Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Tonya from The Crafty Mummy shows how to make these folded and tucked fabric coasters. They look like they’d be difficult but they’re actually very to make. And quick, too. The top is made from 4 squares of fabric. She used the same fabric for all of them, but you could also use 4 different fabrics for a scrappier look. A set of these coasters would make great teacher or neighbor gifts! Go to The Crafty Mummy for the tute.
[photo from The Crafty Mummy]
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, too, have been making these for years(about 20). I just wanted to add a few ideas that I have done over the years: I use 6 squares, not 5. Lay one face down, add batting or insulation, if needed, one face up then the four folded pieces. Sew, trim, and turn inside out.
Instead of folding the 4 pieces into rectangles, you can fold them into triangles and then do all of the other steps.
Also, you can make these smaller for decorations and larger for hot holders, with proper insulation between the two squares.
And finally, you can make these using circles. Hope this jump starts some fun sewing!
PS: I recently sew these being used as wine glass holders, just slip the bottom of the wine glass in between the folds. It stays on, and can be used as an identifier, if each one is made differently.