The photo above © NiggyArts This tutorial explains how to crochet a realistic-looking cat that looks almost alive. I also describe different variations, such as how to create the eyes (crocheted, embr
How to hand quilt in 3 easy steps! In this blog and video tutorial I'll list out all of the supplies you need and show you how simple hand quilting is!
While at a sewing class last week, I commented to the quilter next to me, that on my list of things to do was hemming jeans. She and then others jumped in, that they feared doing jeans on their sewing machines because of the thick seams. So I said I'd show them how I do it. Here is my quick way for hemming jeans. I've tried many ways, and have been using this method for the past 10 years. Beware this is a long post... Simple technique, but many pictures. First set up your sewing machine to do a straight stitch. I use a stitch length of 3.0 and a heavier needle. A jeans needle or topstitch needle if you have one. Next, measure your jeans. For my husband, I have him stand on the floor in his sock feet and I pin up the jeans 1 inch above the floor. Then lay the jeans out on the ironing board and fold up the other leg so both are even. Iron up the hemline on both legs. Give a really good pressssssss... I use steam too... See the line it makes. This is a good guide. Next, cut about 1 inch down from the pressed line. I just eyeball it. But measure if you must. Set aside the bottom of the pantleg for a recycle project. Next take small snips about half an inch long, on either side of the bulky seams. Total of 4 slits on each leg. You can see the slits are on each side of the seam, about half way to the pressed hemline. Next, tuck in the raw edge of the hem so it is folded in so that your one inch of hem is now about a half an inch. Leave the thick seam sticking up. Do not fold it under. Pin all around. Notice that I pin with the heads of the pins sticking towards me, so I can easily remove them as I sew. Next, using ORANGE thread in the top and bobbin, sew near the top of tucked in fold all around the hem. In the early days, I was matchy matchy and used light blue thread. It looked awful. Orange is the color to use. Unless, the jeans you are hemming were originally hemmed with a different color like white. I would use that as a guideline. Stitch right over the seams. Most sewing machines don't have trouble with two layers of seams. Snip off the portion of the seam that is sticking out. Voila. Your jeans are hemmed. Since it's the bobbin thread that shows on the outside hem of the jeans, I keep a bobbin of bright orange thread in my bobbin caddy at all times. I primarily use it only for jeans and I think I've been using the same bobbin for 5 years. If I had the 10 years of hemming jeans back, I think I would have found a heavier weight of orange thread and used that in my bobbin. When this bobbin runs out , I will refill with a heavier orange thread. After Note: Denise left a comment that Joanns carrys Jeans thread. You can bet this will be on my list the next time I go to Joanns. Thanks Denise.
Learn how to sew your first quilt with simple instructions and video tutorial from quilting instructor Melanie Ham. This is for beginners to learn to quilt.
Sewing knits and stretchy fabric beautifully is actually very easy, and this can all be done on a sewing machine. No serger required.
How To Make A Puff Quilt The Easy Way ~Bubble Quilt ~ Puffer Quilt. Free sewing Tutorial
The first time I made a quilt I wasn't quite sure how to sew on the binding. I spent a lot of time making a quilt for my mom's 80th birthday, and I didn't want to mess it up by doing a poor job on the binding. Fortunately, I have a co-worker friend who is an avid quilter and gave me a super easy way to bind it.
Quilting for Beginners teaches newbies how to quilt from the basics, start to finish. This 5 part series walks you through each step of quilt making.
Knowing how to start a quilt, especially when it comes to quilting can be difficult. Get expert tips on how to start quilting your next quilt.
In this article I'm sharing 20 sewing patterns that I think are perfect for summer. The best part is, they're also completely free!
Photos above © YeJinThis crochet pattern / tutorial is available for free... Full post: Summer Hat
If you’ve been wanting to make an easy crochet dishcloth, then this is the one for you to crochet. I love how simple this is to make,...
Short answer is YES, you can quilt with a regular sewing machine. Learn how to master quilting with your sewing machine today!
Hand quilting is the technique of sewing together the three layers of a quilt (batting between two layers of fabric) in a decorative freehand stitch.
Learn all about sewing binding on a quilt with our in-depth hands-on tutorial. We'll show you how to calculate binding, make binding for a quilt, and how to finish binding!
