In this video, we learn how to make a Tyler Oakley inspired rag doll. You will need: an old t-shirt, a needle, felt, googly eyes, pen/pencil, paper, yarn, thread, and scissors. Start out by drawing the body of the doll out on the piece of paper, then cut it out. Now, trace the ...more
Get started with the LilyPad Arduino! It's a sewable microcontroller that lets you embed lights, sounds, sensors, and much more into your wearables, perfect for clothing and accessories. In this Make Magazine intermediate, soft circuit, video tutorial, you'll see how to sew up ...more
Get started with the LilyPad Arduino! It's a sewable microcontroller that lets you embed lights, sounds, sensors, and much more into your wearables, perfect for clothing and accessories. In this Make Magazine intermediate, soft circuit, video tutorial, you'll see how to make a ...more
Get started with the LilyPad Arduino! It's a sewable microcontroller that lets you embed lights, sounds, sensors, and much more into your wearables, perfect for clothing and accessories. In this Make Magazine video tutorial, you'll see how to attach the LilyPad and power suppl ...more
As a young boy, my mom would leave her sewing needle, with a length of thread, sticking in the arm of our couch while she did other mom things. I found it to be very fun to sling it by holding the thread, at my siblings or dad, to get it to stick in their skin. We always cover ...more
To make a support halter top shirt, you will need: Pattern for a basic bodice Draft paper or newspaper Yardstick Pen or pencil Scissors Cotton fabric 2 foam bra cups Matching thread Watch the following video for visual instructions, and make sure to reference the text below. ...more
This series shows how to make a miniature rug on the sewing machine with thread painting which mimics Russian needlepunch. Variegated threads give a lovely blended look similar to wool hooked rugs. The threads used are YLI cotton machine quilting threads. Part 1 of 2 - How to ...more
In this video, we learn how to set up your sewing machine. First, place the thread onto the top pin and pull it down. Then, wrap the thread around the bobbin pin and then push the pin onto the top next to the pin. Now, run the foot petal and keep threading until the spool is f ...more
Becca from Amazing Paper Grace demonstrates how to make crepe paper flowers. The supplies needed are a roll of crepe paper, scissors, a ruler, and a sewing machine or needle and thread. Measure a yard of crepe paper and trim it narrower if you want a smaller flower. Use the se ...more
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to fill a bobbin with thread properly. This sewing how to video will show you how to fill a bobbin on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Happy sewing!
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to insert a bobbin properly. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to insert the bobbin into the feed dog of a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. The bobbin in the feed dog part of the sewing machine makes up the bottom of the thread ...more
The Button Flower Quilt pattern was designed in the spirit of the American Arts and Crafts movement of the early 1900's. In this episode of Designing by Thread, Terry shows simple techniques for machine applique and strip piecing Part 1 of 2 - How to Machine applique and strip ...more
Recently I've been interested in spicing up my choices in undergarments, but as some of you may know, designer underwear for men can be quite expensive. Prices usually range from about $20+ for one pair. With this helpful tip, you can turn any pair of cheap high rise briefs in ...more
Nothing sucks more than when you discover your thread is feeding incorrectly, or your machine just isn't working properly. It's good practice to take your machine apart at least once a year. Clean out all the lint, and add a few drops of machine oil to any moving part. If yo ...more
While scrunchies might not be that common a hair accessory anymore, you can make one of your own by following the steps in this how-to video. You will need two satin fabric pieces of 50cm, a sewing machine, sewing thread, a pair of scissors, marking pins, as well as brown and ...more
Crafter Dawn Huntington shows how to make felted baby booties. You will need felt, fusible webbing tape, iron, needle and thread sewing machine, binder clips, snaps and a templete which you can get from the article part of the video. Make felted baby booties. Click through to ...more
All you need to know how to do is trace a line in order to be able to turn a T-shirt into a cute skirt! You'll also need some tailor's chalk, a sewing machine (or needle and thread), scissors and some straight pins.
Make a fashion purse for your little princess! You'll need four squares of fabric in two separate colors (one for the outside and one for the lining), beads for decoration, a shoelace to use as a strap, needle and thread (or a craft sewing machine) and a pair of scissors.
Love the look of vintage? You don't have continuously prowl vintage stores - make your own inspired skirt! All you need is your favorite fabric and a few sewing notions (matching thread, scissors, pins, and of course, a sewing machine).
A zipper may look intimidating, but it's really not. This tutorial shows you an easy and quick way to sew a zipper. You will need a zipper, straight pins, matching thread, scissors, your sewing project and a special zipper foot for your sewing machine.
