Create a square pillow with an embroidered peace symbol and a coordinating rectangular pillow with the word PEACE embroidered in a gorgeous floral flourish. Our custom embroidery designs are offered as free file downloads.
Our list of the top 20 sewing misdemeanors, the little no-nos and uh-ohs we all try to get away with when we think no one is looking. But this year, we’re resolving to kick these bad habits to the curb. Which are you guilty of?
For the holidays and beyond, these classic zip pouches – with brilliant colors and detailed embroidery, are sweet as a set or individually. Get the instructions as well as the three custom machine embroidery designs in our Etsy shop.
We have dozens of S4H pillow projects from which to choose. This article pulls together everything you need to know before launching into that pillow making: a little history, basic types, and what we recommend stuffing inside.
This beautiful custom embroidery design is offered as a free download in six major embroidery machine formats. The ascending and descending triangles of the design simulate a rosy sunrise reflected in a cool mountain lake.
Mastering the proper mixology of color and motif is something designers spend years perfecting. But there are basics everyone can use to create a fabulous look. We’ve collected our Top 10 Designer Tips to get you started.
A twist on traditional. Check out these two unique tassel styles: the Broomstick Tassel with a sleek, floss-wrapped hanging loop, and the fantastical Yarn Chubbies, which we think look like fluffy little dancing dolls.
We chose the Janome embroidery-only 550E machine to help create this beautiful set of embroidered placemats and napkins, selecting two built-in florals and stitching them against a shear ribbon lattice on a 100% linen background.
We all make mistakes, but many errors can be avoided with proper planning, attention to detail, and the wisdom to slow down. Take the time to consider the best practices that will provide the best results.
Learn contortion pleating, which involves twisting the gauze into a bound bundle then drying it in a conventional dryer or a microwave prior to final air drying. Learn to crinkle, then learn to make this gorgeous tasseled scarf.
We’re here help with the steps you’ve forgotten since high school geometry: parts of a circle, how wide to cut fabric to fit a circle, how to draw a circle without a pattern, and how to convert decimals to inches to work with Pi.
Microwavable heating pads with organic fillers are a wonderful way to soothe sore muscles or warm up on a cold day. We’ve done several pads here at S4H and also tested 3 favorite fillers. Would you choose: rice, corn or flax, or…?
Though it’s hard to imagine, most fabric is still created on a loom – just as it was thousands of years ago! Technology makes the process much faster, but the basic principles are still the same. Learn about warp, weft, and more.
Window coverings are a great DIY project; and simple enough for the beginning sewer. Straight edges. Simple, straight stitches. But even the most basic curtain project starts with knowing how to take proper measurements.
Start with an off-the-shelf hot pad and mitt set – we found ours for just $2 – add some simple fabric and trim details and voila: style on a shoestring and a great first make. It’s also an excellent ScrapBusters project.
We go over our recommendations for what to have on hand if you’re just getting started in the world of sewing as well as a few favorites to add to your toolbox as you move up in your skill level and expand your projects.
When temperatures rise, a great quick-cooling spot is your neck. Our easy-to-make wraps use water absorbing crystals within the pockets of a long, tie-on tube for fast cooling power. For adults, kids, even pets.
Pre-cut bundles can shorten your cutting time and give you an affordable way to purchase an entire collection of fabric without breaking the bank. Learn the most common sizes and names for these handy little fabric cuts.
When budgets get tight, repairing and re-purposing is the way to go to extend an item’s life. We explore some innovative ideas for using iron-on patches for scarves, t-shirts, pillows, and… of course, jeans.
Whether you’re sewing or just binge-watching a bit too much TV, you need to get up and move around. These ten simple exercises don’t require any special tools; use your own body to stretch and strengthen.
From cooking to organizing to looking good, these five favorites are sure to please. The supplies needed are minimal; you may already have the perfect options in your stash. To make your gift extra special, we have a set of free printable “Mom Said!” gift tags.
Our free gingham fruit embroidery + appliqué designs were custom-digitized for extra-fine 80wt thread. The stitch work is so delicate + precise, you’ll do a double-take when you realize it’s thread, not actual gingham fabric.
Reading with the children in your life is one of the best experiences you can give them. We wrote this special book as a free download and hope you enjoy the adventures of Benny, who loses his blanket but finds some special friends.
Download free embroidery designs to add delicate autumn leaves to table linens (and more). Learn two hemming techniques: narrow double-fold hem with diagonal point corners plus a wider hem with full mitered corners.
We scaled down a traditional laundry duffle to kid size, making it easy to fill and carry to the laundry room. Plus, the super-cute appliqué on the front leaves no doubt about what needs to be done with the bag’s contents!
Generous in size and style thanks to a perfect combination of bold fabric and striking embroidery. Use our free machine embroidery design download or the free printable template for hand embroidery.
Learn this simple yet elegant napkin fold. Fill the cornucopia with fresh flowers or greens; a small gift; candy, nuts, and fruits; or whatever strikes your fancy. It’s a lovely way to finish your holiday table setting.
Neutral tones of canvas and a simple mini-tote style combine into the perfect backdrop for our stunning Lion’s Head machine embroidery design. We offer a free download in six popular file formats.
If you’re brand new to sewing, you’re probably also brand new to figuring out all the parts of a sewing machine. We review the basics, from unpacking, to setting up, to the names of the most common parts, to threading and testing.
Garment sewing is not necessarily one of our focuses here at S4H, so we turned to expert, Carla Crim for some pattern-making secrets. We found her techniques fascinating, and it certainly inspired us to give it a try.
These days, when young adults seem to be devoted nearly full-time to social media, it’s easy to think none of them could possibly be interested in something so archaic as sewing. But, while you weren’t looking, sewing became cool.
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