Zippers come in a wide variety of designs and sizes for different uses. The most common types are nylon all-purpose, molded plastic VISLON, metal, invisible, closed-end, open-end, waterproof, reversible, locking, continuous, and 2-way zippers. This guide will help you find the right zip for your next sewing project. Contents list: Different zipper types & their … Read more
Buttons differ in design, material, and uses. There are 5 main designs: 2 and 4-hole flat buttons, shank buttons, stud buttons, and toggles. These are available in a wide variety of materials including wood, metal, pearl, horn, plastic, etc. In this article, I’ll walk you through the most popular types of buttons so you can … Read more
What is overdyed fabric? “Overdye” is the word dyers use to describe layering dye baths on top of each other. This could mean that you use multiple dye baths one after another to build a depth of color, but it could also mean dying an existing non-white garment to a new color. Aside from adding … Read more
Tea dyeing is often someone’s very first introduction to dyeing – it’s a fun and easy weekend project that requires no special equipment. It’s useful for ‘antiquing’ a bright white garment, aging fabrics for costumes and theater productions, dipping your toe into the world of natural dyeing, and giving new quilt fabrics a vintage look. … Read more
If you’re new to quilting, you may be confused by what tools you need to get started. Here are the most common feet used for machine quilting. I’ll explain what to buy, why, and when you would use each foot. I also have a list of quilting tools for beginners that you can check out. … Read more
Here’s how to hand sew the strongest seams using a backstitch (full and half versions). I’ve included beginner-friendly instructions for the whole process: getting your supplies, preparation work, the sewing process, and how to finish your seam and secure it in two ways. Contents list: What’s the best hand stitch for seams? What supplies you … Read more
So many of us have fond memories of tie-dye parties at school, summer camp, or birthday parties! In addition to frequent dyeing myself, I’ve run several group tie-dye projects in the past (most recently at summer camp) and they’re always a hit. Here’s a list of everything you need to tie-dye with a group, with … Read more
When you think of dying fabric, you probably imagine solid colors or rainbow tie-dyed t-shirts. While both of these are excellent dyeing methods, there are many other techniques for you to try! To help you explore, I’ve shared 12 methods that create different colors and designs, described how to do them, and rated how beginner-friendly … Read more
If you’re a beginner, the best fabrics for dyeing are 100% cotton or viscose (including rayon and bamboo). These fabrics don’t require heat, so you can take your time without worrying about controlling this variable in the dyeing process. They also absorb colors beautifully and predictably, so you’re more likely to have a successful dye … Read more
What is a seam? And what’s a seam finish? A “seam” is formed whenever you join two pieces of fabric together. The raw edges of fabric need to be treated in some way so they don’t fray and come undone. “Seam finishes” are different ways to finish the raw edges, make them more durable, and … Read more