When you focus on one thing, you get pretty darn good at it. One summer during childhood, my pal, Marilyn and I spent every day going around in…
Hearing about new sewing machines is always exciting, but when you hear about a model that has been specifically designed with the comfort and needs of the power…
Get centered with this 12” Omnigrip Centering Ruler. It’s one of our Products We Love and makes finding your center point and measuring from it in either direction faster and easier. We use ours for fussy cutting.
Our friends at Fat Quarter Shop are experts when it comes to all things quilting, but that is certainly not where their creativity ends! You may have seen our recent article about their full selection of Cross Stitch products and projects, and of course they have an excellent array of options in substrates other than
We have dozens of S4H pillow projects for you to choose from. This article pulls together everything you need to know before launching into that pillow making: a little history, basic types, and what we recommend stuffing inside.
Ever wonder what to do with that bag o’ extra feet that came with your machine? Janome has tackled this dilemma with their Presser Foot Workbook series, which gives you a working knowledge of their most popular feet.
A blind hem is exactly what it sounds like: a machine-done hem with stitches you can barely see. It’s perfect anywhere you want a clean finished edge. Good news: the specialty Blind Hem presser foot is standard on most machines.
Mastering the proper mixology of color and motif is something designers spend years perfecting. But there are basics everyone can use to create a fabulous look. We’ve collected our Top 10 Designer Tips to get you started.
Machine sewing is our stock in trade at Sew4Home, but sometimes, stepping back to take handmade at its root meaning is a personal, tactile experience that is both relaxing and rewarding. Our friends at Fat Quarter Shop recently let us know about their new cross-stitch focus that includes a dedicated YouTube channel, special pattern and
Double the precision in half the time. A twin needle is basically two needles attached to a single shank. One is slightly shorter than the other so your bobbin can catch the thread from both needles. So clever that bobbin!
The new AcuFeed™ Flex Professional Grade Foot (HP2) and its matching Professional Grade Needle Plate from Janome have been gaining quite a reputation for their precision stitching. Well alrighty then… it’s time we took the set for a little test drive. Follow along to see how we put this specialty set through its paces, testing
A straight line seems like the most basic sewing technique. But we’re amazed by the number of comments and questions we get about how to do it better, easier, and more consistently. Using the right foot for the job is the real secret.
Whatever the task, a bit of hand stitching usually comes in… well, “handy.” We’ve outlined the tools needed along with seven of the most common stitches. Simple drawings and steps show how to do each one.
Definitely a Sewing Survival Skill! With the right presser feet and accessories, an understanding of seam grading, and the patience to go slowly and carefully, you can sew like a pro through thick and thin.
A twist on traditional. Check out these two unique tassel styles: the Broomstick Tassel with a sleek, floss-wrapped hanging loop, and the fantastical Yarn Chubbies, which we think look like fluffy little dancing dolls.
Choosing the right thread for a project is an important factor that determines the final look, feel, and oftentimes, longevity of the project. In this Guest Tutorial, our friends at Sulky offer some expert advice about cotton thread.
We all make mistakes, but many errors can be avoided with proper planning, attention to detail, and the wisdom to slow down. Take the time to consider the best practices that will provide the best results.
That giant display of bias tapes and bindings can be overwhelming. Single fold, double fold, blanket, quilt. Geeze! What’s what and why? The S4H Sizing ID Chart gives the basic facts about the six most common types of bindings.
Don’t know about you, but we find sewing buttons by hand a bit tedious, time-consuming, and it can be hard to get them to look uniform. Solution: using a Button Sewing foot on your machine. Securely attached and perfectly aligned.
If you’ve ever tried to work with fabric cuts are that are not straight and true, you know why it’s so important to square-up your fabric. Find our easy folding, aligning, and cutting tips plus ruler recommendations.
A skosh, a wee bit, just a hair… sometimes, the distances we want to work with when sewing aren’t quite as precise as the engraved inch and millimeter markings on our machines. This foot allows you to custom set your seam.
Life can get a little sticky. In sewing, it’s the surfaces of specialty fabrics, like laminates that love to drag across your presser foot and/or needle plate, causing stitching to bunch or break. Janome Ultra Glide to the rescue.
