If you need a "last-minute" gift, here is a fun, quick and easy little project - a card holder that everyone needs. (This post is the second in the series "5 Quick Gifts to sew for Christmas". See all the posts here.) Here is what you need: 2 pieces of fabric and one piece of fusible web (Wonder Under, Vliesofix/Bondaweb, Heat and Bond, Steam a Seam). All pieces must measure 4'' x 9 … [Read more...]
How to Sew a Flat-Felled Seam
Flat felled seam is a strong seam with no raw edge exposed, with a clean and smooth finish on the inside. It's the seam commonly found on jeans and it is great for reversible garments too. I used this seam to join the pieces of a shopping bag. I did not want to use lining and I needed a seam with no raw edges exposed. I used quilt weight fabric for my bag (Heather Bailey). You might think … [Read more...]
French Seams Tutorial
A French seam is a simple way to create strong, professional-looking seam in any sewing project. The raw edges of the fabric are not visible, they are fully enclosed for a neat finish. French seams are great for clothing, home decor items or totes. They work really nicely on light- to medium-weight fabric. On heavier fabrics they will create bulky seams. For a piece of garment this might be … [Read more...]
How to Sew Quilted Bags
Learn to sew quilted bags- if you are a quilter, then there is nothing easier than this! These are cheaper versions of the bags made with interfacing (because you probably already have some batting scraps). Learn a few tricks and sew quilted bags with a professional look and a long life! NOTE You need to follow a pattern. This tutorial will show you how to prepare the pieces of your … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Better Handmade Bags
I am writing/making new bag patterns and I am determined to make better bags. All it takes is a little more time and more attention to small details. The reward will be a more beautiful bag that will last longer. We love to make bags because we can make them fit our needs and we can use the favorite fabrics. There are so many creative options use can use to make an unique bag. We love the … [Read more...]
Faux Leather Straps Tutorial
I love making faux leather bags. I love that faux leather is available in lots of colors. Usually you need a special foot to stitch this material, but I found that my walking foot works fine. When topstitching, I have to help a little the material to move under the needle. I stitch with longer stitches than usual (I set my machine at 3). I don't get perfect stitches every time, but usually they … [Read more...]
Interfacing Guide for Bags
Interfacing for bags is as as important as batting for quilts; you can't make a quality bag without a quality interfacing. My first bags were made out of home decor fabric. As I have many beautiful quilt weight fabrics, I started to use them for bags too . And I love these bags; you can pair the fabric with different types of interfacing, for different types of bags. Adding interfacing to a … [Read more...]