Sewing tutorial - Creative Rehab

A Beginner’s Guide To Dressmaking Patterns

by Kellie Rose | Jun 14, 2021 | My Makes, Product Guides, Tutorials

Are you intimidated by patterns? Not sure how to read a sewing pattern?

Confused by the back of the envelope? Not sure what the symbols mean?

We’ve got you covered!

Grab a cuppa, read on & let us demystify how to read a sewing pattern!

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How To Read A Sewing Pattern

To the uninitiated, a first glance at a sewing pattern can be daunting. Have a read through our top tips & feel more confident having a go!

How to read the back of a sewing pattern envelope

The back of the pattern envelope should be your first port of call.

It contains lots of essential information you will need to make your garment.

You’ll find fabric suggestions that will suit the pattern style, the amount of fabric you will need & all the required notions such as zips & buttons.

Inside the pattern envelope

Inside you’ll find various sheets of paper – these will you be your pattern pieces, your sewing instructions & also the pattern layout information to help you cut out your pattern pieces correctly.

Tips On Choosing Fabric

Choose a fabric that is mentioned in the “suggested fabrics” section on the outside of the pattern envelope.

If your chosen fabric has a pattern “direction” make sure you place your pattern pieces the correct way up or your fabric motif will appear upside down on your garment!

A Tip For Stripes – Make sure the stripes run the way you want them to in your finished garment when laying out your pattern pieces.

Motif Sizes – Ensure your fabric has appropriately sized motifs for your garment. For example, a child’s dress might look strange in a large statement floral fabric.

ALWAYS Pre-wash Your Fabric – Some fabrics will shrink. It is better to launder your fabrics first to save tears later! Wash your fabric how you intend to wash the finished garment.

Understand Sewing Pattern Symbols

Understanding Sewing Pattern Symbols

Understanding Sewing Pattern Symbols

Pattern Piece Layout

Your pattern will have a diagram similar to this which is showing you how to lay out your pattern pieces on your fabric.

Following this diagram will usually be the most economical layout when cutting your fabric.

There will usually be two layout guides – one for 44″ wide fabric & another for 60″ wide fabric.

Follow the appropriate layout for your chosen fabric’s width. There may also be a layout guide for your interfacing pieces.

Looking more closely at the diagram above you will see that pattern piece (2) needs to be cut twice as it appears twice on the cutting diagram. Once the pattern piece is cut with the right side facing up, the second time it is cut with the pattern piece facing down.

Can you see where this pattern piece is shaded by the dots? This indicates the pattern piece should be laid face down on your fabric. The unshaded pieces indicates your pattern piece is face up.

Pattern piece (1) is placed on the fabric fold – we will end up with 1 pattern piece double the size of the paper pattern piece.

Pattern piece (4) indicates only one thickness of fabric – can you see how the selvedges aren’t aligned? Again – pattern piece (4) is cut twice – once with the pattern piece is right side up and then once with the pattern piece right side down – remember the dots?

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3 Project Ideas Using Beguiled by Libs Elliott

by Kellie Rose | Jun 1, 2021 | My Makes, Product Guides, Project Ideas, Tutorials, Zips

This has to be one our faveeeeee collections of all time (can we say that?!). Truly, Libs Elliott really knocked it out of the park this time, so of course we had to whip up project ideas using Beguiled by Libs Elliott to provide you with inspiration on what to make with such a fabulous collection.

But not only did we give you 1 make… we’ve given you 3 different project ideas using Beguiled!

Which one will you be trying first seam-stars?

Clear PVC Vinyl Zipper Pouch

This zipper pouch is one of the project ideas using Beguiled by Libs Elliott. These pouches are SO handy and can save you time too as you can see exactly what’s in your storage pouch without even looking inside.

Use them in your crafting space to keep your scraps, notions & general haberdashery in check, or make them for the kids!

You can find the full tutorial here.

Eye Mask

In need of some “me” time, what better way to tune out your surroundings than to run a warm bath, light some candles and pop on an eye mask… and it might as well be a snazzy one!

