Unlock the Possibilities of Your Sewing Machine
The walking foot is great to use anytime you want to keep your fabric layers from shifting and sliding. We usually think about using it for quilting so the quilt top, batting, and backing all go under the needle and feed at the same speed without shifting, This helps you avoid puckers and tucks that […] Read more…
We all know a patchwork or quarter inch foot is used for piecing patchwork patterns. Using a consistent quarter inch seam allowance throughout the process means that your patches fit together perfectly to form a specific quilt pattern. But, there are more uses for these feet than piecing. One of my favorite techniques using a […] Read more…
I love adding texture to flat fabric. One of my favorite ways to do this is by stitching double needle pintucks. I’m working on an embellishment project, and I created a diagonal grid with pintucks. Add this technique to quilt blocks, pillow fronts, purses, and to almost any other type of project. Pintuck Supplies To […] Read more…
One of the things that most new sewers and non-sewers don’t understand is the amount of time you spend getting ready to sew. In fact, there are some projects (usually simple) that the actual stitching part takes the least amount of time. In the early years of my sewing journey, I was often frustrated with […] Read more…
Gathering is a simple technique that is easy, even for beginners. You can stitch a long length of fabric to a shorter piece of fabric, creating fullness. Gathering is found in all types of projects. You’ll see it in garments such as gathered skirts and puffed sleeves as well as home dec items such as […] Read more…
How familiar are you with the parts and pieces of your sewing machine? Any time you start something new, whether it is cooking or wallpapering, it’s easier to learn if you understand the language related to the skill. Sewing is no different. If you are new to sewing or using a sewing machine, a good […] Read more…
This 3-panel quilt is made with string quilting, a quilt-as-you-go technique that is decades (maybe centuries) old. I remember my grandmother stitching this technique by hand when I was a child. It’s a great way to use fabric scraps and a fast way to piece and quilt in one step. Finished size:10″ x 12″ Supplies […] Read more…
There’s nothing like a good book. Whether it’s on my Kindle or an actual book with paper pages (which I still love), reading is something I enjoy. And when I can read about sewing, it’s twice as nice! I just received the latest digital magazine, Inspired to Sew, from Schmetz Needles. If you don’t subscribe, […] Read more…
One of the most important parts of a sewing machine is the presser foot. You can’t sew without one because it has several critical jobs to do as you stitch. The presser foot sits on the fabric, holding it to the feed teeth, which helps move the fabric under the needle. The foot also holds […] Read more…
It has happened to all of us at least once (or a hundred times). You are sewing along and clunk! – your needle breaks. Sometimes the reason is obvious and sometimes it’s a mystery, but it is always something that demands your attention. It’s more than just a nuisance. It stops you in your tracks […] Read more…