Going in circles doesn’t have to be a bad thing! In fact, when it comes to pretty stitching embellishments, the circle is always a winner. But… how on earth can you stitch in a truly perfect circle?! Even following a drawn line can lead to bumbles and bobbles. Our secret: the Janome Circular Sewing Attachment.
“Up against the wall.” “We’re stuck on you.” “If these walls could talk.” The introductory lines came fast and furiously for this article about the new designer wallpaper from Hawthorne Supply Co.. But what it finally came down to was: Wow. Just. Wow. We’ve always loved wallpaper – just not putting up wallpaper. In fact,
A pretty fabric gift envelope is fun for any occasion – especially in blooming color. Ours ties shut with a clever pull-through bow. Plus, it can be used over and over again, which makes it a green gift wrap alternative.
Do you loop a tape measure around your neck while sewing? This design capitalizes on the habit, turning a measuring tape into a mini caddy. Scissors on one end and a pincushion on the other – or customize the tools to you!
Learn contortion pleating, which involves twisting the gauze into a bound bundle then drying it in a conventional dryer or a microwave prior to final air drying. Learn to crinkle, then learn to make this gorgeous tasseled scarf.
Pleats have been with us for centuries as a functional and/or decorative way to reduce the size of a piece of fabric. They are firmly ensconced in fashion sewing, but are also perfect in numerous home décor applications, like bed skirts, window treatments, and table linens. We’ve even incorporated them as unique embellishments on a
We’re here help with the steps you’ve forgotten since high school geometry: parts of a circle, how wide to cut fabric to fit a circle, how to draw a circle without a pattern, and how to convert decimals to inches to work with Pi.
Sweets for your sweets look even more delicious in these beautiful baskets. They’re extra wide and just the right depth for cookies, candy, and more; they’re not too thick, not too thin… deep dish, like a good Chicago pizza.
Cuteness alert! These baby bibs are pretty and practical. The front is made from Jelly Roll strips. The back is absorbent terry cloth. Download our free Baby’s First Christmas gift tags to create an adorable holiday bundle.
Our simple yet clever design results in a beautifully finished bag inside and out. And because you can reuse them, it’s a green alternative to gift wrap. Great for scraps or pre-cuts! We also include a free gift tag printable.
Soft and warm – the two just go together. Our double-sided infinity loop scarf is super fast and fun. And, with so many great color and design options in both fleece and faux fur, you can bundle up everyone on this year’s gift list.
Add a little holiday cheer by changing out your pillowcases. It’s fast, easy, and inexpensive. Our instructions show how to make two standard cases using just 1½ yards of main fabric and ½ yard of trim fabric.
At just 16″ x 30”, this runner is almost more like a jumbo placemat. It’s a great size for smaller tables, breakfast bars or as the center décor on a larger table. The pretty patchwork center features four flying geese blocks.
Microwavable heating pads with organic fillers are a wonderful way to soothe sore muscles or warm up on a cold day. We’ve done several pads here at S4H and also tested 3 favorite fillers. Would you choose: rice, corn or flax, or…?
Remember making paper snowflakes as a kid? You fold, fold, fold, then cut, cut, cut. This fabric cutting technique is the same basic concept, but without the Swiss cheese effect. Grab your rotary cutter and mat, and let’s slice!
Though it’s hard to imagine, most fabric is still created on a loom – just as it was thousands of years ago! Technology makes the process much faster, but the basic principles are still the same. Learn about warp, weft, and more.
This luggage tag is so easy (and fun!), and takes just a little bit of fabric. We created it in a large size and used a bold color to help quickly spot bags in a crowded environment. Includes a free blank ID card download.
English paper piecing is handwork not machine stitching. Most people associate it with beautifully intricate quilt tops, but the precise, perfectly shaped pieces are just as wonderful on our pair of graphic pillows.
We love this unique hand stitching tool. Our step-by-step tutorial shows how it can quickly attach one item to another as well as create an interesting line of stitching as a decorative accent. Great for bag handles!
One of the most satisfying things in the world of DIY is when you get to overcome the mystery of “how the heck do they do that?!” You know what we mean. You’re looking at a home décor item, thinking, “I really need one of those, but it is WAY too expensive for my budget.