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Make an adjustable bag strap: Free sewing tutorial!

Make an adjustable bag strap: Free sewing tutorial!

by | Mar 6, 2023 | Care and Repair, Fabric, Interfacing and Interlining, Project Ideas, Quilt Fabric, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

I recently found this fab vintage bag in a charity shop but the strap was too short for my liking… I decided to replace the strap so I could wear it cross-body, whilst adding a pop of rainbow at the same time ✂️ So here’s a quick post on how to make an adjustable bag strap!

This is a really easy project – knock one up in less than 30 minutes ⏰

Knowing how to make an adjustable bag strap is a really useful skill to have in your sewing techniques toolbox… I’ve replaced quite a few of the straps on my daughter’s bags as she’s grown… it’s also a great option if a current bag strap is uncomfortable, or just a bit tatty & worn out.

Replacing the strap can prolong the life of your fave bag, or just give it a new look! You only need a few supplies too!

Scroll down for a written tutorial or catch the vid below…

How to make an adjustable bag strap

A sewing project for: Beginner Friendly

Sewing Time: Under an hour

 

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

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Need to know:

  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 3mm unless otherwise stated.
  • Read through the instructions fully before starting

Disclaimer: Strangulation hazard: Children must be supervised at all times.

You will need:

Thank you for supporting our online shop with your sewing shopping… It means the world to us & enables us to keep putting out FREE content like this for you to make & create ❤️

We have an amazing selection of bag hardware and notions… check out our full range of bag-making supplies here

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

 

  • 2m of your chosen webbing of strapping
  • 2 x swivel clips (also know as dog hooks) that match the width of your webbing or strapping
  • 1 x slider that match the width of your webbing or strapping
  • 2 x D-Rings (optional – if you’re using an existing bag then you are likely already to have D rings already sewn in)

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Make a replacement cross-body bag strap

  1. Cut off the original strap
2. Thread 1 end of your webbing/ strapping through from the underside of the strap slider. Bring the end over the central bar then thread back through to the back

3. Sew the end to secure – a zipper foot can make this easier

4. Thread a swivel clip/ dog hook onto the strap. Hook on the opposite side to sewn hem near the slider

Want to know your #5 from your #3 zip?  Check out our Zip Type Guide

5. Checking the strap isn’t twisted, thread the unsewn end of the strap through the slider

6. Thread the unsewn end through the remaining swivel clip

7. Sew the strap end down to secure the hook around the final swivel clip

8. Clip and go!

And you’re finished, well done!

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It’s our 10th birthday! Celebrate with us

by | Sep 20, 2022 | Fabric, Fabric Warehouse

We are 10! 

I can hardly believe it’s been over a decade since we set up selling fabric from our spare bedroom!

We wanted to say a big thank you to all of our wonderful customers for supporting our family business over the past 10 years so….

You can get 10% off EVERYTHING until Sunday 25th September 2022*

Save 10% on everything with code happybirthday10

Use Code: HAPPY BIRTHDAY10

AND

We’re giving you a free gift too!

https://youtube.com/shorts/qu4KIe7qiIY?feature=share

Save 10% on Everything!

We’re giving away 3 free decorative zips to each customer with each order over £10!

*T&Cs apply

How to claim your free gift:

1) Fill your basket with at least £10 of goodies from the website

2) Choose your 3 free zips here

3) The cost of the 3 x zips will be removed from your basket

If you need some project inspo for your fancy new zips then check out our earlier free gift for you!

Grab your free gift

2 Free Zipper Pouch Patterns that have been designed with these pretty decorative zips in mind!

Save 10% on everything with code happybirthday10

Offer Terms & Conditions: Offer Expired.

Sew A Spa Set Series #6: Sew Reusable Cotton Pads

Sew A Spa Set Series #6: Sew Reusable Cotton Pads

by | Mar 5, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, Care and Repair, My Makes, Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

As we all start to look at simple ways we can reduce our waste, the bathroom is a great place to make some simple swaps! Did you know that disposable make up remover pads can often contain plastic?! Switching to reusable cotton pads is a quick and easy swap to help reduce your waste.

This tutorial is part of our  Sew A Spa Set Series – check the  Intro post  to see what else you can make for a relaxing day or evening pampering yourself, or a loved one and would make a great gift.

This project is also a great little scrap buster!

Reusable cotton pads

We’ve used bamboo towelling rather than cotton towelling here (but who’s heard of Bamboo Pads?!) so we’re using poetic license when we’re calling these cotton pads…

There’s a good reason why we’re using bamboo though – it’s far more sustainable than cotton. Read more about Bamboo Towelling’s eco-credentials in our full guide here

There are 6 items that make up the Spa Set and if you’re pushed for time, each of these handmade items would make a great small gift on their own.

Sew A Spa Set banner

You can use out template or size up, or change the shape to a square (and make up using the same process) to make reusable baby wipes or rounds.

