Decorative Stitch Designer Pillow

Truly the Art of Thread; this pillow combines dense decorative stitching with machine embroidery accents and cool corner tassels. A dรฉcor or upholstery weight fabric gives the proper stability โ€“ a dark, solid makes the stitching pop.

How to Insert a Magnetic Snap

Magnetic snaps are indispensable to the construction of bags and more. The secrets to success are: having the time and patience to work in the correct order, and using extra precision in marking and measuring.

How to Quickly and Easily Cut Large Fabric Panels

Remember making paper snowflakes as a kid? You fold, fold, fold, then cut, cut, cut. This fabric cutting technique is the same basic concept, but without the Swiss cheese effect. Grab your rotary cutter and mat, and let’s slice!

Decorator Pillows with English Paper Piecing Accents

English paper piecing is handwork not machine stitching. Most people associate it with beautifully intricate quilt tops, but the precise, perfectly shaped pieces are just as wonderful on our pair of graphic decorator pillows.

How to Use The Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl

We love this unique hand stitching tool. Our step-by-step tutorial shows how it can quickly attach one item to another as well as create an interesting line of stitching as a decorative accent. Great for bag handles!

How To Measure Windows For Curtains + Drapes

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.

Elastic Shirring Projects

Elastic shirring creates a wonderful stretchy texture. It occupies the space between the simplicity of gathering and the intricacy of hand-smocking. We cover the technique itself as well as several project ideas.

How to Make Tiny Tucks with a Quarter Inch Seam Foot

Narrow tucks, called pintucks when they are super narrow, are often used in heirloom sewing, but they can add a lovely detail to many projects. Did you know you can create the look quickly and easily with your Quarter Inch foot?

Nautical Ahoy! Appliquรฉ Pillow

A โ€œWord Pillowโ€ makes a bright, bold statement to add to your pillowscape. We include the appliquรฉ template for โ€œAhoy,โ€ but this time of year, you could build your own to suit the situation. How about: Dad, Grad, Smile or Hug?!

How to Make a Rolled Hem on a Sewing Machine

There is one particular type of hem we receive more questions about than any other: the rolled hem. Not to be confused with a narrow hem, a rolled hem is created using a special presser foot. Great for edges on lightweight fabrics.

How to Install Dritz Home Snap-On Plastic Grommets

Large, snap-on plastic grommets are traditionally associated with curtains, but they are a great solution for a variety of projects. Dritz makes the best, and we outline how quick and easy they are to install.

How to Install Metal Rivets

Rivets can hold thick layers together at points where it would be impossible to stitch with a machine. Theyโ€™re the tough guys of sewing, but are actually quite easy to apply with the right tools and tips.

Gingham Fruit Kitchen Towels

Our free gingham fruit embroidery + appliquรฉ designs were custom-digitized forย extra-fine 80wt thread. The stitch work is so delicate + precise, youโ€™ll do a double-take when you realize itโ€™s thread, not actual gingham fabric.

How To Box Corners

It’s a sewing technique everyone should have in their arsenal. The boxed corner creates space in something that would otherwise be flat. We show you the two most common methods and how to measure.

The Everything Apron

One unique apron pulls together three embellishment techniques: embroidery, decorative stitching, and quilting. We also added form-flattering pleats underneath the waistband and darts in the lower bodice.

Machine Basting Basics

When does 1+1 = 1? When you’re basting two layers together! Lear: how to determine if your sewing machine has a basting stitch, when to use the stitch in sewing projects, and why hand basting is sometimes best.

Sewing Patches Tote

If youโ€™re sewinโ€™ and you know itโ€ฆ clap your hands. Honor your favorite hobby with our fun machine embroidery patches. Free downloads are included in 6 popular formats. We used Sulky 30wt cotton for a perfect matte finish.

How to Insert a Push Lock Closure

This earns our Sewing Survival emblem because learning the ins and outs of all types of hardware options is key to adding a more professional finish to your next bag project (and more!). The secret is precise measuring.

Machine Cross Stitch Placemats + Napkins

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.

French Mattress Edge Cushions

Itโ€™s a hand-stitching technique! This type of edge finish for a pillow or cushion is not difficult, but for the best results; you need a longer, stronger needle, heavy-duty upholstery thread, and a soft yet stable mid-weight fabric.

Zippered Mini Clutch with Cross Stitch Accents

A beautiful little zippered clutch is the kind of accessory that’s a snap to make and a joy to give (or keep). This version has a chic vintage look thanks to delicate cross stitch machine embroidery in a variety of soft colors.

Burrito Style Pillowcase

This fast and easy pillowcase project demonstrates a construction technique known as “burrito style.” Itโ€™s a way to create nicely finished seams inside and out with a quick roll-and-turn method. Give it a go!

Prevent Thread Tangles in Hand Sewing

No matter what kind of sewing you like to do, there are times you must use a hand needle and thread. Learn our favorite tips and products to help eliminate knots and tangles so you can keep those stitches flowing smoothly.

Stitching + Cutting Corners Correctly

โ€œCutting cornersโ€ can be a good thing โ€“ if you do it correctly. Sharp corners give a project a clean, professional finish. Learn techniques for clipping and stitching corners that will help maintain the best, cleanest shape.

How to Grade Seam Allowances

A Sewing Tool Box Basic! Seam grading is like stair-stepping. It’s the process of turning a standard seam allowance into layered tiers of fabric. The result is less bulk, which means a smoother finish from the right side.

Kid’s Laundry Duffle

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 appliquรฉ on the front leaves no doubt about what needs to be done with the bag’s contents!

Basic Heirloom Stitching Using Your Sewing Machine

Learn the machine stitches and techniques that best mimic the delicate handwork associated with heirloom sewing. We focus on the options that are the easiest to incorporate into garment or home dรฉcor projects.

Repair A Broken Zipper Slider

Broken zipper = broken heart! Itโ€™s a major frustration because it means something either wonโ€™t close or wonโ€™t open. The most common element to fail is the zipper slider; this can also be the easier part to replace.

How to Install Metal Grommets + Eyelets

From getting the spacing right, to cutting holes in the fabric, to the actual installation process, we’re here to prove you can conquer this hardware at home and get a professional result. Plus you get to hit stuff with a hammer!

Janome Flower Stitch Attachment

For more basic Janome sewing machines (5mm and 7mm), this a fun, easy way to add little decorative stitch touches in pretty thread colors!ย Be the flower girl of the sewing accessory world, sprinkling pretty posies over any project.

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