Only Craft – Craft Blog and Store

September 20, 2009

Make a Witches Cape

Filed under: Kids Painting and Crafts — Tags: , , , , , — @ 7:22 am

What’s a witches hat without a cape to go with it, complete the outfit and your trick or treater is ready for action come Halloween or for their next scary party.

What You Will Need:-

  • About 2m of black fabric. A lycra or satin will work nicely.
  • Black cotton
  • tracing paper to fit fabric
  • tape measure
  • string and fabric pencil

Measure the length, of the witch to be, from the neck to just below the knee. Now cut your piece of string to slightly longer than that length and tie it to the fabric pencil. Put a pin through the other end of the string and position it in a corner of the tracing paper. Now pull the string out to its full length and with the pencil draw a semi circle from one side of the paper to the other. You will also need to draw in the neck line. Repeat the above method using a smaller piece of sting that matches the length of the child’s neck.

Fold the fabric in half and pin the pattern onto it with the straight edge of the pattern on the fold. Cut around the edges, do not cut the folded side. Hem all exposed edges using a 6mm hem or an overlocker. Using left over fabric measure two lengths 40cm by 5cm for the ties. Fold the pieces in half length ways with right sides together. Pin and sew one short end and the length then turn right side out. Attach one tie to either side of the neck and sew into place.

The cape is now finished and ready to go together with the hat on a witches adventure.

Have Fun and keep :)

September 15, 2009

Tie Dye – Wall Hanging

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , — @ 5:26 am

This piece has 4 colours so it could be a little tricky but not difficult. The pattern has eight leaves, the colours you choose can represent season such as the colours of spring.

You will need:-

  • 2 mtrs by 90 cms of white dress weight fabric in cotton or calico.
  • four dyes with suitable matching colours
  • 2 dowelling rods 1 m long
  • thread
  • tie dye equipment

You must was and dry the fabric before starting. Make a hem at each end for fitting the dowel. Divide the fabric into eight sections, and fold or iron Draw a leaf shape in each section use a black thread and sew around each leaf, fill in the veins and the stems. MIx up your first dye, dye the fabric, rinse throughly and allow fabric to dry.

Pull up the stitching, and gather some fabric from inside the larger leaves. Mix up the second dye, dye the fabric, rinse and dry. Stitch and pull tight the dividing lines, reinforce the gatherered fabric inside the leaves then gather some areas from the rest of the fabric.

Mix the third colour, dye fabric, rinse and dry. secure the eight sections into separate bunches, dye fabric with the fourth colour, rinse and allow fabric to dry. Undo everything carefully and allow to dry then iron.

When ready slip dowel, into hemmed ends, attach a cord to the top and your wallhanging is complete.

Have Fun :]

September 14, 2009

Silk Screen Fabric Painting

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , — @ 6:33 am

What You Will Need:

Screen Frame – You can make or purchase one of these.

Strong wood and carpentry tools if you are planning on making the frame.

Mesh – You can use various fabrics – Cotton organdie, nylon or silk, it is important to use the correct mesh to suit the fabric being printed. Use a high mesh number for fine fabrics and a lower mesh for coarser fabrics.

Squeegee – Used to screen the dye onto the fabric, it should have a handle, a rubber edge and fit inside the dimensions of the screen.

Spray Gun – Used for background and stencil dying.

Waxed Stencil Paper – Used for sprayed designs.

Stencil Film- A coated translucent paper with a removable backing sheet that sticks to the screen printing frame.

Staple Gun – Drawing pins will work just as well. Used to attach the gauze to the frame and the padding to the printing frame.

Scouring Powder – For cleaning the screen.

Sticky tape and brown gummed paper strip – Used for masking the designs.

Stencil Knife – Should have a fine, sharp blade.

Tissue Paper  and cardboard – Used to protect the screen and stencil when they are being ironed.

Methylated Spirits – Remove the stencil.

The fabric used is polyester cotton sheeting.

Making a Screen :-

To make a screen you need to consider the design and add 15 cm (6ins), around all edges. Glue the frame together using a strong wood glue, plane and sand all the edges until smooth. The side pieces should be bevelled so that a minimum contact is made with the table.

Have a Go :)


September 7, 2009

Sewing Tips – Stitches

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , , — @ 8:48 am

Star Stitch

Work straight stitches into a central point. Stitches can be the same or different lengths.

Shadow Work

Work a row of closed herringbone stitches from either the right side or the wrong side of the fabric.

