Wednesday 25 October 2017
How-to-prepare-and-sew-your-zipper-so-you-dont-have-dented-corners-at-the-top
Gena Cunha has written a super blog post on how to sew your zipper into a pouch so that you don't have dented corners
Friday 31 March 2017
Free Canvas Pencil Case Tutorial
I love all patterns by Anna of Noodle Head and this one is free, a super little canvas pencil case tutorial which is a great scrap buster too
I love working with Cotton Canvas, it's such a versatile fabric and so strong, keep an eye out, I'll be getting it in the Bobbin Girl Shop soon
I love working with Cotton Canvas, it's such a versatile fabric and so strong, keep an eye out, I'll be getting it in the Bobbin Girl Shop soon
Wednesday 15 March 2017
Wednesday 8 March 2017
Bag Making For Beginners Part 1 - How to print off and put together a PDF Pattern
In part one of my Bag Makers for Beginners series, I would like to show you how to accurately print off and stick together a pdf pattern so that it is the correct size.
Getting your pattern the right size is essential, if you print it too small, your bag will be too small, print it to big, your pattern will be too big and the pattern pieces may not fit together as the designer intended
For the purpose of this tutorial I have chosen to use the Ethel Bag by Swoon Patterns, not only is it a free pattern, but it's also a great pattern for beginners, simple in construction, yet the finished result is a great looking bag
This is my Ethel
Step one
Once you have purchased your pattern and downloaded it, open it up (almost certainly using Adobe Reader).
Begin by printing the test square page. All pattern designers include a test square to ensure that you print the pattern to the correct size.
For Ethel, the test square is 3 inches. Find this page in the pattern and select Print and when the dialogue box comes up make sure you check the "Actual Size" option. I also check the "Print in Grayscale (Back and White) option too because it saves on ink and prints quicker
Once printed, check with a ruler that the box is indeed 3" x 3" in size. If yes, then you can carry on printing the remainder of your pattern.
Step 3
Join the pieces together with tape - again be really accurate, butt up each piece and match the letters or sometimes shapes
Once you've taped all your pattern pieces together, you'll be ready to cut out your fabric
Getting your pattern the right size is essential, if you print it too small, your bag will be too small, print it to big, your pattern will be too big and the pattern pieces may not fit together as the designer intended
For the purpose of this tutorial I have chosen to use the Ethel Bag by Swoon Patterns, not only is it a free pattern, but it's also a great pattern for beginners, simple in construction, yet the finished result is a great looking bag
This is my Ethel
Step one
Once you have purchased your pattern and downloaded it, open it up (almost certainly using Adobe Reader).
Begin by printing the test square page. All pattern designers include a test square to ensure that you print the pattern to the correct size.
For Ethel, the test square is 3 inches. Find this page in the pattern and select Print and when the dialogue box comes up make sure you check the "Actual Size" option. I also check the "Print in Grayscale (Back and White) option too because it saves on ink and prints quicker
Once printed, check with a ruler that the box is indeed 3" x 3" in size. If yes, then you can carry on printing the remainder of your pattern.
Step 2
Cut out your pattern pieces using the black line as a guide, make sure you are really accurate
Step 3
Join the pieces together with tape - again be really accurate, butt up each piece and match the letters or sometimes shapes
A lot of patterns including Ethel are designed so that you cut out your fabric on the fold
I prefer to print 2 sets of pattern pieces and tape them together so I have the whole pattern piece. I find this is more accurate when cutting out my fabric, and it's really useful when it comes to pattern matching your fabric
Once you've taped all your pattern pieces together, you'll be ready to cut out your fabric
Tuesday 7 March 2017
A Boxy Pouch, a free pattern and tutorial
Boxy Pouch by Sotak Handmade
This would make an ideal pencil case, make up case or even a handy storage pouch for your sewing tools
Finished Size 7" wide x 2" tall x 3" deep
This would make an ideal pencil case, make up case or even a handy storage pouch for your sewing tools
Finished Size 7" wide x 2" tall x 3" deep
Thursday 2 March 2017
How to make a handbag tassel
I am excited to announce that Bobbin Girl is now selling tassel caps so you can make fun tassels to match your handbags.
