Author Archives: Denise Wild

About Denise Wild

Sewing, crafting and DIY expert, Denise Wild combines her enthusiasm and expertise to create easy-to-follow tutorials for simple, stylish projects that showcase valuable tips and tricks. Founder of LoveSewing magazine, Denise is also a brand spokesperson, TV host, author and magazine editor. Get inspired to create your very own projects with personalized style. Learn more about Denise at denisewild.com or follow her on Facebook at @medenisewild.

Embroidered Top

Time required: 30 min

Add a touch of style with an embroidery detail. It’s simple to dress up an existing top by adding a small embroidery design in colours that complement. There are so many options for design. Use one of the built-in designs on your Brother THE Dream Machine, or import your own either by using the scanning mat, through USB, or wirelessly using BES software.

Materials

  • Brother THE Dream Machine
  • A lightweight woven shirt
  • Medium-weight cutaway stabilizer
  • Embroidery thread in three colours
  • Embroidery scissors
  • Fabric scissors

 

Instructions

 

Cut a piece of stabilizer 9” (23 cm) x 10” (26 cm), and hoop the stabilizer and shirt into the smallest hoop included with THE Dream Machine.

 

 

From the home screen of your machine, choose “Embroidery”.

 

 

From pattern category 1, choose design #65.

 

 

Select “Set”.

 

 

Change your presser foot to an embroidery foot.

 

 

Load the embroidery hoop into your sewing machine.

 

 

Click “Edit” to adjust your design as needed. I chose to flip my design as a mirror image. When finished, click “Edit” again.

 

 

Select a thread colour to modify any of them, if necessary, then press “OK”.

 

 

Click “Embroidery”.

 

 

Load the embroidery thread colour, lower the presser foot, then press the green arrow.

 

 

Repeat Step 10 until the design is complete.

 

 

Trim your jump threads.

 

 

Cut away the excess stabilizer.

 

 

 

Row title

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Row title

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam venenatis libero egestas dui finibus, nec tempus odio volutpat. Sed a pretium tortor. Mauris eleifend tempus elit ac ornare. Mauris semper bibendum eros a molestie. Fusce non dolor non augue aliquam dictum.

  1. Set the ruffler to the gathering position (#1).
  2. Place the raw edge of the pressed strip along the left side of the ruffler foot and slip into the ruffler.
  3. Start with a slow machine speed and begin pleating the strip from end to end.
  4. Draw a circle on the felt square.
  5. Start at the outside of the circle you drew on the felt and lay the pleats onto the circle. The pleats will naturally form into a circle.
  6. Attach Straight Stitch Foot to the sewing machine.
  7. Stitch the pleats to the felt on the ruffle’s seam line. Once you’ve made it all the way around the first time, place the strip just to the inside of the first row and continue in a concentric circle until the entire strip has been sewn down.\ .
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Embroidery | 0 (s)

Embroidered Art

Time required:1 hour

Create a beautiful, embroidered message for your Valentine. Design or draw a special love note, then use The Dream Machine to scan and digitize the message. To save yourself a step, embroider onto heavyweight denim to avoid the need for a stabilizer. Denim also adds an interesting rugged contrast to the sweetness of your message.

Materials and supplies

  • Brother’s The Dream Machine
  • The Dream Machine scanning attachment
  • Embroidery thread: white, red, and burgundy
  • Embroidery bobbin thread: black
  • Heavyweight denim
  • 5” x 11” frame
  • Paper and a marker, an existing note, or design software

Instructions

 

Hand-write your own message, use something existing such as a love note, or even combine text and an image using design software.

 

Attach the message to The Dream Machine’s scanning mat with the provided magnets. If you have Brother’s BES4 software, you can send a digital copy of the design to your Dream Machine wirelessly.

 

Put the scanning mat into the machine, and make sure it’s locked in place.

 

From the machine’s home page, select “My Design Center”.

 

Select “Illust.” then “Scan”.

 

When the notification screen appears, select “OK” and the machine will scan your message.

 

Click and drag the red arrows to crop into the message in order to remove the green magnets from the final scanned image file.

 

Select “OK”, wait while it processes, then select “OK” again.

 

Adjust the size or rotate the image as needed. I left mine as-is because I drew it to fit and because of the orientation I want within the frame. Select “Set”.

