Active Sewing & Embroidery Posts
How To: Sew an anime inspired rabbit pillow
Want to know how to make the most adorable pillow in the world? Then you've stumbled upon the right tutorial. This video will guide you through how to sew together a blasphemously cute round rabbit pillow with eyes done in the anime style.
How To: Upcycle a pair of blue jeans into a tote bag
Don't want to throw away that raggedy pair of old Levi's with small paint stains and random tears all over because it's stuck with you longer than your trusty 12-year-old jack russell terrier? We totally understand. Continue to use your favorite pair of blue jeans by watching this video.
How To: Sew a cozy quilted laptop/netbook cover
Let's face it: Who DOESN'T use a laptop these days? Whether you carry them around for work or simply like to level up faster than your friends on FrontierVille, laptops are constantly being banged up and beaten up. So cover these babies up when you're not using them!
How To: Start using the sewing machine for beginners
Are you picking up sewing for the first time, or simply looking to brush up on your sewing machine skills? This video covers all the basics of how to sew with a sewing machine.
How To: Make a pin cushion bracelet for sewing
In this tutorial you will be walked step-by-step through how to make a super easy pin cushion bracelet using a bottle cap. This project DOES NOT require a sewing machine. The only stitching involved is a few hand stitches.
How To: Cut fabric using a rotary cutter for sewing beginners
So you've decided that your hobby of blindfolded rock climbing was just a tad too hard and have now taken up sewing. Other than purchasing a few needles and colors of thread, where do you begin?
How To: Upcycle an old t-shirt into a mini messenger bag
Got a few old t-shirts lying around your closet? Unclutter your space while reusing and reducing waste by watching this tutorial, where you'll find out how to breathe new life into an old t-shirt by transforming it into a mini messenger bag.
How To: Craft an herbal eye pillow for sewing beginners
In this video you will learn the basics of starting a beginner sewing project. The project featured in this video is an eye pillow. Eye pillows are filled with flax seed and essential dried herbs like lavender, spearmint, chamomile, etc.They are easy and fun to make and they make great gifts! You will learn how to piece the front of your eye pillow using strips of three different fabrics and how to choose the silky backing of your eye pillow so it goes on smooth and relaxing over your eyelids...
How To: Make an eco-friendly grocery bag from an old t-shirt
There are many ways to reform your old t-shirts, but this is an easy way to use yours. By taking your unused t-shirts and adding a few stiches here and there, you can create a reusable bag that can be carried along with you during shopping trips to the grocery store or bookstore.
How To: Make a Doo. Ri. inspired floral tank top
Doo.Ri. is a young Asian American designer who has made waves in the high fashion world with her minimalistic, modern designs with a touch of feminine delicacy and sass. With a very Japanese-infused style aesthetic, she creates pieces that are coveted and frequently warm by Hollywood starlets.
How To: Make a tattered heart t-shirt from an old t-shirt
You've probably heard of people who say they have "two left feet" when it comes to trying to groove on the dance floor, but you can also have two left hands (if, you know, you're a right hander) when it comes to sewing and crafting.
How To: Sew a drape neck halter top with Whitney Sews
To us, old T-shirts are just space clutterers, with too much history for my of us to throw away but taking up too much space in our closets to want to keep. But for crafters they're the Holy Grail of crafting supplies.
How To: Make a "One Tree Hill" Peyton-inspired tank top
Are you a fan of the CW's "One Tree Hill"? Profess your love for this long-running television hit by creating this character-inspired tank top! Based on a reconstructed tank worn by Peyton during a fight with Lucas in the fourth season, this shirt is really lightweight for summer and you can layer it on top of another tank top if you need the extra warmth.
How To: Create a flattering A-line bubble skirt
Don't worry, while this episode of "Whitney Sews" does indeed teach you how to create a bubble skirt, we're not talking about the haute couture kinds featured on Alexander McQueen's last runway show (God rest his soul) and on other catwalks, ballooned out like a pure sphere and making even the skinniest size 00 models look like they're packing some in the back.
How To: Create bunting from old fabric scraps
No matter how often you sew or how many projects you complete, you can't possibly find a use for EVERY single scrab of fabric lying around. Your first thought is probably to throw them away, but there is indeed a project you can do that only requires the smallest of fabric scraps.
How To: Recycle old t-shirts into decorative bunting
Ah, bunting. In the crafting/Etsy world, bunting is one of the simplest pieces of decor to make as well as one of the cheapest, yet because of its minimalistic simplicity it's also one of the prettiest crafts ever.
How To: Embellish your clothes and accessories with buttons
Minimalist accessories are quite in right now, with interest being added by textures, cuts, and sleek designs. But sometimes a girl just wants to have fun with her clothing and accessories! In this episode of "Whitney Sews," Whitney will teach you how she embelishes wallets and other goodies with tiny buttons.
How To: Create a fashionable shrug from an old t-shirt
Do you have a t-shirt lying around the house with the most gorgeous sailor stripe pattern but is simply too small to fit you now? Don't despair; in this episode of "Whitney Sews," you'll learn a method for creating a shrug out of an old t-shirt.
How To: Create cute underwear from old t-shirts
You've probably seen old t-shirts being turned into dresses, miniskirts, and if you're a fan of Gianny L, even two-piece bikinis, but you've probably never even thought about it transforming them into underwear. It may seem a bit odd at first, but making these intimate pieces from t-shirts means you can customize the pattern as well as the type of cut (cheeky, granny top, or thong?).
How To: Turn a skirt into a long, breezy summer dress
Like billowy, bohemian tops or billowy dresses that go aflutter in the wind? Then this is the perfect DIY fashion tutorial for you. Using a long old skirt you can probably find by digging through your own closet or your stylish mother's treasure trove, you will learn how to refashion the skirt into a full-body dress by simply adding some spaghetti straps.