I made this one for my Selena Tote, it only takes a few minutes yet the affect is really satisfying
Tools you will need:
1 piece of faux leather or matching fabric for your bag (I used a piece 4.75" wide x 3" tall to fit the tassel cap snuggly when rolled up)
Metal tassel cap
An awl or some other sharp tool that will fit through the screw hole on the cap
Pen
Small Screw Driver
Pair of scissors
Wooden stick or something similar to ease the tassle roll into the cap
Glue - I like to use Fabri Tac
Step 1
Cut and measure your piece of faux leather or fabric 4.75" wide x 3" tall
Step 2
On the wrong side of your faux leather or fabric, draw a line 1/2" from the top edge
Step 3
Cut the fringe of your tassel, up to but not past the 1/2" line. My cuts are approximately 3/8" apart but you can cut them as thin or thick as you want (just remember, the thinner they are, the less strong they are)
Step 5
Unroll the tassel and add glue all the way across the top
TIP don't use too much glue otherwise it will seep out when you roll the tassel back up
Step 6
Put some glue (again not too much) into the tassel cap itself
Step 7
After adding the glue, roll your tassel back up, again as tightly as you can, insert it into the tassel cap - I used a little pointed wooden stick to ease it into the cap until I felt it was secure
Step 8
Use an awl or similar sharp, pointed tool and poke it through the small screw hole in the side of the cap - push it in as far as possible as this will help the screw go into your faux leather more easily
I got the screw started by hand before using a small screw driver to screw it in place. Your tassel is now complete, hang it from your bag with pride because you made it!!
I made this one for my Selena Tote, it only takes a few minutes yet the affect is really satisfying
Tools you will need:
1 piece of faux leather or matching fabric for your bag (I used a piece 4.75" wide x 3" tall to fit the tassel cap snuggly when rolled up)
Metal tassel cap
An awl or some other sharp tool that will fit through the screw hole on the cap
Pen
Small Screw Driver
Pair of scissors
Wooden stick or something similar to ease the tassle roll into the cap
Glue - I like to use Fabri Tac
Step 1
Cut and measure your piece of faux leather or fabric 4.75" wide x 3" tall
Step 2
On the wrong side of your faux leather or fabric, draw a line 1/2" from the top edge
Step 3
Cut the fringe of your tassel, up to but not past the 1/2" line. My cuts are approximately 3/8" apart but you can cut them as thin or thick as you want (just remember, the thinner they are, the less strong they are)
Step 4
To test that your tassel will fit into the tassel cap, roll it up tightly along the top and insert it into the tassel cap. If you have trouble getting into the cap, unroll the tassel and trim the width a little bit
Unroll the tassel and add glue all the way across the top
TIP don't use too much glue otherwise it will seep out when you roll the tassel back up
Step 6
Put some glue (again not too much) into the tassel cap itself
Step 7
After adding the glue, roll your tassel back up, again as tightly as you can, insert it into the tassel cap - I used a little pointed wooden stick to ease it into the cap until I felt it was secure
Step 8
Use an awl or similar sharp, pointed tool and poke it through the small screw hole in the side of the cap - push it in as far as possible as this will help the screw go into your faux leather more easily
I got the screw started by hand before using a small screw driver to screw it in place. Your tassel is now complete, hang it from your bag with pride because you made it!!
Tuesday 28 February 2017
Sewing with Harris Tweed
I'd had a couple of metres of Harris Tweed in my stash for months (I've now got more !!!), but felt really nervous about cutting into and sewing with it, partly because it's quite expensive (average £22 per metre) and also because I'd heard it frays. For ages I sat back and admired all the Harris Tweed creations I saw on Facebook and one day, only recently, I took the plunge!
