Learn How to Make Beautiful Seam Finishes

Sewing is more than just stitching two pieces or two layers of fabric. As you go along, you need to learn the basics and master some intricate seam techniques to improve your sewing skills. Here are some beautiful seam finishes for your sewing pleasures.

Invisible Seam
Some sewing projects like stuffed animals use hidden stitches. Other terms for this kind of stitch is ladder stitch or invisible seam. These unseen seams are useful if you want to stitch a broken pattern or you want an invisible seam on hems and quilt edges.

Here's a video tutorial from RileyBlakeDesigns.com. You may also check out MakeItLoveIt.com for a tutorial on Blind Hem Stitch.



Flat-Fell Seam
Felled seam, or flat-fell seam are overlapping seams commonly found on denims. This type of seam provides durability to secure layers of tough fabric. If you're making a tote bag, a trouser, or a jacket, and you want to make it look neat, use felled seams.

A tutorial from Coletterie.com will help you Sew a Flat Felled Seam without a Specialty Foot.

Photo Credit: thingsforboys.com

French Seam
French seams are used for lightweight to middleweight fabric materials. They're commonly found on thin fabrics (like silk and cotton) made into dresses, blouses, and skirts. It's a useful technique because it makes both sides of the fabric look elegant.

This How To Sew a French Seam tutorial from Craftsy.com is one of the simplest to follow, and

Photo Credit: threadsmagazine.com

Pinked Seam
Have you made a plain seam finished with pinking shears? Using pinking shears prevents fabric from fraying but to make sure, use a fabric that's not prone to fraying. Pinked seams make decorative edges and they look fun.

Finishing seams with a serger also prevents fraying. Here's a combo tutorial, again from Craftsy.com, on how to make Serger and Pinking Seam Finishing.

Photo Credit: lovesewingmag.co.uk

Hong Kong Seam Finish
Hong Kong seams look pretty and polished. They add a different dimension and a splash of color to the insides of a clothing. This seam is a little complicated compared to the previous seams because it uses bias strips of fabric to enclose the edges. It is recommended for jackets, skirts,

Here are some step-by-step Hong Kong Binding Seam Finish guide from BurdaStyle.com and Hong Kong & Bound Seam from Sew4Home.com.

Photo Credit: girlsinthegarden.blogspot.com

If you're interested to watch more Sewing Video Tutorials, go to FabricLovers.com. You can also SHOP from a wide range of affordable fabrics at Fabric Lovers.

How to Sew An Amy Butler Clutch ( Part 1)

I recently got the chance to sew the Amy Butler Charm Clutch and I'm very glad I did! Have you ever looked and looked for the perfect purse but can never seem to find it in the perfect style of color? Sewing your own, from a pattern or your own idea, is a great solution and not hard at all. With patterns, you can simply choose a style that you like and then order the fabric you want. It will match any dress, mood, or pair of shoes you own!

The Amy Butler Charm Clutch Pattern comes with a couple options. These range from handles to using a magnetic closure versus a zipper. I chose the latter to make sure items stay inside. The design also gives the option of adding an interior pocket panel and a cell phone pocket.

I received the fabric and pattern is this lovely package via the mail. The fabric was wrapped like a present in happy yellow tissue paper rather than simply being tossed into a box.

For the fabric, I chose these lovely florals that had a plum/burgundy type of base. The first one (left most on the image below) is called Honoka Kiku Claret which had Japanese Style Flowers on a Claret Background. The center of the flowers are a mustard while the details are in the plum color. The second fabric is called Honoku Japanese Blossom created by Anna Griffin. The center is almost a coral color with the lovely plum background. Both fabrics are perfect for fall!

Some think that using a pattern can get complicated with lots of pieces, terms, and instructions that make you wonder if you should retake your 5th grade reading class. This Amy Butler pattern is simple, came in a few pieces, and had easy to understand instructions with diagrams.

After opening the package, and squealing with delight, I set about reading the instructions and making sure I had all my materials ready. The back of the mini folder, where the pattern is contained, lets you know what you need. I purchased a zipper, interfacing of two types, and thread. A few things I had to dig out were: mat to cut on, rotary cutter, scissors (for thread, fabric, and paper), marking utensil, a ruler, and my sewing machine. A few extras? Coffee and music, great for making creative projects! Watch the video below if the following instructions don't really make sense.

The next step is to put your lovely fabric into the washer machine. I washed and dried mine as I normally would any 100% cotton fabric. While I waited for that, I cut out all the paper pattern pieces. Make sure to consistently cut around the items. Don't veer into, or outside the lines since it could cause issues later.

Once the fabric is dry, iron it, then snip off all the threads that have come loose on the ends. Finally, you get to actually cut your fabric and interfacing! BEFORE CUTTING: line up all the paper pieces on the corresponding fabric. If you're lining is a different fabric, make sure your lining paper is on that specific fabric. Double and triple check, pin the paper down, and cut. Mark all the extras such as dots that indicate starting and stopping points, lines for pleats, and measurements.