 

Select the paintbrush fill tool and the colour you want, then fill each area of your message individually. (Although I will embroider the heart border in white, I’ve shown it black here so it’s easy to identify in these photos.)

 

 

Select “Preview” then make fine adjustments as desired. Select “OK” when ready. You’ll now see a preview of the thread colours and embroidery duration.

 

Hoop your denim (I’ve used an 8” x 12” hoop),

 

Change your presser foot to an embroidery foot.

 

Put the hoop in the machine and load your machine with the first thread colour.

 

Select “Set” then select “OK”. Select “Embroidery” and the machine may adjust to prepare.

 

Lower the presser foot, and the start/stop arrow will turn green indicating you’re all set.

 

 

Press the green arrow to begin embroidering your first colour. The machine will embroider until it’s time to change threads.

 

 

If you want to skip some of the steps that the machine is dictating (mine, for example, wants to fill the two “o” letters with white), select the needle image with the plus and minus signs. Then select the down double-arrows to advance to the stiches you want.

 

When the machine stops after Step 17, load your next thread, lower the presser foot, and press the green arrow again.

 

Repeat Step 19 until you’ve completed your entire design.

 

Remove the hoop from the machine and trim all of your jump threads.

 

Cut the denim so it’s the perfect size for the inside of your frame.

 

Place the message inside your frame, face down.

 

Leave your loving message somewhere it will be found and enjoyed on Valentine’s Day.

 

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Embroidery | 0 (s)

Double-Sided Infinity Scarf

Time Required: 2.5 hours

Stay warm in style with a double-sided infinity scarf. This version features faux leather closure detailing plus two different fabrics for added interest.

Materials and supplies

  • Brother sewing machine (this project was made on the NQ900)
  • Thread, black and clear
  • Cotton, lightweight, black: 39” long (1 m)
  • Cotton, lightweight, plaid: 39” long (1 m)
  • 2 leather-look closures
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Sewing | 0 (s)

Double-sided Sleeping Pillow

Time required: 1.5 hours

Snuggle up with a pillow that takes you from day to night with ease.  This fun-to-squeeze double-sided pillow has a wide-eyed expression on one side, and flips over to reveal a sleepy face on the other side. Since felt doesn’t fray, its raw edges can be left unfinished, making this a great project for beginners and for kids.

Materials

  • Brother Sewing Machine (this project was made on The Dream Machine)
  • Yellow thread
  • Purple, medium-weight felt
  • White, medium-weight felt
  • Yellow, medium-weight felt
  • Teal, medium-weight felt
  • Polyester fill batting
  • Fabric scissors

Instructions

1. Cut the purple felt into two rectangles, each 16” w x 21” l (41 cm x 53 cm).

2. Sketch character faces until you find two expressions you’re happy with.

3. Cut the different felt colours into the shapes you’ve drawn.

4. Place the felt shapes onto each piece of purple fabric, positioning them where you want them.

5. Topstitch the felt shapes in place using an over edge zigzag. (I left the eyelash ends unsewn to give it a fluttery effect.)

6. With wrong sides together, sew the two purple rectangles together using a zigzag stitch 2” (5 cm) away from the fabric raw edge, leaving an 8” (20 cm) opening for inserting the batting.

7. Stuff the pillow with batting until your desired density has been achieved, then sew the remaining edge closed.

8. Using your fabric scissors, cut the raw edges of the felt in a wave shape for added interest.

You’re done! Lay back and count some sheep while cuddling your new, felt friend.

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Crafting, Sewing | 0 (s)

How To Install An Invisible Zipper

An invisible zipper is the perfect blend of beauty and function. You get the utilitarian benefits of a zipper without the bulk or visible details that can often distract from a project’s clean lines. Whether used in home décor or garment sewing, an invisible zipper appears nearly invisible (hence the name) from the project right side, so it’s ideal for formal pieces and high-end fabrics.

Instructions

Invisible zippers aren’t hard to install. In fact, they require fewer steps than a regular zipper, so many sewers find them easier to install than a standard zipper. They do take some getting used to, though. With practice and the tips below, you’ll be on your way to sewing an invisible zipper with confidence.

An invisible zipper

A regular zipper is different than an invisible zipper. So how can you spot the difference? Pay attention to a zipper’s details to determine if you’ve got a true invisible zipper. Here are two things you want to look for:

  1. The easiest way to spot an invisible zipper is to look at the pull tab. The pull tab on an invisible zipper is delicate, narrow, and pointed, whereas a regular zipper pull tab is usually flat, rectangular, and comparatively bulky.
  2. The teeth on an invisible zipper are on the wrong side of the zipper, the opposite of the pull tab. Think of it as the teeth being on the “back” of the zipper.