I decided to make a relatively simple bag by Swoon Patterns called Lola, I felt she would look really cute in Harris Tweed plus I could use the leather handles I sell in my Bobbin Girl shop too.
Before I cut anything out, I fused woven interfacing to the back of the tweed, I'd read that it reduces fraying and I have to say, it absolutely does. I cut out Lola with little or not fuss and proceeded to make my first Harris Tweed Bag. I used Pellon Flex Foam for the interlining and a 4.5 long pull zip and hardware from the Bobbin Girl Shop
I have to say, I was delighted with the outcome, and being proud of my creation, I shot round to my neighbours Sylvia first, then Betty, to show it off. Sylvia liked it a lot but Betty loved it and at 90 years old, I have to say Lola really suited her. Betty asked me to make her one but as her 91st Birthday was rapidly approaching, I decided I'd give it to her as a Birthday present. After much protestation and offers to pay me, Betty finally accepted my gift and now Lola is hers.
Hot on the heals of my new found confidence in sewing Harris Tweed, I've now made another bag, this time an Everyday Tote, pattern by Bagstock. I used a combination of Harris Tweed and Faux Leather and Tula Pink for the lining.
Harris Tweed is readily available to buy from a number of weavers on the Isle of Lewis, Shawbost, Lil Shop of Harris Tweed, Christina's Harris Tweed, are just 3 of them.
Every time you make an order, the weaver sends you some Harris Tweed labels to sew onto your bag - to give it accreditation that your product is made from genuine Harris Tweed and if you plan to make lots of Harris Tweed products, you can apply to buy more labels and hanging tags from the Harris Tweed Authority, you need to provide receipts that you have purchased at least 10 metres before they will set you up an account. You can have a maximum of 1000 labels per year but don't panic, you don't have them all at once. Contact HWA for application form and tag prices.
Tuesday 14 February 2017
Bobbin Girl in Issue 4 of Bag Making Essentials Magazine
We did it again, Bobbin Girl Bag Making Supplies made it into issue 4 of Bag Making Essentials magazine, this time not only did my Top Tip when bag making make the issue but I was also hired to write a tutorial on how to insert piping.
Piping is something I avoided for ages, I admired it from afar on all the gorgeous bags I saw on Facebook and Instagram, where piping had been used with great abandon, until one day I decided to have a go myself. I'm not going to lie, there's a definite knack to it, but as with everything else, practice makes perfect.
I'm a bit lazy, I tend to use ready made piping which I sell in lots of colours in the Bobbin Girl shop, but it's also very easy to make, just cut fabric strips on the bias, wrap your piping cord in it and sew really close to create a tube of piping with a flange.
If you would like to read my tutorial on how to insert piping, to give your bag that extra pop of colour, not to mention a more professional look then pick up the magazine in major W H Smiths shop and supermarket chains. You can also order it on line from Moremags.com
Piping is something I avoided for ages, I admired it from afar on all the gorgeous bags I saw on Facebook and Instagram, where piping had been used with great abandon, until one day I decided to have a go myself. I'm not going to lie, there's a definite knack to it, but as with everything else, practice makes perfect.
I'm a bit lazy, I tend to use ready made piping which I sell in lots of colours in the Bobbin Girl shop, but it's also very easy to make, just cut fabric strips on the bias, wrap your piping cord in it and sew really close to create a tube of piping with a flange.
