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...]
Placemat with pocket- a tutorial
Last year I made a beautiful table runner in Christmas fabric (pattern here). This year I found in a box a few orphan blocks... ... and I thought to make a few placemats. The blocks were 12'' x 12''; I added 7'' x 12'' pieces to make a rectangular piece- about 12'' x 18''; I quilted and bound the pieces. I thought to add something cute to the simple part of the placemat and … [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...]
How to add straps to box pouches
I love my new boxy pouch pattern; you can make pouches in any size and shape you want. You can make these pouches with cotton fabric and interfacing, but my favorites ones are the one made with faux leather: it's the easiest and quickest version but I love even more that you can easily shape the pouch as you want. But I wanted even more from this pattern. I wanted to turn pouches into … [Read more...]
Waterproof fabric and shoe bags
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...]
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