I LOVE using foam for sewing bags: it adds lots of structure to a bag, without adding weight. These brands are very popular and offer excellent quality: Pellon Flex Foam, Vilene Style-Vil, By Annie's Soft and Stable, Bosal In-R-Form. I adore them all, but I am aware that these brands are not available in every country and that not everyone can afford to purchase them. You may also … [Read more...]
How to sew a zipper overlay
Tutorial update: I added 4 more templates for the 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 … [Read more...]
Fabric Wall Pocket Tutorial
If you need a quick, easy, and practical project, how about a wall pocket? I am glad to share with you this Fabric Wall Pocket Tutorial While you can use simple quilted panels for the pocket, you can add a special touch to the front panel, by piecing a few blocks - be as creative as you want! I chose four of these blocks- made with this pattern... and the pocket was ready for hanging in … [Read more...]
How to sew a monogrammed zipper pouch
A zippered pouch is always a great gift but if you want to make it even more special, add a striking detail: a monogram. I am glad to share with you how I made this pouch. I used faux leather for my pouch but you can use any fabrics you would like. The faux leather is especially great for the appliqued letter - as the raw edges do not need special stitching, you can applique it with a … [Read more...]
Two color straps for bags
In case you have webbing that is not proper for your project but you still want to use it for straps, here is another way to make beautiful two-color straps for bags. You have to cover the webbing with the desired cotton fabric. Here is what you need, for 1'' wide straps with 1/4'' wide black accent strips along the edges: webbing - measure its width (mine is 1'' wide); use synthetic … [Read more...]
Webbing straps for bags- a few tips
When sewing SHOULDER bags, when I have to make the straps, I pay attention to these aspects: the width of the strap and the material it is made of. Width of strap The width of the strap is a matter of preference, but what I know for sure is that a too narrow strap will hurt your shoulder and a too wide strap is even more uncomfortable- the bag will fall from your shoulder. So if you have a … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing zipper pouches
If you struggle to sew zippers, here are a few tips that will make your next zipper pouch experience fun. Tips for sewing zipper pouches - TIP #1 There is one thing that will help you successfully sew zippers. And that thing is the double sided adhesive tape. This glue tape has a paper backing and it comes in many widths. 1/4” is a very common size used for sewing bags and pouches but wider … [Read more...]
Heart pouch tutorial
If you need to sew a really quick project to share with your loved ones, how about this one? A pouch made out of faux leather/vinyl (I used oilcloth), with an applique heart, but not the regular heart. Let's add a puffy effect to it. You need a 8'' x 12'' piece of vinyl. On the back of this piece, draw a rectangle 1/2'' x 6''. Draw it centered as shown below. With a rotary cutter and … [Read more...]
Game changing habit
One thing that has a tremendous impact on the look of a sewing project is the interfacing. But even if you choose and work with the best interfacing for a certain project, there is one more thing that you can do to increase the success of your project. Do you guess what is it? It is all about avoiding bulky seam allowances- this means you have to cut the interfacing smaller than the fabric (or … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing bags
Is the technique used to sew my latest pouch and bag patterns complicated? If you are asking this question, here is the answer, from a message received from one of my customers: What a well-written pattern! You made the rather complex instructions clear and easy to follow and understand. Beautiful work - Karen! I think anyone, even a beginner, can sew anything, as long as she/he is good at … [Read more...]
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