Half-square triangles are as basic as it gets, but that doesn’t mean they are boring. Those little easy-to-make blocks are so amazingly versatile, I’ll never stop building with ‘em. Today’s project, Reflective Stars, is a modern mashup of simple and complex design elements. But because we’re using half-square triangles, construction is a cinch! Click HERE to watch the tutorial.
Do you remember making snowflakes in grade school? We’d fold the paper into an itty-bitty triangle, snip out shapes with little safety scissors, and then open it up to reveal a frosty masterpiece. Good times! Today we’re kicking it back to those school days, but this time we’ve brought along our best sewing shears and a yard of batik. Click HERE to learn how to make an applique Snowflake Quilt!
A few weeks ago I demonstrated how to build a thick, sturdy Folded Strips Bag out of jelly roll strips. Today I’m expanding on that concept with a Folded Fabric Yoga Mat Bag. The strips are folded and stitched together the same way, but this bag is designed to fit a rolled up yoga mat. In this tutorial, I’ll demonstrate how to install a zipper and attach circular ends to your bag. Click HERE to watch!
If you’ve been following Man Sewing for long, you know I love working with The Burst Block. (Check out the entire Burst Block playlist HERE.) My Burst Block Template makes construction simple, and there are so many cool ways to put these blocks together, I can’t help but rebuild this quilt every once in awhile. This week’s Gator Quilt is my newest Burst Block creation, and with this fun, twisty layout, you don’t have to worry about lining up seams!
If you’re like me, and always on the go, then packing your sewing supplies is a must! Having a highly portable sewing station on the road is exceptionally helpful for working on projects, and is especially handy for toting tools to and from workshops! That’s why I designed the Tool Kit Journal. This unique carrying case can be customized to fit a variety of supplies. Fill it up with your most-used sewing tools, and you’ll have everything you need in one neat, portable package. Click HERE to watch the vid.
Cutting down on waste is one of the best ways to take care of Mother Earth, so I love working on reusable projects. My Double-Pull Drawstring Bag is a great substitute for throw-away bags, and it’s a cinch to make. In the tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to create this highly customizable bag, with French seams and casings! Use it as a super-durable shopping bag, a gift bag, or a travel toiletry kit. Organize small toys, sewing supplies, or electronic accessories. The possibilities are endless! Click HERE to watch the vid, and if you think of a clever use for this bag, let meRead More →
Come on, baby! Let’s do the twist! It’s time for another Free Motion Quilting tutorial. This week, we’re working on a Basic Twist. It’s a simple motif that packs a punch when you need to fill large areas. In this tutorial, I’ll show you two versions of this design, so pick your favorite and start stitching! Click HERE to watch the vid. (This is the 17th video in my FMQ series. I’ve gone over techniques, troubleshooting, and tons of cool motifs. Check out the entire collection HERE!)
In many forms of art, there are no shortcuts. No “marble carving made easy.” No “glass blowing for dummies.” Talent must be honed over years of meticulous practice, and even then, it takes a good dose of natural ability to succeed. Luckily, quilting is one art that can be enjoyed by just about everyone, no matter your skill level. Today’s Checkered Cross is an intricate design, but the construction is so simple, even a beginner can tackle this quilt! Click HERE to watch the vid!
There are hundreds of bag patterns out there, but when I make a tote, I don’t settle for ordinary. It’s got to look great, and it’s got to be tons of fun to make. This week, I grabbed a jelly roll, ironed the pieces into narrow, multi-layered strips, and started zig-zagging like a madman. It’s a unique construction, but the result is a cool, durable bag that is unlike anything you’ve seen before! Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
Crank up the tunes and get comfy, folks, cuz we’re headed for a piecing palooza! Today I’m stitching together a sea of gray hexagons. Add a punch of rainbow-ordered color, and you’ve got a super-modern color wheel! If you enjoy the piecing process as much as I do, this quilt is going to rock your world! Click HERE to watch the tutorial
