One of things we are asked about on a regular basis is sergers. For many people, even seasoned sewers, they are equal parts tantalizing and terrifying. They can do so many cool things at once: seam, trim, and finish – all at lightning speed. But to make it happen, there are a lot of threads
Pick a bold fabric to match your décor. Our basket set perfectly nests together. Just the right size for magazines and books, they would also be excellent for knitting yarns. Or, use them to hold an extra-special housewarming gift.
Lovely linens make any occasion special. Blend pretty quilting cottons to create a set of fancy placemats for tea time or anytime. The finishing touch: a classic gray gingham for the ribbon accents plus a delicate white lace trim.
Stripes are one of those universal motifs. We turned and sewed them in clever ways to create a unique effect. Our “spun stripes” allow simple triangles and squares to morph into pillow tops that seem almost three-dimensional.
YES, you can make your own fabric wallet! This one features a large center pocket for bills, four smaller slots for credit cards, an exterior zippered pocket for coins, and a wrist strap so it can be carried on its own.
Bags come in all shapes and sizes, but this round canteen style is one of our favorites. It has such a great retro feel. You can pretend you’re a Scout on a special outdoor expedition. Download the free pattern.
Using your sewing machine to join paper and fabric is surprisingly easy. If you’ve never tried it yourself, this is a great first project: not too complicated, yet still a very pretty way to send a special Valentine greeting.
Pleats are the origami of the sewing world. And although you don't usually need to fold one into the shape of a swan, there are a wide variety of pretty pleats that add distinct visual and textural embellishments for both home décor as well as garment sewing. Each type provides a different look based on
When you think of patchwork, you usually think of quilting cotton. But there’s no rule! We added luxury into the mix with a jewel box blend of silk dupioni in Tiffany blue, glittering silver, burnished gold, and rich ebony.
The bigger they are, the colder they get. That may not be exactly how the saying goes, but it explains how we feel about skimpy blankets. When you're feeling a chill, you want soft, snuggly warmth from your shoulders right down to your toes. Our Soft Elegance blanket is two thick layers of Cuddle: a
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.
The slightly puffy border of this blanket is created with a cleverly seamed faux flange that sandwiches an extra-wide seam allowance. The secret ingredient: super soft plush fabric that gives the edge its added loft.
The technique is just as the name implies: the vast majority of the project, both sewing and embroidery, is done within an embroidery hoop. The elegant result is similar in rich color and complexity to a fine Jacquard ribbon.
We explain the fundamentals of quilting, including the tools you’ll need, cutting techniques, how to create blocks from basic shapes, piecing tips and techniques, and stitching. Enter at your own risk; quilting can be addictive.
Pretty towels are a wonderful addition to any kitchen for yourself or as a gift. This option is great for longer fabric scraps. Each towel starts with one 4″ and one 3″ strip, which are then trimmed to fit a purchased base towel.
3-D is great when watching the latest super hero movie, but flat is friendlier for sewing. We’ve cleverly adapted the construction of this compact round duffle to allow you to do the majority of the steps with flat pieces.
This charming apron blends three different fabrics to create a wonderful swirl of colors and motifs. You'll love the unique details that bring it all together: bound slash pockets, two gathered tiers for the skirt, and a framed bodice with a cross-tie at the top. Even with all these custom accents, this is still a
This happy pair of hot pads is all about the beauty of a perfect line. We selected a wide stripe for the front, then highlighted it with parallel rows of bright decorative stitching. Wrap up several as a unique host/hostess gift.
Transform a plain chair with a cover of softness and warmth. Our faux fur + suede throw is cut to resemble the natural, hourglass shape of an animal pelt. We spotted a similar option online from a top home décor retailer!
These tall wine bags mix the rustic feel of burlap with smooth cotton and a velvet or wire-edged ribbon. By cutting the heart appliqué from the same burlap as the main bag panels, it creates the look of a window on the front accent band.
Tuck a letter to Santa in one pocket, a special treat for him in the other. Then, leave the pillow out overnight and check in the morning to see what Santa has returned. Perhaps a letter back and another special treat!
The mug rug is a mini placemat with just the right amount of room for a mug and a few little treats. Ours features pretty patchwork on one side with custom embroidery (a free download) on the opposite side’s pocket and napkin.
In today’s plugged-in-turned-on digital world, is there still a place for writing something down? If you have a handmade fabric folder to keep your pad, pen, and a few extras; low-tech becomes a very lovely option.
A happy tabletop centerpiece has the potential to become a best-loved holiday tradition. Make one for yourself plus more for friends and family. We used a Layer Cake with bright poms in a coordinating color.
As a site dedicated to promoting all things handmade, we probably shouldn’t be advocating the gift card. But what if you put the gift card inside a super cute, handmade case? All bases covered, everybody’s happy. A great ScrapBuster.
These unique stockings are so eye-poppingly bright and fun, they’re sure to put a smile on Santa’s face when he lands at your house on Christmas Eve. We show samples in two different colors and patterns. Elves like variety!
They say sleeping on satin pillowcases helps keep wrinkles away. I say, “Sign me up for that one!” These gorgeous cases are quick and easy to make, yet look like the fancy ones with the expensive price tags at the bedding store.
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.
With wonky patchwork and a rustic feel, these sachets are all about the random. Hand stitched accents and a bow-tied button make each unique and personalized. Use your favorite little scraps in a variety of textures.
It’s so sad when Frosty melts away, so we came up with a way to keep him safe year ‘round: a set of three round pillows. The fronts feature a snowman smile, buttons, and scarf. Flip over and they’re plain furry pillows to leave out longer.
A baby’s first year is all about touch. Why not create a wonderfully soft surface full of interesting textures to investigate?! It’s what’s called a “tag blanket,” combining the classic security blanket with an activity play mat.
The exterior of this tiny treasure is made from gorgeous Jacquard ribbons stitched side by side. It starts flat, then folds up 1-2-3, and snaps front and back to create an adorable cone-shaped mini purse for coins + more.
We worked with our friends at Coats to put together a handy overview that can help you understand not only the standard thread choices, but some of the specialty options as well. It’s part science and part art.
Designed with little girls in mind, they can inject a bit of glamour into your lovely locks as well. The “petals” are made from small scraps of fancy fabrics held together with a tiny faceted bead. A nearly-no-sew project.
Our ergonomic burp cloth pattern is designed to curve around your neck and drape fully over your shoulder from front to back. It’s fashionable protection in absorbent double gauze and soft fleece.
The Artistic Edge Digital Cutter makes it easy to get creative with your sewing projects in ways that simply weren't possible before. If you look just at what it does in appliqué – one of its many capabilities – you're going to think of dozens... maybe hundreds of ways to use it. That's not an
The step-by-step instructions for this unique bag are packed with lots of great S4H tips and tricks for working with faux leather and vinyl, including cutting, stitching, and how to keep layers to a minimum.
A reusable gift bag can be almost as much fun as the present inside – especially when made in lovely colors and prints. These feature a cool eyelet-and-cording top closure. Use your favorite quilting cottons.
How fabric is woven is important; fabric that is off-grain when you’re cutting can cause the completed project to stretch out of shape. Get a better understanding of how to identify fabric grain and tips on how to straighten it.
It has all the traits needed to rocket to the top of the totes. Precision cutting – both straight and on the bias, piping accents, and corded handles are just a few of the styling particulars that give this bag its iconic appeal.
Compact and tough, it can hold an iPad and cell phone for Techie Folk, file folders and homework to correct for Teacher Folk or art paper and drawing tools for Artist Folk. It’s a versatile design for any occasion.