Check out our eye mask tutorial here and shop ‘Beguiled’ prints here.

Ella Pouch

The roomiest of roomy pouches – a seam-star fav… the Ella pouch!

Perfect for any makeup bits or toiletries, it’s big enough for multi-purpose use.

Have a read of the full tutorial here.

Which project is you favourite? Which one will you be trying first?

Let us know in the comments below!

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We hope you found this tutorial useful! Let us know how you get along in the comments below.

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How To Use Odicoat Fabric Coating Gel

by Kellie Rose | Apr 29, 2021 | Haberdashery, Haberdashery Guides, Product Guides, Tutorials

You will learn how to use Odicoat fabric coating gel in this tutorial. In addition, we will be guiding you on its various benefits and uses.

Ever found the perfect fabric with the wrong composition for your project? If the missing element was waterproofing then we have discovered a brilliant solution; Odicoat. This clever gel gives fabrics a waterproof coating that is machine washable.

This isn’t the only use for this clever product, Odicoat also works as a fabric glue; Fabric can be applied to objects for decorative purposes.

A product guide for beginners

There are a few ways to waterproof fabrics, depending on the finish you are looking for.

Below you’ll find both a video tutorial on how to use Odicoat fabric coating gel as well as a more detailed photo tutorial so you can learn all about Odicoat! We hope you this post helpful.. Do let us know in the comments.

You’ll also find a cheeky discount code for your next Odicoat purchase at the end of the tutorial…

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

Why use Odicoat?

Benefits of Odicoat

Odicoat leaves fabric with a lightly rubberised feel; think of the finish (3 coats) as a more pliable oilcloth
Once application is complete the fabric is machine washable up to 30 degrees
Coated fabric is easier to cut, more durable and less prone to fraying
The finished fabric can be sewn, as you would PUL or oilcloth fabrics. Check out our full Waterproof Fabric Guide for more info
Waterproof fabrics offer greater stain resistance
Odicoat is water based, BPA free and acid free
Treated fabrics have a little more structure

Uses for Odicoat

Aprons
Tablecloths
Placemats
Wash bags
Make up bags
Embellishing decorative items
Outdoor cushions

Additional information

A single coat will give a matt finish, 2 or 3 coats will give a gloss finish:

1 coat – the fabric is protected, water repellent, with a matt finish

2 coats – the fabric is coated, with a gloss finish

3 coats – the fabric is waterproofed, with a high gloss finish

Fabrics coated with Odicoat should only be washed at 30^o
Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturers care advice before applying Odicoat
Use clips or pin within the seam allowance – pin holes will remain visible
Treated fabrics will have less drape
We recommend testing the suitability of Odicoat on spare pieces of the project fabric/ hidden area of an object before proceeding
Not suitable for thick velvet, suede or embossed fabrics
Foods must not make direct contact with Odicoat treated items
Odicoat is made in France by Odif

Disclaimer

Odicoat should only be used for it’s intended purpose
Follow the usage instructions
Always wash hands after use
Not for consumption
Keep out of the reach of children
Odif cannot be responsible for dangerous storage conditions or misuse

How to apply Odicoat

You will need:

Cotton fabric
Odicoat

Here we used:

A quilting cotton
3 coats of Odicoat

1. Before cutting fabrics to size, in case of shrinkage, apply the Odicoat to the right side of the fabric: Place your fabric right side up on a protected surface (greaseproof or plastic sheeting are ideal)

2. Using the card provided spread a thin layer of Odicoat onto the fabric; start from one corner and work outwards. Go back over the fabric with the card spreading out any thick patches/ streaks. Avoid moving the fabric until it is dry to prevent Odicoat getting onto the wrong side

3. Wait until the Odicoat is touch dry (20 to 30 minutes), cover with greaseproof and dry iron, heat setting 1/satin

4. Apply a second coat, as per steps 2. And 3. A third coat can be applied if required

5. Allow 24 hours for the Odicoat to cure fully then carefully peel the fabric off

How to use Odicoat as a glue

Odicoat can be used to stick fabric to wood, cardboard, metal, glass, ceramic, pottery, Styrofoam and stone. Once applied the Odicoat will give a water-resistant, satin finish:

1. Apply Odicoat to the back of the fabric being adhered with a flat brush

2. Position the fabric on the chosen surface

3. Apply another coat of Odicoat over the fabric

4. Wait 1 hour

5. Apply a second coat (optional)

6. Wait 24 hours

Check out our video below!