Now take your interfacing and get ready to cut it too. You can either cut them using the same method above or you could do what I did and iron on the interfacing onto the cut pattern pieces. Then cut around them.

Now take a break, refill your coffee cup, and move on to part 2! That's where I'll explain how to sew the exterior portion of the clutch. If you'd like to get ahead go to our youtube channel and watch the videos: FabricLoversChannel.

Here's what my completed clutch looks like from the outside:

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comment section, on youtube, our Facebook page, or tweet them to us! Thanks for reading and have a great time sewing!

 

~Yasmine

How To Sew A French Seam

A French Seam is the perfect way to hide those unwanted fraying edges, especially when it comes to delicate or see through fabrics in things like lingerie. It's a pretty easy seam to create but please steer away from using it in curves as I've found that it often bunches.

Step 1: With your two pieces of fabric, make sure that the wrong sides (the inside part of the fabric) are facing each other and sew a 1/4" seam. Backstitch as needed.

Step 2: I then cut the seam to only 1/8" and fold the fabric right sides facing each other.

Step 3: Sew a 1/4" seam. You're done!

You've created a pocket that holds the fraying edge in place so that your project looks great, inside and out. Watch out video to see more details on how I sewed the sample piece. I suggest practicing on scraps first.


A lot of folks vary the size of the initial seam but as long as you find what's comfortable for you, you'll be fine!

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~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: Quilting, Tutorials, and Next Sewing Project

TGIF! It feels like it took forever to get here, but it's finally here! This week has been a bit crazy but here are some of the little gems I found:

First off, my first quilt is coming along, somewhat nicely. I used to think that quilting was boring and had this preconceived notion that since I knew a bit about sewing, that I could easily make an extravagant quilt. Yes, I was wrong. It's hard, bulky, and I realized I can't sew in a straight line for too long. I also need to purchase some supplies and am using my previous posts (essentials for sewing) as a list.

Now I have a question for you. What should my next project be? Should I make another quilt? A bag? Should I stop now while I'm still ahead?! Please let me know and leave any tutorials you might have in your back pocket! Those could help a girl like me out. Thanks so much!

I found this awesome tutorial. Do you like cats? I'm more of a dog person but that doesn't stop me from loving this tutorial from the blog, The Zen of Making, on making your own printed fabric! She made hers into a cat but imagine being able to make one for a dog paw, a fish, or even just fun lightening bolts. It'd be a great gift to give someone.

Now if you didn't want to print cats but wanted cat fabric, I found these for you! The turquoise is by Michael Miller while the Halloween one is by In the Beginning.

 

This next tutorial is from the blog The Handmade Home and is simply divine! These easy to make pillows are unique, youthful, and fun! Check out the blog.

We also just got new fabric in! I really want to make something with this one. It's just so clean, simple, and attractive! I love the pop of yellow this could add to a project. It's by Riley Blake and is called Pop Yellow, one of my favorites when it comes to fabric designs.

This next one is a beautiful polka dotted design. We've got lots of new polka dot fabric but I just love how nice the white dots look on the blue! It's also by Riley Blake.

This one is from the Summerhome Collection designed by Kathy McGee. It's just lovely and whimsical with a playfulness that could work in any project like a quilt or even a skirt!

Well, that's it for me. Now it's back to waiting for sweet freedom into the weekend. Please follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or comment below on things you'd like me to feature or talk about! Thanks!
~Yasmine

My First Quilt: Ironing, Straight Lines, and Forgetfulness

Quilting is hard. There, I said it. There's so many things the quilter has to remember, which is strange, since I'm not a complete stranger to sewing. Quilts are hard.

Not only are they larger than the typical headband or handbag I make, but they can get bulky if you're in a crammed space trying to sew. Check out my last video to get a small glimpse of the space I was working in.

But I'm still excited, no matter how hard learning to quilt may be. The blanket, although with it's odd mistakes, is almost done! I just need to finish up the edges and I'm set.

When sewing it, I had been trying to follow the instructions on the blog KatieDid. Little did I know that sewing a straight line would prove to be more difficult. As you can see in the photo below, her lines look perfect. Mine, as you can see in the other images, doesn't...

I also decided to use less thread. Is this bad? Should I make more lines on mine to give the quilt more purpose? Please let me know! I'd love to get your feedback on that.

Things I've noted as having done wrong:

1. I failed to use batting that, when ironed, would stick to the fabric. Thereby reducing the shifting of the elements. 

2. I forgot to iron the fabric before sewing the pieces together. I have no idea why I did this!

3. I didn't use enough pins. I should have placed pins closer together to hold the layers together while I sewed. If I had wanted to go the extra mile, I could also have gotten safety pins. This could have helped me avoid all the pricks from the pins.

