Check out these step by step instructions to make your own lanyard. There is even a video tutorial! #forBeginners #Easy #lanyard #Wristlet #DIY #Sewing #ForGifts #Beginner #simple #Free #Fun #quick #Hip #Trendy #SewMuchMoore #SewMuchMooreInStore

Learn to Make a Lanyard

October 10, 2018October 10, 201811 Comments

Lanyards are such a useful item to have and to make! You can attach them to small wallets and hang around your neck (like the Kristine ID Wallet), or you can make a smaller version to use as a wristlet! I have even seen many people use lanyards as a key chain! Lanyards can make a fun and simple gift! Teachers LOVE them! One year, I gave all my kid’s teachers a lanyard and they were pleased as punch!

In this post, you will learn to make a lanyard, without having to use a Bias Tape Maker. Let’s get started and don’t forget to watch the video too!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Learn to make a Lanyard – Supplies List

Lanyard Fabric (I recommend 100% quilting cotton)
SF101 – Pellon Shapeflex (you can get this from Amazon or your local Quilt shop)
Thread (I recommend using a 40 wt thread)
1/2″ Swivel Lobster Clasp (I buy a large pack because these make EXCELLENT gifts)

Learn to make a Lanyard – Tools Needed

Sewing Machine
- If you are looking for a new machine, here are my recommendations
Cutting Mat & Rotary Cutter (I love this Rotary Cutter!)
Scissors (these are my favorite scissors)
iron and ironing board (I just love my Wool Ironing Mat!)

Learn to make a Lanyard – instructions

Cut Lanyard Fabric and Shapeflex to length (2″ x 38″)
Fuse the glue side (the bumpy side) of the Shapeflex to the wrong side of the Lanyard Fabric
1. Be sure to leave a few inches at each end without any Shapeflex. This will make it easier to sew together at the end.
Fold and press the entire length of the fused Lanyard fabric in half (lengthwise) with wrong sides together.
Open this fold and fold the long raw edged sides toward the middle crease and press.
Straight stitch along the both edges (starting with the open side first).
Insert lanyard tape through the Swivel Lobster Clasp Dring and sew both ends in place (enfolding all raw edges)

Sewing Tip!

Use a longer stitch length when sewing your lanyard tape together. I use a 3.0 stitch length and it gives it a nice Top Stitch effect!
Use a thicker thread – I use Aurifil 40wt.

I created a YouTube tutorial to help you learn to make your own lanyard. Enjoy!

I hope you learned a lot from this tutorial. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

I would love to know how you are going to use this technique in your next project. Are you going to make these for yourself or maybe as gifts? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Sewing!

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Learn to make Zipper Tabs

September 26, 2018September 26, 20184 Comments

Sometimes, it is hard to find the exact zipper needed in your for a project. There are so many different types, colors and sizes of zippers. In this tutorial, you will learn to make zipper tabs with a nylon zipper.

But first, let’s explore the anatomy of a nylon zipper.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

I like to use colorful zippers! They make projects fun and exciting! Let’s dive right in and Learn to Make a Zipper Tab!

Supplies:

Nylon Zipper (I get all my zippers right HERE)
3″x 4″rectangle of quilting cotton fabric
Thread (I recommend using a 40 wt thread – perfect for zippered projects)

Tools:

Sewing Machine
- If you are looking for a new machine, here are my recommendations
Double sided adhesive (this is the brand I use for zipper tape)
Small Rotary Cutter (just the Right Size!)
Scissors (these are my favorite scissors)
iron and ironing board (I just love my Wool Ironing Mat!)

Basic Instructions:

Fold and press fabric rectangle in half lengthwise , wrong sides together
Open it back up and fold each side to the center; press.
Trim the ends of the zipper tail to just beyond the “stopper”.
Slip the zipper end in between the folded fabric to create a sandwich. Fuse in place.
Straight stitch along the edge. Trim off ends of fabric from zipper tab.
Open zipper and repeat steps 3 & 4. Be sure to line up the zipper straight across the top opening before attaching the zipper tab.

Important Tips:

Go SLOW when stitching over the coil part of zipper. If the needle hits the zipper coil too fast it could snap and break.
Consider stitching the fabric a couple times, just for security sake.

