How do you baste your quilts? When I basted my first large bed quilt 23 years ago, as a complete newbie, it was nothing short of a nightmare! I engaged almost my entire family—two sisters and even my husband—to help. It turned into one of the most stressful experiences of my early quilting years. We did the job on a small table with nothing but pins—no clamps, spray, or extra tools. Looking … [Read more...]
Sewing Bag Tips: How to Reduce Bulk in Seams for a Professional Finish
Bulky seams can be a challenge when sewing bags. Reducing this bulk is important not only for smoother sewing but also for a cleaner, more professional finish. While pressing seams open is often a go-to solution, bag sewing typically benefits from pressing the seam allowances to one side. Here's an easy and effective technique for minimizing bulk while allowing you to press the seam to one … [Read more...]
How to mark faux leather/vinyl
15-Year-Old Tool Saves the Day! Can you believe it? A quilting tool I bought 15 years ago and never used finally came in handy for sewing a bag! I’m talking about chalk wheel markers! Many quilters use these for marking quilts, but mine stayed tucked away in a drawer since I rarely mark my quilts before quilting (and I have other marking options, anyway!). A few days ago I stitched a … [Read more...]
10 Reasons Why Quilted Bags Are the Best Gift Option
If you enjoy sewing bags, chances are you’ve gifted a few to loved ones. Bags take effort, time, and money, so ensuring your handmade creations are beautiful and functional is essential. Here are some tips to help you create stunning, practical, and well-loved bags: A Touch of Handmade Charm Quilted bags showcase the effort and artistry of handmade creations. Each stitch adds personality, … [Read more...]
Level Up Your Sewing: Tricks That Worked for Me (and Will for You Too!)
I consider myself a perfectionist, and just a few days ago, one of my sisters suggested I should let go of it. However, as I worked on my current projects (which I can’t wait to share with you), I realized that sometimes perfectionism has its place. For instance, I’ve been binding the interior raw edges of some bags. These edges are hidden and don’t necessarily need to be flawless. But my … [Read more...]