Inspired by Susan Hilferty's Elphaba costume, Corinne and Rob from Threadbanger show you how to make a fantastic wicked witch ensemble in this how-to video. You'll need two spools of thread, an old black button-up shirt, interfacing, an old black dress, scrap velvet, and a sew ...more
It's pretty much common knowledge that a successful sewing kit requires several different sizes of needles as well as differently colored thread. And if you're solely focused on patching up those favorite JBrand jeans of yours or a hole in a T-shirt, then that may be all you n ...more
Thread Banger and their friends at Ruffeo Hearts Lil Snotty show us how to transform our old backpack into a now hip (yes, they're hip again) fanny pack in just under two hours. With a disposable backpack, pattern weights, marking chalk, a zipper, seam ripper, scissors, a buck ...more
Make a creative and fun felted cuff bracelet! This could be a difficult task for beginners, but overall it's an easy craft. You'll need a needle felting machine for this though, which means you might have to hunt one down or improvise. Watch and learn how to use the needle fel ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to make embellished tights. First, you will need to grab some beads and jewels and then grab your choice of tights. Make sure you have some tights that have texture on them, so when you sew them you don't break the surface and ruin them. Now, tak ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to make cloth flowers. Start out by grabbing several different strips of fabric and folding it into a shape that makes a flower. After you do this, place a needle into the fabric so it doesn't come unraveled. After this, start to twist the fabric ...more
Ready to try and sew-in your own weave? It's a big decision. As with everything that concerns our hair, we struggle with the pros and cons and often dwell on what could go wrong. Pixie cut. Perm or not? New shade (of pink, purple, or blue). These are all major decisions becaus ...more
By watching this video, you will learn how to create your own art journal. Begin by cutting pieces of heavy weight cardstock 5" by 8". After you have cut all your sheets, fold them in half. If you want a defined crease, you can use a bone folder. Next, poke small holes in the ...more
Learn how to recycle an old jeans into a earth friendly sandals with Gianny L! In order to make sandals out of a pair of blue jeans, you will need the following: scissors, cardboard, needle, thread, a sewing machine, a pair of jeans, a pair of flip-flops, chalk, and foam. Tr ...more
Check out this tutorial that teaches you how to make a cotton reusable grocery bag out of bandanna. All you need is 2 bandanas, sewing thread, a sewing machine, scissors, and marking pens. This is a great, fashionable way to go shopping and cut down on plastic bags. Watch this ...more
Looking to make this Christmas a DIY Christmas? Why not make your own Christmas tree skirt, customized to fit your personality and home decor! Nothing says it’s Christmas like a beautiful Christmas tree. Now you can decorate the area below with a handmade Christmas tree skirt ...more
In this video we learn how to make a dress out of an old flannel & t-shirt. First, measure your body on the bust. Then, take an old shirt and mark the measurement on there. Then, cut where you marked the shirt leaving 1/2" extra. After this, attach the top of the dress to the ...more
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to turn a t-shirt into a pillowcase. The materials required for this project are: a pillow, a shirt (that fits over the pillow), pin, needle, thread, decorative trim and a sewing machine. Begin by flipping the shirt inside out and slip ...more
If you're looking for a solution to keeping your books open during a read, you might have considered using a book weight. In this video tutorial, the author will be showing you how to make your very own homemade book weight using a few inexpensive house hold products. The enti ...more
Most people think that you have to be a whiz with the needle and thread as well as proficient on the sewing machine in order to make or tailor your own clothing. But the truth is that for easy modifications, like turning an old t-shirt into a modified, chic top, all you need i ...more
In this 3-part video, Chris White shows you how you can take an old pair of boxer briefs, make a pattern for new boxer briefs, and then create an entirely new one. You'll need some tools, and materials, including elastic, sewing machine with zigzag, serger, stretch fabric, pat ...more
If you've been looking for a sexy contemporary video game character to cosplay or dress as for Halloween, consider Altair from Assassin's Creed. He's sexy, distinctive, and armed with this video you'll be well on your way to having sewed the costume yourself. Specifically, thi ...more
With a little practice a cushion cover can be made at home easily. The materials/equipments required are as follows: fabric of your choice (having appropriate dimensions) to make the cover, scissors, measuring tape and ruler, needles, threads, sewing machine and an iron. The ...more
In this video we are shown how easy it is to complete the finishing join on a quilt binding. Just before the final join 6 inches of binding should be left over at the beginning and the end, while the rest of the binging should already be sewn down. The two ends of the binding ...more
This video shows us the method to reconstruct your t-shirt with a fringe design. You will need a long fitted t-shirt, scissors and a sewing machine which is optional. Cut off both sleeves of the t-shirt. Now cut the middle of the shirt on only one side. Cut off the collar. Hem ...more
Whether you want to save money by making your own clothes or you just enjoy working with fabrics, choose the best sewing machine so your projects turn out great. You Will Need * A sewing class * A budget Step 1: Check out machines at local shop Visit your local sewing or fabr ...more
Now that your bobbin is wound, get it inserted into the Singer sewing machine and it's ready to start sewing. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to insert the bobbin into a Singer sewing machine.
