist of a sewing pattern involves more than just cutting a little extra fabric on the sides. If you want to maintain the shape of the garment, you’ll need to do a little slash and … Read More...
Freebie: Printable kids’ measurement chart
Sewing for kids can be challenging if you don’t have them around for a quick measure. How else would you know how long to make a skirt? Or how long to hem a sleeve? Pam from Threading My Way has … Read More...
Tutorial: Easy summer caftan dress
We might be stalking back-to-school sales, but there’s still plenty of summer left. How about making yourself a caftan dress to enjoy the rest of the summer? Riva from Riva la Diva shows how you can make one. It’s super … Read More...
Tutorial: Easy way to finish your serger thread tails
Sergers make quick work of sewing and finishing seams, but you’ve got to take care of those tails of thread. You can’t just clip them off or the stitches will rip out. That’s no good! Lauren from Pattern Workshop and … Read More...
Tutorial: Simple but cute sewing machine cover
A sewing machine cover does more than make your sewing machine look pretty. It also keeps the dust in the air from settling into your machine’s inner workings when not in use. Tia from Little Button Diaries shows how to … Read More...
Tutorial: How to install an exposed zipper
Sometimes you want a zipper to be concealed (invisible zipper), but it’s also fun to make your zipper a standout part of the design of a garment. An exposed zipper can do that. Maddie Flanigan shares a tutorial at Bernina’s … Read More...
Tutorial: Mark and sew double ended darts
Double ended darts can create beautiful shaping in a bodice. They look like diamonds or pointy ovals on your pattern piece, usually at the waist in a dress that does not have a waist seam. Because they appear in the … Read More...
Tutorial: Drawstring jewelry pouch
Jill from Creating My Way To Success shows how to make this fancy little pouch to store your jewelry. It has pockets sewn all around the inside for smaller pieces like rings and earrings. Larger pieces can go in the … Read More...
Tutorial: Easy 30-minute serger tutu
The Alpine Fabrics blog has a tutorial showing how you can use a serger to whip up a gorgeous tutu in just 30 minutes. It has a wide elastic waistband, which seems like it would be more comfortable to wear … Read More...
Tutorial: Adapt a basic bodice to create a yoke
Tanya Whelan’s new book Sew Many Dresses: Sew Little Time takes a mix-and-match approach to making dresses. This bodice, that skirt to create your own custom dress design. She shares a tutorial at Sew Mama Sew showing how you can … Read More...
Tutorial: Slipcover an ugly throw rug to make it look pretty again
Until I saw this tutorial by Free Time Frolics, it had never crossed my mind to slipcover a throw rug. But it’s a good way to make an ugly rug match your decor. It looks easy to make, and … Read More...
Tutorial: Lace kimono
This lace kimono can add a dreamy, romantic layer to a summer outfit. Elizabeth from Elizabeth Made This shares a tutorial at Sewcialists showing how you can make one. She tells how to draft the simple pattern based on your … Read More...
Free pattern: Scissors storage pouch
Alison from Lorelei Jane shows how you can make a pouch to hold your scissors. They’ll help protect your scissors when you toss them in a project bag. And there’s batting inside that will help protect you (and anything else … Read More...
Tutorial: DIY shade screen for your porch or patio
A shade panel like this one can filter harsh sunlight, making your porch or patio more livable during all parts of the day. Sew4Home shows how you can make one. Make some decorative pillows or cover cushions in the same … Read More...
Tutorial: Fabric composition book cover
School supply sales are just around the corner! Honestly, this is one of my favorite times of year. All those notebooks and pens and rolls of tape offered so cheaply by the discount stores! One of the items you always … Read More...
Free pattern: Perfect for Work (or going out) dress
Deby from So Sew Easy shares a free pattern for her Perfect for Work dress. Depending on fabric choice and how you accessorize, this could also be a Perfect for Date Night or Perfect for Special Occasion dress. I’m adding … Read More...
Free pattern: Travel manicure kit
This travel manicure set can help make sure your nail look as good on vacation as they do at home. Amy from Positively Splendid shares a free pattern for making it. The fabric case has pockets for nail polish, clippers, … Read More...
Tutorial: DIY hammock chair
Ohhhh man, does this hammock chair look comfy! I think I could nestle down in there with a good book and disappear for a few good hours. Melissa from Sew Like My Mom shows how you can make this hammock … Read More...
Selling your handmade items? Here’s how to figure a fair price.
If you sew, sooner or later someone is going to suggest you sell your handmade items. It’s a compliment for someone to say that things you make are nice enough for someone to spend money to have them. But what … Read More...
Tutorial: Raw edge knit neckline finish
Rachael from Imagine Gnats shows how you can achieve a raw edge neckline finish for a t-shirt or knit dress. And no, we’re not just cutting the neck line and leaving it raw. This finish binds off the neckline, but … Read More...