Sewing Tips | Stretch Stitch

Honestly, when it comes to sewing with knits, a trusty serger machine will make quick work of your task. If you don’t have a serger, don’t worry. There are many stitches on your standard machine that will help you conquer this fabric, including the Stretch Stitch!
Stretch Stitch is your friend!



With this simple stitch you can not only join seams but create beautiful hemlines. The stretch stitch allows for the fabric to give when pressure is applied. Without it, your thread would snap and break leaving you with a hole.

The stretch stitch is sometimes referred to as a triple stretch stitch. That name refers to the 3 overlapping stitches. These stitches allow for the knit to stretch and the thread to flex. When using this stitch, the needle position is located to the left. Personally, I like to adjust the position to the right. This can be done very easily. Please refer to your machine manual for further instructions.

credit: thesewingloftblog.com

DIY Tutorial | iPhone Case Sewing Tutorial

An easy iPhone Sewing Tutorial to hold your iPhone, Tablet, Blackberry, iPod, or any other cell phone or device you have. Just adjust the size of the pattern to fit your device. Make one for your phone and one for your iPod!



This tutorial is sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop. They provided the fabric for this tutorial. They have hundreds of trendy fabrics by well known manufacturers, as well as:

I saw a Tablet case similar to this at the local bookstore. I took mental notes of it and made up my own pattern for my iPhone. All you need to do is adjust the size for your patterns to fit your device.

 
What you will need:

Pattern
Fabric
Contrasting fabric for the lining

Velcro (sew on or iron on), decorative button. You can also use a Snap Punch Tool if you prefer a snap.

Cut out your fabric using the Pattern. Cut out one piece for the front and one piece for the lining.



Pin right sides together and sew edges together.



Picking up the needle and turn at each corner.



Leave the top end open for turning.



It will look like this when you’re finished.



Cut the corners.



Turn right side out and hem top end.



Fold up end 3/4 of the way to the top edge. Don’t fold it all the way up. Sew both sides together.



Sew or iron on your velcro. See how the end was only folded up about 3/4 inches from the top?


Sew on a decorative button and you’re finished! Now make one for your iPod or Tablet. Just adjust the size of your pattern to your device. Allow about 1/4 to 1/2 extra inches on both sides for the hem.


 

credit: sewlicioushomedecor.com

Tips & Tricks | Sewing with Children

Sewing with children can be an incredibly fun experience, just check out this post on Kids Design with Lady A.

However something to keep in mind, is their comfort and safety. Sometimes, the excitement gets the best of them or maybe those little legs can not reach the pedals. So, it is important for them to feel completely ease and know some basics.
Sewing with Children Safety First



Here is a quick tip to help those short little legs reach the pedal. Bring the pedal to them.

That’s right, just by placing a stool under the pedal you are raising the height of the pedal and making it easier for them to reach. This way, they are not stretching or straining to apply pressure to the pedal. For older children consider putting a notebook or even better yet, use your phone book. You know that huge 5 pounder of paper that you will never look through unless the water heater breaks and you are in a pinch.

Introducing a child to sewing can be an amazing gift. You can see their eyes light up as they watch the thread take shape and transform the fabric in a finished project. Just be sure to help them thread the machine, remind them to keep their hands off to the side and above all have fun!

I know that my girls are having a blast learning how to sew and are looking forward to making more fun projects. So, be on the look out for a few more sewing with children related projects this summer.

credit: thesewingloftblog.com

DIY Tutorial | Easy Mason Jar Drawstring Bag

Super easy step-by-step Mason Jar Drawstring Bag tutorial to hold all your mason jar lids. It has a cute drawstring tie to keep everything inside! This tutorial is designed for beginners to advanced sewers. If you can sew, you can do this!



This is such a fun bag. You can use it to hold your Mason jar lids or any of your other canning items.

Or just use it for a general bag.

Just follow the step-by-step instructions and you will be done in an hour or less!

As always, if you have any questions feel free to ask me!
Prewash your fabric so it won’t shrink when you wash it!