I created a YouTube tutorial to help you learn to make zipper tabs. Enjoy!

Zipper tabs are the perfect little detail for small pouches. Sometimes, even if the zipper is the right size, I will make it smaller just to add the tabs. I just love the added punch of color! Like I mentioned before, I get all my zippers from my favorite zipper source. There are so many colors available and so many different zipper types and sizes too! This shop even has some excellent zipper pulls available as well!

I hope you learned a lot from this tutorial. I would love to know how you are going to use this technique in your next project. Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Sewing!

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The Kristine ID Wallet

September 19, 2018October 4, 201833 Comments

I was looking for ideas and inspirations when I landed on the Kristine ID Wallet pattern which is designed by Michelle Burke of Uniquely Michelle. While I typically don’t use Michelle’s entire pattern to make these little wallets, this has really turned out to be a practical and popular wallet for several genres! I was first introduced to this wallet style by following the very popular Vera Bradley designs. I also noticed that a vast majority of the Middle School and High School students were wearing the Vera Bradley ZipID Case. I have been a big fan of the Vera Bradley patterns and knew that I could probably make something very similar to this design. I was browsing through Craftsy and fell upon Michelle’s pattern. Let me tell you all about it!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Kristine id wallet Material list

- Pattern
- 1/4 yard fusible batting (such as Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolam Plus)
- 1/3 yard exterior fabric (check out these new prints – Super Cute!!!)
- 1/4 yard fusible woven mid-weight interfacing (such as Pellon Shapeflex 101)
- 1/4 yard lining fabric
- 3 1/4″ x 2 1/4″ piece of clear vinyl (I would recommend a 12 gauge vinyl)
- 1 – 7″ zipper (I always get my zippers right here)

Kristine id wallet SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine (if you don’t have one yet, here are some that I recommend)
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 40 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (no kidding about a sharp blade)
- The 28mm is the perfect size for this project – I have this one
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
- I love the tiny cutting mat for this project!
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips
Key ring or D-ring
2 – 1/2″ swivel snap hooks (optional – one for the wrist strap and one for the lanyard)
1 thin magnetic snap, or a size 16 snap, or a 1″ square of Velcro, or a button
Water-soluble erasable marking pen or chalk pencil
Thread
Fray Check (optional)
Double-sided tape or fabric glue

I used Michelle’s pattern and created a slightly different version of that wallet – my own Design Your Own ID Wallet. It’s completely handmade. I used designer cotton fabric for making these wallets and most are made to order.

Perfect for anyone!!!

Why am I so mesmerized by the design? Because of its usability and small size.

It lets you carry your essentials wherever you go – from your credit cards and ID to your cash. The clear window can act like a student ID holder. You can add a wrist strap and go hands-free. The long strap of the wallet goes around your neck to keep the wallet exactly where you need it.

This wallet is perfect for an office going woman or even a teenager. Big on practicality and fashion, it will be just the perfect companion for the modern day woman.

I made one for my neighbor and she was happy with it. Her Student Badge went in the clear ID pocket. The little coin purse stored her coins (and her earbuds). It’s very durable and resilient. She prefers to wear it around her neck and not with a wrist strap. It’s a personal choice – which is great!

You will need a couple pieces of hardware (not including the zipper) to make this wallet. I buy mine in bulk and have ordered them from Amazon (which is super duper convenient and economical too). Check the supply list above for the links. If you are like me, you can make dozens at a time! These sell fast, so make lots and lots!

Watch my tutorial right here:

Part One: Making the ID Window

Part Two: Finishing the Wallet

Part Three: Make your own Lanyard (coming soon)

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you will be notified when my next video tutorial is available!

I would love to see the ID wallets that you make! If you are not a maker, let me know if you would like me to make you one! I love to help with custom orders!!!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Sewing!