How To: Sew a simple floral summer skirt with Whitney Sews
During the summer, we all want to focus more on getting out into the sun and having an adventure than putting on layers of makeup and spending hours figuring out if, indeed, our Calvin Klein riding boots go with our Marc Jacobs sailor shorts.
How To: Sew a flowery, flowy spring top with Whitney Sews
Here at Wonder How To we LOVE spring buecause it allows us to indulge in the girliest of girly prints - flowers, hearts, crunchy granola hippie peace signs and happy faces - without restraint and without looking like a seven-year-old ready for church.
How To: Sew a sleeveless cardigan from an old t-shirt
Cardigans are pieces you can throw on with just about any outfit, from a cute miniskirt and tank top to long skinny jeans paired with a bohemian-style top. And with this episode of "Whitney Sews," you'll learn how to create a brand new hot pink cardigan...from an old t-shirt!
How To: Create a Halloween flapper costume from an old t-shirt
Halloween is such a fun time of year. Whether you're dressed up as a classic hook-nosed witch, slutty Playboy bunny, or Jessica Rabbit, the spooky holiday allows you to indulge in your wildest fantasies and look hot while you're at it.
How To: Create a cute jewelry drawstring bag with Whitney Sews
$4.95 jewelry boxes from Wal-Mart are probably not the chicest containers in which to put your prized sterling silver Tiffany's ring. Place your high fashion rings, bracelets, and necklaces in a similarly high fashion satchet by watching this tutorial.
How To: Create a reversible summer vest with Whitney Sews
A vest is an indispensible cover-up during the summer, not as thick or as stuffy as jackets because they let your arms, neck, and chest breathe, but still warm enough to keep you well covered during nippier summer nights.
How To: Make a coffee cup sleeve and stitch markers
Get your sewing tools ready, because it's time for another great tutorial. In this video you'll learn how to make two cool objects easily. One being a stitch marker that helps mark a certain place in a row when knitting. The other object is a coffee cup sleeve that is perfect for making sure you hands don't get burned. A big improvements over the ones that you can throw away and never use again.
How To: Drape the front and back bodice on a dress
For beginners, sewing can be a confusing a difficult hobby that requires patience and the right tools. Whether you're adding a button on a shirt or creating a dress from scratch, being detailed and precise is important.
How To: Sew a flat-felled seam
If you're into making clothes from scratch and need help with sewing a flat-felled seam, then this video is for you. In the tutorial, you'll get an in-depth explanation for how to sew one using your machine. This seam s generally used on jeans and it's usually not visible on the clothing. It's a very strong seam and requires some work in completing. So check out the video above and good luck!
How To: Make a cool looking pouch from scratch
Making your own clothes or items from scratch has its advantages. One being able to wear clothes that don't cost very much and will fit you perfectly and the other being that you can design them to look like whatever you want.
How To: Sew three different zipper applications
Having zippers on your clothes can be much better than having buttons or anything else. They're sturdy and can close up any gap with one swipe. If you plan on making your own clothes from scratch, it's important to know how to sew zippers onto your clothing.
How To: Make several seams with your sewing machine
You may or may not realize it, but there are certain seams that are used when making clothes. Each seam as their advantages for keeping things together, so it's important to know them when making your own clothes.
How To: Easily make a paracord ladder strap
If you like tying different things just for show or to use, then you're going to love this next tutorial. This video will teach you how to easily make a paracord ladder strap. It looks really cool and seems easy to do, but it could take some time to finish. It's created using a variety of different colors and is sure to make others go, "Wow." So check it out, pay attention, and good luck!
How To: Create faux fur earmuffs and wrap holiday gifts
During the winter holidays, we want nothing more than to snuggle up into our Snuggie tents, put on Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," and sip a steaming hot cup of hot chocolate. But during those times we force ourselves to go outdoors (to, you know, go to work and stuff), we prefer covering up as much as we can.
How To: Create a chic tatter skirt from fabric scraps
Just because your skirt is in tatters doesn't mean you look like a homeless hobo. In fact, when the tatters that comprise your skirt come from old but beautiful fabrics (instead of, well, just old and overused fabrics), you'll look both chic and money smart.
How To: Create a floral $2 reversible wrap skirt
Making your own dress saves you enough money as it is, and you'll be double the frugalista if you make that dress reversible. Though creating a two-sided reversible dress sounds hard to do, by adding a few tie straps it's about as easy as sewing an apron.
How To: Use sewing patterns for beginners with Whitney Sews
We totally get that sewing patterns purchased at a fabric store can be intimidating. With neverending pages of sketched out designs, random numbers everywhere, and little way of orienting yourself, sewing patterns seem to complicate the sewing process rather than facilitate it.
How To: Sew easy pillow shams from old t-shirts and fabric
Anyone who's tried to redecorate their home or even one room in their home knows that between new furniture, paint, and new upholstery, the budget for the job - or lack thereof - begins to skyrocket quickly.
How To: Recycle an old t-shirt into a headband
Got an old T-shirt lying around that's too small to wear but too cute to throw away? Oh what a dilemma. Rather than let your pretty T-shirt sit in your closet or attic and collect dust over the years as you decide what to do with it, give it new life by repurposing it into a headband.
How To: Recycle an old flea market jacket into cushion covers
When you move into your first apartment, it's a magical and joyous experience. And then the reality hits that you're broke, have no furniture, and the shower doesn't work. We've all been there, and while we can't aid you with your shower problems, we can help with turning mismatched flea market chairs into a set of more coherent seats.