fabric Archives | National Sewing Circle

Material Cut With Wrong Sides Together

January 10, 2020 By Editor & filed under Ask a Sewing Expert, Blog.

I’m just starting sewing again after 40 years and when I laid out the pattern for my shirt and cut it out, I realized I had the material folded with wrong sides together as opposed to right sides. How much of a difference will this make and what do I have to do differently, if anything, when putting the shirt together to sew?

How To Choose A Fabric Marking Tool

September 13, 2017 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog.

Fabric marking tools come in handy whether you are sewing a garment, home décor project or are making a quilt. There are many different kinds on the market today, but here are some things to consider when selecting one. First, it is important to know if you are going to need temporary or permanent marks…

5 Clever Ideas for Storing Your Sewing Supplies

July 21, 2017 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

When it comes to sewing, most of us like to have a sewing studio that’s organized in a way where our supplies are easy to find. Not only can this make sewing more enjoyable, but it can make for more time sewing and less time spent looking for tools. That’s why we are always on…

Sewing 101: What Type of Fabric Should I Use?

April 21, 2017 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

When you first walk into a fabric store the amount of different fabric types available to choose from can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to sewing. And while you may want to pick the prettiest kind of fabric to start with, it may not be the easiest to work with. The following are…

Tips for Sewing with Leather

March 31, 2017 By Kelly Ralph & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

Sewing with leather takes some special consideration. Real leather is created from the skin of animals – primarily cattle – though other animals are sometimes used including goat or sheep, or even exotic animals like ostrich and alligator. There are also very nice and realistic faux leathers available that are great to sew with, though…

15 Reasons to Buy More Fabric

March 16, 2017 By Editor & filed under Blog, Just for Fun.

“I don’t think I need any more fabric; I’ve got all that I need”… said no one ever! In case you need any motivation to go out and buy more fabric for your next sewing project (though we highly doubt that you do!), here are 15 reasons to help you support your case! Special thanks…

Make Your Own Gift Bags, Tags, and Greeting Cards

December 7, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Projects, Tips & Ideas.

Are you tired of buying wrapping paper and gift bags year after year only to have them be thrown away as soon as the gift they are concealing is opened? Why not make your own gift wrapping materials that are not only reusable but beautiful and customizable enough that they become part of the gift…

Sew a Quilted Fabric Tote Bag

February 15, 2016 By Jessica Giardino & filed under Projects.

Pre-quilted bags can be found in designer stores everywhere. Why not make your own for a fraction of the cost? I personally have been coveting a quilted tote for a few years. I saw some pre-quilted fabric in the remnants bin and jumped at the chance to finally create my own! This fun project only…

Where Can I Buy Oilcloth?

November 13, 2015 By Editor & filed under Ask a Sewing Expert.

I see you have a lot of projects on your site using oilcloth. My question is, where do you even find this kind of fabric? I tried all my local fabric stores and none of them sell it. Most have never even heard of it! Submitted by Kim Hi Kim! I’m not sure what your…

Sewing Stretchy Fabric

November 12, 2015 By Editor & filed under Ask a Sewing Expert.

Hi – many thanks for your regular updates! I have been having problems sewing Lycra or any fabric that stretches. Do you have any advice on how to sew stretchy fabrics? Submitted via email When sewing with stretchy fabrics, one of the most important things to consider is your needle. Using the correct needled will…