It is completely necessary to make an apron at least once in your sewing years. They are really basic to make and are cute when cooking. Speaking of cooking, go visit my friend, who is a fabulous sewer, Suzzy!
http://suzzy-craftandcooking.blogspot.com.au/
What you need:
- Sewing machine [ must-have ]
- Sewing tool box, must include many, many pins!
- Fabric of your choice for the apron. Make sure it covers your front and is the length from about your collarbone to your thighs.
- Iron
- Thread that blends in well with your fabric [ for mine I used a type of yellow] and a relatively similar bobbin.
Steps 2-3 below
How to make an apron- Cutting out the pattern1. Iron your fabric if you haven't done so already.
2. Fold your fabric in half. Your fold should be facing towards you.
3. At the top right hand corner, NOT the fold, cut a round shape [ picture shown on the right ]. This is where your arm will come out, just beneath the shoulder. If you want, you can hold the fabric up against your body, in place, and trace the round part so it secures the best result. Make sure you cut through both sides of the fabric.
4. Unfold your apron. It should look like picture3. Hold it up against you again and inspect the round sides. Should you make any adjustments?
5. Fold back half a centimeter from every outskirt, including the round parts. Repeat step. You may like to iron the folds down. This will make your apron smart and look very classy! In other words, you won't be able to see the frayed edges.
6. Pin together the folded edges.
Sewing your apron Steps 1 to 4 below
1. Set your stitch length dial to 2 and your stitch width dial to 0. This guide may vary on different sewing machine brands so just make sure you are using a small straight stitch.2. Thread up your sewing machine [ see tutorial video ]
3. All your fabric should be on the left side of the machine. Also consistently through the whole sewing process, your stitches should be quite close to the inner edge of the fold.
4. Begin sewing at the bottom of your apron. It is best to start somewhere that is less visible because if you make an error, it will not draw attention. Make sure you do a reverse stitch.
Remember to stop sewing about half a centimeter [or wherever you are comfortable with] before your foot reaches your pins so you can take them out. Don't push too hard on the pedal, this will make you go fast and you could injure yourself and damage your apron. Slow and steady does it.
When you reach an edge where 2 folds meet, stop pushing on the pedal, and, using the flywheel, which is the large circle located on the right hand side of your machine and sew manually.This would consist of you bringing the flywheel towards you. Further directions are below if you have trouble with this .
How to manually sew the edge where 2 folds meet
1. Turn your flywheel in a forward motion, towards you. Release your hand.
2. Repeat step until you have reached the end of your fold.
During this time, your needle and presser foot should be down as usual. Please note I mean, foot, not pedal!
When it comes to sewing around the round parts, go slowly and on a slight angle, making sure your stitches match the roundness, not just a wonky line. When you do this you will have to rotate your fabric a lot.
Make sure when you start sewing and finis sewing, you do a reverse stitch a few time so that your stitches are secure.
At the end, this is what your apron should look like. All sewn around the edges.
This is the major part of how to make an apron. Part 2 is coming
How to make a Pin Cushion 2
As you will know, I have already done a post on how to make a pin cushion. But this is not the only way.
The other day in textiles class we made a pin cushion ( pictured ) using the sewing machine. I am not sure how familiar you all are with the sewing machine, but making something using it is more quicker and secures the best result possible.
So I decided to do a post on how to make a pin cushion 2 to show you the other way and to hopefully make you more confident with your machine, if you have already done your driving test.
What you need:
- A long ribbon
- A large button
- Sewing tool box
- Fabric of your choice [ roughly 24cm by 14cm ]
- Sewing machine
- Lots of stuffing
How to make the pillow
1. Iron your fabric and cut out to correct sizing [ if you have not already done so ]
2. Fold in half, making sure the wrong side is facing out, so you can see it. You should not be able to see the right side
3. Pin in place, making sure your pins are 1.5 cms away from the edge [ seam allowance ]
4. If your machine is similar to the brand, JANOME, set your stitch to A and your stitch length to your choice, but make sure the stitches are small.