Learn how to sew your first quilt with simple instructions and video tutorial from quilting instructor Melanie Ham. This is for beginners to learn to quilt.
9 free sewing patterns that I can't wait to sew.
DIY Fabric Block Zipper Pouch Free Sewing Pattern and Tutorial
Quilting with a sewing machine isn't an impossible task since quilting and sewing machines are mostly similar. The truth is, they are both sewing machines.
If your sewing and stitches aren't going smoothly, your sewing machine tension may be the problem. Here's how to determine where the problem lies, and how you can prevent thread nests as you sew.
Learn how to sew a zipper with these 6 helpful tips. Sewing in a zipper will be easy on your next sewing project.
Crochet enthusiasts, rejoice! Discover our free pattern for a delightful velvet snake amigurumi. Perfect for all skill levels, this cuddly serpent is crafted with soft velvet yarn for extra snuggle factor. Follow our easy-to-follow instructions to create your own charming reptile friend.
When I started quilting, I had no idea how to do this. My knots would look so ghetto, lol. This may be a no-brainer to a lot of you seasoned sewers out there, but for all of you that’d like a…
How To Bind A Quilt by Machine is a step-by-step tutorial that teaches quilting beginners a simple way to bind a quilt by machine.
Are you new to machine quilting? You may have made tied quilts for a while and now want to explore machine quilting. I’ve seen a lot of advice given for how to machine quilt but I think mos…
Five hand stitches that should be in every sewist’s repertoire, by Tasha Miller Griffith.
If you're a beginner crocheter and looking for a simple crochet stitch to learn, this is the right place.
This sewing basic tutorial will teach you how to sew a gathering stitch for perfect ruffles every time.
Make a beautiful modern quilt with these tips in the Maypole quilt sew along. In week one we pick fabric and show lots of helpful mockups.
Sewing piping can add a professional touch to the edges of cushions, bags, quilts and clothing. Learn how to sew piping for beginners.
Free motion quilting is still something I get asked about the most. It's so simple, and also so daunting at the same time! I'm DEFINITELY not an expert, and don't look too close at my stitches, but good news....it doesn't have to be perfect, AND it's a great stress reliever! ;) While I was quilting...Read More
Free large hexagon quilt pattern & template. Make a simple hexagon quilt with no Y seams with our tutorial. Uses half hexagon quilt pieces.
Something ALL households need? Hot pads and potholders! Follow this FREE crochet pattern to make a set of easy double thick crochet hot pads.
Do you want to learn how to join granny squares with a flat seam that's completely invisible? This simple guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
Memory t-shirt quilt tutorial with easy step-by-step instructions and pictures. Perfect for beginners and experienced sewers.
From fabric selection to piecing, our Beginning Quilting Series will guide you through the process step-by-step.
Knit and Purl Stitch Patterns with Free Patterns and Video Tutorials by Studio Knit.
Quilt bindings are the most magical, and sometime confusing part of quilt making, especially for a new quilter! I shared a tutorial a few years back, but have adapted and made a few changes as I’ve grown as a quilter, and thought it was enough to update the post. Any tips or suggestions you might […]
Get insights on how to set in a zipper three different ways, to be used for a variety of applications and projects. … More
Learn how to make a quilt from start to finish. Where to start if you're a beginning quilter. Resources for beginning quilters
How to troubleshoot sewing machine tension! Loose, tangled stitches are a problem and there IS a solution. Use this thread tension checklist to fix it!
Learn how to do a stitch known as the hidden slip stitch, which is the perfect stitch to use when sewing bindings or doing hand applique.
I am short. There is no other way to put it. I’m barely 5′ tall. I think I’ve only bought two pairs of used jeans in my life that were already hemmed to my length…ever……
Sewing is the art of cutting cloth and joining all the pieces of cloth using thread and needle. Sewing can be done using a machine and by hand (manually).
Learn how to sew your first quilt with simple instructions and video tutorial from quilting instructor Melanie Ham. This is for beginners to learn to quilt.
The first time I made a quilt I wasn't quite sure how to sew on the binding. I spent a lot of time making a quilt for my mom's 80th birthday, and I didn't want to mess it up by doing a poor job on the binding. Fortunately, I have a co-worker friend who is an avid quilter and gave me a super easy way to bind it.
