Sewing Tutorial To Do List

Here are some tutorials I want to try when I have time.

http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/2010/02/refashion-tutorial-toddler-ruffle-skirt.html

http://sewretrochic.blogspot.com/2009/10/shirred-mod-top-tutorial.html

http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/04/most-flattering-shirt-dress-diy.html

http://sewhappytocraft.blogspot.com/2010/04/gymboree-inspired-tank.html

Reversible Sun Top

SOURCE: http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2010/06/reversible-sun-top-tutorial-by-from.html


Use 1/4 inch seam allowance unless otherwise noted.


What you will need:

- Aprox 1/2 yard each of two different fabrics

- 1/2 inch elastic

- Sewing machine, thread, and all that stuff

Your Pieces:

When you are done cutting you will have 6 pieces.

2 shirt panels

4 Strap Pieces


To cut these you need to take a couple of measurements from your kiddo.

1. Measure all the way around your child's chest (We'll call this measurement A)

2. Measure mid chest, up over the shoulder to the same spot on the back- This is for the strap length.

(We'll call this measurement B) Be conservative on the measuring so the straps don't end up too long.

3. Measure mid chest down to where you want your top to end. (We'll call this measurement C)


Shirt Panels (cut 1 of each fabric)

Measurement A multiplied by 1.5 + 1 inch

For example my measurement A was 23 inches X 1.5 + 1 inch = 35.5 inches

Now take Measurement C and add 1/2 inch

For example my measurement C was 13 inches + 1/2 inch = 13.5 inches

I am going to cut two panels (one of each fabric) 35.5 inches by 13.5 inches

Straps (Cut 2 of each fabric for a total of 4)

Measurement B multiplied by 1.5 + 1/2 inch by 1.75 inches (all sizes)

For example my Measurement B was 10 inches X 1.5 + 1/2 inch = 15.5 inches .

I am going to cut 4 pieces (2 of each fabric) 15.5 inches by 1.75 inches

Let's get sewing! Take one strap piece of each fabric (so you will have two strap pieces which are different). Right sides together sew down the long edges leaving the ends open. Do this with the other two pieces.

Turn your straps and press. Top stitch in from either side 1/4 inch. This is going to be the casing for your elastic.

Cut two pieces of elastic the length of your measurement B + 1/2 inch. So I cut two pieces of elastic 10.5 inches. using a safety pin insert into the casing of each strap. Sew the very ends just to secure the elastic. Even out the fabric along the elastic to create nice pretty gathers. Set straps aside.

Grab one of your shirt panel pieces and fold right sides together sewing down the short end. You will create a tube like shown. Now opposite your seam sew along the fold 1/4 inch. I like side seams on things. If it doesn't bother you just having one seam you can skip this step. Do the same thing with the other shirt panel.

Take one of your shirt "tubes" and using a ruler mark into thirds. Pin your straps to the two marks you made. Your opposite fabric should be facing up.

Take the other end of your straps and pull under your shirt panel and up to the same spot on the other side. Pin.

Place inside your other shirt panel, right sides together matching side seams. It is a good idea to pin all the way around. I'm going to be a rebel and not pin. I like to take risks like that. Sew all the way around and remove pins.

Turn right side out and press. This is what you should have so far.

Top stitch along the top edge 1/2 inch in. Then in again a little more than 1/2 inch to create a casing for your elastic. The second line of sewing you do make sure you leave an opening of about an inch to insert your elastic. To create an even line of stitching I just place my elastic on top lined up to my first row of stitching to make sure I am going to have a wide enough casing. I am just using the elastic as a ruler, not sewing it!

Cut a length of elastic equal to measurement A. Putting your hand up between both layers of your top insert your elastic. Sew ends of elastic together and then close up the inch you left open to insert the elastic. This is what you will have now. Almost done!

Press up your shirt panels 1/4 inch. I am showing you one panel. Do this with both.

