Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Daniela from Cutting Room Floor shares a free pattern for this color block pleated dress for little girls. It’s an A-line dress with color blocking at the hem. One deep pleat is folded into the center of the dress. For the closure, there are buttons down the back. The simple lines and color blocking give it a retro mod vibe. The pattern comes in sizes from 12 months to 8 years. Go to Cutting Room Floor to download the pattern and get the tutorial.
[photo from Cutting Room Floor]
I’m always tempted by the pretty velvets at the fabric store. So much texture! And the way the fibers catch the light! But sewing on velvet is trickier than you’d think. That nap that lends beautiful texture also likes to slip and crawl. That nap can also spell disaster if you cut a piece the wrong direction. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t use buy that velvet and sew it into something gorgeous, you just need to go into your velvet sewing project prepared. And Melissa at Melly Sews has a post that takes you step by step through sewing on velvet.
Velvet is such a luscious fabric, especially for winter sewing projects. Of course there are velvet Christmas sewing projects – stockings, tree skirts, santa hats – but velvet is beautiful for all winter. Think of all the gorgeous velvet dresses, evening bags, hair accessories, even pillows and other home décor that you see all winter long.
Melly Sews’ post gives you the tips and tricks you need to know in order for your velvet sewing project to end up a success. There are types of projects better suited for velvets, and kinds of projects to avoid. She describes the different types of velvet available. And she also tells the best way to lay out and cut your pattern pieces from velvet fabric. Her tutorial also covers marking, pressing, and of course sewing that beautiful fabric. There’s also a video included in case that’s your preferred method for learning.
Head over to Melly Sews to learn how to sew on velvet fabric.
And if you want to learn more about that lovely blue velvet dress shown, she has a post that tells more about it including 2 ways to style it depending on if you want to be more dressy or more casual.
[photo credit: Melly Sews]
I have tried several times to download this pattern with failure 🙁 I added this website to my settings to ensure block ups won’t interfere and it still will not come up. any suggestions please ?????
Hi Sherry,
I am the blogger at On the Cutting Floor. I am sorry to hear that you were unable to download the pattern yesterday. I am launching a new website soon, and the pattern is posted there too. You can visit http://www.onthecuttingfloor.weebly.com. Another option will be that you visit craftsy website. It is posted there as well. If nothing happens, I can email them back to you.