I know that most kids are already back hard at work at school, but there are always a few “Mom – I really need…” that pop up.
I’ve collected a few quick and easy free patterns for back to school sewing patterns (of course, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy them either!) to hopefully make your life a little easier.
Fabric lunch bags are an easy way to “green” your family.  They’re washable, reuseable and customizable.  This pattern is from Sewing.About.
I think water bottle carriers are such a handy thing – I’ve been using one for years.  They allow …read more

Is there a special little girl in your life who would love to wear a tutu?
Hey, why not even make one for yourself!
Lynne Bruning has written a fantastic how-to for Instructables on how to make your own fantasy tutu.  The tutorial allows you to get as fancy and as detailed with different fabrics, contrast fabrics and trims as you’d like.  Of course, if you want to make a simple, classic tutu, you can as well!
There are lots of photo of finished tutus as well – great for inspiration for your next sewing project!
image: Stock.xchg

b5media’s Lifestyle channel bloggers are a crafty – and romantic bunch!  Check out some of these great ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts for the whole family!

Junk Creation has 10 different ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts and activities.
Junk Creation also has an awesome tutorial for make-your-own candy message hearts!
Layers Upon Layers has pretty mixed-media art ideas to give as gifts for your special someone.
These heart-themed pieces of jewelry are sure to make some smile on Valentine’s Day from Jewelry & Beading.
Tree Hugging Family has some great eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas for your kids.
Tree Hugging Family also has some fun recipes, activities …read more

Handmade flowers are a great way to accent clothing, toys – even your own accessories!
There are lots of patterns out there, but this free pattern from Jo-Ann is a great easy how-to.  Perfect for kids and beginners!  Of course, you can get as fancy as you’d like and add more embellishments or another layer of petals.

The instructions call for using a specific type of scalloped ruler, but if you don’t have one, just cut the scallop shape into the fabric free-hand.  You could even use something else as a template (cups, paper towel rolls etc).
To check out the pattern, just …read more

Are you making crafts for Valentine’s Day?
Did you know that there are lots of free patterns and tutorials for Valentine’s Day crafts, sewing projects and even cross stitch charts in the Tangled Thread archives?  I decided to make things easier for you and have got a bunch of the patterns for you here:
♥ Three patterns for hearts & roses cross stitch.
♥ Try sewing your own lingerie for Valentine’s Day.
♥ Here are two of my easy hand-embroidered felt “Heart Felt” cards.
♥ This is another Heart Felt card – this time it’s accented with French knots.
♥ I made these cute little embroidered …read more

There are quite a few new babies and mommies-to-be around here lately, so I thought it would be fun to have a project for them!
Do you want to make a hand-made gift for the next baby shower, but don’t want to make the standard bib or receiving blanket?  Check out this great free pattern for a baby swaddler. It’s sized for newborn to three month old infant.  There are so many cute ways you could customize it – just make sure the embellishments are washable and baby-safe!
image: Stock.xchg

Okay, so we’ve gotten as far as embroidering the picture – it’s time to sew the bag!
Before you sew up the sides of the bag, cut your lining out, using the outside as a pattern.

Now you can go ahead and sew up the sides, right sides together.  I’m using a 1/2″ seam allowance here.

In order to make a flat bottom on the bag, we need to sew a straight line 1″ from the edge of the side seam.  Open up the bag and flatten out the bottom edges, like I’m demonstrating here.

This is how the seam looks after it’s sewn.

And …read more

To get started you’ll need an 7″ X 13″  rectangle of fabric (I’m using a mid-weight cotton, but feel free to use something different) and a selection of opaque fabric paints.  I’m using two shades of copper, gold, green & pearl white to demo this project.

I’ve fused a heavy weight interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric.  It makes it easier to handle & embroider.
Now you get to play!

I’ve drawn a simple moon using the pearl white, green leaves and a pumpkin.  I used the gold paint to outline the pumpkin and then filled in the middle using the …read more

It’s the last week before kids head back to school (at least in my neck of the woods) so how about an easy project to make with your kids or for your kids?
Simplicity offers some excellent free patterns, like this lunch sack:

Or how about a totebag?

Or even a cool pair of embellished jeans (for a lot less than stores sell them for!)