Here’s the supplies you will need:

Fabric for the bag

Fabric for the Mason jar

Mason jar pattern

Twine or ribbon for the drawstring

Double-sided heat bond interfacing (optional)

Pinking sheers (optional)





Print out the Mason jar template at The Creative Goddess. Pin it to your fabric and cut it out.

Cut the fabric for your bag 19 x 9. You will fold the fabric in half, and that will be the size of your bag.

Use pinking sheers to cut the top and bottom edges.



If you’re using double-sided interfacing, iron your Mason jar fabric to one side of the interfacing.

Place a piece of parchment paper over it before ironing.



Fold your bag in half, wrong sides together, then fold the top down about 1-1/2 inch. Position your Mason jar in the center.

Be sure to measure each side so that it’s centered.

Pin in place.

If using double-sided bonding interfacing:

Unfold the bag and iron the back side of the bag over where you placed the Mason jar.

This will bond the Mason jar in place.

If you’re not using double-sided bonding interfacing:

You can just pin it in place.



With your bag unfolded, go to your sewing machine and stitch on top of the Mason jar to outline it,

using thread of your choice.



With your bag still unfolded, iron a hem on each side about 1/4 inch.



Turn each top edge down about 1-1/2 inches. Leaving enough space for your drawstring.

First: Take it to your sewing machine and stitch the ends that you folded down 1-1/2 inch in place.

Leaving enough room for your drawstring to fit.




Next: Fold your bag right sides together. Stitch up both sides stopping where the 1-1/2 inch seam begins.

You don’t want to sew over the 1-1/2 inch so that you will be able to run your drawstring through it.

Turn right side out.



Attach a safety pin to one end of your drawstring and run it through the top.

Keeping it one long drawstring.



This is the finished look.

Congratulations! You did it.
Want more drawstring bag tutorials:

Try this little Burlap Drawstring Bag.

Perfect for holding small things, or cut a larger piece of fabric for a larger sized bag.

 

credit:sewlicioushomedecor.com

Playing with Scissors: Quick Tip

Have you ever misplaced your scissors right when you needed them the most? If so, then you are just like me and today is your lucky day. I have a simple trick to share that will keep your scissors always within arm’s length.

Keeping Scissors Close



Just add a simple string or ribbon around one of the handles, tie in a knot and wear them as a necklace. Now, just to be clear, I do not recommend this for children. This is something that I do when sitting at my machine for long stretches of stitch time. This way, I am not reaching all over the place when it is time to clip those loose threads.

And if you are looking for a fun way to store your scissors when not in use, check out this cute little scissor keeper Becky shared with us in our flickr group. You can find her full tutorial here.
 

credit: thesewingloftblog.com

Serger Sewing Tip: Tuck your tail in

Since I have been sewing up a storm this month on my serger, I thought it might be a good idea to share a quick tip and trick about those long and crazy thread tails!

The one thing I know for sure is we do not want to just let them hang free -that would be the tell tale sign of a home sewn garment. No, instead you want to thread that tail through the eye of a hand sewing needle and slip it back through your seam before trimming.

Serger Sewing Tips & Tricks



You are essentially tucking in your tail back through your seam. This will provide a clean finished end without unsightly trimmed threads.

credit: thesewingloftblog.com

DIY | Fox Stocking Stuffers & Hand Warmer

Fox Stocking Stuffer and Hand Warmer.
 


This too is a simple sewing project. When I was younger my Mom taught me how to sew. She’s an incredible seamstress with a lot of patience for perfect lines. I unfortunately am not. I get a little too impatient and end up ripping lots of seams. Sad. But this project is about as basic as it gets. And it would be awesome to give as gifts to friends or to stuff those stockings! I used scraps of fabric I had laying around.


 
Take your scraps that you have and create a bunch of these little hand warmers for friends and family members! I printed out the fox template I created, pinned them to my fabric pieces and cut them out. This is what it looks like stacked on each other:


 
I DID bring out my iron (even though these pictures look like I grabbed crumpled up scraps)…. After cutting out all of the pieces, I top stitched everything together. First the ear pieces, then the bottom of the face, next the eyes and finally the nose. Next I top stitched the top to the bottom (making sure the back was facing the right direction) and left a small hole to add rice.



