It's a million degrees here. Sometimes, I literally feel like I live on the surface of the sun. On days like this, there is just no way I am busting out my favorite hot tools and going to town - and even if I did, two seconds outside and I would look like this: That's

What's that red ball for? Best seam rippers.

Quilting tutorials from QuiltFabrication

Do you know how to use a Kreg Jig? Are you making these pocket hole mistakes? Here are 9 tips for avoiding pocket hole mistakes when building DIY projects.

A floating frame is expensive when purchased new, but learn how to make your own for a fraction of the cost! Your canvas art will have a whole new look!

Two for one tutorial! How to make these hexagonal planters with carved texture (from dremels and other grinders) and triangular plant stands to hold them!

tutorial on joining the ends of quilt binding

Sometimes it's the simple things that need to be given a little thought, and that includes pinning.

Ruffles rock. (just like you.) This is a long post about lots of ways to gather ruffles for different effects. It's not difficult but there are a lot of variables. Because sometimes you need your

20 Ric Rac Tutorials at U Create

Have you ever wondered what the little ball is for on your seam ripper? Learn how to use a seam ripper and the little red ball.

You've got to check out this list of genius ideas on ways to repurpose your old magazines. There are some creative ideas for crafts, gift giving and more!

I know it can be hard to decide where to begin, so to make it easy on you, I've compiled a list of my top 10 free bookbinding tutorials.

Turn your thickness planer into a multipurpose tool with these simple tips, jigs, and fixtures.

So, it occurred to me…after receiving several emails from you lovelies…that maybe I should give you a run down of how to sew with bias tape after I posted the Double Oven Mitt Tutorial here last year (umm, did I really just type LAST year!) This project uses quite a bit of bias tape and I didn’t […]

Sharpen scissors with this sharpening scissors DIY guide.

If you have ever gone shopping for interfacing or stabilizer, you know that there are a whirlwind of options! It can be daunting to know which one(s) you need to buy if you don't know exactly what you're looking for! But shopping for these products is not quite as complex as it seems and with a little info today I'm sure we can make your experience a lot better! I actually enjoy shopping for it now that I know what I'm looking for. Image Source First let's talk about the difference between interfacing and stabilizer. For the most part, interfacing is ironed and/or sewn into the garment permanently to give it stability and structure (such as around buttonholes and collars). Stabilizers, on the other hand, are usually used temporarily to give structure underneath (such as with embroidering designs) and then after sewing they are torn out or removed by washing. There are some exceptions but that is generally the case. The best way to know whether you want interfacing or stabilizer is to buy what the pattern calls for! If it tells you to buy interfacing, then you should buy interfacing. If it tells you to buy stabilizer then you should buy stabilizer. You *can* substitute them for each other but you won't get the same results. Many of our CKC patterns call for "interfacing" without specifying which type. That is because it is often up to you! If your child likes a stiffer collar, you can use a heavier interfacing. If they like a softer collar, you can use a lighter interfacing. For me, it just depends on how much structure I want the interfacing to add. I like to stock up on the packages above because they are easy to find (Walmart, etc.) and the packages are clearly marked with their type, weight, and best uses. This brand suggests the following: Light: For Dresses and Blouses Medium: For shirts, collars, and button holes Heavy: For Jackets & Waistbands That's pretty straight-forward info! If you want to buy larger sheets though, you can by interfacing and stabilizer by-the-yard at most fabric stores. It generally costs less that way too. I do strongly recommend that you know what you're looking for before you get to the store! See if the pattern specifies exactly what you need and if it doesn't, have an idea of what you want before you go. Ask yourself these questions: Does it need to be fusible on one side, both sides, or neither? Do I want it to be light, medium, or heavy? Does it need to be white or black? Are there any other special features it needs to have? You want to at least jot down the answers for when you get to the store, but I also like to use them to look up the exact number online before I go! Here are some of the kinds I use most often, straight from Pellon's website: 72F Peltex Two-Sided Fusible Extra Firm Stabilizer: I use this for a lot of craft projects such as our free Reversible Fabric Crown, free Tablet Cover, and the brim on Christopher's Newsboy Cap. (They all say it right in the pattern.) Available for purchase here. 987F Fusible Fleece: This is fusible on one side (not both) and adds softness and a little bulk and stability to many of our free patterns on the blog, such as the Reversible Easter Basket. It can come in higher lofts too so don't be afraid to browse the website (or the store) for the thickness you want. Available for purchase here. 931TD Fusible Midweight: This is just a standard fusible medium-weight interfacing for collars etc, such as the one that I mentioned farther up that I buy in the small packages. Available for purchase here. 360 E-Z Stitch Stabilizer: I use tear-away stabilizer when adding decorative stitching or applique to knit fabrics such as the stripe on Michael's muscle tee. It helps get the stitching on nicely without puckers and then it tears right off like magic. Available for purchase here. Those are just a few options, but they are the ones I use most often. Don't be afraid to use the search box on Pellon's website -- that's what I do! (If you don't want to look it up and you're feeling adventurous you can ask for help in-store or browse the tags once you get there, but you could be there for awhile.) One last thing! The very first time I went to buy interfacing by-the-yard I was afraid that I wouldn't remember what kind I bought or how to use it. But if you look at the photo above, there is a label just like it which is folded up in the full length of the bolt, so every cut you get will provide you with a label to store with your interfacing. I like to pin my label on before rolling up so I don't take the chance of getting them mixed up! So there you go! That is really all you need to know about buying interfacing and stabilizer! Now that you're a little more familiar with the types, you can be excited (not scared) to go shopping for it and try out all kinds of new projects! Let's Create! ~ Kristen