And you’re finished, well done!

Pin this for later!

We hope you found this tutorial useful!

Make A Reversible Baby Bib – Free Pattern And Video Tutorial

by Kellie Rose | Apr 9, 2021 | Tutorials

You have been loving our Dribble Bib blog post, so I thought it was time to show you how to make a reversible baby bib with these gorgeous Farm Days fabrics from Dashwood Studio!

You Will Need…

(Measurements are for 1 bib)

2 Cotton Fabrics min. 25x40cm each (We used Farm Days from Dashwood Studio!)

Thread

Kam snaps

Handy Tools We Used…

Needle Grippers

Pinking Shears

Important Things To Remember…

Use a 1cm seam allowance throughout, unless otherwise stated

When machine sewing, always backstitch at the start and at the end

Pre-wash your fabrics

Drop the stitch length around the curves for a smoother curve

Disclaimer: Suffocation hazard. Never leave a child unattended when wearing a reversible bib. Always remove a bib when a child is sleeping.

Want a ready-to-use pattern? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download the reversible baby bib pattern.

DOWNLOAD Pattern

Prefer written instructions? Check out our Dribble bib blog!

Ready? Click below to go to our YouTube channel for a step by step tutorial!

Don’t forget to subscribe for more tutorials and handy fabric guides.

Loved making this? We would love to see your makes over on the Plush Club Facebook group! Feel free to ask any questions there, or in the comments below.

Sew A Make Up Bag: Free Pattern and Tutorial To Make A Large Make Up Bag

by Kellie Rose | Apr 6, 2021 | My Makes, Tutorials

Fancy making a roomy make up bag pouch to show off some fave fabric prints? We just LOVE a make up bag with an accent fabric – it’s a really easy way to add sprinkling of extra interest to your project. At the end of this tutorial, you will be able to sew a large make up bag. In addition, there is a free pattern to download.

This make up bag is a really great size. The finished bag ends up approx 28cm wide & 17cm deep… add to that a flat bottom & the fact that zip isn’t sewn into the side seams means the pouch is BIG! So you can fit loads of your make up or toiletries inside. Or use it for craft supplies!

Pin This For Later!

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We’ve created a FREE PDF pattern for you to download and get stitching.

Download it below!

Get your free make up bag pattern here!

Click the button below to download.

DOWNLOAD PATTERN

This project is well within the grasp of a confident beginner.

If you need supplies for this project you can find everything you need in our online Sewing SuperStore – Plush Addict. You’ll find links for everything we’ve used throughout this free tutorial to make it super simple for you!

The fabrics we used in this project are from the Michiko collection from Makower & we think they make for a pretty elegant make up bag, the tassel is a darling finishing touch!

If you can bear to give it away after you’ve made it, this make up bag will make a beautiful gift for someone dear.

How To Sew A Make Up Bag

Sewing Skill Level: Confident Beginner

You will learn

How to insert a zip

How to apply woven interfacing

Important Information!

1cm seam allowance, unless directed

Use a 2.5mm straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length unless otherwise directed

You will need the following to sew the make up bag:

The PDF Pattern. Request your copy here

1 FQ quilting cotton for lining (pattern piece C)

30cm x 35cm quilting cotton outer A

30cm x 40cm quilting cotton outer B

Scrap quilting cotton for Zipper tab measuring 2” x 3”

50cm fusible Woven interfacing (Grab a cheeky 10% discount off your next Fusible Woven Interfacing purchase with WOVEN10 One time use per customer.)

50cm x 30cm of Fusible Fleece

12” zip (or longer) We used a 14″ zip and trimmed it down

1 x 10mm tassel (or make your own with a tassel maker!)

