Table of contents for Quick Stuff to Sew Winter 2012 in Threads Magazine

When we set out to create this year’s issue of Quick Stuff to Sew, we wanted to bring you super-quick, easy-to-sew projects and especially beautiful handmade items that you can make for everyone on your holiday gift-giving list. What’s also great is that many items in the issue come with multisize patterns (see pattern pages 91 to 95), or are easily drafted to the dimensions of the recipient, allowing you to sew for all of your loved ones—big and small. I’m especially thrilled with the projects this year—they’re accessible, straightforward, and entirely customizable. We offer ideas for fabrics and embellishments, but I encourage you to let your creativity take you where it will. Substitute your own fabrics to suit your aesthetic. After all, you want your gift to be an…

Sewing patterns are not like the movies. You never want a surprise ending. This selection of patterns will help you to make informed choices before you sew gifts or make items for yourself. Since dresses are having a big fashion moment, we focused on a few tied to key trends, such as color blocking, cowl necklines, or a fit-and-flare silhouette. Our staff seamstress sewed a version of each to test the instructions and the results. We selected patterns with a minimal number of pieces, easy or no closures, and attractive and chic results. PATTERNS ARE picked by Sarah McFarland, a Threads associate editor, and tested by Norma Bucko, Threads staff seamstress. Roomy bags Indygo Junction Gypsy Hobo IJ911 (IndygoJunction.com) Many handbag projects require closures, tricky seams in tight spots, and…

Sewing the skirt is easy; the waistband is a grosgrain ribbon, and the skirt closes with a simple five-snap placket on one side seam. Pleated fabric can be difficult to re-press in a direction contrary to the existing pleats, so the hemming method here requires no turning, pressing, or stitching. Sew the skirt body 1 SEW THE RIGHT SIDE SEAM. Pin the skirt panels, right sides together, along the right side seam, matching the markings. Match either two peaks or two valleys on the seamline. Sew the seam along the marked peak or valley. Matching the pleat folds ensures that the skirt hangs smoothly at the sides and creates a nearly seamless appearance. 2 REINFORCE THE SNAP PLACKET. Fuse one 8-inch by 1⁄2-inch interfacing strip to the top of each…

This top’s relaxed shape is easy to draft with just a few steps. Start with a large piece of pattern paper. Be sure to use the numbers calculated on the previous page and not the actual body measurements. 1 MARK THE CENTER FRONT, SHOULDER, AND HEMLINE. Straighten the pattern paper’s left edge and label it CF. Measure and mark the shirt’s length along the CF, leaving a few inches of pattern paper above and below. Next, draw two lines perpendicular to CF, at the top and bottom of the line. Make the line at the top of CF the shoulder/sleeve length. Make the line at the bottom of CF the hem amount. 2 DRAFT THE SLEEVE. From the end of the shoulder/sleeve line, draw a line parallel to CF that…

Lace is easy to sew and in the height of fashion. This wrap skirt project has no side seams, simplifying and speeding up construction. The design also features the lovely scalloped edge found on many lace yardages. The selvage is at the hem and appliquéd along the wrap’s edges. With curved front edges on the underlay and overlay, you don’t need to sew any corners in this wrap skirt. It’s also fully lined (try a contrast lining to play up the lace’s motif), and a ribbon waistband/tie completes the look. To make the skirt pattern, you'll drape muslin on your body or a dress form. The recommended fabric amounts are for skirts that fit up to 42-inch hips. For larger sizes, add 3 inches to the fabric length for each…

Blanket jackets are hitting the fashion pages lately, and it’s no wonder: They look so cozy and warm for cold autumn or winter days—and they are. You can make one in a couple of hours from an actual blanket or a blanketlike fabric, such as fluffy wool melton, soft felted wool, lovely handwoven fabric, or even polar fleece. Choose a medium- to heavyweight fabric that doesn’t ravel if you’re not using an actual blanket. The nice thing about starting with a blanket is the finished edges. The pattern, a basic bog coat, is very simple and said to be the oldest one in history—more than a thousand years old—and is still current. The garment takes one rectangle of fabric, cut and folded to form the sleeves and body. To show…

