Large, snap-on plastic grommets are traditionally associated with curtains, but they are a great solution for a variety of projects. Dritz makes the best, and we outline how quick and easy they are to install.
Rivets can hold thick layers together at points where it would be impossible to stitch with a machine. Theyโre the tough guys of sewing, but are actually quite easy to apply with the right tools and tips.
It’s a sewing technique everyone should have in their arsenal. The boxed corner creates space in something that would otherwise be flat. We show you the two most common methods.
If youโre sewinโ and you know itโฆ clap your hands. Honor your favorite hobby with our fun machine embroidery patches. Free downloads are included in 6 popular formats. We used Sulky 30wt cotton for a perfect matte finish.
This earns our Sewing Survival emblem because learning the ins and outs of all types of hardware options is key to adding a more professional finish to your next bag project (and more!). The secret is precise measuring.
Itโs a hand-stitching technique! This classic finish for a pillow or cushion is not difficult, but for the best results; you need a longer, stronger needle, heavy-duty upholstery thread, and a soft yet stable mid-weight fabric.
This fast and easy pillowcase project demonstrates a construction technique known as “burrito style.” Itโs a way to create nicely finished seams inside and out with a quick roll-and-turn method. Give it a go!
Learn the machine stitches and techniques that best mimic the delicate handwork associated with heirloom sewing. We focus on the options that are the easiest to incorporate into garment or home dรฉcor projects.
Broken zipper = broken heart! Itโs a major frustration because it means something either wonโt close or wonโt open. The most common element to fail is the zipper slider; this can also be the easier part to replace.
From getting the spacing right, to cutting holes in the fabric, to the actual installation process, we’re here to prove you can conquer this hardware at home and get a professional result. Plus you get to hit stuff with a hammer!
For more basic Janome sewing machines (5mm and 7mm), this a fun, easy way to add little decorative stitch touches in pretty thread colors!ย Be the flower girl of the sewing accessory world, sprinkling pretty posies over any project.
A true Sewing Survival Skill! The word fussy sounds negative. But in the world of sewing, a fussy cut is a beautiful thing.ย It means cutting in a way that precisely captures a specific section of fabric for a specific purpose.
We love the look and functionality of zippers. But many of us are not crazy about installing them. To get good, you gotta jump in. Letโs start with a conventional zipper, where the fabric meets along the center of the zipper teeth.
A quilter extraordinaire, our friend Kim Niedzwiecki (aka Go-Go Kim) recently entered the world of garment sewing. Sheโs alive to tell the tale, and offers up her experiences, pearls of wisdom, and encouragement for you to do the same.
Tufting are those depressions made at regular intervals in a cushion by passing a thread through and pulling it taut. Simple, right? It can be. Start with the right tools and make sure you measure and mark with precision.
Thermal fabrics are the added layer in projects designed to keep hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold, such as oven mitts, lunch bags, shopping totes, etc. We take a look at options for thermal batting, fabric, and interfacing.
It gives a fabulous softness to a wide variety of projects, from toys to pillows to blankets and more. Although not difficult to sew with, to create the very best results, it helps to have a few tips and tricks under your belt.
It’s a little bit like the ancient art of origami. You start out with a flat square (or rectangle), and after a few folds, flips, and slices, you have perfect bias strips ready to become custom binding for your next project.
So many choices! This article helps you sort out the most common interfacing options for bags and totes. You’ll like the printable chart we developed. Post one copy in your sewing room and use another when you shop.
Outdoor jackets, yacht covers, baby clothes – the humble snap does it all. Theyโre easier to use than buttons and more durable than Velcroยฎ. Find out the best tools to use and tips to follow to make inserting snapsโฆ a snap!
If you can imagine it, chances are you can appliquรฉ it! With appliquรฉ, you’re free to incorporate almost any kind of graphic into your project. Learn our favorite tips and techniques for finding designs, cutting, applying, and stitching.
Explore heirloom stitching by machine. We show two options: hemstitching (if you are brand new) and fagoting (if youโre more advanced). Both offer beautiful borders with mitered corners and an optional monogram.
Elegant appliquรฉ accents of a teapot, teacups and saucers, and teaspoons grace the skirt and pocket of our pretty half apron. Get instructions and all the tea time templates. So fun to do, you’ll want to make tea for two!
Buttonholes. For many of us, beads of sweat start to form at the mention of the word. “Am I about to ruin everything by botching the buttonholes?” Nope! Theyโre really not hard once you break it down into individual steps.