Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Kim from Triangle Shirt shows how to make a simple receiving blanket. The two-layer blanket features a novelty print woven cotton on the top backed with a knit fabric to be soft against baby’s newborn skin. It’s a quick, easy project, perfect for beginning sewists, or more more experienced sewists who want some almost-instant sewing gratification. Get the how-to.
[photo from Triangle Shirt]
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 make this same blanket only mine are 36×44 and one side is cotton and the other one is flannel. It makes a great “personalized” shower gift. Many of the mothers I have made them for have used them a lot over the child’s toddler years and tell me they love them!
wow,what a great idea >> I really like it , I will try making it for my sister’s child ,,,,,thanks alot
Why do you get 1 1/4 yards of fabric and then cut it down to 26″. How about you get 27″ of fabric and then use the full width and not have to cut it down. Am I missing something?
My guess is that she used a directional print. But I don’t see any reason why you can’t use a more efficient cut if the direction of the print isn’t an issue. –Anne