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Learn tips and tricks for working with Bias Tape and make this adorable mini quilt in the process! You can even make this into a Pillow top! #ForBeginners #easy #quilt #Quilts #Quilting #ideas #modern#ToMake #Designs #Simple #Blocks #Tutorial#quilting #sewing #handmade #Project #Patchwork #Contemporary #WalkingFoot #DIY #Fabric #Bedding #Hip #Trendy #SewMuchMoore #SewMuchMooreInStore

The Airshow Mini Quilt

September 12, 2018September 13, 20188 Comments

I just love my Airshow Mini Quilt! I took a Quilting Workshop, which was hosted by the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild. The KCMQG was hosting Latifah Saafir, with Latifah Saafir Studios. This workshop featured the Airshow Quilt pattern. Because the workshop was a half day, all the class participants learned how to make a mini quilt (or a pillow top). In this class we learned about Latifah’s pattern and some great tips and trick for working with bias tape. Let me share more about how I made my Airshow Mini Quilt.

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

THE airshow mini quilt – MATERIALS LIST

Airshow Quilt Pattern
Background Fabric: Qty (1) yard (I used Cotton + Steel Lipstick)
Bias Tape Fabric: Qty (1) Fat Quarter
- for this Mini Quilt, I used Sprinkles by Cotton + Steel
Focus Fabric: You can use scrap fabric. You will need at least 3 pieces that are at least 8″ x 6″
- for this Mini Quilt, I used Yours Truly by Kimberly Kight
Backing Fabric: Qty (1) yard
Binding Fabric: Qty 1/4 yard
Cotton batting (this is the exact batting I used)

(just a side note about the fabric that I used. I hope you are able to find some, with the links I have provided. This fabric is out of production and will someday be gone forever)

In case you wanted to make a different (larger size) of this amazing pattern, here is an image of what fabric amounts are required for each size.

THE airshow mini QUILT – SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine (if you don’t have one yet, here are some that I recommend)
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (no kidding about a sharp blade)
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips
1/2″ (12mm) Bias Tape Maker
Erasable Fabric Marker
Washable School Glue (like Elmer’s)

Be sure to check out my Amazon Shop to get all your Quilty supplies!

THE airshow mini QUILT – ASSEMBLY

Using Latifah’s pattern, you will cut out your focus fabric and glue this to your background fabric. Be sure to use Latifah’s diagram to help you layout the pieces in the proper place. Then, using your Erasable Fabric Marker, you will trace and draw your loop lines. Make your bias tape and sew this over the lines. Super fun and easy! In case you haven’t made bias tape before, here is a helpful video tutorial!

The entire class had a wonderful time making our Airshow Quilt Blocks! Check out some of these fun snapshots of the KCMQG Class! So many great varieties of fabric. Isn’t it amazing how different these can look, just by selecting different fabrics? Say hello to some of my favorite people! I just love the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild!

If you ever get a chance to take a class with Latifah Saafir, I highly recommend it! She is an excellent instructor and her style is amazing! You can learn more about Latifah on her website. If you belong to a guild, I would also recommend you make arrangements to have Latifah come for a visit! So much fun and inspiration!

I hope you try this fun project! This Airshow Mini Quilt has found it’s place on my wall of mini quilts! Yay!

Happy Quilting!

Check out these Quilty Posts!

The Baby Ooo Quilt

The Hashtag Quilt

Modern Pillow Cover

The Ooo Quilt

August 29, 2018August 31, 20186 Comments

The Ooo Quilt is a modern and fun project! This is another custom quilt I made for a very lucky High School Graduate! The Ooo Quilt was chosen from one of my Missouri Star Quilt Company Block books. This was from Volume 1, issue 4. In the book, this quilt was called “Jump Rings”. We decided to use the school colors (orange and black), so the quilt could also pose as a Halloween Quilt. The school mascot is a Pirate, so the skull and crossbones fabric worked out perfectly! Let me show you all about this quilt so you can make one too!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

THE ooo QUILT – MATERIALS LIST

Missouri Star Quilt Company Block Magazine (Volume 1, Issue 4)
Qty (1) Jelly Roll
- I cheated and cut up my own fabric and some specific Kona Solids that my client chose.
Qty (2.5) yards of background fabric (Kona Coal)
Qty (1.25) yards of border fabric (Kona Tangerine)
Qty (.5) yards of binding fabric (again, Kona Coal)
Qty (2.5) yards of backing fabric (yep – you guessed it – Kona Coal)
Cotton batting (this is the exact batting I used)

THE ooo QUILT – SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine with a quarter inch presser foot
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (no kidding about a sharp blade)
Acrylic Ruler
Cutting Mat
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips

Be sure to check out my Amazon Shop to get all your Quilty supplies!