5. Line your edge up with the 1.5 mark This will ensure you have a 1.5 cm seam allowance.
6. Begin sewing on the side next to your fold, and go all the way around until you reach the last side, a few centimeters before the fold.
7. Turn your pillow right side out.
8. Stuff very carefully through the hole. Make sure you make your pillow very compact and tightly full with stuffing.
9. Stitch the gap closed with a ladder stitch or slip stitch.
How to do the finishing touches
1. Cut a long length of ribbon of choice.
2. With one end, place in the center of the pillow. This will be your right side.
3. In a clockwise direction, wrap your ribbon around the pillow. Stop once you get back to where you have started. Make sure your ribbon is wrapped tightly for the best effect.
4. You can stop here if you would like. If yes, go to step 6.
5. Fold the edge of the ribbon upwards and wrap around once more. Stop at the middle and pin the ribbon in place. Make sure your ribbon is wrapped tightly.
6. Place button in the center of the pillow, where your ribbons should meet. Hold down tightly.
7. Come up through the back of your pillow with needle and thread. The thread can be a contrasting colour.
8. Pull thread gently through one of the button holes. Go back down through the other one. Repeat step 6-7 times.
9. Remove pin.
10. Finished!
Please note: Your ribbon may come undone if you do not wrap it tightly enough or hold in place. If you want, at the end of step 5, sew the ribbon together with a slip stitch for more secure results.
How to make a Lucy's Monster
This little monster is so cute and great for kids. It has a soft body [ made out of polar fleece ] and an adorable expression. A Lucy's Monster is simple to make and is a must have in your toy collection.Difficulty rating: Easy
Time: 2-2 and a half hours hand sewn approximately.
What you need:
- Template
- Sewing tool box [ includes 2 large black buttons, black embroidery floss, and red thread ]
- Stuffing
- Polar fleece [ colour of your choice ]
- White felt for the eyes
How to make the face
1. Cut out the template below and pin onto the polar fleece. Cut the fabric.
2. Attach the eyes to the head with a blanket stitch, using the black embroidery floss.
3. Position the buttons onto the center of each eye and sew down with the black embroidery floss.
4. Sew a stitch for the mouth with the black embroidery floss. Try to make it into a small dot.
How to make the body
1. Turn the body right side out so the face is facing down.
2. Pin the body together.
3. Sew a back stitch around the body with a seam allowance of half a centimeter. Start just below one of the arms and finish at the top of the leg, so you have a gap of a few centimeters.
4. Turn the body inside out.
5. Stuff the body. Make sure you stuff the body tightly, especially the arms and legs.
6. Stitch the gap closed with a slip stitch of hemming stitch.
Your Lucy's Monster is finished!
Template: Shown below
140% may be a size to big for your Lucy's Monster so you might want to only increase the size by 60% or so.
How to make a Pin Cushion
Pin cushions are very safe places to store your needles. You can make lots of different pin cushions but this one is the most basic one.
Difficulty: Very easy
Time: 20-30 minutes
What you need:
- Pins
- Fabric of your choice
- Matching thread
- Stuffing
How to make a Pin Cushion:
1.Cut out your fabric and turn to the faded side. If this does not apply to your fabric, such as felt, ignore step 1b.
2. Fold in half.
3. Sew a stitch of your choice along the two side edges.
4. If needed, turn right side out. Poke a pencil around the corners to make a straight shape.
5. Stuff the cushion evenly until you reach the top edge.
6. Sew a stitch of your choice along the top edge. To maintain a good look, do the stitch you did for the two side edges.
7. Insert pins!
Tip: Make sure the depth of your pin cushion is deep enough otherwise your pins will go right through it. This will be dangerous to you as well as being pointless.
Here are some images of some pin cushions! Please add more in the comments if you see ones that you like.