These covers are the perfect canvas for showing off your home decorating style. Piece it together. Give your covers an artistic look by piecing together fabrics before constructing the covers. Add a ruffle. Before sewing the lower edge, insert a ruffle trim made from one of the fabrics or a coordinating fabric. Tie it up. Before sewing the side seams, add self-fabric or ribbon ties. This is especially helpful to give the cover shape if the chair back is much wider at the top than the bottom. Note that if the ties are large, they may be difficult to hide inside. Therefore, you may want to use only one side and the reverse side is now a lining.…

Floor cushions are a convenient solution for extra seating inside or outside of your home. They are a great option for everyday use or when you have large gatherings. A boxed cushion is comfortable and elegant, and is simple to make without a pattern. Filled with a block of upholstery foam or a cushion insert, a boxed floor cushion provides ample support and elevation for the sitter and won’t squash easily. Fabric-covered cording along the seams gives a professional look and reinforces the cushion’s shape. Choose easy care natural- or synthetic-fiber materials, such as cotton twill or canvas, polyester microfiber, leather-look vinyl, or fade- and stain-resistant, indoor/outdoor fabrics such as Sunbrella. For washable box cushion covers, prewash your chosen fabric. Make a series of boxed cushions in colors to complement…

Many people balk at the hand sewing involved in making clothes, but it could be one of the most enjoyable parts of the process. Make it a celebration: Use your favorite equipment, and be sure it’s in one handy place so you don’t have to search for the right tools. Professional seamstresses often wear a bag around the neck that contains everything they need to fit and finish a garment. If you’re not crazy about things hanging from your neck, try this armchair sewing kit. It was invented to hold all of your favorite hand tools in one convenient container that’s also portable. I used a place mat foundation and made clear vinyl zippered pockets to hold the tools. The kit is easy to move from sewing station to station…

Supplies • 1⁄2 yard fabric (anything from taffeta to upholstery fabric)• 3⁄16-inch-thick foam core board (Michaels.com)• 1⁄8-inch-thick foam core for lining• Decorative paper for lining the box (DickBlick.com)• Fabric strip or 4-inch-long ribbon• Felt to cover box bottom• Glue, such as Beacon’s Fabri-Tac• Oak tag• Old coin or decorative charm• Short appliqué straight pins (JoAnn.com)• Thin batting or felt for padding A pleasant memory of my childhood is looking in my mother’s lingerie drawer. It always smelled beautiful and was silky smooth and lacy. She had fabulous padded boxes that housed and separated her hosiery and other delicate items. A while back, I spied a similar lingerie box at a rummage sale. It was filled with vintage gloves. I bought the box and wore the gloves. The box now lives…

This unique scarf is made with on-grain fabric strips and straight seams, but you wouldn’t guess it wasn’t cut and sewn on the bias. The secret is in the ingenious construction method. A long seam transforms a flat fabric rectangle into a spiral tube, similar to the cardboard tube within a paper towel roll. When the tube’s ends are joined, the loop scarf has a twist that imparts a graceful drape. The construction is fast and very easy to do. Once you make one, you’ll want to try more. Dutch-born designer Koos van den Akker is known as “The Master of Fabric Collage,” and his genius is to discover daring fabric combinations and innovative construction techniques. This project is a perfect example. It combines multiple materials and bindings, the better…

The spiral seam runs the scarf tube’s length. Connect the ends to create an easy-to-wear loop with a twist. 1 PRESS OPEN THE SEAM ALLOWANCES ALONG THE SPIRAL SEAM SECTIONS. Turn the scarf tube right side out. 2 CONNECT THE ENDS. Fold the tube in half, putting right sides together, aligning the ends, and matching the fashion fabric strips. Pin the ends together, and check the loop for a twist. Twist and realign the ends if necessary. Sew the ends together. Press the seam allowances open. 3 TURN THE LOOP WRONG SIDE OUT THROUGH THE 5-INCH OPENING. Sew the remainder of the spiral seam. 4 TURN THE LOOP RIGHT SIDE OUT THROUGH THE 5-INCH OPENING. Whipstitch the opening closed.…