THE ooo QUILT – ASSEMBLY

Be sure to get yourself a copy of the Block Magazine. In the pattern, you will find all the details for assembly. The process is really simple. Deciding upon the layout was fun. It took me several times to finally settle upon a layout!

I numbered my rows, after I decided on the layout. That really helps me to keep things straight when I get the blocks back to the machine for sewing.

TIP: I used the following video tutorial as a general guide for assembly:

THE 000 QUILT – ALMOST FINISHED!

Once I had my quilt top assembled, I drove to my friend’s house to rent some time on her wonderful long arm quilting machine. Once you use a long arm quilting machine – it’s difficult to go back to quilting on your domestic (just sayin’). I know everyone doesn’t have a long arm option, so you can always use free motion quilting on your domestic. It’s simple! Be sure you have a Darning Foot! There are different kinds, based upon the shaft of your specific machine. I always love my time with my friend’s long arm machine! I would love to have one of my own, but I have NO ROOM! Maybe someday! Until then, I hope to keep Tia Curtis as a close quilty friend! She is so helpful and wonderfully talented! She even took this fun picture of me (with the pile of quilts I accomplished in one day)!

Once I sewed on the binding, I could not wait to take some pictures of this amazing quilt! I convinced my husband to help me take some pictures of the finished quilt. We took a drive to the Powell Gardens for some scenic pictures. It is such a great location! I liked this picture the best! What do you think?

Making The Ooo Quilt was fun and easy! I just loved making it and my customer loved the result! Yay!

If I were ever to make this quilt again, I think I might simply use a Jelly Roll. That would certainly make the process much quicker. I hope you try to make one of these quilts.

Happy Quilting!

The Hashtag Quilt

August 23, 2018August 23, 20182 Comments

Sometimes, I make commissioned quilts. It is not very often that I do this – simply because it is very expensive for the customer. I had a customer request that I make a quilt for their son, who would be graduating from High School. We looked through quilting magazines and she decided upon The Hashtag Quilt. Let me tell you all about it!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

The Hashtag Quilt – MATERIALS LIST

Qty (1) Layer Cake Package of qty 42 10″ fabric squares
- I cheated and used black yardage (I cut these into a million strips!)
Qty (3.5) yards of White Fabric (this is for the background and the border
Qty (.5) yards of Fabric for the binding (I just used my black yardage and cut the strips a little wider)
Fabric for backing
Cotton batting (this is the exact batting I used)

The Hashtag Quilt – SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine with a quarter inch presser foot
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (no kidding about a sharp blade)
Acrylic Ruler – I recommend the Stripology Ruler.
Cutting Mat
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips

Be sure to check out my Amazon Shop to get all your Quilty supplies!

The Hashtag Quilt – assembly

I definitely found the Stripology ruler to be a MAJOR time saver for this quilt! So many cuts of the same size! I also highly recommend that you use a 1/4″ quilting foot (be sure you get the right one – tons of choices for different machine shafts). There is tons and tons of chain piecing, so be sure to wind lots of bobbins too – or you can cheat and get the pre-loaded bobbins. I won’t tell – hehe!

I created 2 kinds of strip units. The first strip set was white/black/white and the second set was black/white. I sewed these together and then cut them to size. I sewed black strips perpendicular to create the hashtag. I followed the instructions in the following video to create the remainder of my quilt top. Check it out!

The Hashtag Quilt – almost finished!

I always love my time with my friend’s long arm machine! I would love to have one of my own, but I have NO ROOM! Maybe someday! Until then, I hope to keep Tia Curtis as a close quilty friend! She is so helpful and wonderfully talented!

Once I sewed on the binding, I could not wait to take some pictures of this amazing quilt! I convinced my husband to help me take some pictures of the finished quilt. I liked this picture the best! What do you think?

Making this Hashtag Quilt was fun! There were times when I had to give my eyes a rest (all that black and white can make you dizzy). But in the end, I just loved it and so did my customer! Yay!

If I were ever to make this quilt again, I think I might use more color(s). What color(s) would you choose? Comment below and inspire me!