Note: Please be aware that some images may fail to show.
How to make an Arno Cat
Arno cats are soft toys that are easy to make. They make good gifts, as well as having your own.
Difficulty rating: Easy
Time: 1 hour to 2 hours hand sewn
What you need:
- 2 black buttons
- Lots of stuffing
- Black embroidery thread
- Sewing tool box
- Polar fleece for the body
- Contrast polar fleece or felt for the face
- Scrap of white felt for the eyes
- Template [ shown below ]
How to make the face
1. Cut out your arno cat template and place it onto your fabric. Cut around the template.
Note: Be careful when cutting your arno cat's shape. Polar fleece is a rather expensive material so you don't want to be making any mistakes;
2. Sew your white felt onto the face with a small blanket stitch.
3. Sew your two black buttons onto the center of each eye with a cross stitch using black embroidery thread.
4. Sew a small triangle, made up of small straight stitches, onto the center of the face, below the eyes.
5. Sew a smiling mouth with a back stitch that connects to the bottom corner of the triangle.
6. Position the face to the top of the arno cat's body, near the ears. Make sure it is straight.
7. Sew a blanket stitch around the face onto the body.
How to make the body
1. Turn your body right side out. Make sure your face is facing down.
2. Pin around the edges.
3. Sew a back stitch around the edges. Leave a gap.
4. Turn you body right side out and stuff through the gap.
5. Stitch the gap closed with a hemming stitch.
Your Arno Cat is finished!
Template: You may want to adjust the sizing.
How to make a Polar Bear Feltie
This polar bear is so cute! Felties are really easy to make and can be made into brooches, key rings, or just little toys.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 and a half hours approximately
What you need:
- White felt
- Black embroidery floss
- Pink pencil
- Black pencil
- White embroidery floss
- Template [ shown below ]
- A small amount of stuffing
- Sewing tool box
How to make the face:
1. Trace the template below and pin onto felt. Cut.
2. Separate the black embroidery floss into strands of 3.
3. Using 3 strands, sew the polar bear's eyes on with a french knot onto the face/head. If you can not do this stitch, sew a small dot and go over it a few times to make it thick. Make sure each eye is close to the edge of the face.
4. Add some eyelashes by doing a straight stitch on top of the eye.
5. Repeat step for other eye.
6. With 3 strands of black embroidery thread, sew a nose by doing a straight stitch. Repeat step but with each stitch getting smaller than the other.
7. Add a mouth by sewing 2 straight stitches that are slightly curved.
How to make the ears:
1. Sew the ears onto the face with a straight stitch.
How to make the head:
1.Align both head pieces together.
2. Using 2 strands of white embroidery floss, sew a small over stitch or blanket stitch over the 2 head pieces. Leave room at the bottom for the width of the body.
3. Stuff carefully with tiny pieces of stuffing.
How to make the body:
1. Attach the arms to the back of the body, with 1 strand of white embroidery floss.
2. Sew the pouch on to the front of the body with 1 strand of embroidery floss. Make sure the thread goes through both layers of felt.
3. Stick your finger in the pouch to make space for the baby.
4. Align both body pieces and sew with a blanket stitch or over stitch. Do not sew the top of the body.
5. Carefully stuff the body through the top of the head.
How to attach the body to the head:
1. Insert the top of the body into the gap of the head. Pin in place.
2. Use a small over stitch to attach the body to the head, going through the front of the head and the front of the body.
3. Repeat step on opposite side, going through the back of the head and the back of the body.
How to make the baby:
1. Sew on the baby's eyes and mouth with 3 strands of black embroidery thread. Create a french knot for the eyes and a tiny X for the mouth.
2. Sew around the baby's body with 1 strand of white embroidery floss.
3. Place him/her into the pouch.
Finishing touches:
1. Add some cheek colour by gently using the pink pencil onto the polar bear's cheeks.
2. Add some claws with the black pencil onto the arms.
3. Colour in the most of the polar bear's ears.
Your Polar Bear is now finished!