I used about 1/3 cup of rice to fill my fox. You could add a bit more for a fuller fox. The fuller you make it, the harder it will be to top stitch- so keep that in mind. Once you have your foxes complete, stick them in the microwave for 15 seconds at a time. You can add essential oils or some fragrance (in small small amounts) to make them smell nice too! And ta-da- finished fox!


 
Didn’t she turn out cute? My daughter loved it! Two thumbs up from the tween. That’s a win in my book.
Print the template below and get busy sewing:





credit: thirtyhandmadedays.com

Tips & Tricks | Machine Maintenance Serger

The past few weeks I have been putting my serger to the test with some casual sewing. And I think it’s time for some basic machine maintenance. It’s not really a task that anyone likes to do or talk about but it is so important to keep our tools in tip-top shape. So, let’s jump-start the week with some basic maintenance. Think of it like dusting the house – it’s not something we want to do but we need it needs to be done!

I promise basic machine maintenance requires just a few handy tools and discipline.



This project is for all levels.

Skill Level- 1 Button

Tools:
A spray can of compressed air
Small soft brush (should be in the accessory bag)
A pair of long tweezers (if you have them)

Basic Instructions:
It is important to start with your machine unplugged. It might sound silly but there is no reason to take chances!
Position the needle in the upright position and open the front door.
Pump a few spurts of air from your spray can to clean out all built up dust. Be sure to use that long, thin straw to get all up and inside the machine being careful to blow the build up OUT of the machine.
If needed, use your brush & tweezers to grab any larger loose bits.
Machine Maintenance is a MUST



Check out this picture, it was taken after just one project. Yuck! To avoid dust build up, I like to clean my machine after each project or two.



*This is just basic maintenance and should not replace the regular trip to the shop for a tune up. I do not suggest adding oil or removing any parts for a basic cleaning.

credit: thesewingloftblog.com

DIY Tutorial | Crazy Spring Coasters and a GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday Morning! I hope you are feeling bright and chipper because I am thrilled to be sharing about some Extra Sweet and Creamy Creamer, as well a tutorial for making Crazy Spring Coasters.

Today the topic of discussion is a mandatory part of my Monday morning (and every morning)–Coffee. I have come to believe that there are 2 types of people in this world, when it comes to coffee consumption: those that like it black (and are proud of that). These people take their coffee like a pill and sneer at the idea of adding anything to it. And then, there are people like me. We like coffee, as long as it is loaded with cream and sweetness. If all there is is black coffee, um, pass. In fact, as far was I’m concerned, the creamier and sweeter, the better.

Because of this, and because I really do need a cup of Joe to get me going in the morning, I was THRILLED to learn about Coffee-mates new creamers that are Extra Sweet and Extra Creamy. Now, that sounds perfect! My husband and I are currently enjoying the Italian Sweet Cream.

Coffee-mate’s newest flavor, Extra Sweet & Creamy, creates a balanced cup that is perfectly creamy and wonderfully sweet. Along with this, Coffee-mate has several flavors with a range of sweetness including Original and Italian Sweet Cream. All of these are designed to work well with any type of coffee or brand. We tried it, we loved it, and we will be using this Extra Sweet and Creamy creamer from now on!

And you now me, I can never just try a new coffee creamer and call it done. I had to make a fun little crafty something to make my coffee drinking even better. For this occasion I whipped up some quick Crazy Spring Coasters. I shared these Crazy Coasters last summer and since then they have gotten a lot of use, and I still love them, but the colors I used to make them were not very springy. Hence, these new coasters!



These coasters are seriously simple.

Supplies:
TEMPLATE
Colored Wool Felt
Scraps of Patterned Fabric
Sewing Machine
Packing Tape
Straight Pins
Scissors



How To Make Your Own Crazy Spring Coasters:
Download and print the TEMPLATE. Cut out and, using packing tape, cut out 1 small circle, 1 flower and 2 larger circles for each coaster you intend to make, alternating between your felt and patterned fabric. For details instructions on this method for using tape to cut precisely, check out THIS POST.
Once you have all of your pieces cut, grab some straight pins and pin down the center circle, flower shape and 1 large circle.
Head to the sewing machine and free motion stitch around the outside of the center, then the flower pedals. Finally, place the second large circle behind everything and free motion stitch around the outside.

Annnnd, there you have it!



Now your coffee is not only Extra Sweet and Creamy, it’s also super cute and fun!

 

credit: dosmallthingswithlove.com

Swing Tips | 1 foot, 2 foot – Zipper Foot

Zipper Foot

Today, I’m showing off a zipper foot. Not anything crazy, but something a lot of Create Kids Couture fans and other novice sewists might not be familiar with…yet. Oh, zippers, zippers, zippers…I have heard so many people complain and cry about them, telling of completely irrational fears about zippers, but there’s really nothing to be afraid of, and this is the perfect EASY little project to start getting you comfortable with the thought of using them.

School is in full swing now, and I’m always busy packing lunches. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s waste, and that’s one of the reasons I pack my son’s lunch, because most of the time when he “eats” school lunch, most of it goes in the trash. I have to pack a lunch and an afternoon snack packaged in a separate bag. He has a soft sided thermal lunch box that he takes everyday, and I had been packing his snack and drink in a quart size ziplock bag, but I hate the fact that every day that bag gets thrown out. No, I’m not one of those super crunchy mamas, but I think there are little things that we all can do to help save money and save the earth, and reusable snack bags are one of them. Even if you don’t have kids to pack lunches for, you can use this tutorial to make a change purse, lined makeup bag, or any kind of zippered bag with a lining.

For this project you will need the outer cotton fabric (size depends on bag size you decide to make), inner nylon fabric (or other suitable fabric, see note below), a zipper, sewing machine with zipper foot, and thread. I chose a 7″ zipper, which is a good size for a snack bag, I think, and I cut my fabrics 7″ x 10″.


*A note about fabrics: Not all fabrics are foodsafe, so check with the manufacturer before selecting fabric for snack bags. MOST waterproof fabrics contain lead or other toxic chemicals that can leach into food. As far I know, Nylon is the safest choice, but it is not 100% waterproof.*


Notice that the total length of the zipper is longer than 7 inches. When cutting your fabric, be sure to cut it the to the size of the actual zippered portion, in this case, 7 inches.


Lay your nylon down and align the top of the zipper to the top of the fabric as pictured, then place the outer fabric directly on top of it with the right side of the fabric facing down. The zipper will be sandwiched in between the two fabrics. Pin in place.


Put your zipper foot on according to your machine’s directions. If you are sewing to the right of the zipper as I am here, the foot needs to be attached on the left side. The zipper goes into a groove on the bottom of the foot and the foot rides on top of the zipper while the needle sews next to it. Take your time. Nylon can be tricky, slippery stuff. Sew the full length of the fabric and zipper backstitching at beginning and end.


This is what it looks like when you’ve finished one side. I’ve flipped the top fabric over and the nylon is now on the bottom. Now you can topstitch the seam, making sure the nylon is pulled down flat on the back side.


Now for the the second side. Place your nylon down again, and line your zipper up with the top and your outer fabric right side down, just like you did the first time. Pin and sew in place, then flip the outer fabric over the zipper and topstitch.


Now you should have something that looks kind of like this. Unzip your zipper half way. Do not forget this part! Take your fabrics and put like sides together, right sides facing.


Pin your fabrics on 3 sides, leaving the nylon bottom open. Sew the 3 sides, but do not sew the bottom.


Open the bottom of the nylon, reach in, and pull the outer fabric out through the open zipper. Continue pulling until you have also turned the nylon right side out.



Tuck the bottoms in 1/4 inch and sew straight across with 1/8 inch seam allowance closing the nylon bottom.


Tuck the nylon lining inside the zipper and push out all the corners.


And there you have it. A reusable snack bag. See, zippers are not that hard! You can do it!
OK, time to go pack my kid’s lunch! Thanks for having me!


credit: thesewingloftblog.com/