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: Sabra, Wallet Patterns, and a Scrap Fabric Pillow

From a post by Sabra to our new video featuring a pillow sewed with scrap Fabric, it's been quite a week! We even have a new wallet pattern available for you to try your hand at!

Sabra has posted her update and boy, has she been busy! She used this pattern to make these lovely wallets!

Sabra: "I must say the Wonder Wallet pattern by Lazy Girl Designs is one of my favorites! It's so fast and easy, and uses so little fabric, I make one to go with every purse from the scraps I have left over. I also love that they hold loose change, and the change doesn't fall out!"

Here's an image of the pattern. It's available at Fabriclovers.

A special thanks goes to  Joan from Lazy Girl Designs! She mentioned us on her Facebook and Twitter pages. Check out her Facebook page!

Another thanks goes to one of our fans for pointing out that the image used in our Rotary Cutter post was wrong. Please see her video on how to properly hold a cutter without hurting yourself.


I've finished my second project. I created a pillow using the scraps left over from my very first quilt. You can see the video detailing the finishing touches below.



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~Yasmine

Rotary Tool Safety Tips

Since purchasing my first rotary cutter, I realized that there's a lot of safety concerns when using it. A rotary cutter is perfect for streamlining the prep work before beginning to sew. Similar to a prep chef having sharp knives to cut the veggies and meats before the actual cooking gets started.

1. Purchase one with a safety. I didn't see any without a safety switch when I went to purchase mine but if you're in a hurry, you might get one without it. Don't do it! A safety shield will help prevent unwanted emergencies, especially if you have kids, animals, or even a roommate who wasn't paying attention.

2. Keep the safety shield closed, when not in use. I found that I have a bad habit of leaving it open after making a few cuts. This is bad. I wouldn't want to accidentally brush my hand on the blade and get cut. It's good practice to keep it closed after making a cut. There are some rotary cutters on the market that have a sort of trigger that you hold when cutting and release when finished. It pushes the blade out and in automatically.

3. Handle replacement blades properly. I haven't had to replace a blade yet but I already know to be careful. When in college, the students were constructing an elaborate project in which we used foam core. I used an exacto blade and continuously changed the dull blade without being careful. Needless to say, my foot was not happy about stepping on one of them. Be careful! Apparently  many cutter blades are replaced by taking the nut and washer off. I will likely be wrapping masking take on the edges to avoid cutting myself while changing the blade.

4. Dispose of the rotary blades properly. Don't just toss them in the garbage! Wrap them up in paper and heavy duty tape or, if available, put them in the plastic container that the replacement blades came in. Place them in a trash can where children and pets don't have access.

5. Cut away from yourself and avoid crossing arms. This means you don't cut "backwards" and that you don't hold the ruler (if right-handed  with your left hand and cross your arms to cut on the left side of the ruler. Simply turn the fabric and reposition.

6. Cut while standing. I found that it was ten times easier to apply the correct amount of pressure if I was standing.

7. Use a ruler and cutting mat. Don't ruin a decent table top just because you didn't want to get a cutting board. You also want a ruler to help guide your cut as well as keep it straight.

8. Watch your fingers!

Have any tips of your own? Let us know in the comments below and we might show your comment on our Facebook and Twitter!

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~Yasmine

Friday Favorites: Scrap Fabric, Sewing A Pillow, and My Next Project

It's finally Friday! I finally used up the leftover fabric scraps from my first quilt, found a video on the basics of cutting, and am planning my next project! Productivity has been my middle name this week!

I decided to make a pillow from the scraps of fabric I had leftover. What would go better with the quilt than a small pillow, right? The pillow isn't stuffed yet. I can't wait to finish it!

You can watch me sew on my mom's machine here:



I also got my first rotary cutter and I love it. I had no idea how easy (and accurate) it would make everything! Love, love, love it. But then I realized that I needed to know the basics of cutting, just in case. So I came upon this great video:



Want to save money and stock up on fun holiday/Christmas fabric? Fabric Lovers is currently holding this lovely Gingerbread House fabric on sale! Check it out!

So after I finish the pillow, what's next? I really want to make another quilt but think a small project might be better until I get more practice. What do you think? Should I make a simple tote, another pillow, a table runner? So many ideas and so little time!

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~Yasmine

Purchasing a Rotary Cutter

After making my first quilt and realizing that scissors just don't work well when there's lots of fabric to cut (my hand got tired) I finally decided to purchase a rotary cutter. I researched a bit before purchasing and this is what I found out.

Rotary cutters come in different sizes from about 18 mm to 60 mm in diameter. I was told, by a kind woman at the store, that the larger the blade, the easier it'll be to cut through fabric and that I only need the smaller blades to cut things that require curves.

As for the handles, companies seem to have their own version of ergonomics and I wanted to try them all out. Unfortunately, the store sold them packaged, so I used my imagination.

I learned that Rotary cutters should have a safety. All the ones I saw being sold offered this but I really hope that if you're in the market to purchase one, you'll search for one with the safety latch. I wouldn't want my 2 year old or anyone else getting cut.

I already have a self healing mat from my days as a product design student so I avoided purchasing a kit that included the rotary cutter, mat, and acrylic ruler. I wasn't sure if I would need an acrylic ruler though. I purchased a low cost one. Hopefully, straight cuts will give me straight stitches!

Eventually, I ended up buying a basic rotary cutter by Fiskars. It was within my budget and seemed basic enough for me to use. I plan on purchasing a blade sharpener in the future.

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~Yasmine

Quilting Essentials List - Part 1

What are the essential tools for quilting? I went on an internet quest to see what I needed to add to my arsenal. There are some things that are obvious to me because I'm not entirely a novice, but others were a complete surprise.

1. A sewing machine: This will possibly be the most expensive tool you'll purchase but obviously the most essential to your workflow. You can always borrow a machine from a friend but the convenience of having it waiting for you whenever you're free is great. I have an old Kenmore machine that is so old that there are certain needles I can't get for it unless ordered directly from sears. It's gotten me out of messes, although it does get me into a few as well. On the other hand, knowing you have to have everything set and ready to go when you get the borrowed machine will likely make your workflow more efficient.

2. Rotary cutter: Having a rotary cutter instead of just using scissors will make your life easier. I don't have one but really want one! The thing is, you'll also need a self healing cutting board. This will lessen any damage from cutting.

3. Ironing board (or at least an iron): Having your fabric nice and flat will make your cuts more accurate. I have a travel iron and small ironing board but for a while, I'd place a towel on the floor and iron on that. I suggest the ironing board but you have to do what you have to do for your favorite hobby. The image above is one that you can make with some batting and fabric stapled down. On the project I'm working on now, I somehow managed to set up the ironing board and then just cut and sewed the pieces without using it! It seemed okay but definitely a no-no! Learn from me!

4. Scissors: I have pinking sheers and sharp paper scissors that are used solely for fabric. A tip that I learned from mistakes - make sure your regular house scissors and your sewing scissors are different colors. You don't want to get them mixed up! You'll also need some small ones that are made to cut thread.

5. Seam ripper: You'll make mistakes. I make a ton of them! This is perfect for getting things to come apart and start over.

Stay tuned for the next five essential tools! Do you have one you think I missed? Tell me about it in the comments below! You can also like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, check out our Youtube page, and like our boards on Pinterest! I hope to hear from you soon.

~Yasmine