You can make your feltie in a brooch, by attaching a safety pin or brooch back.
Or you can make it into a key ring, by leaving a gap at the top of the head, threading a key ring through some strong ribbon, folding the ribbon in half and inserting it into the gap at the top of the head. Stitch the gap closed with an over stitch or blanket stitch.
Template [ sizes are roughly to scale ]
You may want to increase the sizing by a few milimeters or to your satisfaction ]
How to make a Pillow
I have been meaning to write a post on how to make a pillow for a long time but I have never gotten round to it. A pillow is a necessary thing to have and it is great if you can make your own. Try making pillows with a friend's name on it or embroider a picture to experiment.
Difficulty Rating: EasyTime: A few hours
What you need:
- Sewing tool box
- Iron
- Fabric of your choice
- Matching thread
- Pillow fill or stuffing
- Velcro strips [ optional ]
Sizes:
These are sizes I recommend, however feel free to make your pillow whatever size you wish.
37cms by 50cms Small
45cms by 65cms Medium
55cms by 80cms Large
How to make a Pillow
1. Iron your fabric according to material instructions. If unsure, put the iron settings to warm.
2. At the top of your fabric, on the wrong side, fold down a centimeter. Pin in place. You may want to fold it again for a neater look.
3. Sew a neat stitch of your choice across the fabric on the fold. Chain stitch looks really good. Make sure the wrong side of the stitching is on the wrong side of the fabric.
4. Flip your pillow to the right side. If you are on the right side already, skip this step.
5. Bring the bottom of the pillow forward and stop a few centimeters below your sewn fold. This will be the size of your pillow.
6. Pin the 2 edges on the side of the pillow in place and sew with a neat back stitch. Leave a centimeter at the top.
7. Fold down the top and pin in place. Sew a neat stitch of your choice with the right side of your stitch shown on the right side of the pillow.
8. Turn the pillow inside out.
9. On the two edges between the flap and the seams of the pillow, you may need to do a whip stitch there to prevent fraying. Instructions on how to do a whip stitch are available at the 'Stitches' page.
10. Stuff your pillow through the opening.
11. Turn your flap to the back of the pillow.
12. Finished!
To embroider or attach a sewn image or word:
Embroider your image or word just before you stuff your pillow. Use a blanket stitch to attach it to the front of the pillow, making sure your stitches go through both fabrics. To embroider, use your stitch of choice with embroidery floss/thread onto the front of the pillow.
To attach Velcro strips:
Adding Velcro strips or some other type of thing will make your pillow more secure. Velcro strips are good because they are easy to sew on. Attach them with a whip stitch to the fold at step 7. Above that on the wrong side of the flap also attach them. Make sure they are in line with the bottom ones.
Photos are in order according to steps.
Step 2
Step 2
Step 3
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5-6
Step 7
Step 10, 11 and 12
How to make a Bag of Ribbons
This bag looks really cute and can carry lots of things. It is easy to make and you can experiment with different sizes, shapes and colours.
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Time: 2-2 and a half hours hand sewn
What you need:
- Tons of ribbons
- Lightweight cotton
- Heavier cotton for the back
- Sewing toolbox [ includes fabric scissors,
needle, sewing scissors, pins etc ]
- Thread
- 2 buttons
- Embroidery floss that matches the buttons
You may want to use thread that matches each ribbon, so the stitching is less visible. However, the coloured thread will show on the inside of the bag, so be wary of that.
How to make a Bag of Ribbons:
1. Fold down the top of your lightweight cotton, about 2 or 3 centimeters, and pin it down.
2. Pin your first ribbon to the bottom of the lightweight cotton, which will be the front of the bag.
3. With your needle and thread, sew a running stitch at the top of the ribbon. Secure end and cut.
4. Pin your next ribbon to the fabric so it overlaps the stitching of the first ribbon.
5. Repeat steps 2-3 until the last ribbon has reached the top of the bag.
6. With thread that matches the top ribbon, repeat step 3.
The fold at the top of the bag should be secure by now, but if it isn't, secure at the base of the fold with a slip stitch.