[IMG_7106.jpeg]

An invisible zipper foot

When sewing an invisible zipper, you can’t use a regular presser foot or even a regular zipper foot. Both won’t allow you to get close enough to the zipper teeth while sewing, which will result in a zipper that can be seen from the project right side. Instead, look for a proper invisible zipper foot, which has grooves or tunnels on the underside. Those grooves hold the zipper teeth out of the way, allowing your sewing machine’s needle and thread to get close to the zipper teeth. I prefer to sew my invisible zippers using a piping and cording foot. It doesn’t hold the teeth back (you have to do that with your fingers, so it requires more skill to use), but I find that I can sew even closer than with an invisible zipper foot.

[IMG_7115.jpeg, IMG_7117.jpeg]

Prepping for installation

Before you install an invisible zipper, there are a few things to do that will make it easier.

  1. Finish your fabric raw edges if you plan on finishing them. It’s easier to do this before the zipper is installed, rather than after.
  2. Iron your zipper on low heat in order to flatten the fold at the teeth. I don’t like to do this because I prefer to see where my groove is, but I know some people swear by this and feel that it makes things easier.
  3. Sew the seam of your project below the zipper before installing an invisible zipper.

[IMG_7108.jpg]

Invisible zipper installation

[IMG_7126.jpeg]

  1. Open the zipper.
  2. Lay one side of the zipper tape on top of your fabric, right sides together. Make sure the raw edge of the fabric is on the same side as the edge of the fabric tape, and align your zipper tape so the groove next to the teeth is at your seam allowance. Pin the zipper tape and fabric together.
  3. Switch to an invisible zipper foot.
  4. Baste the zipper tape in place.
  5. Sew the one side of the zipper tape in place, ensuring the stitches go directly in the groove next to the teeth. Sew from the top of the zipper tape to as far as you can go while staying in the groove.
  6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 on the other side of the fabric with the other side of the zipper. For Step 3, instead of changing presser feet, adjust your invisible zipper foot for the opposite side.

Whether you’ve sewn invisible zippers before or you’re about to for the first time, the tips above will help make the process easier.

Tips & Tricks | 0 (s)

Leather Clutch

Time required: 1.5 hours

Sew a simple leather clutch that goes with any outfit. Add interest by choosing a standout fabric colour, cutting an asymmetrical flap and sewing contrast topstitch detailing. This clutch was sewn from faux leather, and I used a Teflon foot to ensure the fabric fed through the machine easily while sewing.

Materials

  • Brother sewing machine (This was sewn on The Dream Machine)
  • Pink all-purpose thread
  • Grey topstitching thread
  • Topstitching needle
  • 5 m pleather
  • Teflon presser foot
  • Snaps and snap tool
  • Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut two pieces of pleather 21” (53 cm) x 15” (38 cm), then trim one short edge into an asymmetrical triangle.

2. Change your sewing machine presser foot to a Teflon foot.

3. Sew the two pieces of pleather together, right sides together, leaving an opening about 6” (15 cm) opening on the straight, short edge.

4. Trim down the excess seam allowance around the entire clutch, leaving it long at the opening.

5. Cut the seam allowance down even more across the corners.

[IMG_6688.JPEG, IMG_6690.JPEG]

6. Flip the bag right side out, tucking in the seam allowance at the opening and finger pressing at the seams to keep them flat.

7. Thread your sewing machine with topstitching thread (keeping the bobbin loaded with all-purpose thread), and change your needle to a topstitching needle.

8. Topstitch across the straight, short edge of the bag.

9. Turn up the bottom third of the bag, then flip the bag over.

10. Topstitch around the perimeter of the bag except for across the fold at the bottom, then flip the bag back again.

11. Turn down the flap to determine the snap placement.

12. Use the snap tool to attach the snaps to the clutch base and the flap.

Fill your new stylish clutch with your favourite necessities.