We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

Important Notes:
  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To make One Reusable Cotton Pad

Sewing Kit You Will Need:

Making the Reusable Cotton Pads

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the cotton pad templates

Print off the Spa Set Templates ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics & notions

To make one pad cut out:

  • 1x Circle from Bamboo Towelling
  • 1x Circle from Patterned Cotton
  • 1x Back loop from Patterned Cotton
4. Assemble The Cotton Round

Sew the loop

  • On the loop pattern piece, fold the long edges over 1cm / ⅜” and press.

Making the makeup rounds step 1

  • Fold the entire rectangle lengthwise again to the middle and press.

Making the makeup rounds step 2

  • Top stitch down both sides of the rectangle.

Making the makeup rounds step 3

Making the makeup rounds step 4

Assemble the pad

  • Pin the rectangle to RS (right side) of the Cotton fabric circle of your pad. Make sure there is a little space to slide your fingers between the loop and the pad, this will mean the loop is not flat against the pad.
Making the makeup rounds step 5
  • Baste the edges where the rectangle meets the circle edge.
  • Place the bamboo towelling circle RS together with the Cotton circle, sandwiching the loop in between. Pin in place and stitch around the circle with a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance, leaving an opening to turn it out the right way.
Making the makeup rounds step 6
Making the makeup rounds step 7
  • Pink or clip the seam allowance. Turn the pad out through the opening you left. 
Making the makeup rounds step 8
  • Fold in the seam allowance at the opening.
  • Top stitch 3mm / ⅛” around the edge of the circle to finish and close the opening.
Making the makeup rounds step 9
Making the makeup rounds step 10

And you’re finished, well done!

We’re nearly there! We hope you’ve enjoyed our Sew A Spa Set Series so far. The very last tutorial is a Round Makeup Bag to store all of your handmade goodies in!

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Sew A Spa Set Series #5: Make An Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

by | Mar 5, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

Did you know that shower puffs are generally made from plastic? Maybe you’re looking for an eco-friendly shower puff that’s kinder to the planet?

Well you’re in the right place! Our version of the Eco-Friendly Shower Puff is made from eco-friendly bamboo towelling and is super simple to make, and best of all it doesn’t take many supplies either!

Sew an eco-friendly shower puff

We hope you’re enjoying the  Sew A Spa Set Series that this eco-friendly shower puff is part of. It’s a set of simple sews you can put together and gift as a whole, or on their own.

We think the Spa Set would make a gorgeous handmade gift for Mother’s Day… Check out the Intro post to see what else is included in the Spa Set.

There are 6 items that make up the Spa Set and if you’re pushed for time, each of these handmade items would make a great small gift on their own.

We’ve designed these mini projects to be quick & easy, so you can sew a Spa Set that you could use on a relaxing day off, or as a last minute gift for friends or family.

 

We’ve used bamboo towelling to make most of these useful Spa Set accessories as it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items & it’s also environmentally friendly!

Our guide is full of helpful info, as well as some top tips!

 

We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

How to Sew An Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

Important Notes:
  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To Make The Shower Puff You Will Need:

Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

Making the Eco-Friendly Shower Puff

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequentl

3. Cut & Edge Your Fabric

OR

If you’re not making any of the other items just cut from Bamboo Towelling two rectangles measuring 35cm x 8cm

  • Either overlock around all 4 the sides of both pieces of bamboo towelling rectangles, or finish with a zig-zag stitch
4. Sew your fabric
  • Place your main pieces, WS (wrong sides) together and create a channel 1.5cm / ⅝” wide in the centre of the strip.
  • You can either measure and mark where the channel lies on the main pieces, or lie your cord length across and mark where the channel lies by eye
  • Feed your cord through the channel.

Pull the ends of the main pieces together around the cord, gathering it along the cord. Shape this into a typical puff shape, tying a double knot in the cord when you are happy with the shape, to secure the puff. 

And you’re finished, well done!

There are just 2 more items in our Sew A Spa Set Series… Next up is a tutorial to take you through how to Sew Reusable Cotton Rounds

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Sew A Spa Set Series #4: Free Eye Mask Tutorial

by | Mar 4, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials

Welcome to the next tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series! In this post you can download our free eye mask template and find a step-by-step sewing tutorial on how to sew your own eye-mask suitable for long and luxurious self-care baths!

Our Spa eye mask is backed in super soft bamboo towelling to make it the perfect companion for your next candle lit bath.

 

Sew an eye mask tutorial

To make this eye mask you’ll need a copy of the free eye mask template. Request the template here and we’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with the other patterns in the Sew A Spa Set Series

Be sure to check out the Intro post for the full lowdown on what other tutorials are included in our Sew A Spa Set Series

 

 

If you’re new to bamboo towelling you can learn more about it our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

As well as using the Eye Mask template for bath time use you could omit the binding & layers and cut from felt and mark eye holes to make a simple kids mask! Or use different fabrics to make a sleep mask… the template can be used to make any fabric eye mask.

