How to Use a Twin Needle Tutorial

Not so much. In reality, my first (second, sixth…) attempt to use a twin needle resulted in a headache and a desire to hurl myself out of my first-floor sewing room window. I would have given up many moons ago, but I had developed a bit of a stubborn vendetta. (You’re shocked, I know.)

The most impactful way to customize your tote is to adapt the size. This simple change takes the same shape from a tiny party favor bag to a large shopping sack. In this episode of Rock the Tote, I’ll show you a few size variations and provide you with easy equations to tweak your next tote to perfectly fit its contents.

Unequivocally, my favorite trim is piping. I like it in a solid color or any variety of print, with cording or without, delicate or chunky. And now that I know about that awesome way to make it from scratch, I doubt I’ll buy it pre-made again. (Well…not often.) I also adore rickrack and the perfect vintage feel it brings to its host project. In this post and in part 2, I’ll walk you through the process of using either of these on the top edge of your next tote.

Last week, I posted a tutorial showing how to trim the top of your tote with corded piping. Today, we’ll follow a similar process to install rickrack.

This is a fairly standard tote, nothing revolutionary, but it reflects the tweaking and techniques from my experience making it, many times now.

I've made a foldable shoe bag that can be used to stash runners for the gym or can even be folded into a little shopping bag for emergencies. I've lined the bag with oilcloth so I can wipe out any dirt that might accumulate on the bottom of my shoes and flake off into the bag.

Dividing a quilt top into sections makes it possible to quilt a large top on your domestic sewing machine. This method is similar to assembling “quilt as you go” blocks, without the “as you go” part: piecing is done first, then quilting.

Learn how to make the Jordy Bag – a fully lined, roomy tote. This simple and clear illustrated tutorial takes you through all the steps to make your own bag, including instructions on how to do a basic appliqué. You can add pockets, change the closure or modify the size for a custom tote bag that you can proudly call your own.

No Sew ruffle flower embellishment... One of my favorite crafts we did a few years ago was to decorate a tote bag. We cut out fabric and used wonder under to attach it to the bag. they were super cute.

Today I wanted to pop in and share a fun DIY that my mother-in law and I made last week while she was visiting. I had a vision in my head for a while and with my mother-in law's sewing talent, we created this easy fold over clutch within a couple of hours.

Sidekick Tote, Bi-fold Wallet and Card Holder Tutorial

Sewing pattern and tutorial for diaper bag, nappy bag, diaper clutch bag pattern and bag for wipes and baby accessories.

This lined tote bag makes for a great weekend project! The fun fabric and attention to details make this bag worth wearing with your best outfits. It is made with 2 to 3 con-treating fabrics, has pockets around the bag and has a magnetic closure.

This giant pool tote avoids the hassle of multiple bags since it’s big enough to fit everything you need! Made with oilcloth and a vinyl lining, you won’t have to worry about sand or mildew and the wide straps keep the weight of the bag from digging into your arm. Add in that you can make it in just a few simple steps, and you’ll have your favorite bag made in no time!

Spring is right around the corner, and that means bright and cheery quilts that are full of color! This Spring Flowers quilt pattern is an homage to those early Spring flowers that will give your home a modern garden feel.

Haunted House Paper Pieced Mini Quilt. This spooky Witch's House mini quilt is the perfect sewing project to create eye-catching Halloween decor!

This Be Mine quilt is a fun throw size quilt to make, and using Cotton + Steel’s Ombre Pigment fabric is a great way to create an ombre effect with the hearts. This is also the time to break out or build up your stash of black and white quilting cotton. You can also use solid fabric for the background, but the scrappiness of the black and white fabric is a lot of fun.