Happy Quilting!

Be sure to check out these Quilty posts!

The Eight Point Star Quilt Block

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Make a Memory Pillow from a Men’s Shirt

June 6, 2018June 7, 20185 Comments

Have you ever wanted to take a piece of clothing and repurpose it into a pillow cover? When my Father passed away, we were not sure what to do with all his clothes. So many of what he wore reminded us of different days or events that we shared in his life. I wanted to take some items and find a way to keep a hold of his memory while utilizing his clothing in the process. In this tutorial, I will show you how I took my Father’s button down shirt and repurposed it into a Memory Pillow to cherish for years to come! Let me show you how to make a Memory Pillow from a Men’s Shirt!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Memory Pillow – MATERIALS LIST

a Button down shirt
- Preferably made from cotton (but it is not required)
- My Dad’s shirt was a size XL, so that gave me a bigger pillow form option.
Custom Embroidered Patch (Handmade in America by CR Creations Shop)
Pillow Form
- Mine was 20 x 20 (you can get one right here)
Shape flex or SF101
- This is not required, but it definitely gives the pillow cover a sturdier hand

Memory Pillow – SUPPLY LIST

Sewing Machine
Serger (not required, but recommended) I use the Brother 1034D.
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade
Acrylic Ruler
Sharp Fabric Scissors (this is my favorite brand)
Large Cutting Mat
- I have a VERY large mat, but you really just need something that is a little bigger than the front of your pillow cover. (try one of these)
Iron & Ironing Board
Sewing Pins or Wonder Clips

Memory pillow – CUTTING & prepping

The size of your pillow cover is going to be limited to the size of your shirt. Measure the length and width of your shirt to determine the size of pillow form you can use. My shirt measured 30″ in length and 26″ in width. I had a 20″ x 20″ pillow form on hand – so that worked out great for this project!

Before I cut the shirt apart, I buttoned the front of the shirt closed. Using my favorite fabric scissors, I cut the front of the shirt away from the collar and the back. I also omitted the sleeves.

I cut the back away from the collar and sleeves as well. Then I used the following measurements when I cut apart my Dad’s shirt. Again, my pillow form was 20 x 20, so I used the measurements listed on the below chart.

Memory pillow – sewing and finishing

Next, I followed these steps in assembling the pillow cover.

Step 1 – Sew the front of the shirt closed
Step 2 – Fuse the Shapeflex to the wrong side of the front and trim to size
Step 3 – Fuse the Shapeflex to the wrong side of both back pieces. Fold a 1 inch hem on each side. Trip to size.
Step 4 – Place one back piece on top of the other so that both hemmed edges will overlap. This is the envelope opening. Secure with stitches along the bottom and top edge using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Step 5 – Follow the instructions to iron the patch onto the front of the shirt
Step 6 – Sew the patch to the front of the shirt. This is optional (since the patch is technically iron-on).
Step 7 – place the back assembled pieces on top of the front (right sides together). Pin along the edges.
Step 8 – Sew the perimeter of the pillow cover, using a 1/2″ seam allowance. You can choose to serge this at the end. I think it adds a nice touch and finished the cover nicely!

Now all you need to do is turn the cover right side out and install the pillow insert! Yay! This repurposed shirt is being gifted to my big brother. You guessed it, his name is Shad!

You should make a Memory Pillow cover too! I have a fun giveaway to get you ready! All you have to do is comment below and tell us what you plan to repurpose and you will automatically be entered into this random drawing. One lucky winner will receive one Custom created memory Patch from CR Creations Shop!

I will notify the lucky winner next week and get the custom embroidery details plus shipping info. You can comment multiple times to enter. Each new comment is an additional entry. You can even enter on my Instagram and Facebook comments! See my patch for all the contest rules.

I can’t wait to hear what you have planned! Comment below!

Until next time – Happy Sewing!