Cross Stitch

Work one half of each cross stitch in a row, then return and complete the remaining half. Ensure the upper half of all stitches lies in the same  direction.

Trellis Stitch

Tack two pieces of fabric to paper, leaving space between them. Stitch fabric edges together.

Hem Stitch

Draw out a few threads. Bring out a working thread two threads down from the drawn threads. Take needle behind four threads then atound the same four threads, coming out two threads down.

Buttonhole Stitch Loop

Take two or three stitches as long as desired loop. Work buttonhole stitch over the threads without catching the fabric.

Wool Rose

Work a block of four satin stitches for rose centre. Work stem stitches around the centre block, curving them and keeping tension loose.

Bullion Stitch and Grub Rose

Bring the needle through the fabric from back to front at a desired point. Doing a small running stitch go down and back through the fabric and then come back up. Leave the needle in the fabric. Wind thread around needle point six to eight times. Pull needle through fabric and thread, keeping thread twists in place. Position twists and insert needle, arrange a group of bullion stitches to form a grub rose.

Happy Stitching :)

August 25, 2009

Hand Applique

Filed under: sewing,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , — @ 8:03 am

Hand applique produces a softer, slightly puffier look than machine applique, and it has a distinctly handmade look that makes sewing heirloom items even more special.

If you like you can add a layer of lightweight wading under the shape for a added softness or make it standout by adding iron on interfacing.

When sewing applique by hand a narrow seam allowance around the shape is tucked under before the shape is slipstitched in place on to your item.

Cutting the shape – Mark a 3mm seam allowance around your chosen shape, then cut out just beyond this line.

Prepare the shape – Stitch round the shape just outside the seamline using tiny running stitches. This reinforces the shape and helps to prevent fraying.

Trim the fabric – Trim your shape along the inner marked line. Cut small notches up to the stitched line on outer curves, and snip to the stitched line on inner curves. Clip across any outer corners and snip to the stitched line on any inside corners.

Tack the edges – Turn the raw edges under just at the stitched line so it can’t be seen. Press down the edges by hand and tack them down.

Attach the shape – Place your prepared shape onto the background fabric or item in its desired position.Tack into place with diagonal stitches across the centre of the shape. This will ensure your shape is sitting flat and smooth on its fabric background,. Using a thread that matches your shape slipstitch all the way around with tiny stitches.

Happy Sewing :)

August 23, 2009

Applique’

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , — @ 4:44 am

Applique’ is stitching fabric shapes on to a background fabric to create designs. You can stitch the shapes by hand or machine, or you can fuse them on with a bonding fabric. It is a versatile technique that can be used to decorate many items from clothing to soft furnishings.

Materials

Fabric - The easiest form of applique’ uses motifs cut from printed fabrics. Fabrics with bold smooth outlines they are the easiest for cutting out and applying. Most firm colourfast fabrics work best, be sure they are a match for washing so there are no laundering problems. Stretch and loosly woven fabrics generally don’t work well.

Templates can be used if  you wish to make your own shapes, choose plain or patterned, firmly woven, smooth fabric for best results. Non woven fabrics such as felt and leather make good motifs they are easier to cut and they don’ fray.

Needles and Pins – Use fine, sharp pins and needles which will pierce the fabric without snagging or making large holes.

Thread – Should be matched to the colour of the motif

Dressmakers marker – for drawing designs .

Paper – Graph paper, tracing paper and thin  card are useful if you plan to do your own applique design.

Bonding fabric -can be used to fuse applique’ to the main fabric.

Scissors – must be sharp, use dressmakers scissors to  cut designs out roughly, then use small scissors to cut out fine detail.

Happy Sewing :

August 20, 2009

Sewing Tips – Seams

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , — @ 6:15 am

French and Fell Seams – These are both enclosed seams, which means that the raw edges are enclosed within the seam. This makes very strong and neat seams that are ideal for sheer fabrics, such as net curtains, as well as clothing that needs to with stand heavy wear, making it perfect for children’s clothes.

Both fell and French seams fall on the reverse of the fabric. With fell seams one stitching line is visible on the right, with French seams, no stitching line is visible.

French Seam

  1. Stitching the wrong sides… With wrong sides together, stitch a 1cm      (3/8 in)seam. Trim the seam to 3mm (1/8 in), then iron it.
  2. Completing the seam….Fold the right sides together so that the seam line is exactly on the fold. Iron. Stitch 6mm (1/4 in) from fold. Iron the seam to one side.
  1. Fell Seam Stitching the seam….With right sides together, stitch a 1.5cm (5/8 in) seam. Iron open and trim off half of one seam allowance.
  2. Enclosing the allowances……Fold the other seam allowance over the trimmed one, and tack it down so that the raw edge is enclosed. Stitch through all layers.