The flat wrist strap is folded and stitched for three layers of faux leather and four rows of topstitching. Always stitch with the same side uppermost and in the same direction to achieve even, designer-look topstitching. 1 DRAW A LINE 3 ⁄4 INCH FROM A LONG EDGE.Use a ballpoint pen on the wrist strap piece’s wrong side. 4 TOPSTITCH TWICE MORE. Along the opposite folded edge, stitch 1⁄16 inch and 1⁄8 inch from the fold. The wrist strap should have four stitching rows, paired along each long wrist strap edge. 2 FOLD IN THE LONG EDGE FARTHER FROM THE LINE TO THE WRONG SIDE. Align the edge to the mark. Clip the fold in place. Stitch 1⁄16 inch from the fold. 5 ALIGN BOTH WRIST STRAP ENDS WITH THE LONG…

A sleek, streamlined envelope clutch is the perfect accessory for any kind of event. Today’s trend is for an oversized clutch, and this version is just big enough to carry comfortably and securely in the crook of your arm, without being too large and cumbersome. Its single interior compartment offers ample carrying room. Gussets enable the bag to expand and contract as needed, so all your essentials will fit without distorting its shape. You can choose a variety of materials for this envelope clutch, including real and faux leather or upholstery weight fabrics. Use two or three bold, contrasting hues for an on-trend, color-blocked effect, make the clutch in a single color, choose different tones of the same hue, or combine materials with different textures. Optional piping can emphasize the…

Collar necklaces are a quirky and fun jewelry trend showing up on the fall runways. These necklaces give the illusion of a shirt-collar neckline, but also are a fun and unexpected way to add sparkle. They require little material, making them easy to whip up. You can probably find the fabrics and materials right in your stash, making them cost effective, to boot. That means you can give more of your attention to the embellishments. Here, we’ll show you three creative ideas, but you can use any fabric for the base and then apply any embellishment you like—beads, pearls, feathers, trim, appliqués—the list goes on and on. Think of these ideas as an inspiration springboard, and create a look that’s all your own. Make one for your sister, your girlfriends,…

Here’s the gift that’s perfect for anyone on your list—cute and easy-to-make mittens from secondhand sweaters. With eye-catching patterns in wool for the outside and cozy polar fleece for the inside, these mittens are what your family and friends will turn to all winter. To make the mittens, you’ll first choose a 100-percent wool sweater, either from the closet or purchased secondhand, and then wash and dry it until it’s felted. Then, you’ll choose from the provided pattern sizes (pages 94 and 95). Finally, you’ll cut, layer, and sew the mittens. LINDA TEUFEL is the founder of the Dragon Threads publishing firm, DragonThreads.com, and the blog DragonThreadsOpenBook.BlogSpot.com. Supplies • 2 felted sweaters• 1⁄3 yard polar fleece• Chalk or tracing pencil• Matching thread• Template plastic or file folders (for pattern)…

A multisize pattern (see page 91) makes it easy to sew pajama pants for everyone in the family. Unless otherwise stated, use a1⁄2-inch-wide seam allowance. Because woven cotton fabrics tend to ravel, finish the seam allowances by zigzagging or serging the raw edges together. 1 CHOOSE A SIZE. Select a size from the pattern (page 91) based on the hip (women), waist (men), or waist and length (children) measurement. 2 PREP THE FABRIC. Wash and dry your fabric as you want to launder the finished garment. Press it, cut the fabric in half perpendicular to the selvage, and then lay the layers right sides together, not folded, making sure that the pattern is mirrored. 3 SEW THE PANT LEGS. With right sides together, align the inseams of one pant leg…

In this version, a gingham check and lace trim come together for a fresh look. Select narrow, flat lace for a subtle finish or wider, gathered lace for more frills. 1 PREP THE MATERIALS. Prewash, dry, and press the fabric and lace trim in the same way they’ll be laundered in the future. Wash the trim in a protective laundry bag to keep it from getting tangled or damaged. Cut a 72-inch by 20-inch fabric rectangle. 5 ATTACH THE LACE TRIM. Starting in the center of a long side, align and sew the lace trim around the scarf using matching thread, an edge-joining foot, and a zigzag stitch. Leave an extra 2 inches of lace unsewn at the start. 2 PREPARE THE LONG EDGES. Double-fold and press the scarf’s long…

Easy-to-construct and pretty to look at, these fabric bags keep undergarments organized and shoes protected. Practical to boot, the two-pocket lingerie bag can drape conveniently over a hanger, keeping clothes clean and right by your other garments, while the shoe bag features a center divider to prevent the bottom of one shoe from dirtying the top of the other. Any fabric will work, but choosing a mid- to heavyweight cotton fabric, such as matelassé or canvas for the exterior fabric and cotton muslin for the lining, makes these bags durable and easy to care for. These lovely bags are a cinch to sew and are great gifts for all your traveling friends.  JULIETTE LANVERS sews in Salt Lake City, Utah. Chickpea-Studio.com. Supplies Both versions: • 11⁄2 yards home décor or bottom-weight…

EASY PJS, page 78 Enlarge 640 percent. Lengthen or shorten on the double lines as necessary. To alter this pattern for children: 1. Subtract the child’s hip or waist measurement, whichever is larger, from the pattern’s size A hip/waist measurement. 2. Fold the pant pattern vertically, parallel to the grainline. Fold out half the circumference difference (from step 1). This establishes the pants’ circumference. 3. Have the child sit on a hard chair, and measure vertically from the seat to the waist. Add 1 inch to this crotch depth measurement. Shorten the pattern to make the distance between the upper edge and crotchline equal this measurement plus 11⁄2 inches. 4. Measure the child’s inseam. Shorten the pattern where marked so the distance from the crotchline to the hem foldline equals this…

Appliqué: A surface embellishment that is made by stitching fabric, trim, or lace designs to another fabric. Backstitch: A strong hand-worked stitch that doubles back on the previous stitch. Baste: To temporarily join fabric pieces with large, easily removable stitches. Beeswax: A wax made by bees used to smooth and strengthen thread for hand sewing. Bias: Any line diagonal to the crosswise and lengthwise grains. “True bias” is on a 45-degree angle to the selvage, and allows for the most stretch in wovens. Binding: Fabric strip used to cover or enclose raw edges. Casing: A folded and stitched channel that holds elastic, cording, or boning. Center front (CF): The true vertical center on a garment’s front. Center back (CB): The true vertical center on a garment’s back. Dart: A folded…

CLAUDIA BUCHANAN “Box Seat,” page 42 Claudia Buchanan is the owner of Home Fashions U in Peoria, Arizona. Home Fashions U Learning Center offers online education, home décor sewing with hands-on learning, retreats, and private classes designed for a sewer’s needs. It’s also a great source for home décor sewing supplies for draperies, Roman shades, slipcovers, and more. The highlight of Claudia’s day is to share her skills with others and help them create a beautiful home décor project. “I have been sewing since the early age of 10 and love it! My entrepreneurial spirit created an exciting career move to the home furnishings industry in 1999. I design and sew all facets of home décor, specializing in slipcovers, bedding, window treatments, and kids’ décor.” LINDA TEUFEL “Recycled Sweater Mittens,”…

Pleated skirts are highly wearable and versatile, and they’re on-trend right now. If you love the look but don’t want to spend ages meticulously folding and pressing pleats yourself, purchase fabric yardage or panels that come prepleated. Most pleated fabrics are woven or knitted from synthetic fibers and permanently pressed into shape during manufacture. They can be found in some national chain fabric stores and online fabric shops. Choices available include knife-pleated, accordion pleated, crystal-pleated, or Fortuny-style pleated fabrics, and sunburst-pleated panels that are sold in sets of two. Finished skirts should be dry cleaned to preserve the pleating. For the designer-inspired look shown in this article, we used sunburst-pleated polyester panels with a grosgrain ribbon for the waistband. You can make the skirt with an elegant asymmetrical or high-low…

Bold, boxy T-shirts in opulent woven fabrics are all over the runways this season, and they couldn’t be simpler to make. It takes just a few steps to draft the pattern and, since the construction is simple, you can whip up several in an assortment of fabrics. Some fabric suggestions include silk shantung, boiled wool, faux leather or Ultrasuede, or even materials encrusted with beads or sequins. Think luxe fabrics with body to accentuate the boxy shape. Woven fabrics generally have little or no stretch, so plenty of ease is added—for slipping the tee on and off and for ease of motion while wearing it. The neckline also has a gentle scoop, so it’s big enough to go over the head. Here, I’ll teach you what measurements to take, how…

A few simple seams make these stylish and practical covers. Since the seams are enclosed, they are left unfinished. All seam allowances are 1⁄2 inch wide. 1 SEW THE SEAMS. With right sides together, align, pin, and sew the top edge of the first fabric, then press the seam allowances open. Repeat this for the second fabric (the cover’s reverse side). Next, with right sides together, align, pin, and sew the side seams on the first fabric. Repeat on the second fabric. Press open the side seam allowances. 2 SEW AND TRIM THE CORNERS. At each corner, align the top-edge seam with the side seam. Sew perpendicular to the seams the depth of the chairs. Press and trim the seam allowance. 3 SEW THE COVERS TOGETHER. Turn one cover right…

The shapes for the cushion cover are simple squares, rectangles, and bias strips, and the dimensions are determined by the cushion size you wish to make. The cutting diagram on this page provides a layout for 54-inch-wide fabric and dimensions for a 24-inch-square, 4-inchdeep boxed cushion cover. You can adjust the dimensions if you wish to make a smaller or larger boxed cushion.  A.Top/bottom: Cut 2, 25-inch squares B. Zipper boxing strip: Cut 2, 5 inches by 25 inches C. Front boxing strip: Cut 1, 5 inches by 49 inches  D. Side boxing strip: Cut 1, 5 inches by 25 inches E. Bias piping strip: Cut 7, 2 inches by 30 inches to 36 inches 1 MARK THE CUTTING LINES. Unfold the fabric, right side down, to its full selvage-to-selvage…

Each kit is unique because every place mat and tool collection is individual. When it’s not in use, the kit folds into a roll and ties for safekeeping. 1 START WITH THE PLACE MAT OF YOUR CHOICE. Choose one supple and thin enough that you can sew through it. Lay it flat, with the exterior side of the kit down. 3 ARRANGE THE CONTENTS ON THE PLACE MAT FOR FIT AND FUNCTION. Make pins, thread, needles, and scissors easily accessible. 2 ASSEMBLE THE CONTENTS OF YOUR KIT. Your favorite tools will vary, as do the place mat sizes, making every kit unique. 4 DRAW A MAP OF THE POCKETS. Indicate the zipper placement and the direction the pockets open. If a pocket needs to contain something more than 1⁄2 inch thick, add a…

The box is made of 3⁄16-inch-thick foam-core rectangles covered in either paper or batting and fabric, and assembled so the edges and corners are finished in the process. The finished box is 12 inches long by 4 inches wide. Follow the measurements below to cut the pieces. A. Bottom: Cut 3⁄16-inch-thick foam core, 11 5⁄8 inches by 3 5⁄8 inches; cut paper lining, 11 5⁄8 inches by 3 5 ⁄8 inches. B. Lining side: Cut 2 of 1⁄8-inch-thick foam core, 11 5⁄8 inches by 1 5⁄8 inches; cut 2 of paper lining, 11 5⁄8 by 3 inches. C. Side: Cut 2 of 3⁄16-inch-thick foam core, 12 inches by 2 inches. D. Lining end: Cut 2 of 1⁄8-inch-thick foam core, 3 3⁄8 inches by 1 5⁄8 inches; cut 2 of paper…

Select a base fabric, a ground to overlay with fashion fabric strips and bindings. Though there is leeway in fabric choice for this project, select textiles that drape and feel good against the skin. Supplies • Fabrics:> 2 yards base fabric> 2 yard strips, 4 inches to 8 inches wide, of two contrasting or complementary fabrics:• 4 packages single-fold bias binding (or cut and fold your own)• Matching thread• Spray adhesive (permanent but repositionable) 1 CUT A BASE FABRIC PIECE. The example is 20 inches by 70 inches, including 1⁄2-inch seam allowances. Cut fashion fabric and binding strips as long as the base fabric for embellishment. 2 ADHERE THE FASHION FABRIC STRIPS TO THE BASE FABRIC. Use a permanent but repositionable adhesive on a strip’s wrong side, and focus it…