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Sewing | 0 (s)

Easy Makeup Roll Case

Time required: 30 minutes

This simple roll-up case — fit for makeup brushes, pencils and markers, knitting tools, and so much more — was Brother’s make-and-take project at the fall Creativ Festival in Toronto this year. Show guests stopped by the Brother booth to discover the NQ900 sewing machine while completing a beautiful project and walking away with a free blush brush. Because you’re working with a material that doesn’t fray, the fabric edges can be left raw, keeping the focus of the project on achieving beautiful decorative stitching.

Materials

  • Brother sewing machine (this project was made on The Dream Machine, and Creativ Festival guests sewed theirs on the NQ900)
  • Thread, pink
  • Fabric-backed vinyl, medium-weight, blue: 13.5” (34 cm) x 16” (41 cm)
  • Ribbon, 18” (46 cm long)

Instructions

1. Fold the bottom short edge of the fabric one third of the way up to create the main pocket.

2. Sew a decorative stitch across that bottom short edge of the fabric.

3. Find the mid-point of the ribbon and lay that under both thicknesses of the fabric, lined up with the top of the pocket edge.

4. Sew a decorative stitch around the perimeter of the project, excluding the fold. Be sure to catch the ribbon as you sew down the final side.

5. Using a ruler and a closed pair of scissors, score a series of vertical lines down the centre of the case. Choose a distance between the lines based on what you plan on carrying.

6. Sew down the scored lines. You can use the same decorative stitch or choose a new one.

7. Use a pair of scissors to cut the ends of the ribbon at an angle.

8. Fill your roll-up case and toss it in your overnight bag or sewing kit.

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Sewing | 0 (s)

Flower Girl Bracelet

Time required: 20 minutes

Personalize a made-by-me bracelet for your flower girl to wear on your special day. Modify the length of the ribbon and the text to create something unique for your bridesmaids, your mother, your mother-in-law to-be, or for yourself.

Materials

  • Brother P-touch (this project was made on the PT-H110)
  • 2 x chain nose pliers
  • 2 x ribbon clamps
  • 1 x lobster clasp
  • 2 x 7 mm jump rings
  • 7 x 4 mm jump rings
  • 1 x letter charm
  • 1 x heart charm
  • Brother TZ Tape Decorative Series 12 mm Ribbon Tape in Gold on White

Instructions

1. Press the left-most “AAA” button to select a font.

2. Continue pressing it until “Brussels” appears. Press “OK”.

3. Select the second-to-left “AAA” to choose a width. Click it until “Medium” appears. Press “OK”.

4. Press the #, mail, star key in the bottom right corner until “Pictograph” appears. Press “OK”

5. Press the right arrow until you see “Fun”. Press “OK”.

6. Press “OK” to select the double heart.

7. Type a space, then type “our flower”.

8. Press the #, mail, star key until “Pictograph” appears. Press “OK”.

9. Click the right arrow until “Garden” appears.

10. Click “OK” and click “OK” again to select the first bouquet of flowers.

11. Type space “girl” space.

12. Press the #, mail, star key in the bottom right corner until “Pictograph” appears. Press “OK”

13. Press the right arrow until you see “Fun”. Press “OK”.

14. Press “OK” to select the double heart.

15. Press the green print button in the top right corner of the machine then press “OK” to select one copy.

16. Depress the green button to cut the ribbon.

17. Taper the ribbon ends on both sides.

18. Use the chain nose pliers to open all of the jump rings.

19. 

19. Add a 4 mm jump ring and then a 7 mm jump ring to one of the ribbon clamps. To the other ribbon clamp, add three 4 mm jump rings and then the lobster clasp. Connect the two charms with a 7 mm jump ring and then add three 4 mm jump rings, connecting the third jump ring to the ribbon clamp that has the lobster clamp attached. Close all of the jump rings once connected.

20. 

19. Use the pliers to close the ribbon clamps around each ribbon end.

Inspiration

Use the P-touch ribbon printer to customize every part of your wedding from your flowers and bridesmaids’ gifts to your guest favours and table decor. Print decorative patterns, heartfelt messages, your initials, or your wedding date. Money-saving tip: Create an upscale faux bouquet that will preserve perfectly in a box frame.

Crafting | 0 (s)

How To Choose Interfacing and Tips For Attaching It

Interfacing is a type of fabric that’s used to give body or stability to a garment, craft project or accessory. It’s an additional layer that’s hidden inside your project, attached to the fabric, facing or lining that can be the full size of your pattern piece or only a portion of it.

