What’s the best wadding for a hot water bottle cover?

Autumn is definitely here! And so are pricey energy bills, so there’s no surprise many of you are sewing up hot water bottle covers to help keep you keep toasty in bed whilst saving energy by avoiding putting the heating on. We’ve had lots of people get in touch to ask what is best wadding for a hot water bottle cover so I made this quick video to talk you through some options…

What’s the best wadding for a hot water bottle cover?

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How to Enlarge A Collar With A Collar Expander – No Sew! Care & Repair Series #4

Welcome to post number 4 in our Care & Repair Series! Today we’re offering a solution to an annoying problem – how to enlarge a collar that is too tight… without any sewing! We’re going to be talking about how to use use a collar expander in this quick product guide.

We wanted to bring these little wonder products to your attention – who knew they were even a thing?!

These nifty little extenders are NO SEW and a great little temporary fix that can even be switched between garments.

How to enlarge a shirt collar
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How To Use Fold Over Elastic

Have you heard about fold over elastic? Ever wondered what this product is, where it can be used and how to apply fold over elastic?

You’re in the right place! In this product guide we’re going to shine a light on all things fold over elastic so grab a cuppa and read on!

Fold Over Elastic
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How To Use Waistband Extenders – No Sew! Care & Repair Series #2

Welcome to post number 2 in our Care & Repair Series! Today we’re offering a solution to a common problem – how to really quickly and easily extend a waistband… without any sewing! We’ll highlight this little wonder product and run you through why you might need them and how to use these waistband extenders.

Let’s be real. The pandemic has meant that many of us have put on some extra pounds and clothes might have become a little snug!

Or perhaps you’re in the early stages of pregnancy and could do with an extra bit of room before buying some maternity clothes?

And let’s not forget – some days we’re just bigger than others… This can be due to our monthly cycles, or perhaps eating certain foods can make you bloat.

You might need some extra comfort post-surgery, or just after a jolly good meal! Or perhaps something has shrunk in the wash (that old chestnut…!)

Our bodies can even fluctuate in size from day to day so a quick temporary fix can help ease discomfort.

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What is Manilla Pattern Card?

Ever heard of manilla pattern card and wondered what it is, and how it’s used in the sewing industry?

This special card is used extensively by industry professionals, pattern cutters, dressmakers & couture houses alike. It is specifically manufactured for making dressmaking pattern pieces and pattern cutting blocks more durable.

But why leave this amazing product for the professionals to benefit from when the home sewist can find so many uses for it?!

If you have a “Tried & Tested” dressmaking pattern you might want to consider investing in some Manila pattern card to preserve the life of your perfect pattern pieces, as well as making them easier for you to trace around.

If you are pattern cutting at home or tracing standard blocks, using this card means they can your pattern pieces be used over and again as a starting point for all basic garments.

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What is Swedish Tracing Paper and How Do You Use It?

Swedish Tracing Paper is a type of dressmaking pattern tracing paper that is fairly translucent, drapeable and best of all – it’s pattern paper that is sewable! This makes it an incredible choice for making muslins or toiles whilst dressmaking.

In this guide we’re going to talk you through the product, as well as offer a tutorial on how to use this amazing dressmaking pattern paper & how using it can save you both time AND fabric!

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Calico fabric: What exactly is it?

Calico fabric provides a natural, blank canvas, perfect for mocking up patterns, marking down adjustments whilst on the form, draping and even as a base natural textile for printing on. This versatile fabric is cheap and easy to work with, meaning that you can perfect your designs before cutting into an expensive or rare fabric! 

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13 Tips For Sewing With Bamboo Towelling Fabric

Bamboo is one of the most sustainable sources on the planet, but did you know that it can be used to produce a soft, strong and eco-friendly textile that is perfect for keeping cosy, mopping up spills and a variety of re-usable projects?!

Non? Well!  In this guide we’ll be talking aaalllll about bamboo towelling fabric, sharing how this super-fabric is made and giving you 13 sewing tips for handling this fluffy little fella of a fabric…

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A Rainbow Of Possibilities! Kona Fabric Guide

What is Kona fabric?

Kona is premium quality quilting cotton by Robert Kaufman and we believe it’s the quilter’s 1st choice when choosing fabrics for their projects! 

Kona Jelly Roll

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

How many colours of Kona fabric are there?

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10 Tips For Sewing With Chalk Cloth Fabric

In this comprehensive guide to sewing with Chalk Cloth, you will learn 10 tips for sewing with chalk cloth fabric. In addition, you will also learn the benefits of using it for your different projects.

Look at our amazing Chalk Cloth it is so much fun to stitch with.

It works exactly like a traditional chalk board but it is a fabric. You can write on it, draw on it and the great thing is, it’s wipe clean, so that you can use it again and again. 

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