It’s no secret that a good rotary cutter is an essential tool for any sewist or quilter. But as we all know, those blades can get dull pretty quickly if they’re not taken care of. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure your rotary cutter blades stay nice and sharp for as long as possible. Read on to find out nine tips that will extend the life of your rotary cutter blades saving you time, and money, whilst reducing waste!
Here at Plush Addict we offer a huuuuge selection ofzipsfor sewing to help your projects achieve the look you dreamt of!
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 viewedhere
With zipper tape choices ranging from rainbow to block colour… flat to flowery zip pulls, we’re sure to have something for your next project.
Read on for more info about what a continuous zip is, and why you might want to use one instead of a regular zip
Then…see our tutorialon how to add zip pulls to continuous zip tape… We’ve provided you with a photo tutorial, as well as a video demo at the end…
What is a continuous zip?
Continuous zips differ from others in that the zipper tape is sold by the metre, without zip pulls. This means you are able cut your zip to ANY size you like. It also means you can add TWO zipper pulls, cos… ya know… you have to love that look.
What are the benefits of a continuous zip?
Waste less:As you just use the amount of zip tape you need there is an environmental benefit to continuous zipper tape; with a little planning waste can be kept to a minimum and a length, with enough pulls ordered, can become multiple zips.
Any length:Cutting zip tape to size means you can have REALLY long zips!
Multiple zip pulls:It also means you can add TWO zipper pulls to your tape, giving you a funky zip just like this one
Greater personalisation– you can mix and match the zip tape and zip pulls to your heart’s desire
Some zip tape comes with a pull/ slider, check the item description for details.
When ordering zip pulls check they correspond with the tape size/ brand being purchased.
Method
1. Cut the tape to the required length. Use domestic scissors to cut through the teeth.
2. Pull the bottom 10cm of the zipper teeth apart.
3. With the back of the zip pull and back of the tape facing upwards thread 1 end of the tape into the zipper from the top. To make this easier angle the teeth into the pull from the side.
4. Repeat step 4. on the other side. Both sets of teeth want to sit toward the top of the clasp.
5. Keeping the 2 sides of teeth level with each other, hold the zip pull between one finger/ thumb then draw the 2 sides of the tape down through the pull with the other hand. The zip pull should then begin to move up the tape.
Alternatively, you may find it easier to place the zipper pull between the prongs of a fork (check out the video below!)
6. Slide the pull toward the top of the tape (without coming off the other end) then pull it back down to check the zip works.
7. If 2 zip pulls are required, repeat steps 1. To 5. from the other end of the tape.
And you’re done!
Handy Hint
If you find yourself struggling using this method try using a fork to hold the zip pull for you: tuck the bar of the zip between the central teeth (not the clasp where the teeth need to go).
…And if your fork won’t stay still; hold it steady with a blob of blue-tack.
Video Tutorial: How To Attach Zipper Pulls to Zipper Tape
Check out our video on how to attach zipper pulls to continuous zipper tape
Do you have questions about canvas fabric? Is it Canvas, Canevas or Cannapaceus?
We can just about pronounce cannapaceus without getting confuddled!
For ease (and mental overload) let’s stick withcanvas.
So What Is Canvas Fabric?
Canvasis a durable cotton fabric with a tight, plain weave and a 2 ply yarn.
It sometimes feels a little rough to touch because of the fibrous parts of the cotton, linen, flax or hemp plants that are used to form the yarn and the resulting thread isn’t usually combed.
We recommend giving your hands a good moisture after you’re done sewing if your project is heavy on canvas fabric!
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 viewedhere
Grab 10% OFF on Canvas fabric with our discount code!
CANVAS-SAVING-10
Use the code above at checkout for10% off.
A Little History Of Canvas Fabric
While the earliest known evidence ofcanvascomes from ancient India around 1500 B.C. The name came later when production spread to Europe in the eighth century.
The word ‘canvas’ is from the old French canevas, which may have roots in the Latin ‘cannapaceus’, meaning “made of hemp”. (did you skip over cannapaceus reading this in your head?!)
Originally popular with sailmakers due to its natural resistance to water; popularity grew in the 16th century when painters found it to be a more versatile surface than wood and plaster (frescoes).Canvaswas a cheaper and readily available alternative!
Denim has a similar feel to canvas, though the 2 can be identified by the weave; denim has a twill weave, resulting in quite different properties. Sometimes referred to as ‘duck’, though duck has a tighter weave and slightly heavier feel.
What Is Canvas Used For?
Canvashas many uses in the modern world thanks to how versatile it is! Canvas is a sturdy fabric with little drape so its best suited for projects that need structure.