Interfacing gives more durability to your fabric and prevents your project from stretching or distorting in certain areas. You’ll often find interfacing in garment facings, waistbands, pocket edges, collars, cuffs, purses and curtains.

See the types of interfacing listed below to understand how to choose it based on your fabric choice. The amount of stretch in your interfacing should match the stretch of your project fabric. Additionally, the weight of your interfacing should be lighter than or equal to the weight of the fabric you’re using, unless your project dictates something specific, such as a heavyweight interfacing added to a purse.

 

Types of Interfacing:

 

Woven interfacings can be made of synthetic fibres, natural fibres or a blend of fibres and are available in a variety of weights and structures. Woven interfacings tend to be the strongest and longest lasting.

 

Non-woven interfacing is made of synthetic fibres bonded together in weights ranging from sheer to heavy. It has no grain line, making it the easiest to work with because you don’t have to cut the pieces on-grain.

 

 

Knit interfacing (also known as tricot interfacing) has a bit of give and stretch and provides flexibility, making it ideal for use with lightweight knits and woven fabrics.

Interfacing Applications:

 

In addition to choosing an interfacing type, you’ll also need to choose between iron-on or sew-in applications.

 

Non-fusible interfacing must be sewn into the garment. This type is permanently basted in place, either by hand or by machine.

 

Fusible interfacing features an adhesive coating on the wrong side of the interfacing (the little white dots shown in the image below) that will be heat-sealed and adhered to the fabric using an iron.

 

Sometimes a fusible interfacing won’t bond well with a particular fabric. Other times, a sew-in interfacing may seem a bit too bulky. It’s best to test a scrap of fabric with your interfacing before committing to using it for your project in case you want to make adjustments based on the results.

 

Interfacing Tips:

  • When cutting woven or tricot interfacing, follow the same grain line rules as when you’re cutting fabric.
  • Trim interfacings to reduce bulk, ensuring the edges of sew-in interfacings will still be caught when sewn.
  • Cut down interfacing corners to further reduce bulk.
  • When attaching fusible interfacing, adhere it (glue-side down) to the wrong side of your fabric.
  • Apply direct pressure from your iron for 10-15 seconds to attach fusible interfacing. If the interfacing doesn’t adhere, adjust the heat and steam settings, slightly.
  • Allow the fabric and fusible interfacing to cool completely before sewing.
Sewing, Tips & Tricks | 0 (s)

What To Look For When You’re Upgrading Your Sewing Machine

Time required: 2 hours

When faced with all the options available, picking out a new sewing machine can seem like a daunting task. Denise Wild is here with a few helpful tips that’ll take the guesswork out of buying the perfect sewing machine for your needs. In this video she explains the different features and functions found in entry level, advanced and top-of-the-line models. Whether you need a machine only a few times a year for basic mending and sewing, or plan on using it much more often for highly detailed sewing, embroidery and quilting projects, she’s got the info to help you buy your ideal machine. Watch the video now. >>>

Tips & Tricks, Videos | 0 (s)

How to Personalize A Kid’s Jacket With Decorative Stitches

Time required: 2 hours

Find out how easy it is to take an already adorable jacket and elevate it to new heights of cuteness with the simple addition of decorative stitches. This video featuring Denise Wild shows you just how quick it is to do when you’ve got Brother’s THE Dream Machine Innov-is XV8500D Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Machine at your service. Denise walks you through all the user-friendly features you need to add a personalized touch to any of your projects. You’ll see how to navigate the many stitch options, edit, combine and flip stitches and preview stitch placement before you sew a single stitch. Check out the video. >>>

Tips & Tricks, Videos | 0 (s)

Stitch Up A Personalized Pencil Case With Embroidered Monogram

Time required: 2 hours

Join Denise Wild as she walks us through the simple steps to make a stylish, monogrammed pencil case. Using the Brother NQ900 Stylist Sewing & Quilting Machine, she demonstrates how to choose font styles, program letters and mark the monogram’s placement. Denise then shows us how to stitch up the case and add the Velcro-closure to complete this quick and easy personalized project that’s perfect for your own use or to give as gifts. Watch the video. >>>

Embroidery, Videos | 0 (s)