Top stitch the bottom hem in about 1/8 inch. Your hem should be completely even on both sides and the top stitching should show through on the other side on the same spot. This will enclose the raw edge of the bottom of your top. You're done!

Hooded Towel Bathing Suit Cover Up

SOURCE: http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/2010/06/beach-towel-dresses-tutorial-ish.html


No real tutorial for these, as they were stunningly easy to make, but here is a run down to show you what I did.
These are the pieces you'll need. The red lines that I drew indicate where you want to use the finished edges of the towel to save yourself some work.
First, ruffle the trim and sew it to the bottom of the dress pieces. Sew the two hood pieces together.

Then sew the dress together on the side seams and shoulder seams. Sew the hood to the neckline. Finish the arm holes and neckline with bias binding. When you sew the bias binding around the neck, make sure you catch the hood's seam allowances also.
That's it!

Ruffle Flower Onesie

SOURCE: http://mintnclandycreate.blogspot.com/2010/04/flower-ruffle-onsie.html


Materials:

Scissors
Ruler/Measuring Tape
Lighter/Candle
Bowl of water
Synthetic Fabric
Beads or buttons
Fabric paint with small tip (or q-tip)
Cordinating Thread
Onesie


Directions:

1. Begin by cutting various sizes of circles out of your synthetic fabric. You'll want Large, medium and small circles.

2. Light your candle, or grab your lighter. Make sure your bowl of water is nearby. Hold the circle of fabric just outside the flame, so that the fabric is melted slightly around the edges. Approach this as you would if you were roasting marshmallows & BE CAREFUL! You don't actually want to catch the fabric on fire. Using a synthetic material is also important - natural fibers won't singe.
3. Once your petals have all been prepared, arrange concentric circles. I used 1 large, 3 mediums & 3 smalls for the corsage on the front of the onesie and several large & smalls for the bottom ruffle. You can play with the arrangements. Some fabrics look better with more layers. For the corsage ruffles, this is the point where you would place your bead on top, and sew through the bead with your thread doubled. Knot it on the back of the flower and repeat until the bead is securely fastened.
4. Secure the flowers to the front of your onesie by hand following the same technique as above - through the bead. After all flowers are in place, sew through all layers from the wrong side of your onesie out through the flower layers to create anchor points to keep flower from wrinkling up after washing.

Step back & admire your handiwork! Your front is finished.
5. Measure up 3 inches from the edge of the leg on the onesie. Arrange your flowers in a straight line and across the onesie and pin in place. I chose to use only large and small petals at this point. Gradually move them through your machine, being careful to pull the pins out before sewing & make sure the petals are laying flat as you continue sewing in a straight line. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your line of flowers to secure them in place. (You could hand sew these if you are uncomfortable with a machine. Just be sure to secure your flowers in place). The sizes of the flowers can vary some, so don't worry if your circles are imperfect. These imperfections give it more personality. I used 7 flowers across the length of the onesie.
6. Using fabric paint, dob the center of each flower to bring them to life. I chose not to use beads on the back, to make it more comfortable & practical for little ones to wear.

Crayon Iron-Ons

SOURCE: http://mommymeatloaf.blogspot.com/2010/04/crayon-iron-ons.html

Crayon Iron-Ons


Take a piece of coarse sandpaper and color your design on the rough side. I free-handed some hearts and flowers. Since my son isn't old enough to really draw designs yet, I cut out some shapes and letters for him to color. Remember: When cutting out letters or when coloring words, you must make them backwards so when they are transfered, they face the right way.

Now for the adult portion! Take your material (shirt, bag, whatever) and put it on your ironing board. Be sure to put a piece of white paper or aluminum foil under the layer of fabric you are putting your iron-on on. If you don't, the crayon will bleed through. Place your picture on the fabric, crayon side down. Now iron it on. Be sure to move the iron very slowly and iron for 10-20 seconds (don't burn your shirt though).
Now, carefully peel off the sandpaper while its still hot and ALL done!!

