Sewing

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Tutorial: Sew your own pressing ham

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sewingham

It being this close to Thanksgiving (and Christmas), when I hear the word “ham” my mind automatically goes to the kind that you eat.  But the ham that Jen from My Measuring Tape shows how to make is not an eating ham, it’s a pressing ham.  You know, the big stuffed shapes that help you press curved seams.  Not only is it less expensive to make your own, but you get the exact shape you want AND you can make it out of fun fabric prints!  Get the how-to.

[photo from My Measuring Tape]

[a huge thank you to LiEr from ikat bag for the link]

 

Comments

  1. The only thing I would do different is sew most of the ham first on the sewing machine then stuff it like crazy until it is full then hand sew the portion that was not sewn on the sewing machine.

Have you read?

Sewing Pattern Saturday Review: Bookworm Tablet Sleeve Sewing Pattern

Sewing Pattern Saturday is where I take a closer look at Etsy sewing patterns that feel genuinely useful, well designed, and satisfying to make. Each review is written from a practical sewist’s point of view, focusing on how the pattern works in real life, not just how it looks styled in a listing photo. It’s also my way of supporting independent designers and small businesses on Etsy who are creating thoughtful patterns that fit into everyday routines.

First Impressions

The Bookworm Tablet Sleeve Sewing Pattern immediately feels sensible and well considered. The quilted finish gives it that soft, handmade look while still offering real protection for your device. It doesn’t try to be flashy or overdesigned. Instead, it focuses on doing its job well.

The overall shape looks clean and practical, with proportions that feel generous without being bulky.

Practical Use & Everyday Function

This is the kind of sewing project that quietly earns its place in daily life. The flap closure feels secure without the need for zips or hardware, which keeps the design simple and approachable. It looks easy to slide a tablet or e-reader in and out without fuss.

The finished sleeve feels ideal for:

  • Tablets and e-readers

  • Everyday carry in tote bags

  • Travel and commuting

  • Protecting devices at home

It’s lightweight but padded enough to give peace of mind when carrying electronics.

Skill Level & Sewing Experience

This pattern suits confident beginners and beyond.

You’ll want to be comfortable with:

  • Straight stitching

  • Layering fabrics neatly

  • Light quilting or working with padded layers

Nothing here is technically intimidating, but accuracy does matter, especially when quilting and assembling the layers. It’s very achievable if you’ve sewn a few basic projects before.

Instructions & Pattern Design

The instructions are clear and thoughtfully laid out, making the construction process easy to follow. This feels like a pattern designed by someone who actually sews and understands how people work through projects step by step.

It’s also the kind of pattern that becomes quicker and easier the second time you make it, which makes it ideal for batch sewing or gift making.

Fabric Choices & Customisation

Fabric choice really shines with this pattern. It works beautifully with:

  • Quilting cottons

  • Linen blends

  • Soft printed fabrics

  • Coordinating linings

Because the design is simple, fabric selection does a lot of the visual work. You can personalise it easily with favourite prints, subtle quilting patterns, or coordinated colour palettes.

Finished Look & Gifting Potential

Once finished, this tablet sleeve feels genuinely useful and well made. It’s not something that gets tucked away and forgotten. It’s the kind of handmade item you reach for every day.

It would also make a thoughtful handmade gift for:

  • Readers and book lovers

  • Students

  • Teachers

  • Anyone who carries a tablet or e-reader regularly

Is This Sewing Pattern Worth Making?

If you’re looking for a tablet sleeve sewing pattern that’s beginner friendly, practical, and genuinely useful, this one is a great choice. It’s simple, satisfying to sew, and results in something that becomes part of everyday life rather than a novelty project.

The Bookworm Tablet Sleeve Sewing Pattern fits perfectly into Sewing Pattern Saturday. It’s thoughtful, functional, and a great reminder that the best sewing projects are often the ones you use the most.

Pattern name: Bookworm Tablet Sleeve Sewing Pattern
 Available on: Etsy
 Best suited to: Confident beginners and intermediate sewists who enjoy practical sewing projects