Supplies • 1⁄3 yard 55-inch or 60-inch-wide faux leather for the side panels, trim, and wrist strap• 1⁄2 yard cotton fabric for the lining and pockets• 1⁄3 yard silk dupioni for the center panel and pockets binding• 1⁄2 yard muslin for interlining• 10-inch plastic- or metal-toothed zipper (Wawak.com)• Topstitching thread, 12-weight (RedRockThreads.com)Optional:• 3⁄4 yard lace yardage for center panel overlay• 3⁄4 yard clear iron-on vinyl to laminate center panel (CreateForLess.com) This minibag is not only a fabulous way to carry just what you need—it’s also an exciting project to use up special fabric remnants. At 9 inches long, 6 inches high, and 3 inches deep at the bottom, the design features simple, sturdy construction. It has a wrist strap sewn into a side seam, four interior pockets, and a zipper…

All that remains is to finish installing the toggle clasp’s socket plates on the clutch flap. 1 MARK AND CUT THE SOCKET PLATE PLACEMENT. Using the clasp’s bottom socket plate as a template, mark the screw holes and draw an outline of the opening for the toggle. Pierce the screw holes though the flap and lining with an awl, then cut the toggle opening. 2 INSTALL THE CLASP SOCKET PLATES. Place the clasp’s top plate on the flap’s right side and the bottom plate on the flap’s underside. Align the holes and screw the plates in place. If the socket plates seem loose, insert a scrap of leather or a bit of packing foam between the flap underside and the bottom plate.…

To felt the sweaters, run them through the washer and dryer until they develop the texture you want. They should shrink some, be thicker, and the knit stitches should be tighter or almost undefined. 1 WASH THE SWEATERS. Machine-wash each sweater in the hottest water with detergent. 3 CONTINUE TO WASH AND DRY. Repeat washing and drying the sweater until the texture is feltlike. 2 DRY ON HIGH. Dry the sweater on high/hot, periodically emptying the lint trap. 4 CUT THE SWEATERS APART ON THE SEAMLINES. For ribbed sweaters, stretch and steam them as flat as possible. tip GO BIG When you’re shopping for secondhand sweaters, look in the men’s section, especially for XL sizes. The bigger the sweater, the more mittens you can create!…

Insert the lining into the outer mitten, and zigzag the cuff opening to finish. 1 PREP THE LINING. Place one lining on your hand, wrong side out. 2 PLACE THE CORRESPONDING MITTEN OVER THE LINING. Pin the layers together, about 3 inches from the edge. Repeat with the other mitten. 3 TRIM THE CUFF. To finish the wrist edge, trim1⁄2 inch from the lining’s edge, being careful not to cut the outer mitten. 4 SEW THE CUFF. Fold the outer layer inside1⁄2 inch, pin in place, and then stitch with your machine’s widest zigzag stitch and a stitch length of 1.5 mm. Be sure to catch the outer mitten, the lining, and the folded edge.…

Put the finishing touch on nearly any outfit with a lightweight scarf. Stylish for men and women, these scarves are quick to sew and very affordable; the yardage yields two scarves, one for you and one to give away. Start with a fabric you love, and add a simple rustic twill-tape label for a masculine vibe or a lace border for a feminine look. JULIETTE LANVERS sews in Salt Lake City, Utah. Check out her site, Chickpea-Studio.com. Supplies • 2 yards lightweight cotton fabric (makes 2 scarves)• Matching thread For him: • 5 inches linen, hemp, or cotton twill tape Optional: • Embroidery thread or a permanent fine-point fabric marker For her: •5 1⁄4 yards white cotton lace trim…

Supplies • Printable 8.5-by-11-inch sew-on or iron-on fabric sheets (JacquardProducts.com, Dritz.com, Avery.com)• Home décor fabric (1⁄2 yard to 3⁄4 yard for a cat-sized pillow; 1 yard for beagle-sized; 2 yards for larger dogs)• Loose fiberfill• Matching thread• Solid white fabric (optional underlayment), any weight; half as much as pillow fabric• Fabric and upholstery protective spray (Scotchgard.com, ShieldIndustries.com) Sometimes one of your pet just isn’t enough—you want more of Fido or Fluffy to squeeze and snuggle! You can make your favorite pet a doppelganger (one that won’t shed fur or resist your cuddles) by sewing a photo-realistic pillow in its shape. Using printable fabric sheets, you can print a photo of your pet from your home computer. Stitch or fuse the printed fabric onto a background fabric, and cut around the…

