Sewing & Embroidery How-Tos
How To: Craft a recycled Kanzashi messenger bag with flowers
In Japan, kanzashi are hair ornaments, often in a floral or jeweled style, which adorn traditional female Japanese hairstyles. These are gorgeous long pins with a special adornment attached at the end.
How To: Refashion a boring bangle using old clothing scraps
For the most part, bangles that you purchase at the store are pretty generic and boring. Sure, they look good on all the airbrushed models in store ads and on size 00 manequins, but then it hits you that moment you get home and try them on that they're really not all that. Which, inevitably, leads to not actually wearing your purchases.
How To: Upcycle old clothes into chic wine gift bags
We all have a bag of old clothes somewhere, or old clothes lying randomly around the closet. You know, the t-shirt that's too ratty or that dress you got from Ann Taylor that looked perfectly in season a few years ago but now you can't bring yourself to wear anywhere.
How To: Thread a cord lock
In this tutorial, we learn how to thread a cord lock. First, tilt the cord lock up and find the two different wheels on the inside of it. Now, push your lift cord up through the two wheels that are on the inside of the lock. After this, pull the thread up through the top and then slide the thread through the smaller hole on the lock. Now, you will repeat this again for another piece of string, but thread it through the larger hole once you reach the top. After this, thread another cord throug...
How To: Thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
In order to thread your sewing machine and wind a bobbin, you will need the following, a sewing machine an empty bobbin, thread, and a pedal control for your sewing machine. Choose a good quality thread. Place the thread in the holder on top of the machine. Place the cap on the end of the thread, in order to hold it in place. Loop the thread around the first guide. String the thread through the hole in the bobbin. Place the bobbin in the slot on the top of the machine. Hold the thread in you ...
How To: Make tarn (t-shirt yarn) from old t-shirts
Got a bag of old t-shirts that have been with you too long that you don't want to throw them away, but are piling up too fast that you're tempted to toss them on the counter at the Salvation Army? Keep your old t-shirts by your side without compromising storage space by making tarn.
How To: Combine sewing pattern pieces for beginners
Sewing patterns are a godsend if you're a beginner at sewing who's trying to get into making clothes and accessories like scarves and bags. A pre-drawn pattern helps you learn proportions, measurements, and drafting techniques you'll need later on when you design your own clothing.
How To: Knit a bikini bottom
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a bikini bottom. First, measure the widest part of your bottom area, then write this number down. Next, place your fabric where the measurement device just was, then mark where you want your underwear to fit. Mark this spot, then measure the lines out on the fabric. After this, use a pen or marker to mark the underwear shape. After this, cut out the shape of the underwear and pin all sides together. Now, sew the sides of the bottoms together, then flip t...
How To: Sew ruffles three different ways
In this tutorial, we learn three different ways to sew ruffles. The first way, you will put your sewing machine setting on the highest, then take your fabric and place it underneath the needle. Let the fabric go through the machine and ruffles will start to create when it's ran through a couple of times! The next way is to scrunch the fabric together while it's underneath the needle on the machine, and sew the fabric completely together. Be careful not to hurt your fingers during this! the la...
How To: Make fabric favor bags and decor for your wedding
Due to the downturn of the economy, many smart shoppers have turned into smart crafters instead. Whether it's making crafts for your home or for friends, crafting saves money (we're talking a $2 craft versus a $50 present for a friend's birthday present).
How To: Recycle a soccer jersey or T-shirt into a patriotic bikini with Gianny L
Being patriotic for the Fourth of July doesn't mean you have to completely surrender your fashion sense! Gianny L, master DIY fashion guru, will show you in this video how to snip a bikini out of an old tricolored shirt.
How To: Make six different types of flower rosettes
You probably already have a plethora of white t-shirts and plain blue jeans, and while having outfits you can lean on no matter the time of day or occasion, going with the same neutral tones and combinations gets a bit boring (not to mention visually dull) after a while.
How To: Do a feather stitch when embroidering
In this tutorial, we learn how to do a feather stitch while embroidering. To begin, you want to place your finger right next to where you are sewing so you are making a loop shape and helping guide your needle as you are doing this. You will want to chain the loops together, making the thread look like feathers as you continue. There should be no lines that are straight, all should be looped by placing the needle in between each circle and pulling it into the loop shape. When you are finished...