If you would like to read my tutorial on how to insert piping, to give your bag that extra pop of colour, not to mention a more professional look then pick up the magazine in major W H Smiths shop and supermarket chains. You can also order it on line from Moremags.com
Saturday 4 February 2017
All about interfacing
Deciding what interfacing to use is probably the most common question I get asked, there are so many products out there, not to mention different names for the same product, that choosing the right interfacing can be a real mine field
Here is a translation of UK products Vs US products, they may not be by the same manufacturer but they pretty much do the same thing:
UK Version US Version
Vilene H250/305 Pellon 808 Craft-Fuse
Vilene S520 Pellon Peltex 71F
Vilene G700 Pellon Shape-Flex 101
I've learned about interfacing on the job so to speak, trial and error and I've gotten to know which ones I prefer for my bags. For instance, I always use a woven interfacing for my linings (Shape Flex 101, Vilene G700 or generic version)
I like foam, it gives my bags structure, for the most part I make bags which are supposed to stand up on their own rather than by floppy, like a hobo bag for instance, so foam is perfect. I always put a layer of fusible woven interfacing on the exterior pieces of my bag before adding the foam (either fusible or sew in) because I find it prevents the bag from having that wrinkly look
I use a steam press to apply my fusible interfacing, I bought mine second hand on ebay, I wouldn't be without it, it's speeded up the process of adding interfacing so much. The only think I apply with an iron is foam interfacing, I find a steam press is too hot and flattens it too much
For bag bases which prevent the bottom of your bag from sagging, you can either use ultra stiff plastic canvas cut to size or you can cut a piece of Vilene S520 (Pellon Peltex 71F) and two pieces of Vilene H250/305 (Pellon 808 Craft Fuse) and fuse them together to make a sandwich with the S520 in the middle. This combination produces a really sturdy bottom for your bag
For further information on interfacing you might like to read this blog post by Anna from Charmed Leibling where she reviews several interfacings available on the market today
Bobbin Girl sells a wide range of interfacing which can be found here
Here is a translation of UK products Vs US products, they may not be by the same manufacturer but they pretty much do the same thing:
UK Version US Version
Vilene H250/305 Pellon 808 Craft-Fuse
Vilene S520 Pellon Peltex 71F
Vilene G700 Pellon Shape-Flex 101
I've learned about interfacing on the job so to speak, trial and error and I've gotten to know which ones I prefer for my bags. For instance, I always use a woven interfacing for my linings (Shape Flex 101, Vilene G700 or generic version)
I like foam, it gives my bags structure, for the most part I make bags which are supposed to stand up on their own rather than by floppy, like a hobo bag for instance, so foam is perfect. I always put a layer of fusible woven interfacing on the exterior pieces of my bag before adding the foam (either fusible or sew in) because I find it prevents the bag from having that wrinkly look
I use a steam press to apply my fusible interfacing, I bought mine second hand on ebay, I wouldn't be without it, it's speeded up the process of adding interfacing so much. The only think I apply with an iron is foam interfacing, I find a steam press is too hot and flattens it too much
For bag bases which prevent the bottom of your bag from sagging, you can either use ultra stiff plastic canvas cut to size or you can cut a piece of Vilene S520 (Pellon Peltex 71F) and two pieces of Vilene H250/305 (Pellon 808 Craft Fuse) and fuse them together to make a sandwich with the S520 in the middle. This combination produces a really sturdy bottom for your bag
For further information on interfacing you might like to read this blog post by Anna from Charmed Leibling where she reviews several interfacings available on the market today
Bobbin Girl sells a wide range of interfacing which can be found here
Thursday 26 January 2017
Bobbin Girl gets a mention in Love Sewing Magazine
I'm always very proud when Bobbin Girl gets a mention in print, this time in issue 35 of Love Sewing magazine.
My friend and very good customer Louise Ambrosi of Sew Sofia put together a great tutorial for the magazine on how to make her fun Elephant Satchel Bag using Cloud 9 laminated cotton and of course Bobbin Girl hardware and interfacing.
Louise is expert in making laminated cotton bags so if you've never tried it and fancy a go, I'm sure her tutorial will walk you through all the tips and tricks in using this very versatile medium.
Alternatively, Louise takes custom orders in her Etsy shop
My friend and very good customer Louise Ambrosi of Sew Sofia put together a great tutorial for the magazine on how to make her fun Elephant Satchel Bag using Cloud 9 laminated cotton and of course Bobbin Girl hardware and interfacing.
Louise is expert in making laminated cotton bags so if you've never tried it and fancy a go, I'm sure her tutorial will walk you through all the tips and tricks in using this very versatile medium.