7. Put the heavy weight cotton right side down so it faces the right side of the front of the bag.
8. Sew a back stitch around the 3 edges of the bag. Leave the top open. Secure end and cut.
9. Turn bag right side out.
10. Attach a long ribbon [ or size of your choice ] to the top 2 edges of the bag with two matching buttons.
Your bag of ribbons is finished! You may want to trim the edges of the hem inside your bag if they look scruffy, for a neater look.
How to make a pretty hair tie
I have just learnt how to make a hair tie. They are really cute accessories and are really easy to make.
Difficulty Rating: Very easy
Time: 15-25 minutes hand sewn.
What you need:
- Needle
- White thread
- 1 big matching button
- Black hair tie [ you can but these from a chemist or a super market]
- Cotton fabric
- Fabric scissors
- Cotton scissors
Note: This can be done with any fabric but it is best to start with cotton.
How to make a pretty hair tie
1. Cut a large circle from your fabric.
2. Thread your needle with a single thread.
3. Secure your thread in the fabric.
4.Do a tacking stitch around the edges of the circle.
5. When you have sewn all the way around your circle, gently pull the fabric with your thread until it bunches up in the center.
6. Pull your thread through to the back of the hair tie
7. Position your button in the center of the hair tie, at the front.
8. Bring your needle and thread through the first hole of the button.
9. Bring your needle down through the other hole.
10. Repeat steps 5 to 6 times or until secure.
11. Bring needle through the back of the hair tie.
12. Position your black hair tie where your thread is.
13. Secure your thread in place.
14. Attach the black hair tie with an over stitch. Do this 10 to 12 times.
Your hair tie is now finished!
You can make hair ties for Christmas, Easter, Halloween etc.
Enjoy!
How to make a sock monkey
In my sewing class at school we have learnt how to make a sock monkey.
Sock monkeys are cute toys that you can cuddle, put on your desk for show and admire.
Difficulty rating: Easy
What you need: - 1 pair of socks.
- needle
- matching thread to the colour of the socks
- black embroidery thread
- pink embroidery thread
- fabric scissors
- cotton scissors
- two black buttons
- lots of stuffing
- fabric pen
- pin
Template
How to make a sock monkey
The body:
1. Lay out your two socks.
2. Turn both of your socks inside out.
3. Take a sock, You will notice a faint crease down the center of your sock.
4. Align the creases on either side of the sock. Make sure the heel of the sock is straight and also in line.
5. Flip the sock over so you can not see the heel.
6. At the top of your sock, draw 1 even legs up the sock until you reach the heel.
7. Repeat instruction 6 on the opposite side.
8. Sew back stitch along the line of the first leg you have drawn. When you reach the end of that leg make a knot and cut you thread.
9. Repeat instruction 8 on the opposite leg.
10. Using fabric scissors, cut along the two legs, about half a centimeter away from the seam, until you reach the top of your two legs.
11.Between the tops of your two legs, cut using fabric scissors.
12. Gently turn your sock monkey body inside out.
13. You will see an opening at the the top of the two legs. Stuff the body carefully through there, including the legs. Gently push it in with a pencil.
14. At the opening of the body, do slip stitch in matching thread. For clearer instructions on how to do slip stitch, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWlE_-mS1-M .
The limbs
Now it is time to make the arms and tail of your sock monkey.
1. Trace the 2 arms and tail [ template shown above ]onto your second sock. Make sure it is inside out.
2. Sew back stitch along the arms and tail.
3. Cut your arms and tail out. Make sure you cut half a centimeter away from the seam.
4. When you reach the top of your arms and tail, cut across the fabric, so your arms and tail are fully cut out.
5. Turn the arms and tail inside out.
6. Stuff the arms and tail carefully until you have one centimeter of fabric left at the top of the arm.
Attaching the limbs
This is how you attach the limbs.