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The Eight Point Star Quilt Block

May 30, 2018May 30, 2018Leave a comment

The Eight Point Star Quilt Block has many names! Some may call it the Evening Star Block, while others call it The Sawtooth Star Block. Whatever you decide to name your block it is certainly one that has stood the test of time. In this tutorial, I will show you how to construct this block by making Flying Geese units. Flying Geese can be considered a staple in the quilting world. There are many ways to make Flying Geese. Let me show you one of my favorite Flying Geese techniques while making the Eight Point Star Quilt Block!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

the eight point star – Materials List

Main Fabric
- Pink = I used Cotton + Steel Add It Up (lipstick)
- Center = I used Cotton + Steel Strawberry Peach
Background Fabric I used Cotton + Steel Add It Up (Party Hat)

the eight point star – Supply List

Sewing Machine
Cotton Thread (I recommend Aurifil 50 wt)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade
Frixon Marking Pen (these are great for helping with seam allowance)
Acrylic Ruler
Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat (I have a rotating mat and it’s awesome)
Iron & Ironing Board

the eight point Star – Cutting & mARKING

To get your cutting measurements, you have a couple choices:

Option 1: Download for free.

To download the cutting measurements for free, you can subscribe to the Sew Much Moore Newsletter. AFTER you sign up, you’ll get a confirmation email – and you have to confirm or my email service can’t send you the free pattern access email. But once you do confirm, you’ll get access to not just this but several other free patterns. Woot!

(PS – if you have trouble finding the pattern as a subscriber, please contact me)

Option 2: Purchase your cutting measurements

Use this link to purchase the cutting measurements file. You’ll be emailed a download link for a file that references the instructions in this tutorial and provides the cutting measurements for this Quilt Block. You’ll also be able to download this file in my shop.

Once you have your fabric pieces cut, follow the directions below.

For really accurate piecing, I would recommend marking your sewing lines on your cut fabric pieces. Marking your sewing lines can help you maintain your quarter inch seam allowance, which leads to excellent quilt blocks! One of my favorite marking tools are Frixon markers and pens. The ink in these pens and markers will disappear when pressed with a hot iron – They are super duper handy! Mark pieces (C) with a diagonal line. Then mark your quarter inch seam allowance sewing lines on your remaining fabric pieces (A, B, & D).

the eight point Star – FLYING GEESE UNITS

Step One: Begin by laying piece (C) on the top and right side of a piece (B). Sew along the diagonal marked line. Cut off the excess fabric and set your seam with an iron. Open the seam and press.
Step Two: Next, take another piece (C) and lay it on the top left side of the same piece (B). Sew along the diagonal marked line.
Step Three: Cut off the excess fabric and set your seam with an iron. Open the seam and press.
Step Four: Make the other (3) Flying Geese units.

the eight point star – assembling the block

Now that the Flying Geese units are all assembled, we just need to complete the rows. Using your marked quarter inch seam, sew the pieces (A) to both ends of 2 of the flying geese units. Sew the remaining two flying geese units to the center square. Be sure to press your seams in the opposite direction so you can easily nest your rows.

Don’t you just love this block? I especially love this color combination! You could also use just one main fabric print for pieces C & D for a more traditional block. Either way – the Eight Point Star is a really fun and simple Quilt Block. I hope you make lots and lots of them!

Happy Quilting and share this tutorial with your quilting friends!

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Scrappy Colored Pencils Mug Rug

February 22, 2018February 22, 201810 Comments

One of my good friends asked me to make her some mug rugs. She was looking for a “Back to School” theme and I came across the perfect pattern! The Colored Pencils pattern by Kristy Lea of Quiet Play is a fun and easy foundation paper piecing pattern that is just perfect for using up your precious scraps! I am a HUGE fan of Kristy’s patterns. She totally gets the need for fun and contemporary patterns. She even has quite a few modern patterns as well! At the time I made this project, her Colored Pencils pattern was free. I may still be! Let me show you all about the Colored Pencils Mug Rug that I made for my friend Janelle!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Colored Pencil Mug Rug – Materials List

Pattern
Rainbow assortment of fabric scraps
Background fabric
Fabric for “pencil lead”

Colored Pencil Mug Rug – supply List

Sewing Machine (here are some machines I recommend)
Cotton Thread (I have a recurring order for this thread – I love it!)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (I used this smaller cutter on this project)
Rotary Cutting Mat (I used this cutting mat on this project)
Iron & Ironing Board (I’m currently using this brand of iron)
Add-A-Quarter Acrylic Ruler (this is the BEST ruler for foundation paper piecing)
Foundation Paper for pattern (I use this paper – it sews and tears away easily)

Colored Pencil Mug Rug – choosing the scraps

If you have been quilting for a little while, it does not take much time to start accumulating scraps of fabric. I love the fabrics that I buy and tend to keep many of the scraps that are generated with my various projects. This project was fun to make because the scraps reminded me of all the past project I originally made! Using some selvage edges, I added to the pattern along the bottom of the mug rug. I think that really “MADE” the mug rug!