How to Sew An Eye Mask

Important Notes:
  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently
  • Do not sleep with the eye mask on as there is a strangulation risk

To Make This Eye Mask You Will Need:

Making the Eye Mask

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the Eye Mask Template

Print off your Eye Mask Template ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics

Using the eye mask template piece cut out; 

  • 1x Mask front from Patterned Cotton
  • 1x Inner from Fusible Fleece
  • 1x Mask back from Bamboo Towelling
4. Assemble The Eye Mask

1. Mark the elastic points. Use pins to mark where you want the elastic to lie on the back mask (bamboo towelling) piece, using the notches on the pattern piece.

Assembling the eye mask - marking the elastic points of the eye mask

2. Cut the elastic to the desired length. This will vary depending on your head size. The formula we used was head circumference minus 19cm / 7”.

3. Pin the elastic in place. Pin the ends of the elastic RS (right sides) together with the back of the mask, pointing outwards at the points you marked.

Assembling the eye mask step 1 - Pin the elastic of the eye mask in place

4. Adhere the fusible fleece. Iron the wrong side of the mask front onto the fusible fleece piece.

5. Baste your bias tape RS together on the front mask piece (optional)

6. Clip the curves. Clip or pink around the curved edge of the tape.

Assembling the eye step 6- clip the curves

7. Sew the layers.

  • Pin the mask front and mask back RS together, sandwiching the elastic head strap between the two pieces. 
  • Sew around the edge of the mask leaving a 5cm / 2” opening to turn the mask out. Clip or pink the seam allowance. 

Sewing the eye mask

8. Turn out the mask and press. Top stitch 3mm / ⅛” from the edge around the mask.

And you’re finished! Well done!

In the next sewing tutorial in our Sew a Spa Set Series you can learn how to Sew an Eco-friendly Shower Puff

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Sew A Spa Set Series #3: Bath Headband Tutorial

by | Mar 3, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials

Welcome to our Bath Headband Tutorial – the second tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series This post contains all the sewing info you need to sew up your very own bath headband.

There are 6 of these handmade items for you to make! Check out the  Intro post for the full low down.

What’s a bath headband you may ask?! It’s a headband that’s suitable to be worn in, or after a bath or shower. It’s made from super soft, absorbent (and eco friendly!) bamboo towelling making it’s suitable to be worn whether your hair is wet or dry.

This useful headband would make a fabulous handmade gift, especially if paired with the other items in our Sew A Spa Set Series.

Sew a Bath Headband

To be able to follow our Bath Headband Tutorial you’ll need a copy of the FREE Spa Set templates. Request them here 

We’ve used bamboo towelling to make most of these useful Spa Set accessories as it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items & it’s also environmentally friendly!

Read more about Bamboo Towelling in our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

As well as a bath headband you could also use this tutorial to make a cute ear warmer if you switch out the towelling for some fluffy fleece!

We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

Bath Headband Tutorial

Important Notes:
  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To make this Bath headband, You will need:

Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

Making the Bath Headband

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the headband templates

Print off the Spa Set Templates ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics & notions
  • Cut 1 x Main Headband from Bamboo Towelling
  • Cut 2 x Main bow from Cotton
  • Cut 2 x Main bow from Cotton
  • Cut 1 x Bow Middle from Cotton
  • Cut 3 x 45cm long pieces of elastic
4. Assemble The Bath Headband
  • Overlock the edges of your towelling main headband strip. If you do not have an overlocker, then finish the edges using a zig zag stitch. 

Assemble the bath headband step 1
  • With RS (right sides) together, sew the two short ends of your main headband together. Overlock/ zig-zag finish the edges of this seam, and press flat.
  • Fold over both the top and bottom long edges of the main headband 0.5cm / ¼”  and then a further 1cm / ⅜”  to create a channel to feed your elastic into.
  • Pin and stitch in place, leaving several cm / inches open on each channel so you can insert the elastic. Pro-tip – Using a bodkin or Elastic Guide can really help here
4. Sewing the Elastic
  • Feed one piece of elastic through one channel. Pin the ends together and secure them, before closing your channel. Repeat for the other channel.
  • Create further gathers in your strip using the other two pieces of elastic. Pin in place equally on the width of the fabric, and stitch in place using a zig zag stitch along the length of the main headband.
  • Place the 2 x larger main bow pieces RS together & stitch around the edge using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. Leave a small gap for turning.
  • Trim or pink the seam down, and turn out. Slip stitch the opening and press.
  • Take the bow middle piece & fold the fabric in half matching the long edges.
  • Sew down the long edge opposite the fold using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance.
  • Turn to the right side & press
  • Wrap the smaller rectangle round your main gathered headband
  • Slip Stitch the ends together towards the back. You may want to secure the band in place on your headband also with some small tacking stitches at the back.
  • Slide the bow in through the loop made by the smaller rectangle. Adjust until it looks voluminous and like a bow.
  • You may want to secure this in place with a few stitches. 

And you’re finished! Well done!

The next sewing tutorial in our Sew a Spa Set Series is an eye mask you can wear in the bath!

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