Brother Q-Series: Decorative Stitches

Time required: 2 hours

Incredibly popular, Brother’s Q-Series Sewing Machines are loved in part for their diverse offering of stitches. From functional to decorative to fonts and more, the variety of stitches is vast and inspiring. Denise is using her NQ900 to demonstrate how to access the seemingly endless stitch options and how to make adjustments to them to suit your needs. The pointers shown in this tutorial also apply to most Brother sewing machines. And if the huge stitch selection wasn’t enough, the Q-Series also offers the ‘My Custom Stitch’ for creating your own stitches that you can save and reuse again and again. Watch the video. >>>

Sewing, Videos | 0 (s)

Quilting Basics – NQ900 Series

Time required: 2 hours

Whether you’re new to quilting or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a new model, Denise Wild has a few pointers on what to look for in a sewing machine and accessories. Check out her video to learn the difference between the two types of machine quilting: straight line (sewing pieces together) and free-motion (like drawing, only using stitches instead of a pencil). She also walks you through the different things to consider when looking for a sewing machine and sewing machine accessories best suited to quilting. Learn about the Q-Series here. >>>

Quilting, Videos | 0 (s)

How To Sew A Zippered Cosmetic Case

Time required: 2 hours

We can never have enough makeup bags so it’s a good thing they’re quick and easy to stitch up. Luckily, with Denise Wild’s video showing how to sew zippered cosmetic cases, we can make as many as we want! Follow her simple steps and with just a few materials – a zipper, some fabric, a little thread and your sewing machine – you’ll complete this fun and fashionable project in no time. Great for toting around your beauty essentials and more, these personalized pouches are also perfect for gift giving so be sure to whip up some extras! Watch the tutorial. >>>

Sewing, Videos | 0 (s)

How To Sew Stretch Fabrics Without A Serger

Time required: 2 hours

Think you need a serger to sew stretchy materials? Think again. Denise Wild has a few tips and tricks to show you in this simple how-to video. Watch Denise use her Brother NQ900, a ballpoint sewing machine needle and a walking foot to make an easy and adorable dress for her daughter. You’ll learn how a zigzag stitch lets you sew on stretchy fabrics and how when your material stretches, the zigzag does too – something a straight stitch just can’t do. With Denise’s tutorial, you’ll soon be able to transfer your new skills to create your own stylish pieces. Get inspired. >>>

Tips & Tricks, Videos | 0 (s)

Toddler Style 101: Make A Simple Skirt

Time required: 2 hours

No pattern? No zipper? No problem! That’s how Denise Wild made the adorable skirt in this easy sewing tutorial. Using her Brother NQ900 Sewing Machine and a serger, Denise demonstrates the techniques used to create the elastic waistband on the zipper-free skirt she created for her little girl. Follow the step-by-step instructions and use your own machines to sew something stylish for the little fashionista in your life. Watch the video. >>>

Videos | 0 (s)

How To Make A Zipperless Pillow

Time required: 2 hours

Changing the look of your decor doesn’t have to be hard. Adding a new pillow or two is a simple and inexpensive way to revive any room. This step-by-step tutorial from Denise Wild shows us how fun and easy it is to make a stylish cushion cover featuring a button closure instead of a zipper. With her Brother NQ900 Sewing Machine, Denise demonstrates the simple-to-use one-step buttonhole function found on most of the Q-Series machines. She also shows us how to add piping and a contrast edge as special finishing touches. To update the look of your decor, watch here.

Tips & Tricks, Videos | 0 (s)

Sideways Sewing Is Real? You Betcha!

It’s great that sewing machines can sew backwards and forwards but sometimes you need a little help getting into smaller spaces. All of Brother’s Q-Series machines have feed dogs that move from left to right and right to left so you can sew sideways. Yes, you heard right – sideways! This unique feature comes in handy in tight spots where it’s tough to move your fabric around. In this video, Denise demos sideways sewing on her Brother NQ900 Sewing Machine to sew adorable patches onto her daughter’s teeny tiny denim jacket. Watch how easy it can be with this awesome feature!

Sewing, Videos | 0 (s)

Learn How to Use ‘My Custom Stitch’ On The Q-Series

In this video, Denise shows us how to create one-of-a-kind stitch designs using the Brother Q-Series ‘My Custom Stitch’ feature. You’ll see detailed instructions on sketching your design and then programming your machine to create completely unique stitches. Watch Denise use her Brother NQ900 to demo a fun step-by-step tutorial for making a stylish faux leather clutch and see her custom stitch brought to life as a fun peekaboo detail! Watch it here.