Start with two rectangles of fabric, both the same size. You will also need a short zipper and a few basic sewing supplies (pins and a sewing machine). Then just follow along with this video to make your own zippered change purse!
For all you whos resolution it was to start making your own clothes and DIY'in, this week were taking a look inside the mysteries of the sewing machine plus a look at our 2008 top DIY web picks.
Start with an old pair of jeans and some scrap fabric. Then, using a few small sewing notions (scissors, thread and a decorative button) and the pattern given in this video, transform this old fabric into a super cute and useful lined handbag. Video: . This video can also be v ...more
Making a tutu can be hard, but making a non-sew tutu is nothing but easy. Watch this video tutorial to learn the ins and outs of the non-sew tutu for young children. You can change it up all you want once you get the basics down, but for starting off, use the following supplie ...more
You will need marking pencils or chalk, scissors, seam ripper, pins and good quality matching thread. Mark desired length on each pant leg. Option 1: Stand on pants and place a pin where fabric hits the floor. Option 2: Fold pants up to desired length & pin. Take pants off; tu ...more
This video demonstrates how to make a tote bag out of an old T-shirt. For this project, you will need the following: scissors, a T-shirt, duct tape, a sewing machine, thread, and a leather sewing needle. First, cut off sleeves and the neck of the shirt. It will look like a tan ...more
If you have a stack of old t-shirts that sit in your dresser, unworn, why not get some use out of one of them by transforming it into a scarf? Save some money... You'll have scarves for days with this technique! You Will Need: • An old T-shirt • A yard stick • Chalk • Sew ...more
Not sure what bottle of wine to get your wine-loving friend for their birthday? Don't sweat it. Get them a wine bag, and save money by making it yourself from old clothes!! Why spend money on wine gift bags when you can craft your own from stuff you already have in your closet ...more
In order to make a large hair bow, you will need the following: a headband, fabric, thread, scissors, thread, and a needle. This can be sewn by hand or with a sewing machine. You will be using a straight stitch for this. Cut your fabric to the size that you would like at a 1 ...more
Paper or plastic is a thing of the past; both options are equally terrible for the environment. With this tutorial, learn how to turn your old bed sheets into funky grocery tote bags. You will be the envy of everyone at the store with these adorable, homemade bags. You Will Ne ...more
In this article, you'll learn how to create deconstructed roses in less than five minutes with your leftover fabric scraps. It's a great way to recycle your leftover fabric! Follow the instructions below and watch the videos for a demonstration. Draw the Flower Shape. Draw a ...more
In this sewing tutorial, you'll need a sewing machine to make a blind hem stitch. The sewing machine used is a Brother LX-1325 compact and lightweight model, but you can use a similar brand and model. To make a blind stitch, you'll need to fold the fabric the way you normally ...more
In this tutorial, Sherry shows you how easy it is to use a computerized sewing machine, the Singer 7466. Computerized sewing machines are a relatively new invention. They work just like traditional machines but cut out a few steps in between for a more perfect stitch. If you h ...more
Nothing like a a little blood and gore to get in the Halloween spirit. Nicole Magne of Craftzine demonstrates how to make a convincingly grisly headless Marie Antoinette costume. Brush up on your basic sewing and sculpting skills before you get started. You Will Need Sewing ...more
This video demonstrates how to attach a binding to a quilt. At the point of the video, your quilt should be complete up to attaching the binding. It should already be pinned and basted. You should have quilted together all of your squares into your desired pattern. Your battin ...more
In this video we learn how to sew on a shade ring with a sewing machine. First, lay your roman shade wrong side up. Next, place a pin inside of it and then fold the shade fabric where it is down. Next, set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch with a width that is on the wide ...more
In this tutorial, we learn three different ways to sew ruffles. The first way, you will put your sewing machine setting on the highest, then take your fabric and place it underneath the needle. Let the fabric go through the machine and ruffles will start to create when it's ra ...more
In this Arts & Crafts video tutorial you will learn how to sew a blind hem. Use a blind hem stitch when sewing the bottom hem of your Roman shade. It is very easy to do. For this you will need a sewing machine that has blind hem stitch already programmed in to it and a blind h ...more