One of the variations of my new box pouch pattern is for a quick and easy to sew storage bag. If you use waterproof fabric you can use it as a shoe bag or for storing any stuff that can benefit from the features of the waterproof fabric: resistant to dirt, water, easy to clean and wash. I think there are lots of types of waterproof fabrics; this one below is polyester covered with a PVC … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing with foam (heavyweight interfacing)
The interfacing is something that "helps" you love or hate a project! It could be the best interfacing in the world, if you don't use it correctly, it will give you only headaches! The problem is that each project is unique, there are lots of types of interfacing so many problems may occur! One problem that affects many projects is created by bulky seam allowances. For some projects it is … [Read more...]
How to install Prym anorak snaps
If you want to try something else than plastic snaps on your projects, here is a short tutorial on how to install metal snaps. Pattern for this pouch here. These are Prym Anorak snaps and are easy to install with just a few tools. The tools come in the package with the snaps (you need a hammer also) but if you are serious about snaps (if you make lots of pouches, bags, garments), a … [Read more...]
How to install Kam plastic snaps and Prym snaps
Let's add one more skill to the ever-growing fabric fun we all experience. Plastic snaps! If you see projects that involve plastic snaps and you are sad that you can't do it, because it seems complicated and you don't have what you need (I was there, I know the feeling!), I will show you how easy it is to install these pretty accents. I started using Kam plastic snaps a few months ago; I had … [Read more...]
How to insert eyelets in fabric projects
One of my latest patterns was a wonderful opportunity to sew lots of different pieces. Isn't it great when a simple technique allows you to sew such variety of projects: pouches, boxes and baskets, gift bags, tote bags, shopping bags? I made 26 pouches, baskets and boxes for this pattern and the pieces below are my favorite ones. With just a little additional effort, some … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing straps for bags
Another boring step that delays the finishing of a bag is preparing the straps. Cutting strips of fabric, inserting batting/interfacing... I am not a fan of it! But I found a way to simplify and speed up the process! And it has a name: webbing! I will show you how quickly I finished my latest bags: But to make the process really quick and easy, you need one more thing: double … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing zippered pockets for bags
For my bags usually I buy two fabrics from a collection, one for the front panel and the other for the rest. But do you know that you can use "border" type fabric, like the one below? This is the design that runs on the entire width of the fabric. If there is enough contrast in color/motif/scale, you can easily cut pieces for a bag. Here is my bag!I bought the fabric for a quilt but now I … [Read more...]
Tips for installing magnetic snaps on bags
Is there a step/task that you don't like when sewing bags? To me, it's the lining with its requirements, like pockets and magnetic snaps (my favorite closure for bags). If I am in hurry, it is tempting to sew some simple slip pockets and skip the magnetic snaps. But nice zippered pockets and magnetic snap closure add a lot to a bag, so I am glad that I found a way to take the stress out of this … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing with foam
Foam (like Bosal In-R-Form, Pellon Flex Foam, Soft and Stable by Annie) is one of my favorite types of interfacing that I use for bags and pouches. But foam is bulky and if it remains in the seam allowances, you will end up with bulky seam allowances. For many patterns this is not a problem (I use it this way a lot in my bags) but it really depends on the construction of the bag/pouch. Here … [Read more...]
Flex Frame Pouch Tutorial
In 2012 I made these little flex frame pouches for my 3 sisters and a few weeks ago I saw that one my sisters is still using it! I told myself that they need new ones as soon as possible... ... and the opportunity arrived... With my new SPREAD HOPE pattern you can make small heart blocks and you can use them in a few different ways. I turned some of the heart blocks into pouches. Sewing … [Read more...]