Whoever made up the phrase ‘I can’t even sew a straight line!’ didn’t know what they were talking about because sewing a straight line is one of the hardest things to master. I’ve been sewing for too

9 must know Quilt piecing tips. Quilt techniques to know especially if want to learn how to quilt or want to improve your piecing accuracy.

I now have a video tutorial to walk you through this post! Sewing accurate 1/4" seams will make all the difference in your quilt tops!

Neckline binding is my favourite neckline finish for knits. In today's Briar sewalong, we'll be showing you our method for creating a neckline binding.

Would you like to know how to sew an invisible zipper fast and simple? Are you intimidated by sewing the invisible zipper? Let me show you the fastest and easiest way to insert an invisible zip that eliminates the need for pins and basting. You don’t need to fumble with pins, baste the zipper or press the zipper teeth flat before starting. This technique will help you to eliminate common problems and get professional results that you will be proud to show off.

7 ways to make a ruffle, ruffles, 7 ways to make ruffles, ruffle tutorial, how to make a ruffle, making ruffles, ruffle making

When it comes to a seam that conceals all raw edges, French seam and Hong Kong seam finish seem to be first that come to people’s mind. But I think the flat felled seam deserves equal accolade. Flat felled seam is, well, flat. Unlike French seam and Hong Kong seam, there is nothing that sticks […]

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 sew a curved hem? Well it depends! I've made a few videos explaining different techniques for sewing around curves.

At Sew Modern Bags we bring you lots of fabulous sewing patterns each week. However, now and again we come across a training video or photo tutorial that we

Burst Block PDF Skateboard Appliqué PDF Pentagon Ball PDF BBQ Apron PDF Guitar/Camera Strap PDF Free Motion Basics PDF Action Figure Organizer PDF Sugar Skull PDF Needle Knowldge PDF Out of This World PDF 3 Dudes Quilt PDF Diamond Dreams PDF Bad Call Ball PDF Dog Bed PDF FMQ Straight Drill 2 PDF 60 Degree Ruler PDF FMQ Swoop Drill 3 PDF RAINBOW DRILL PDF Circle Drill PDF Coming Home PDF Superhero Cape PDF Drawstring Bag Toy Playmat PDF Beach Bag PDF Dancing Dots PDF Fabric Postcard PDF Gears Quilt PDF Trick or Treat Bag PDF Turkey Centerpiece PDF Coffee Kit PDF QuillowRead More →

There is no anxiety sewists dread more than the anxiety that comes when you are snipping away at your precious fabric. The saying "measure twice, cut once" is there for a reason. If you cut your fabric incorrectly, it can ruin a project and it can cost you a ton of money. That's why we have this quick guide on How to Cut Fabric. This resource is going to provide you with the basics of cutting fabric for sewing and more. Fabric is not cheap and if you do not know how to cut fabric properly, it can do some serious damage. It is even harder to learn how to pin and cut a pattern on the fabric. You have to cut your fabric to match your piece, ensure that your print is going the right way, and make sure that you cut the right side facing out. Stressed out yet? Don’t worry, sewists. That’s why we are here yet again to help you out. This sewing guide is going to give you the top 5 things you can do to cut fabric perfectly every single time. For more sewing inspiration, sign up for our e-newsletter!

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.

Learn to make quilt binding in six simples steps by Simple Simon and Company.

Sewing hacks and tips for faster sewing projects, less waste & more efficient use of time. Creative tool storage and tricks for cutting, ironing, stitching

I have to be honest, woven t-shirts are usually not my friend. I have a hard time fitting them and bias tape makes me cringe (but so do facings)….it’s so hard. But, before my trip to Utah I really wanted to sew up some new rayon tops and was so happy I did – there’s […]

Watch the video tutorial below or scroll down for the written instructions What is Couching? Couching is a technique where you lay yarn, thread, ribbon, etc on top of your fabric and stitch them in place with a zigzag or fancy stitch, either in a similar thread or a contrasting thread. Couching adds interest and texture to your projects. I love playing around with different wools, threads, embroidery threads, lace, wool roving, and assorted cords to make my projects pop. Do You Need a Special Couching Foot? A specialized cording foot is a great machine accessory if you love

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…

There are lots of ways to sew a bias binding to finish a garment, so I've put together a series of tutorials to walk you through three of my favorite options! You'll see...

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.

Here you will find tutorials that can assist you in expanding your sewing horizons and help you reach Superstar Seamstress/Seamster status!

Take your sewing projects to the next level using these sewing tips and tricks.

This quilting tutorial shows you how to bind the perfect corner. Using strips of fabrics you use it to sew in the raw edges of your quilt. The tutorial shows you how to make it neat, straight, and …

Heather Thomas teaches you all about thread while providing helpful tips and techniques for working with thread.

If you want to sew a sleeveless dress or blouse, you'll want to know how to sew an all-in-one facing. Learn two methods in this video.

I often get a question from my readers - how to sew straight? In this guide, I will show you how to easily keep stitching lines straight. I will talk about topstitching mostly because keeping seam allowances equal is a different topic. Have you ever had problems with crooked stitching lines? I bet you had. Even intermediate sewists are struggling sometimes to do it and had to rip and redo stitching. But sewing in a straight line is much simpler than you think. And I want to help you to sew straight every time.

How to Sew Perfect Scallops. A photo tutorial to help you learn how to sew scalloped edges for the Highland Avenue House.

Learn how to trace a sewing pattern from a template in no time. An easy sewing hack you'll love!

Sewing knits and stretchy fabric beautifully is actually very easy, and this can all be done on a sewing machine. No serger required.

Learn a fun new hand stitching tip that makes accurately spacing your hand stitches quick and easy.

Sewing with knits doesn't have to be stressful! Learn how to make an elegant Bohemian Garden shrug and read tips for sewing with knits.

This sewing basic tutorial will teach you how to sew a gathering stitch for perfect ruffles every time.

Love the Waterfall Raglan pattern but want to add versatility? Click to check out Heidi's detailed tutorial for making a Waterfall Raglan in woven fabric.

Use this standard quilt size chart to design your next project. It covers all sizes from baby to California King. Size chart is easy to read and printable.

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

Hi there, I’m hoping you can help me. I have a newly finished quilt that got a small hole in the top from my cat’s claws. What’s the best way to repair…

Learn how to make a gathered ruffle with this step-by-step tutorial including video.

Fear of not liking your quilting plan often contributes to large WIP piles. Continue reading for 5 ways to not over-do FMQ on your next quilt

Gathering fabric is beautiful, but it is also time-consuming. In this article, you will learn the easiest and fastest way to gather fabric. Any kind of it!

I'm teaching a Free Motion Quilting class starting in April at my LQS, Heartstrings and Heirlooms. I finished up the class sample over the weekend. In the class the students will do larger samples, but I needed a small book of designs to advertise the class. As you can see in the above end view, I used three different types of batting for my sample book - Quilter's Dream 100% Cotton, Hobbs 80/20 (80% cotton and 20% polyester), and a 100% wool. I used a tutorial from a recent Quilting Arts Magazine issue (the February/March 2014 issue) to make my little book. The instructions involved drawing some lines on a piece of fabric, then sewing on the lines with a walking foot to make a larger sheet and baste the layers together. Then you quilt your designs and cut the "pages" apart. The tutorial in the magazine was very good. If you are interested in making a book like mine, I suggest you get a copy of the magazine. Below is a collage of designs I plan to cover in the class. Along the top of each page I wrote the name of the design, the batting type and page number from the book I will be using for the class. In case you are interested, I'm using the book Free Motion Quilting with Angela Waters. It has become my go-to book for quilting ideas as of late.