Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
These beanbags by Thomas from Way Cool Kid are made with seriously kid play in mind. The beans are actually sewn up into a removable insert, which makes them washable. And they’re made from upcycled materials, which is both cost effective and eco-friendly. He shares a tutorial on his blog showing how to make them. Get the tute.
[photo from Way Cool Kid]
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]
Oh my, I have been wanting to make something like this for AGES! I sooooo wanted to make beanbags for my little one. But as he eats everything I did not feel it was such a great idea as you can not wash the bean bags. I was thinking of making covers … but somehow was not sure whether it would work. When I read the title of this post I could not believe it! Off to check out the tutorial … 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
I think washable bean bag is the good choice for the kids bean bag because kids room bean bags often need to wash.
Not looking for covers. I was hoping more to hear of some fillings that are washable and what people had already tried and liked. Beads? I tried fish tank rocks- it worked but they were a bit too heavy and hurt if you got “beaned”!