It does not matter if you stitch big items like bags or small things like pouches, if you sew a lot, you end up with a lot of interfacing scraps that are too small to be useful and too big to throw them to the trash. For these bags made with my latest patterns I used Decovil light interfacing and my pile of scraps is growing by the day. What to do with them? You might like: Batting, … [Read more...]
How to remove plastic snaps
Lately I use a lot the plastic snaps for closing my pouches and sometimes I make mistakes (usually, pieces of the snap installed on the wrong side of the piece or snaps that do not close easily, due to an imperfect installation). So those snaps must be removed; there are removal dies that fit the plies used for inserting the snaps, but I don't have these dies. So I had to find something else to do … [Read more...]
Tip for inserting snaps
Have you seen my latest pouch patterns? Many of them require two snaps for closure... I used to hate this step of installing two snaps. Measure once, measure twice and still many times I end up with snaps inserted in the wrong place. Even if it is only an 1/8'' error, you bet it is visible and ruins your work... There is an easy way to prevent this and to transform this step in the finishing … [Read more...]
A trick you must know
You probably know very well this sewing sequence: Sew along the edges at..., leaving a gap in the seam. Turn the piece right side out. Close the gap! Many times we don't pay too much attention to this final seam, because it is hidden (like the final seam in the lining of a bag or pouch). But sometimes the way you finish this seam matters. For my latest patterns I had to make many pieces like … [Read more...]
My favorite interfacings for pouches
There is a problem with the interfacing we use for pouches: there are too many on the market and it is hard to find the best one for a specific project. That's why it is easier to find out what works for others, buy those products and try them yourself. Each project is unique and what works for one could ruin another one. But in time, with practice, you will find a few favorites. I have in the … [Read more...]
How to sew successful bags for gifts
If you love to sew bags, you love to gift some of your bags, as well. You put your heart into your sewing projects; the bags require so much work and time and money! How to make sure that you sew successful bags for gifts? I sew bags for friends, my sisters and their friends. When they need a special gift, they always come to me, asking for a bag. Here are some of my thoughts on this … [Read more...]
How to sew zippered pockets for bags
Maybe you are not used to using faux leather/vinyl for sewing bags, but it is very useful to have some on hand. It will help you sew quickly and easily beautiful zippered pockets. I am sharing with you two ways to sew pockets and the best part is that you can sew them when you have some spare time (you can make 10 in a day!) and then you will finish your bag in record time. All you have to do … [Read more...]
How to sew a zipper overlay
Sometimes you want to add a special touch to a bag you sew. On the exterior bag you use beautiful fabric and a beautiful design. But how about the lining? The lining is the place where you can add that special touch, it's the place that shows your attention for details. How about a 10-minute additional work that can transform a simple zippered pocket into a sophisticated one? YOU MIGHT ALSO … [Read more...]
How to add slider to zipper tape- tutorial
I am having so much fun sewing pouches with this classic design (pattern here). For such pattern and many other pouch patterns you need to create a "tube", like in the picture below, and the zipper will open and close the tube. Sewing the zipper is a little challenging if you use a closed end zipper, in the size of the piece. I always avoid this and I use a zipper about 4'' longer than … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing vinyl/faux leather
I am in love with my reverse applique technique (see some patterns here) so I thought to use it for bags too, not only for quilts. It works wonderfully with vinyl/faux leather, as it does not fray. These are my first tries - more designs are in the works. I copied the design on fusible web and then I fuse it to the back of the faux leather - YES, you can do that! Just don't use the … [Read more...]
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