4. I should have simplified the quilt, like Katie. I should have started off with only a solid or used a solid backing. For some reason, I wanted to do a quilt that was nice on both sides but should have simply chosen a nice fabric for the back.

5. I should have re-read, then read again, all those tutorials. Maybe it's that I'm busy, stressed, or just plain need more vitamins, but it's almost like they went in one ear and out the next! I need to slow down.

Am I disappointed? No. It's a perfect learning experience and not only will the next quilt be better, but I can apply what I learned to all aspect of sewing, not just quilting.

What do you think? Am I crazy? Do you have any tips on whether or not I should do more lines on my quilt or just start on the edges? When I start on the edges, do you have any tips, tricks, or links to tutorials? Let me know!

Please follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and/or comment below on things you'd like me to feature or talk about! Thanks!

~Yasmine

Telas, Un Video, y Mi Primera Cobija

Ha sido una semana muy ocupada! Tenemos nuevos tejidos, he comenzado a hacer una cobija, arregle los sitios web y e estado haciendo otros trabajos de diseño. Pero me encanta estar ocupado. Me mantiene fuera de problemas! Ja ja.

Este video fue publicado en nuestra página de Facebook. Es perfecto para los principiantes. En él se explica cómo se puede empezar a coser sin mucha experiencia.

Aquí hay una foto de mi manta. Voy a estar cosiendo este fin de semana y pueden esperar un video! Míren como yo hago algo hermoso o aprender de mis errores. De cualquier manera, es una aventura!

Decidí hacerlo en tiras y sólo uso dos tonos para el interior: una sólida y una tela con flores. Me encanta esa tela de flores. Es perfecto!

Hemos recibido nuevas telas y patrones y realmente me encantan! Aquí están mis favoritos.

Este es mi tela de coser número uno. Me encanta el color rojo brillante y los cráneos encantadoras y divertidas! Es perfecto para el día de los muertos. La pueden encontrar aqui.

Mi segundo favorito es éste con la virgen. La decoración de este tejido es muy divertido y colorido. Me encanta el diseño graphc en él. Lo pueden encontrar aqui.

Hay muchos más, pero no estoy aquí para aburrirte con mis telas favoritas! ¿Por qué no me dices que te gusta?

Siempre puede ponerse en contacto conmigo a través de correo electrónico a yasmine@fabriclovers.com, Twitter, e incluso Facebook, o Pinterest. ¿Tiene proyectos que le gustaría compartir o tutoriales que encontró muy útil? Envíame el enlace o imágenes! ¡Gracias!

Friday Favorites: Quilts, Fabric, and Thirst-Quenching Drinks!

A tutorial on binding a quilt! Easy to follow and great pictures at each one so you don't get confused. It comes courtesy of Diary of a Quilter.

I just learned what a Dresden is! Man, you quilters have it going on! Check out this video on how to make this incredible piece.

Here's my favorite quilting fabric this week! It's called Geekly Records by Riley Blake. Really cool for those that still remember what the pattern actually is!

We don't have a back yard, rather, it's just a small patio with a few plants on the sides. These ideas from Cup of Jo are perfect for any yard. Simply use the images and ideas as a jumping off point for your own yard, even if it's as small as mine!

It's hot. And this is what I'm dying to try. This lovely drink idea comes from A Beautiful Mess. The Dragonfruit drink can be made without alcohol and, although it looks complicated, it's actually quite a simple recipe. Give it a try and send us pics!

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo: Idea #1

I'll be bringing you ideas on how to celebrate, decorate, and cook Cinco de Mayo! Here's your tutorial on making papel picado (perforated paper). These lovely decorative pieces are easy and fun to make for any celebration including birthdays and mother's day! Make them all one color to complement the decor or multi-colored to show how much fun you want to have. These tutorials are easy to follow. Let me know how it goes!

A lovely tutorial from Happy Thought.

A DIY Garland from Lovely Indeed.

DIY Studio brings you these great streamers!

An Embroidery Tutorial from Miniature Rhino

Embroidery has always seemed like a mystical experiment that I would never be able to recreate. I tried it once. The flowers ended up lopsided and wilted against the crisp white fabric. Wilted, similar to that of my hopes for a lovely handkerchief that had been intended as a mother's day gift. But I believe my interest to return to embroidery has been sparked by this tutorial by Jessica, from the blog Miniature Rhino.

She creates a stunning piece that can be used in many applications and, as mother's day is coming soon, can even be used to create a one of a kind gift for anyone who enjoys star gazing. "One of the things I love about french knots is how three-dimensional they are," says Jessica. I must agree. There's something extra special about a raised detail on any project.

Use this tutorial on a pre-made runner or on some fabric that can later be used in your quilt, on a handbag, or even make a large table cloth. You can see the tutorial here.

Do any of you have any tips for beginner embroiders? What about favorite tutorials that we can feature?