Alternatively, Louise takes custom orders in her Etsy shop
Tuesday 24 January 2017
This blog is a work in progress
Thanks for visiting my blog, it's a work in progress at the moment but hope you will stay tuned as I plan to fill it with really useful tips, tricks and info on how to make really great bags
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Bobbin Girl has made her magazine debut
I am feeling pretty proud of myself and my little business at the moment, Bobbin Girl Bag Making Supplies made it's magazine debut in the December 2016 issue of Bag Making Essentials magazine; I was asked to contribute to the Bag Making Experts column with my top bag making tip
Bag Making Essentials magazine is jam packed with free patterns, tutorials, tips and tricks on how to make your own professional looking bags at home
The magazine is on sale in larger WH Smiths stores, selected Supermarkets or online at Moremags.com
Watch out for Issue 4 out on 2nd February where Bobbin Girl has contributed yet again, this time a Tutorial on how to insert Piping
Love this bag
Sue Swetnam from SewcanSue is one of my customers and she makes wonderfbag bags, particularly in gorgeous Harris Tweed, this one she has used leather bag handles which she bought from my shop, Bobbin Girl Bag Making Supplies
If you're interested in a custom made bag, contact Sue via her Etsy Shop and or if you want to make your own bag and need the handles, they can be purchased from the Bobbin Girl shop
A collage of all my bag making projects from 2016
I put this collage together of SOME of the bags and wallets I made in 2016, this is by no means all of them, just some of my favourites.
A Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags, the Sakuro Clutch by Little Moo Designs, the Amy Backpack by Chris W Designs , the Pearl Wallet by Swoon, the Morning Glory Pouch by Blue Calla Designs, The Urban Bucket Bag by Little Moo Designs, the Emblem Duffle Bag by Sew Sweetness, The Triangle Coin Wallet by Gena Cunha, The Roll with it Tote by Two Pretty Poppets, Betty Bowler by Swoon, another Necessary Clutch, The Batala Backpack by Pink Pony Designs, The Mail Bag Crossbody By RLR Creations, The Sew Compleat Tote by Two Pretty Poppets, the Moon Flower Tote Bag by Blue Calla Designs, The Truffle Tote by Clobird Designs
A Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags, the Sakuro Clutch by Little Moo Designs, the Amy Backpack by Chris W Designs , the Pearl Wallet by Swoon, the Morning Glory Pouch by Blue Calla Designs, The Urban Bucket Bag by Little Moo Designs, the Emblem Duffle Bag by Sew Sweetness, The Triangle Coin Wallet by Gena Cunha, The Roll with it Tote by Two Pretty Poppets, Betty Bowler by Swoon, another Necessary Clutch, The Batala Backpack by Pink Pony Designs, The Mail Bag Crossbody By RLR Creations, The Sew Compleat Tote by Two Pretty Poppets, the Moon Flower Tote Bag by Blue Calla Designs, The Truffle Tote by Clobird Designs
Want to measure 5/8" the easy way ?
I came across this little tip on Facebook and thought how useful it was:
If you need to check/measure 5/8", the metal toggle on a standard measuring tape is 5/8" in width
source: Hayley Elizabeth, UK Sewing
Jolly Little Christmas Quilt Along
I know it's early to be thinking about Christmas 2017 but I couldn't resist taking part in the Sew Fresh Quilts Jolly Little Christmas Quilt Along. I'm very new to piecing and thought a block a month between now and December would be a good way to learn, and would break me in slowly. Also, I thought it would be great to have a festive project complete by Christmas because every year, even with the best intentions, I always run out of time and never get anything finished.
I'm hoping that in by December all my completed blocks will go to make a great lap quilt, table runner or wall hanging which I can give away as a gift(s)
I'm hoping that in by December all my completed blocks will go to make a great lap quilt, table runner or wall hanging which I can give away as a gift(s)
This is my very first quilt block ever, Santas Stockings
This is a picture of all the blocks I'm aiming to make along the way, next up in the quilt along are the Mittens
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