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...]
A trick
Do you have this accessory for your sewing machine? Do you use it? It allows you to stitch at the desired distance from a previous seam. It’s great for echo quilting or for grid quilting. I have a Pfaff machine and this is called edge/quilting guide. I have a new sewing machine - an industrial machine! This is my second industrial machine, the first one I use only for free motion … [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...]
Combining Kaleidoscope, machine piecing and English paper piecing + a trick
As you know, you can piece 6 equilateral triangles into a hexagon. And if you want a special hexagon, you can make a kaleidoscope one. The kaleidoscope technique is about stacking multiple layers of fabric with identical print (fabric repeats) and cutting shapes to create a block with a unique kaleidoscope design. You might also like: Easiest Kaleidoscope pattern With the same technique … [Read more...]
Origami hearts and a fusible web trick
This is my latest pattern - fun and easy origami fabric heart ornaments. The pattern includes instructions for three different styles. You need some quilt weight fabric and fusible web interfacing squares; some folding and pressing and in minutes your first heart ornament is ready to be used. Pretty ornaments, great for any celebration. BUY THE PATTERN HERE Do do save your fusible … [Read more...]
Folding Napkins
It seems I have a passion for folding! After so many folded stars, now it's time for folded napkins. Sew a cloth napkin (10 minutes) then a few folds, some pressing and voila... These festive napkins can be made in any fabrics; just change the fabric and you will make napkins suitable for any celebration. If you don't have time for sewing napkins, you still can use the techniques … [Read more...]
How to cut diamonds with the regular rectangular ruler
Learn how to sew this pretty little quilt, based on 60 degree diamonds. Cutting diamonds looks like a hard task? Do you need a special ruler? NO! I will show you how to cut diamonds with the regular, rectangular ruler that any quilter owns. You will cut the diamonds from fabric strips, so you can cut strips in any width you want. I started this tutorial with a 5 1/2'' wide … [Read more...]