Wondering what needle you need for sewing canvas? Or stitch length? Check out our top tips on sewing canvas :
Thread: Sew all or upholstery
Needle size: 100/16 HJ or 110/18 HJ
Stitch length: 3mm
Presser foot: Standard
Seam finish: Press open and overlock where needed. Flat fell is also a good seam for canvas makes to make your project even more robust
No need to pre wash if project will be dry cleaned
Pre wash canvas to soften it
No need for interfacing – canvas is sturdy enough on it’s own
Canvas Bag
The manufacturing process uses a lot of chemicals which is a shame as it gives canvas a higher environmental impact, although there are some organic & PVC free options available. It’s still a tricky one for environmentally friendly seam-stars.
That said – taking its environmental impact into account,canvasprojects with longevity are a more conscientious choice for the fabric than fast fashion items.
Fun Canvas Facts:
Canvascan be blended with other fibres, it’s not always 100% cotton.
Wet canvas fibres swell, making it naturally resistant to water.
In the 13th century canvas was added to shields, it is believed this was for strength as well as making the surface paintable.
Artists’ canvas are stretched cotton/linen canvas coated in primer (gesso).
A popular footwear brand are iconic for their use of canvas in shoes.
It’s even used for martial arts outfits!
We Hope you found this fabric guide helpful and it gives you some guidance on how to usecanvas fabric!
Hop over to the website if you’re in need of some versatilecanvas fabricor pin this guide for later
Are there any other fabrics you’d like to see guides for? Let us know in the comments 🙂
Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more tutorials. Please tag us @PlushAddict on your fave social media channel… we’d love to see your makes!
Why in the world would you need a guide on felt fabric? Well, chances are, you’ve had your hands on felt before—remember the magic of Fuzzy Felt? Those were the days, right? Creating scenes with Fuzzy Felt was practically a childhood rite of passage.
Felt isn’t just any fabric; it’s the cool kid on the block, coming in a mishmash of shapes, sizes, and qualities. So, let’s break it down: how to pick the right felt for your project and dish out 11 game-changing sewing tips for felt fabrics.
Felt is that laid-back friend who doesn’t need to be woven or knitted to hang together. It’s made from fibers chilling out together, getting tangled when needled, or just lounging in some heat.
True felt is like a cosmopolitan at a party, made from anything—wool, fur, mohair, cotton, rayon/viscose, or other synthetic fibers. Making felt is like crafting a fine cocktail: pound those fibers, compress them, shrink them, then add a splash of moisture, a dash of temperature change, pressure, and finally, rough them up a bit. Talk about a process!
Felt Fabric Guide Sample Project: What’s Felt Good For?
Depending on the felt, it can either be your go-to for crafty shenanigans or the MVP for sturdier projects.
Retail stores usually flaunt two types: acrylic (the life of the party for crafts, Christmas ornaments, appliqués) and wool felt (the durable one, perfect for soft toys that’ll see a lot of action, not to mention chic bags, hats, and sneaky garment details).
Fun Felt Facts (That Are Actually Fun)
Felt is the Houdini of fabrics—it doesn’t unravel.
Sewing with felt is as stable as your bestie.
Don’t you dare dry clean felt; it’s more sensitive than your ex.
Felt can get a bit clingy, bobbling and pilling with too much attention.
Stretched felt is like a bad haircut; there’s no coming back.
Steam? Felt can’t even.
Top Tips for Sewing with Felt (Because We’re All About That Life)
Let felt do its thing in the sewing machine and feed naturally through; don’t be pushy.
Dry cleaning felt is a no-go zone.
Be cool when pressing & use little or no moisture when pressing. If you must, use a pressing cloth.
Hand wash felt like it’s a delicate treasure in cold water & a mild soap, then let it air dry.
DO NOT wring or twist felt as it will misshapen.
Cut with precision—rotary cutters for the win, and keep your fabric scissors safe.
Thread choice? Polyester or cotton will have your back.
Needle and stitch length? Start with an 80/12 and aim for 2.5mm – 3.0mm.
Presser foot: Use a standard presser foot
Press those seams open, no need to finish—felt doesn’t play by those rules.
Always sew a test seam.
Real Talk on Felted Fabrics
Felted fabrics like boiled wool and melton? They’re the posers of the felt world. True felt is all about those raw fibers, while felted fabrics are just playing dress-up after a shrink and full session.
DIY: Be the Maker of Your Own Wool Felt Destiny
Can’t find 100% wool felt? Make your own. Raid your closet for old wool blankets or jumpers, then give them a spa day in hot water and a tumble dryer. Check out this tutorial for the nitty-gritty and then brag about it on social media.
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You will need this guide to tulle and net fabric because Halloween is just around the corner and what better fabric to create a statement with your costumes this year than dress net? We get asked a lot about both tulle and dress net and there seems to be some confusion about this family of fabrics and whether tulle and dress net are actually the same thing (they’re similar, but not the same). We thought we’d put together a fabric guide to help you decide which type of net is best for your project, along with some tips on how to handle this fun and holey cloth! (more…)