Thread

We used fabrics from the beautiful Michiko collection from Makower available from our online fabric shop here

Optional but very useful tools:

Clover Curved Awl

Wonder clips

Applique scissors

Let’s get started!…

Step 1: Cut your fabrics, interfacing & fusible fleece on the fold, as directed on the pattern pieces (request the pattern here).

Step 2: Iron the woven interfacing to outer fabrics A & B. For full instructions on how to apply woven interfacing please check out this post.

Step 3: Iron on fusible fleece to the Lining C following manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Take 1 x outer A and 1 x outer B & then sew with RST, taking note of which way is the top of your bag (especially important with a directional fabric – you don’t want to sew it upside down!).

Step 5: Press the seam allowance to one side (the darker fabric side) & top stitch with 3mm stitch length.

Step 6: Repeat steps 4 & 5 for the other side of the make up bag. You should now have fabrics that look like this.

Inserting The Zip:

Step 7: Fold back the end of the zip tape so it makes a right angle to the zip teeth. Tack with a couple of hand stitches.

Step 8: With outer piece face up lay the prepared zipper teeth side down.

Step 9: Take one of the outer pieces & mark with a pin ¾” from the left edge of the and 1” from the right hand side.

Step 10: With the zip teeth face down against the right side of the fabric, align the metal zip stop with the pin ¾” from the fabric edge.

Step 11: Aligning the zip tape with the raw edge of the fabric pin the zip in place. Baste the zip in place with ⅛” seam allowance aligning the fabric edge. Stop stitching at the 1” mark at the other end of the fabric.

Step 12: Lay the lining piece face down to sandwich the zip between the outer and lining fabrics.

Step 13: Stitch the zip in place with ¼” seam. When you get to the point you have marked 1” from the other end stop with your needle down.

Step 14: Pull the zipper tape away from the raw edge so the zipper is no longer in line to be stitched.

Pro Tip – A curved awl like this one is a very helpful tool here) Carry on with the seam to the edge of the fabric, stitching through the outer and lining fabrics only.

Step 15: Trim the fusible fleece excess out of the zip seam allowance.

Pro tip – These applique scissors make this a cinch & lessen your chances of cutting in to your fabrics by mistake.

Step 16: Finger press the zip seam, but don’t top stitch yet.

Step 17: Repeat steps 5 – 8 for the other side of the zip. Remembering to mirror the markings points as the outer piece is a mirror. Your project should now look like this…

Get your free pattern to sew a make up bag here!

Click the button below to download.

DOWNLOAD PATTERN

Sewing Up The Pouch:

Step 18: Open the zipper half way for turning purposes & pin the loose zipper tail to the lining to keep it out of the way.

Step 19: Bring together the 2 x outer pieces & 2 x lining pieces RST. On the outer pieces pin/ clip at the seam join & then clip all the way around, making sure the seam match at the outer seam and the zipper.

Step 20: Sew down both both side seams only.

Step 21: Trim away the excess fusible fleece from the seam allowance.

Step 22: Sew the bottom seam of the outer layer, then sew the lining fabric but leave a 4”-5” turning gap. Trim away the excess fusible fleece from the seam allowance.

Sewing The Corner:

Step 23: On each corner match the seams.

Step 24: Clip the bottom seams together & then sew, making sure the seam allowances are sewn open. Do this for all corners.

Step 25: Trim back the excess fabric on the corner seams to ¼”. Repeat for all 4 corners.

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Step 26: Trim excess fabric at either end of the zip, being careful not to cut your stitch line.

Step 27: Turn your bag to the right side through the hole left in the lining & then stitch the hole closed either by hand or by machine with a very scant seam.

Step 28: Top stitch all round the top of the bag with a 3.5mm stitch length.

Adding The Zipper Tab

Step 29: Crop off any the excess on zip tail to suit your desired length – you need to leave at least 1”.

Step 30: Take your zipper tab fabric and press in each edge by 1cm, then fold in half along the long side. With both short ends folded in 1cm, place 1 folded edge at the reverse of the zip and wrap both sides around the zip tape.