Here are the most popular fabrics used for dresses. I’ve listed their names, described what each fabric is like, and what types of dresses they’re used for. I also interviewed a fashion industry veteran on how to choose the best fabric for your DIY dresses. Polina spent over a decade doing fashion development and production … Read more
There are many different types of machines that sew fabric. Each one has a specific use which I’ll explain today. Electronic sewing machines They’re basic machines with no computerized elements. They have a limited number of stitches – typically 10 to 30, with only 1 buttonhole style (rectangle). The most basic versions will have pre-set … Read more
Linen is one of my favorite fibers to work with, and I’ve made countless items from different types of linen. I have a small army of linen shirts, many pairs of linen trousers, a few linen tops, and even a few linen jackets. I also recently sewed some heavy linen curtains for our kitchen, and … Read more
Dyeing with turmeric can be an incredible introduction to natural dyeing. Turmeric was one of the first completely self-guided natural dye journeys I went on, and although it was a great experience, it’s not a dyestuff I go back to regularly as it’s quite quick to fade. There are other natural dyes like Weld that … Read more
In sewing, we do a lot of measuring! Measuring bodies, pattern pieces, fabric, and more. So you’ll need the right tools for the job. If you’re new to sewing, the only measuring tools you need are a flexible 60″ (150cm) tape measure, a 6″ seam/sewing gauge, and a 12″ (30cm) straight ruler that’s ideally clear. … Read more
Here are the best sewing patterns I’ve found for teddy bears! I’ve covered different styles, sizes, and formats (printed and PDF). I’ve also rated them based on how beginner-friendly they are. Skip to: Free patterns Small & easy bears for beginners PDF patterns Paper patterns Memory bears Vintage bears Free teddy bear patterns (printable PDFs): … Read more
The most popular sewing machine brands Babylock Bernina Brother Elna Husqvarna Viking Jaguar Janome Juki Singer Pfaff Toyota Note: I’m only including brands that still exist today, and this post is focused on their home sewing machine ranges only. Brother Who are they? Brother was founded in 1908 by Kanekichi Yasui in Japan (source) under … Read more
Natural dyes are such a fun way to create color using ingredients that are available in your backyard. I often see natural dyeing as an experiment. I find it’s more enjoyable if I’m not tied to creating an exact shade. Instead, I approach the project with a desire to understand what range of colors can … Read more
When choosing the best dye for your project, the most important thing to be aware of is the fiber content of the items you’re dyeing. This will help you choose the most reliable and permanent dye, as different types of dyes are formulated to work with different types of fibers. The best dye for cotton, … Read more
If you’ve been to a craft store before, you’ve probably seen an overwhelming number of fabric cutting tools. What are they all used for? And which ones do you actually need? I’m going to explain all the main types of sewing tools used for cutting. This is a beginner-friendly guide with names, pictures, and use … Read more