Wait until your child sees their masterpiece on a piece of clothing. They'll love it!
BE SURE TO READ THIS: While handwashing is best, you can wash your project in the machine on cold. DO NOT DRY YOUR PROJECT IN THE DRYER! Not only will the crayon melt all over your project, it will probably ruin all the clothes in the dryer. I know this from experiences with crayons left in pockets.

Tulle Ruffly Skirt

Source: http://pinkpicketfence.typepad.com/pink_picket_fence/2009/04/her-tulle-skirt-the-new-fave.html

Specifics:

The skirt base: I made this skirt less full than usual -- the tulle makes it full enough. Wait to add the elastic at the end.

The ruffles: The tulle strips are about 2" wide. I think I used a half yard, total.

I attached all the tulle strips together before gathering, so it went quickly. I didn't worry about backstitching or anything.

I made a long stitch (you'll have to experiment) down the middle of the strip and it gathered itself. At first I had it on 'basting' stitch, but it was actually too gathered.

Attaching the ruffles: I started at the top of the skirt. When I got to the end of a row, I overlapped the ruffle a half inch, cut away, backstitched, and then eyeballed the next row and started sewing again. The ruffle really doesn't come undone.

Care: In my experience, you can wash tulle just fine (a lingerie bag works well), just don't put it in the dryer. I wasn't too bright and used linen for the skirt, so I am going to have to iron this one from the inside out, very carefully. Oops. Good thing these are fast in case I have to make a replacement. (Know what would work nicely? A no-iron percale sheet. I'll have to remember that for next time.)

Ruffly Skirt

Source: http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/search/label/kids?updated-max=2009-08-12T16%3A05%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=20

Basic Ruffle Instructions

Make this skirt:
http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2008/08/lazy-days-skirt-free-pattern.html

Then, before adding the elastic waist to the skirt, I marked the skirt in 1 ½ inch intervals to help me see where to sew on my ruffles. I then took a contrasting fabric and cut them into 1 ½ inch pieces, selvage to selvage (about 44 inches). You need about two of these pieces per ruffle tier on your skirt. I then used my serger to finish the edges of my ruffles so they won’t fray. If you like the frayed look you may want to skip this step. If you don't have a serger, you can either zig zag or overcast stitch your ruffle pieces with your sewing machine.

Next, using my sewing machine and some tweezers, I scrunched up the ruffles as I sewed them down to the skirt using my marked lines. (This keeps your fingers out from under the needle!) Once the ruffles were on, I added the elastic. I made this skirt a little big for my girl because I want her to be able to wear it longer than a month—kids grow so fast!

Easy Tie Dye Shirts

Source:  http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/search/label/kids?updated-max=2009-10-06T00%3A00%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=20

Did all of you see the fabulous dollar store tie dye post on Make and Takes a while back? If you happened to miss it, click here to check it out. As soon as I saw the idea I was pumped. I knew my boys would love to try their hand at making their own tie dyed shirts and I also knew it would be a fun, cheap craft that we could do together. Winning idea all around!


Following the simple instructions posted at Make and Takes, my boys were really excited to make their shirts. I found these plain white shirts at Walmart for $2! After pulling out my very large stash of tissue paper, pouring vinegar into an empty (but clean) cleanser bottle, and covering my table with garbage bags....we were ready to start!

I gave my boys some scissors and let them have at it. They chose various colors of tissue and cut it into all different shapes and sizes. They had fun positioning them on their shirts.

After they had covered their shirts, I sprayed vinegar all over the tissue paper. More is better in this situation because you really want to make sure all of the tissue paper is wet.

We then let the shirts sit out and soak up the vinegar over night. When the vinegar was dry in the morning we peeled off the tissue paper and dried the shirts in the dryer to set the dye. The color comes out very pale, but my boys were thrilled with the results. It was such a cheap craft and they were so proud of themselves for making their own designs!