I highly recommend you try this pattern. It is super fun and easy. If you need some help with foundation paper piecing, I recommend you take this online course by Carol Doak. She is an excellent virtual instructor! I finished this project off with some leftover binding from a previous project. I didn’t cut into any new fabric to make this fun Mug Rug! My friend Janelle loved her new Mug Rug!

I had a hard time remembering all the names of the fabric that I used in this mug rug. If you recognize one and know the name of it – please leave me a comment below!

Happy Stitching!

Valentines Day Mug Rug

February 14, 20185 Comments

I love Valentines Day! Not just because it is a day dedicated just to LOVE, but also because this special day is a great reason to make something for someone you love! Making a Valentines Day Mug Rug is a great way to show someone you care. These fun and simple sewing projects are just the thing to make for your special Valentine! Let me show you how!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. 🙂 Read my full disclosure policy here.

Valentines Day Mug Rug materials LIst

Qty (1) Charm Pack (check your Local Quilt Shop)
Qty (1) Acrylic Template (I used this template)
Qty (1) The Purple Thang
Qty (1) Fat Quarter background fabric
Qty (1) piece of 18″ x 24″ batting (this is my all time favorite brand)

Valentines Day mug rug Basic Supply List

Sewing Machine (here are some machines I recommend)
Cotton Thread (I have a recurring order for this thread – I love it!)
Rotary Cutter with sharp blade (I use this brand – 45mm)
Rotary Cutting Mat (I recommend this rotating mat – it’s amazing!)
Iron & Ironing Board (I’m currently using this brand of iron)

Valentines Day mug rug Making the dresden PLATE

One of the cutest things about these mug rugs are the Dresden plates! These are super easy to make. Just use your acrylic template and cut out as many as you would like. For each Valentines Day Mug Rug, you will need approximately 7-8 Dresden Blades. If you plan to make a bunch of mug rugs you can cut out lots more! You can get 1-2 blades out of each Charm Square. Be sure to cut a variety to make your project even more interesting!

Once you cut out the Dresden blades, you will fold the right sides together and sew a straight line across the top. I like to chain piece these together. The sewing goes quickly and before you know it, you will have a garland string of dresden blades!

Clip the threads between each blade and turn the top of each blade right side out. Use your Purple Thang to achieve a nice crisp point at the top. Press each blade and then sew them together as shown below.

Valentines Day mug rug – machine APPLIQUÉ

Once you have about 7-8 of these blades sewn together, you can machine appliqué them onto your background fabric. The amount of blades you use in each mug is relative to the size of your background fabric. I typically cut my background fabric to 10″ x 8″. It’s okay if the blades extend past the background fabric. We will trim that down later.

You can cut a circle from one of your charm squares to add your center. I like to zig-zag appliqué those in place. Use whatever fancy stitches that your machine can do. You will want to make sure you cover the exposed dresden tips at the bottom.

Valentines Day mug rug – the finishing touches

Trim around the background fabric to your desired mug rug size. Sandwich your batting between your Mug Rug top and backing. Add your binding and before you know it – you have a really cute Valentines Gift!

You really don’t need to have a Valentine to make these fun Mug Rugs! These make great gifts for everyday as well! Use up your scraps and make one for everyday use! Check out these fun and scrappy Dresden Blade Mug Rugs!

Cant you tell that I have a thing for Cotton + Steel fabric and Starbucks YAH Mugs? I keep most of my fabric scraps and have well over 20 different YAH (You Are Here) mugs! I love the black background on this one! What about that striped binding! Hello Tula Pink!!!

If your scrap pile is anything like mine – I bet you will have plenty of materials for these little projects! Grab your acrylic template and start making some today! Let me know how it went for you in the comments below!

Happy Sewing!