Sara Maker

DIY Double Oven Mitt: FREE Professional Pattern & Tutorial

Sara Maker — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 02:34:00 +0000

I wanted to learn the best way to make double oven mitts, so I went to big department stores to see exactly how professionals make them. I even bought 3 mitts and deconstructed them! This tutorial and free pattern (download pattern here) are based on this research. I’ve also included lots of tips to help you achieve ... Read more

The post DIY Double Oven Mitt: FREE Professional Pattern & Tutorial first appeared on Threads Monthly.

49 Best Online Fabric Stores UK: Clothes, Upholstery, Quilts

Sara Maker — Sat, 18 May 2024 10:05:00 +0000

I’m a big online shopper when it comes to fabric. You just can’t beat the range of options. Here’s a roundup of the best online fabric stores for UK buyers. I’ve tried many of these stores myself, so I’ll share my opinions on them and what they’re known for. Pin this image to bookmark the ... Read more

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How to Prepare Fabric Before You Cut & Sew: 5 Critical Steps

Sara Maker — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 10:32:00 +0000

So you’ve just bought some gorgeous new fabric and are ready to cut it? WAIT! There are 5 important things to do first or you’ll have problems later on. For example, your new top might shrink after it’s first wash, or the colors may run. Here’s how to prepare your fabric for cutting and sewing: ... Read more

The post How to Prepare Fabric Before You Cut & Sew: 5 Critical Steps first appeared on Threads Monthly.

Thread Snips 101: What Are They? When & How to Use Them?

Sara Maker — Thu, 25 May 2023 14:06:16 +0000

Thread snips are small cutting tools for tasks that require fine and detailed control. They have short blades so they’re designed to make small cuts, not long ones. They’re often used to trim threads close to the fabric, cut seam allowances, and trim yarn. Unlike small embroidery scissors, thread snips are often spring-loaded, so they ... Read more

The post Thread Snips 101: What Are They? When & How to Use Them? first appeared on Threads Monthly.

Fabric Rotary Cutter 101: What is it? Uses? How to Use?

Sara Maker — Thu, 25 May 2023 13:46:04 +0000

If you’re new to sewing or quilting you’ve probably heard about rotary cutters. But what are they? When do you use them? And how? I’m going to answer these questions today, and more! Here’s what we’ll cover: What are rotary cutters? Uses? Different types and sizes What to look for when buying a rotary cutter ... Read more

The post Fabric Rotary Cutter 101: What is it? Uses? How to Use? first appeared on Threads Monthly.

Pinking Shears 101: What Are They? Uses? & How to Use

Sara Maker — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 01:01:52 +0000

Today I’m going to share: What are pinking shears? Different sizes Uses Not used for Do they really prevent fraying? Are they worth buying? Best pinking shears How to use them Why are my shears stiff? Can pinking shears be sharpened? How? What are pinking shears (for fabric)? Pinking shears are scissors that make small ... Read more

The post Pinking Shears 101: What Are They? Uses? & How to Use first appeared on Threads Monthly.

49 Stylish Sewing Patterns for Women’s Pants (12 FREE PDF’s)

Sara Maker — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 18:15:00 +0000

Here are the most stylish sewing patterns I’ve found for women’s pants. This list includes paper patterns, free pdf patterns to print at home, and plus sizes. I’ve pulled together useful information about each pattern like sizing, fabric requirements, and whether they’re beginner-friendly. Here are the main pant styles I’ve covered (in order): ‘Pull-on’ pants ... Read more

The post 49 Stylish Sewing Patterns for Women’s Pants (12 FREE PDF’s) first appeared on Threads Monthly.

Is Polyester Fabric Stretchy? 11 Samples Tested

Sara Maker — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 22:18:39 +0000

Polyester can be stretchy or non-stretchy depending on how the fabric is made. As a general rule, knitted polyester fabrics are the most stretchy (eg. t-shirts), woven polyester fabrics basically have no stretch (eg. flowy blouses), and woven polyester fabrics with elastic fibers have some stretch (eg. work pants). I explain this further below with ... Read more

The post Is Polyester Fabric Stretchy? *11 Samples Tested* first appeared on Threads Monthly.

Free Fabric Swatch Book Template

Sara Maker — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 23:11:30 +0000

If you want to remember what’s in your fabric stash, here’s a free swatch book template for you to print at home! This template includes: Fabric name Fiber composition Fabric length x width Care instructions Notes (for things like fabric weight, pattern repeat measurements, supplier, price) “Pre-washed?” tickbox “No longer in stash?” tickbox Printer settings: ... Read more

The post Free Fabric Swatch Book Template first appeared on Threads Monthly.

28 Types of Fabric for Dresses (Names, Pics, Uses)

Sara Maker — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 16:38:56 +0000

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

The post 28 Types of Fabric for Dresses (Names, Pics, Uses) first appeared on Threads Monthly.