How To: Tie a decorative Door Knocker knot
This video tutorial is in the Arts & Crafts category which will show you how to tie a decorative Door Knocker knot. Take a piece of rope and make a loop at the center with the left hand end of the rope over the right hand end. Now pass the right end above and through the loop to make a half knot. Twist the loop to make a figure of eight, pass the right hand end through the lower loop of the "8" and back through the upper loop. Repeat this once again. Now repeat these steps with the left hand ...
How To: Create a quick & easy fleece blanket
In order to create a fleece blanket, you will need 2 layers of fabric, for a no-sew version. Cut them evenly. Cut the 2 pieces of fabric to equal size. Cut away a 4" square from each of the corners. Then, cut 1" strips around the edges. Then, tie each pair of strips in a knot.
How To: Sew on a missing button
In order to sew on a missing button, you will need the following: a needle, thread, scissors, and a button.
How To: Tie a celtic triangle knot easily
If you are interested in tying knots just for show and are looking for a challenge, this next tutorial might be what you need.
How To: Make stacked hair bows
In this tutorial, we learn how to make stacked hair bows. Start off with three separate bows: red, white, and blue. Make sure there is a string still hanging from the red one, but the strings on the white and blue are cut off. Now, put glue from a hot glue gun and place it on the middle/side of the blue ribbon, the glue the white one where the glue is and hold together. Next, take the red bow and glue it to the center of the blue and white bow. Hold the red bow in place until it's completely ...
How To: Sew a throw pillow
You hunt and you hunt, but you can never find the right pillows to go with you couch. Even your reupholstered chair needs a little pillow love, but it seems impossible to find the right color and design to make a perfect match. That's when you know it's up to you save the day. Why settle for simple decor when you can make your own chic throw pillow to match any room?
How To: Craft adorably chubby bird shaped felted cat toys
It's not easy being a cat. After all, sleeping twelve hours a day really takes its toll on your body after a while. Give your cat a break from her difficult day shift by crafting one of these adorable felted cat chew toys.
How To: Make a manly pair of bike pants for urban cycling
Sure, there's lots of bicycling clothing out there, but most of it doesn't work too well for everyday wear, leaving you a bit out of place when you've reached your destination. You know what we're talking about, guys: those too tight, super contouring bike pants that facilitate biking but majorly decrease our style points.
How To: Create reusable bags from t-shirts and recycled stuff
Storing your groceries or recent purchases from Target in the provided plastic bags may be convenient, but think of how many people use these non-biodegradable plastic bags and then toss them every day and every year. Help clean up the environment by making reusuable tote bags from t-shirts!
How To: Recycle an old t-shirt into baby pants
While some parents like to spoil their little babies with the highest quality (and most expensive) items from Dior, most of us know that babies and toddlers grow out of their clothes faster than weeds overgrow a garden. While their clothes should be appropriately cute, there's no need to shell out thousands of dollars on pricey apparel when you can make your own.
How To: Make half square triangle quilted coasters
In this episode of the Crafty Gemini Show you'll learn some quilting basics and make a small project out of what you learn. You'll be run through some quilting terminology, including what a pieced quilt is, what quilt blocks are, and how to make half-square triangle block units using a super easy method where you can make two blocks at once.
How To: Make and attach binding for sewing and quilting
Are you completely done with your first quilt except for the raw hems on the sides? You could just sew the hems shut with a whipstitch, but if you want to add a little more ornateness and decadence to your quilt then you should watch this video to see how to add binding.
How To: Make a pin cushion for sewing
If you're a habitual sewer, especially one who switches between threads and needles frequently to work on a complex project, then a pin cushion is not only a nice tool to have, but also a necessity for good work flow.
How To: Make an easy Mother's Day lace flower brooch
Your mother puts up with your crap the entire other 364 days a year and constantly toils away making the most scrumptious meals and treats for you, so can you really even justify not making something for her in return on Mother's Day? Luckily, you don't have to be Martha Stewart to create this lovely lace flower brooch craft.
How To: Create a neat ladder stitch in sewing
Thankfully for sewing and embroidery beginners, the ladder stitch is one little animal that is completely guileless and straight to the point. Composed of vertical rows of neat horizontal stripes, the ladder stitch creates - you guessed it - a ladder shape.
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.