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Specialty Sewing

Quilt Basics – Part 4A of 5

In quilting, there are special techniques used to sew patchwork pieces into blocks, then assemble those blocks into a quilt. The precise execution of these techniques is paramount to a beautifully finished quilt. It's similar to putting together a puzzle; each piece has to fit perfectly in order for the larger picture to come into view.
Techniques

Quilt Basics – Part 3 of 5

You saw the appropriate tools and other stuff needed for basic quilting in Part 1. You leaned how to properly (and safely) rotary cut your fabric for patchwork piecing in Part 2. Now, you get to discover how to use those pieces you cut (squares, rectangles and triangles) to create some of the most popular
Specialty Sewing

Quilt Basics – Part 2 of 5

Quilts start out as lots o' little pieces. So it makes sense the first thing you should learn about in quilting is how to cut your fabric! If you ask any quilter what she/he feels is the best cutting tool for the job, the answer will be: a rotary cutter. Many compare it to a
Specialty Sewing

Quilt Basics – Part 1 of 5

The word "quilt" or "quilting" has many different meanings. It's a special word because it can be both a noun and a verb. Quilting can describe the overall craft itself. What type of sewing do you like? I like to quilt, or I like quilting. It can also mean the act of quilting, which is
Specialty Sewing

Working with Velvet and Velveteen

Velvet and velveteen are definitely members of the fabric world's Specialty category. But, that doesn't mean they're too "special" to be part of your sewing stash. All you need is a little help learning how to properly handle, sew and care for them. And that's what your friends here at S4H are for, right?! Below
Intermediate Sewing

How to Install an Invisible Zipper

Zip-A-Dee-Ay! Please meet one of our favorite zipper friends: the invisible zipper. Remember, this zipper is shy, and likes to stay hidden in the seam line of your projects. In fact, with the exception of its slender zipper pull, you’d never know it was there. It likes it that way... and you will too!  In
Tools + Notions

How To Turn Any Fabric Into A Laminate With Iron-On Vinyl

Today's popular laminated cottons start out as basic woven 100% cottons, which are then coated with a Phthalate-free laminate. They're ideal for any project where you want some waterproofing or the ability to wipe the finished item clean with a damp cloth. Think baby bibs, changing pads, raincoats, outdoor tablecloths, reusable shopping bags, and more.
Advanced Sewing

How to Make and Attach Piping

Search the Internet for “how to make piping," and you're likely to find yourself smack dab in the middle of a cake decorating class. It seems learning to pipe frosting into something decorative is a highly sought-after skill. Well, so is making and attaching piping to sewn projects! Watch out, cake decorators; next time you
Specialty Sewing

Pillow Stuffing Tips + Tricks

Is there anything worse than a lumpy pillow? Well... yes, there are probably lots of things worse, but ya gotta admit, a lumpy pillow is a real bummer. You may be under the assumption all fiber filling is created equal, and that you just punch it in to the pillow cover like you're stuffing the Thanksgiving
Intermediate Sewing

How To Make Wave Tucks

Before you start to panic, this technique does not require a bathing suit or a surfboard; all you need is your sewing machine... and a desire for unique texture and style! We’ve shown you numerous ways to take fabric from flat to fancy: pleating, gathering, shirring, and pintucks to name just a few (see the
Specialty Sewing

Successful Sewing With Laminated Cottons + Oilcloth

For many of you out there, childhood memories of "shiny-like" fabrics around the home probably revolve around upholstered kitchen chairs (that made you sweat if you sat too long), tablecloths (often with a blurry gingham pattern printed on them), appliance covers (that one with the giant, scary chicken on it that covered the toaster), etc.
Specialty Sewing

Sewing with Faux Fur

Today's faux fur gives you the luxurious look and feel of real fur at a fraction of the price and without harming any animals. And, because of recent improvements in fabric manufacturing, it comes in an amazing array of rich colors and lush textures. It truly starts out beautiful on the bolt. But if you
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Techniques

Sewing With Sheers

Ah, sheer fabrics. There's nothing like them for that light, airy look when you want simplicity with elegance. But many sewers avoid using them because you can't sew with them quite as easily as you can regular fabric. Yes, it takes some care and patience, but there's really no reason to fear the sheer. You
Specialty Sewing

How to Make Your Own Tassels

Tassels are are the "jewelry" of home décor, adding an elegant finish to your project. And, like jewelry, they can be quite expensive to buy and the selection of colors can be rather limited. No problem for you! Because tassels are actually very easy to make, and the embroidery floss you use to do it
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Techniques

How to Make Faux Mitered Corners

This is a technique we've used in several tutorials. It's so popular, and so fast and easy, we made a separate tutorial so you can refer to it whenever you need it. It's a great way to finish the edge of a blanket, a table runner, a wall hanging – just about any flat square
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Tools + Notions

Product Review: Bias Tape Maker

Bias tape is a great and much-used accent for all types of home dec projects. But how many of us have braved the hours of tedious folding to create a good amount of it, or burned our fingers trying to iron the perfect crease? Well, snuff out those burnt fingers, because there is a great
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