COLOR-MATCHING APP Sewing has entered the smart age. The 5D Thread Match is an iPhone app that matches a thread color to your fabric. Simply take a photograph of your material and the app searches its database of 15,000 threads from a variety of brands. The 5D Thread Match determines the most prominent color in your image and displays a matching thread color swatch next to it. Save your fabric photos for future reference. For the best results, be sure to take the photo in bright, flat light. ($2.99) iTunes.com RETRO-INSPIRED APPLIQUÉ AND EMBROIDERY PROJECTS All Sewn Up: 35 Exquisite projects using appliqué, embroidery and more by Chloë Owens (Cico Books, 2012) is a colorful book with a delightfully whimsical feel. The author teaches 35 retro-inspired projects, many of which…

You can cut a pair of sunburst-pleated fabric panels to fit your measurements and to any length you wish. The panels are narrow at the top and wide at the bottom, and the pleats are also narrower at top and wider at the bottom. Sew the skirt’s waistline somewhere near the narrow end of the panels. Decide on the pleat width that is most flattering to your figure, mark its position along the pleated panels’ length, and place the skirt’s waistline at that point. This skirt has no center-back or center-front seams. Instead, the skirt front and back are cut from two pleated panels and are sewn together at the side seams. A grosgrain ribbon finishes the waistline, and a side-seam snap placket, plus a hook and bar, form the…

First cut the lining and lace, using the muslin as the pattern. These instructions use binding to edge the lining, so it does not require a hem allowance. The pattern also doesn’t include side seams, so the construction phase is swift. Cut the layers 1 CUT THE LACE, AND THREAD-TRACE THE LACE DARTS. The lace hangs slightly below the lining on the finished skirt, so align the muslin on the lace with a scalloped selvage 1⁄2 inch to 1 inch beyond the muslin’s hem edge. Cut the lining along the muslin’s edge. Mark the darts on it with a air soluble fabric marker. 2 CUT THE LACE OVERLAY EDGING. The lace overlay’s curved edge is trimmed with appliquéd scalloped selvage cut from the opposite selvage on the lace yardage. Cut…

If your linen closet is anything like mine, there are at least a couple of sheet sets that are serviceable but could use a dose of style. Inspired by a trend in uniquely trimmed sets, I tried embellishing sheets and pillowcases and realized how quick and easy it is to upgrade basic bed linens! The hardest part will be choosing from heaps of fabulous trims—just be sure to choose soft, comfortable, washable trim.…

Reversible chair covers enable you to get two looks in one. The two sides can be different materials, but should be close in weight. Prewash the fabrics before cutting if you want them to be machine washable after construction. 1 SELECT TWO MID- TO LIGHTWEIGHT FABRICS. The materials should not be too lightweight (you don’t want show-through) or too heavy (to avoid bulky covers). Since the covers are reversible, the two sides do not have to coordinate in color. 2 DETERMINE THE CHAIR BACK WIDTH. Measure the chair back’s widest point and add the chair back depth. Add 2 inches for seam allowances and ease. 3 MEASURE THE CHAIR BACK HEIGHT. Starting at the bottom of the chair back, measure from the seat to the top of the chair, and…

The chair covers shown are simple and can be adapted to fit a variety of dining room chair shapes. Finials If the chair has finials, you can create cutouts to allow them to show. Sew the top and side seams. Cut the corners to fit the finials (the width and depth of the largest point of the finials) and tack the cut seams. Sew the bottom edge as directed on the facing page. Either bind the finial openings with bias tape or turn the edges under and hand- or topstitch. Rounded back Follow the steps on the facing page to sew the top and side seam. Then, place the cover, wrong side out, on the chair. Pin the cover to fit around the curve, remove, sew the new seam, and…