A blog about DIY green living crafts and dogs How to tutorials on home improvement decor and money saving tips

Want to give your quilting some added texture and depth? Try machine quilting with 12 wt. thread! It's not difficult, but there are 5 secrets you must know.

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.

Have you fallen in love with a pattern, only to find that it doesn’t come in your size? A few ladies told me that Itch to Stitch’s patterns don’t come in their sizes – some are smaller and some are larger than the measurements. Perhaps you have a tween who is not quite big enough to […]

Make a huge statement at your wedding or party with these DIY LOVE marquee letters. Free plans and tutorial to show you how to make your own from wood.

Make a DIY picture frame any size you need without any power tools! No sawing or cutting required! Best DIY hack ever!

Learn how to sew buttonholes 3 ways - with a one step stitch on a sewing machine, freehand on a sewing machine, or sewing by hand.

A free online sewing class from craftsy on how to sew a zipper. Learn basic zipper techniques, tips & how to properly insert an invisible zipper

Rahna Summerlin, machine quilting, machine quilting with a walking foot, quilting with a walking foot, quilting cables, Harriet Hargrave, quilt borders, Forty-Nine Cents, postage stamp, postage stamp quilt, Heirloom Machine Quilting, walking foot, Machingers,

Disclaimer: I am not a Real Quilter. I have never taken a quilting class before, nor do I have any other kind of training in the quilting department besides that...

How to cut your own picture mats for oversized mat frames. Using a picture mat cutter you can make your own custom picture mats!

Here you will find adaptive equipment projects to help individuals gain independence in self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting.

Big List of Pattermaking Software and Service. A compilation of sites and programs you need to make sewing patterns. Real life testimonials included.

Click over to learn to convert a picture to SVG to cut with Cricut and turn into a decal in this super easy tutorial. Three super quick methods included.

Learn how to follow a graph pattern. Use tapestry crochet technique with basic crochet stitches and color changes.

Become a Pinterest marketing expert with the best Pinterest marketing courses for bloggers, or be a Pinterest marketing strategist and make money on Pinterest.

Sewing is often a slow process. It is so easy to let your imagination wander when you are choosing a design for your new dress, or fabric and a pattern to use in your next project. It takes a lot of time also to prepare the pattern, to cut the fabric, to sew all seams and press them. And usually we can’t sew all day long. So I am always looking for ways to be more efficient and sew faster. I don’t want to stay with one project for a few weeks, I noticed actually that the less time it takes from an idea to the result the more I am enjoying the process and I am also more satisfied with my garment. Over the years I discovered many ways to sew faster and to get professional results. I am going to share them with you in this list.

Make a shaker bookmark to keep your place in any book! A complete step-by-step tutorial using the Fuse Tool by WRMK.

Organize your sewing space with this adorable DIY sewing machine mat. It sits under your machine to keep all your tools organzied as you sew.

Learn how to square up fabric before cutting any pieces for your next quilt - especially when dealing with longer strips.

Never make the mistake of forgetting these 4 important things to include when you gift a quilt! You'll be so glad that you did #4!!