Quilting, Videos | 0 (s)

Setting Up Your Brother Q-Series Sewing Machine

Congrats on the purchase of your new Q-Series Sewing Machine! If you’re like a lot of people, getting your machine up and running can seem like a daunting task. That’s why Denise Wild has made this easy step-by-step video to take the guesswork out of the process and help you get your machine out of the box and ready to sew! This video shows setup tips and tricks on the Brother NQ900 Sewing Machine but the steps pretty much apply to any Q-Series machine (and any other home sewing machines, really!). Watch now!

Tips & Tricks, Videos | 0 (s)

Discover Brother’s Q-Series Sewing Machines

Check out this video where Denise Wild shares what she loves about our ever-popular Brother Q-Series Sewing & Quilting Machines. Loaded with great features like an impressive array of built-in stitches, buttonholes and fonts, a large arm-to-needle workspace, variable speed control and tons of other amazing functions, it’s no wonder these machines have got her under their spell. Watch Denise walk us through the Brother NQ900 and dish about her favourite features of this machine and the Q-Series in general. One look and you’ll be hooked, too!

Tips & Tricks, Videos | 0 (s)

Fringed Blanket Pillow

Time required: 45 minutes

Turn a blanket into a beautiful part of your decor with this quick-sew, zipper-free, fringed pillow project. Whether it’s a blanket you just bought, something that was passed down to you from a loved one or something you found at a thrift shop, the end result will be fabulous.

Supplies:

  • Brother Sewing Machine and Serger (optional). This project was made on The Dream Machine and the 4234DT Serger.
  • White thread
  • Fringed blanket
  • Square pillow insert
  • Flexible measuring tape
  • Fabric scissors
  • Painter’s tape or masking tape

Tip:

When working with a loose weave, put tape on your cut line before cutting to ensure the blanket’s threads don’t unravel.

Instructions:

1. Measure the pillow width from seam to seam and write down the following dimensions:

  • The pillow width (w)
  • 5 x that measurement (l)

2. Use painter’s tape to outline the dimensions from step 1 directly on the blanket, keeping the tape to the right of those dimensions. Be sure to include the fringed side of the blanket as one of the short ends.


3. Cut the blanket piece directly through the painter’s tape; this keeps the blanket’s weave intact. Cut around the entire outline.

4. Serge the perimeter of the blanket piece, cutting off the painter’s tape as you serge. If you don’t have a serger, use your sewing machine to sew a wide zigzag instead, then cut off the painter’s tape. (The zigzag stitch will prevent the blanket’s threads from unraveling.)

5. Fold the short, fringed end toward the centre of the blanket piece, approximately half of the width of the pillow insert.

6. Fold the other short end of the blanket piece in until the total width of the blanket piece is reduced to the width of the pillow insert.

7. Sew the two unfolded sides of the pillow through all thicknesses using a wide zigzag stitch.

8. Flip the blanket pillowcase right side out, making sure you poke out the corners.

9. Stuff the pillow insert into the cover.

Enjoy snuggling up in comfort and style with your new, fringed blanket pillow!

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Sewing | 0 (s)

How To Make A Disney Embroidered Purse For Girls

Time required: 2 hours

In this video, Denise Wild shows us how to make a super cute Disney embroidered upcycled denim purse. Watch her tutorial to see how to hoop the fabric and stabilizer and set everything up to embroider and sew this fun and simple fringed bag. From editing, resizing, rotating and repositioning your Disney design, Denise demonstrates all you need to know about using Brother’s THE Dream Machine Innov-is XV8500D Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Machine for this and other creative projects. Have fun making these sweet purses for the little girls in your life. >>>

Embroidery, Videos | 0 (s)

Dinosaur Costume

Roar! Make dress-up time loads of fun with this quick and easy costume that’s got a lot of bite.

Dinosaur Costume Sewing Project

Materials and supplies

  • Brother sewing machine (this project was made on THE Dream Machine 2 – XV8550D)
  • Yellow thread
  • Medium weight, teal cotton poplin
  • Heavy-weight, yellow felt
  • 2 packages of extra-wide double-fold yellow bias tape

If your child is taller than 3 feet, you may want to increase the size of the teal triangles. You’ll also need a third package of bias tape.

[download_button text_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Finspiration.brother.ca%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2018%2F01%2FCrafting_BrotherDinosaur_Costume_EN.pdf|title:Download%20PDF%20Project||”]
Sewing | 0 (s)