When the pieces are cut, wrap the lining foam core pieces, and assemble the box sides with pins. 1 COVER THE LINING PIECES. Wrap each piece with lining paper, and glue around the edges. These pieces fit inside the box. 2 ASSEMBLE THE OUTER BOX. Insert short pins into the base and the corners to connect the pieces, as shown. The base nests within the box sides. 3 COVER THE BOX SIDES WITH BATTING AND FABRIC. Layer the batting and fabric and wrap them around the box sides, with 3 ⁄4 inch of each extending beyond the box edges. Pin temporarily in place, trim the batting to 1 ⁄2-inch-wide, and fold and glue the fabric edges inside and underneath the box. (For greater visibility, the box is shown without its…

Follow the pattern on page 92 to cut the pieces. The wristlet is made without a bottom seam. The exterior folds to wrap from one top edge to the other. Seam allowances are 1⁄2 inch wide unless noted otherwise. 4 FOLD THE PANEL TRIM ALONG THE SEAMS. Topstitch through the center panel and the seam allowances 1⁄4 inch from each seam. 1 STACK THE C ENTER PANEL PIECES. With right sides up, place the muslin, then silk, then the lace. Align the edges. Make sure that the lace is free of lint or threads before applying the iron-on vinyl. 2 PEEL OFF THE IRON-ON VINYL’S BACKING AND SET THE BACKING ASIDE. Center the vinyl over the panel. Follow the instructions to bond the vinyl. Once the vinyl is bonded to…

Barrettes are a lot of fun. They can keep your hair under control or dress it up. They are easy to make from a sew-on medallion purchased at a trim or fabric store. Choose embellishments about the size of a silver dollar, which is a good fit for the bendable hair clip you’ll use on the back. These clips are perfect because they are lightweight, conform to the shape of your head, and can be sewn or glued. A stable fabric backing can be cut to fit the medallion back to hold the clip; cut a slit for the clip, and glue the layers together right over the hair clip. You can also whipstitch around the hair clip edge to make sure everything is secure. Then you’re ready to go.…

With your base at the ready, all that’s left is to adorn it. GOLD & DENIM Grab an old pair of jeans for this project. Here, a row of gold chain link trim was pinned in place, then handsewn, along both sides of the chain, to the outer edge of a denim necklace base. You can keep it subtle, or add as many rows of trim as you like. It’s as easy as that. SIMPLY STUDDED This necklace was made of richly colored linen adorned with a simple row of nailhead studs along the collar’s short ends at center front. It’s easy to apply the studs using a stud-setting tool, such as the Bedazzler, shown, or the Stone Styler (JoAnn.com). Mark the stud placement with chalk or removable marker, and…

When cutting the fabric for the mittens, there are a couple of things to remember: Don’t forget to flip the pattern piece to accommodate for the left and right hands, and cut one layer at a time (the fabric is generally too thick to be cut precisely in double layers). 1 PREPARE THE MITTEN’S BACK PIECE. Trace the back pattern (pages 94 and 95) onto the fabric and cut it out. 2 PREPARE THE PALM/LOWER THUMB PIECE. Trace the palm/lower thumb pattern (pages 94 and 95) onto the fabric, and cut it out. 3 PREPARE THE UPPER THUMB PIECE. Trace the upper thumb pattern (pages 94 and 95) onto the contrasting sweater fabric and cut it out. 4 PIN AND SEW THE THUMB. With right sides together, pin the lower…

This menswear scarf is made in chambray, a traditional shirting fabric. For a personalized touch, apply a small twill-tape label. You can hand- or machine-embroider the label, or simply write on it with permanent ink. 1 PREWASH AND DRY THE SCARF FABRIC. Launder as you would for the finished scarf. Then, cut a 72-inch by 20-inch fabric rectangle. 2 HEM THE LONG EDGES. Double-fold the fabric’s long edges1⁄4 inch and press. Topstitch the scarf’s hem close to the inner fold and then again close to the outside edge, creating two parallel lines. Note: A presser foot with an attached guide helps you sew perfectly straight lines. 5 ATTACH THE LABEL. Pin the label on the scarf’s right side along a short end. Topstitch the label’s folded edges, being sure to…