1. Position your arms and tail where you want them to go.
2. Sew a slip stitch, connecting the arms and tail to the body.
The mouth
1. Cut around the heel of the sock using fabric scissors.
2. Turn it inside out.
3. Position the mouth where you want it to go on the body.
4. Pin the mouth in place at the bottom of the heel.
5. Add a little bit of stuffing into the mouth.
6. Sew a slip stitch, attaching the mouth to the body. Make sure you remove the pin.
7. Using your fabric pen, trace a smile onto the mouth.
8. Using pink embroidery thread, sew a back stitch onto the smile you have marked.
Some people also do a french knot at the sides of the mouth to make the sock monkey more realistic.
The eyes
1. Position your two black buttons onto your sock monkey, just above the mouth.
2. Using black embroidery thread, sew your buttons onto your sock monkey with across stitch. Repeat this stitch 3 to 4 times, or until secure.
The ears
1. Using your fabric pen, trace 2 large ears [ template shown above ]
2. Sew a back stitch along the trace.
3. Cut out your ears. Remember to cut at least half a centimeter away from the seam.
4. Position your ears onto the sock monkeys head.
5. Sew a slip stitch, attaching the ears to the head.
You have just made a sock monkey! Congratulations!
How to make a pocket book:
I recently made a pocket book late one night out of some spare material. It was the first time I'd ever made one, so it wasn't perfect.
I recently made a pocket book late one night out of some spare material. It was the first time I'd ever made one.
What you need:
- { you can always adjust the size }
17 cms by 13 cms of strong cotton fabric
- 1 matching button
- Sharp needle
- Pins
- Iron
- Fabric scissors
- Cotton scissors
- Matching thread
How to make a pocket book:
1. Cut your fabric with your fabric scissors.
2. Iron it carefully.
3. With the faded side of the material, fold it forward 10cms.
4. At the 2 sides of the fabric fold a seam and pin it in place.
5. Thread needle and tie knot in end.
6. On both seams, do running stitch until you reach the end of the seam.
7. Turn the pocket book inside out.
8. Fold half a cm back of the flap on each side { there are three sides }
9. Along these sides do the hemming stitch in matching thread.
10. Fold your flap forwards { facing you } and find a position for your button.
11. Fold your flap backwards { facing you } and sew the button on the actual pocket. Do not sew it on the flap, but make sure it matches the proposed position.
12. In the same position your button is in, cut a small slit on the flap.
13. Around the slit, do satin stitch.
14. Put your button through the slit and your pocket book is done!
How to make a phone pouch:
Follow the instructions for a normal pouch, and make it higher and wider enough for your phone.
How to make a pouch:
Making pouches is one of the easiest things to sew. I like them because they are simple, fun and you can make them in a short space of time.
What you need:
- Sharp needle
- Cotton
- Pins
- Safety pin
- A long ribbon
- Cotton fabric
1. Choose your fabric [ try to use cotton as it's easier to work with ] and cut it 10cm x 17cm [ 4 inches x 7 inches ] .
2. Fold the top of the fabric down and pin in place. [ Make sure you leave enough room for the ribbon].
3. Thread needle, tie knot at end and sew it down using running stitch.
4. Fold the fabric in half and pin the two edges in place.
5. Sew the edges down using running stitch [ leave the top where the ribbon will go open ] .
6. Turn pouch inside out.
7. Attach ribbon to safety pin, and thread though the top fold.
8. Once all the way round, unattach safety pin.
9. Sew the two ends of the ribbon together to prevent fraying.
10. Sew the 2 top folds, at the end, to prevent fraying.
Note: The size of these pouches can be altered.
Can you post a pillow pattern please?
ReplyDelete-Julia
Sure!
ReplyDelete