Sewing Tutorials

While in the testing phase for my Lotus shoulder bag pattern, one of my testers - Sheri of Lil' Munkee Designs - created a different style of straps that I really loved. I am in the middle of gift sewing and wanted to make a Lotus with her style of strap AND I wanted to provide a short tutorial for anyone else who may be interested in altering the pattern a bit. To start, all you need is the Lotus pattern. Prepare your pattern pieces, cut out your fabrics as instructed with ONE exception. Cut your (4) O-ring straps to...

In one of my latest patterns - the Zinnia bag -  I provide instructions on how to sew faux leather straps. I thought that sharing my technique would be extremely helpful as I get so many questions about sewing with faux leather. With the right tools, you do not need to be afraid of faux leather! My one recommendation is this: get a walking foot attachment for your sewing machine. You will not regret it. I realize they are expensive but I have used my walking foot in so many projects now, it has paid itself off time and time...

Although I personally prefer a magnetic snap on my own bags, I realize that many prefer zipper closures both for practical and safety reasons. My latest pattern, the Daisy Cross Body bag includes instructions for a magnetic snap closure and I decided to provide a free tutorial for a zipper closure. Before starting this tutorial, you will need to purchase the pattern and cut out all necessary pieces. In addition, you will need the following: a small piece of quilt weight cotton 1.75" H x 4" W for your zipper end casing Cut (2) Lining Panel on fold in lightweight...

I have seen many different ways to sew a wrist strap thoughout the years and I had an "ah-ha" moment while working on the wrist strap for my latest pattern and decided to whip up a short tutorial to share with everyone. The great part about this wrist strap is that it does not have any exposed raw edges at all - not hidden in the D-ring, not hidden inside the strap. In this example I will be making a strap that is 1 inch wide. (You can adjust accordingly for your project - just keep in mind that you...

Whenever I am writing a new sewing pattern, I always think to myself that a tutorial for repetitive features such as interior zippered pockets would be nice. I did not include zippered pocket instructions for my latest pattern - the Hydrangea hobo bag - within the pattern. Instead I decided that I would write up a blog post on how I make all of my zippered pockets. I will also try to explain how to make the pocket smaller for smaller sized bags. Assuming you are working on a pattern where the bag is at least 12 inches wide and...