August 17, 2009

Knitting Stitches and Tips

Filed under: Knitting — Tags: , , , , , — @ 5:58 am

Garter or Knit Stitch - This is done by using any number of stitches and knitting every row. Both sides of the fabric look the same and each ridge represents two rows.

Stocking Stitch – This is achieved by knitting one row and purling one row. This produces a fabric which is smooth on one side and ridged on the other.

Moss Stitch - Moss stitch is usually worked over an uneven number of stitches. A moss stitch row follows k1, (p1, k1), repeated throughout.

Ribbing – Ribbing is usually worked over an even number of stitches k1, p1, repeated throughout. There are several variations in ribbing such as k2, p2 or k5, p5 – cast on a multiple of stitches repeated to the end.

Casting On -Making a Loop – An even cast on is important for a good finish. Don’t cast on too tightly or the edge will break when wearing. Never knit into the back of the cast on stitches. To cast on wrap yarn around first and second fingers of left hand. Place point of needle under the front loop and draw back loop through. Withdraw fingers from loop and draw loop up on needle. Working with length of yarn in left hand, pass this around left thumb.

Casting on can also be done using your thumb or using two needles these will be looked at in another post.

Have Fun & Happy Knitting :)


August 15, 2009

Choosing a Sewing Machine

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , — @ 6:05 am

Sewing machines come in a range of prices from reasonably cheap to very expensive. It is wise to put in some time to explore what a machine can do and also knowing what you want from it. You do need some skill and time to make the purchase of an expensive machine, capable of many complicated stitches, worthwhile. If your requirements are only for straightforward sewing and mending a reasonably priced machine should meet your needs.

Most machines can straight stitch, reverse (for binding seams), have zig zag attachments to overcast and for stretch fabrics, a zipper foot for easy insertion of zippers and an attachment for button holes.

Once you have an idea what you want and a rough idea of prices you can begin to shop around. Most sewing machine outlets are happy to demonstrate the machines and may even offer sewing lessons. Some reliable and well known brands can be purchased at discounted over the internet, just be sure to check you are buying from a reputable site and that gaurantees are offered.

Caring for your Machine

Follow the manufacturers instructions for care and maintenance of your new machine and oil as instructed. To clean the machine use the finest  nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and threads from the bobbin case area. After oiling sew through a folded layer of paper towelling several times to absorb excess oil.

Some Useful Tips

You can sharpen a sewing machine needle by sewing through a fine sheet of sandpaper. A wet sponge  mop makes it easier to pick up loose threads off the floor, even carpet. Keeping a small magnet handy when sewing will pick up dropped pins and needles easily.

August 11, 2009

Fabric

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , , — @ 6:23 am

If you have decided to make your own clothes or furnishings follow a few simple rules to ensure your time and effort produces a successful item. When choosing fabric follow the patterns suggestion. Many patterns will not work if the fabric does not match the patterns in weight, texture or design.

Here are a few tips on different types of fabric.

Cotton – Easy to sew, doesn’t usually fray. Needs to be pre shrunk before cutting.

Linen – Easy to use. Straighten grain before cutting. Use sharp scissors. Can fray so allow for large seams.

Silk - Varies  from soft draping sik to firmer types. Silk is very slippery pin selvedges together before arranging pattern pieces. Keep flat when cutting. Use very fine pins and needles and silk thread.

Wool - Comes in various weights and textures. Garments may need to be lined.

Synthetic Fabrics - Synthetics oftrn have a tighter woven selvedge.To prevent puckering when cutting snip selvedge about every 10cm before arranging pattern. Use fine needles and pins and synthetic thread. Machine tension may need to be loosened to avoid puckering. Use drip dry synthetic trims, zips, bindings and linings.

Sheer Fabric – These include voile and chiffon. Use very fine pins, clip selvedge at regular intervals. Use silk thread and small stitches when tacking. Stitch seams over tissue paper and tear away when finished.

Bondedf Fabric - Suitable for tailored garments it needs no lining and is easy to sew. Does not fray.

Napped Fabric - Includes velvet, needs a one way layout of pattern.

Linings, Facings and Interfacing - These should never be heavier than main fabric. Match colour and use washable linings for washable fabrics.

Enjoy :)

Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress