Category: Sewing

Sewing Simple Chevron Top

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This simple blue chevron top is a sewing project I finished a couple of months ago.  I had intended to share it sooner but things have gotten in the way of my plans which is I guess how life goes for everyone at times.  I have wore the top several times already and love how simple it was to sew and how comfortable it is to wear.  Also, it looks good with skirts, shorts or jeans.

Blue Chevron Top

The pattern I used for this top was from the Bernina My Label software – which is pattern drafting software I have that drafts patterns by your measurements.  I have mentioned it before and use it quite a bit.  This top is actually not one of the patterns in the software – I used the tunic pattern to design this simple cap sleeve top.  It is only two pattern pieces – a front and back – and I make a bias neckband facing which I am going to share with you below on how to do this.

The fabric I used was a 100% cotton fabric that I think I ordered from fabric.com.  The one thing about making clothing with the chevron prints is that you want to have a little extra fabric to match the chevron pattern as close a possible to look uniform.  Also, you want to make a top that does not have a lot of complicated darts or seams that will make the print look strange.

Blue Chevron Top sewing project

The neckline of this top is sewn with a bias strip of fabric for the facing.  A lot of patterns come with a facing that is curved but I often find they are kind of wide and do not always lay well.  I have found that using the bias facing technique works much better – especially with this style of top.  Below is a little tutorial on how to make a bias neckline facing.

  • Step 1 – cut a fabric strip on the bias that is 1 1/4 inch or 1 1/2 inch wide and a little longer than the length around your neckline.  For this top I did 1 1/4 inch wide.   Note:  the bias is the 45 degree diagonal grain of the fabric – most quilting rulers have the angles marked and you can use that as a cutting guide.Bias fabric strip for neckline
  • Step 2 – after you have your strip cut finish off one of the long raw edges with a serger or a zigzag stitch
  • Step 3 – then pin the other raw edge with right sides together to your neckline starting at the center back of neck- overlap the ends a little  (what I usually do is just have an extra long strip and after I am done pinning it to the neckline I cut it where I need to)
  • Step 4 – sew the strip to the neckline edge using a 1/2 in seam allowance

Sewing bias strip to neckline for facing

 

  • Step 5 – Clip the curved neckline edges close to stitching line, with a steam iron press bias strip out with seam pressed toward the bias strip

Bias Neckline Facing

  • Step 6 – Understitch the facing just inside the neckline seam on the bias strip – you can use the inner toe of your presser foot as a guideUnderstitch bias facing
  • Step 7 – Press the facing to the inside of the top and topstitch the facing down from the right side of the top – I usually use a 3/8 inch seam or the outer edge of my presser foot as a guide while stitching around the neckline – press again after you complete your topstitching

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are getting lots of sewing projects done this summer.  I would love to hear about what you are working on – click on Leave a Reply to tell me about your current projects and crafts.  Also, to receive future blog updates and tutorials follow my blog via email subscription, RSS feed or bloglovin.  All icons are in the right sidebar.

Have a great week!

Kimberlee

 

Patriotic Projects

In this previous month I worked on a few patriotic projects and wanted to share them on my blog.  I love the colors red, white and blue and usually have them decorating my home for the months of May through August.  The colors just seem to fit my summer mood and go with the holidays of Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day.

The first project was a star garland that I made.  It was super quick and easy.  I was at Pier 1 back before Memorial Day and found these cool grapevine looking colored stars.  I used some of my red, white and blue yarn and strung them to make a mantel garland.

Stars Garland

The next project I made was a wreath for my front door.  I was at Michaels back in May and saw this tied fabric garland and decided I could make my own and use up some of my fabric scraps.  I then used the fabric garland on a wire wreath that I first covered in burlap ribbon.  I had a few of those stars leftover from my garland project and took some jute twine and tied them to the wreath.

Patriotic Wreath

Below are the photos of the steps to make the wreath.  I used a glue gun to secure the burlap after wrapping it onto the wire wreath and I also put a little glue on the fabric garland after wrapping it around.  To make the fabric garland I used jute twine and just cut 4 to 5 inch pieces of fabric about a half inch wide and tied it to the jute.  It was a great way to use up some leftover fabric in my stash.

Twine Fabric Scrap Garland

Step to make RWB wreath

The last project I made were fabric coasters made from 1 1/2 inch wide strips of fabric.  This is another great way to use up some of your stash.  To make these coasters you will need:

  • a sewing machine
  • 1/4 inch presser foot
  • thread to match project
  • 1 1/2 inch strips of fabric
  • 2 1/2 inch strips of fabric for binding edges
  • 6 inch squares of fabric for backing
  • 6 inch squares of warm and natural cotton batting
  • rotary cutter
  • quilters ruler

The first step is to lay your  6 inch square batting on top of the wrong side of the 6 inch square of fabric. coasters step 1

Then you will lay your first strip of fabric wrong side on batting and right side up – then place your 2nd strip on top of that strip right sides together and sew using a 1/4 inch seam – it is helpful to have a 1/4 inch foot for this step.

coasters step 2

After sewing the strips together onto the batting and fabric backing you will press them and continue to sew strips in this manner covering both sides of batting.  After a final pressing use a ruler and rotary cutter to square off all your edges.  You will have a piece that looks like the photo below – front and back views.  This called quilt as you go strip piecing.

front and back view of strip coasters

The final step is to attach the binding.  For this I used a 2 1/2 inch wide strip pressed in half and sewed it to the wrong side of the coaster with the raw edges even.  Since there were no curves in this coaster I did not use a bias edge binding, just a straight strip.  You can probably google how to make and attach quilt binding for a better explanation of how to do this.

coaster sewing bindingAfter sewing the binding to the wrong side you press it over the raw edge to the right side of your coaster.  You may want to clip the corners a little.  I like to pin it in place before sewing.  Also, you will need to miter the corners by folding them in and pressing them in place.  I then sewed around the folded edge of the binding using a narrow zigzag stitch.  Photos below are of the finished coaster.

Patriotic Coasters

Patriotic Strip Coasters

I like to use these coasters outside on my patio and in my kitchen and living room.   They are super simple and quick to make if you have all of the supplies on hand – they make a good housewarming gift, too.   You can also use this same process to make a matching potholder by using a larger square of batting and backing fabric – like 8 or 9 inches.  For potholders you may want to use the thermal fleece type of batting so they are more heat resistant and even use 2 layers.  I have also used 2 layers in the coasters if you want them to be thicker.  If you decide to use 2 layers you may want to use a walking foot to sew the strips down so they don’t shift.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my projects and get inspired to make something patriotic for the summer season.  If you have any projects you have currently made I would love to hear about them – click on Leave A Reply and tell me about them.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Sewing Tiered Skirts

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Recently I have made a couple of new skirts.  After my jeans sewing marathon I switched to making skirts.  I love sewing skirts because they are easy and fun to make and go together very quickly, in my opinion.  They are also comfortable and fun to wear – especially in the spring and summer months.  Sometimes I think wearing a skirt is actually a lot cooler than wearing shorts in the hot Texas climate I live in.

Last week I wore a skirt four days out of seven.  My husband refers to it as being “dressed up” but I look at it as being cool and comfortably dressed and ready to go somewhere if the occasion arises.

Long Tiered Denim Skirt made by Kimberlees Korner

 

The long tiered skirt above is made from a lightweight denim that I bought at Joann a while ago.  I actually finished this one right before Easter weekend and was able to wear it to church with my Nymphalidea Shawl that I knitted and did a post about back in April.  I love this skirt and have so many things that it goes with since I love the color blue.  It is really comfortable to wear and looks great with boots or sandals.  The pattern I used to make this was New Look 6565 and it is super easy.  I think it takes longer to cut out the pieces you need than to actually sew it.

Short Denim Ruffle Skirt  Kimberlees Korner

The short denim skirt in the above photo is made using the same New Look pattern, 6565.  I just finished sewing this skirt a couple of weeks ago and have worn it a couple of times.  I did some stitching detail with a white thread and a zigzag stitch for the lower hems but it is hard to see.  These photos were a challenge to get since it was so windy that day – actually that whole week was windy.  I really wanted to get a photo with my roses in the background, though.

Black Tiered Skirt  Kimberlees Korner

The black skirt above was sewn using the same version of the pattern as the long denim one.  I made this one back in the fall and have worn it a lot since then.  For this skirt I used a lightweight broadcloth fabric and I like how easy it is to wear and wash – no wrinkles other than the gathered areas which is fine and the look I want.

These skirts are really simple to make as long as you are familiar with how to gather fabric.  Below is a little step by step photo on the process I use to gather – it is the old school way and it works just fine every time for me.

Gathering Steps for Tiered Skirts  Kimberlees Korner

To make these skirts you really just need a regular sewing machine but I would recommend finishing off all of your seams with a zigzag stitch or some type of overcast stitch your machine might have so that the seams do not fray.  I have a serger so I serged all of my seams.  If you have a sewing machine and a couple of hours time you can make this type of skirt.

What sewing projects are you currently working on?  (or any type of projects)  I usually have a sewing project, knitting project and a crochet project going at all times.  That way if I get bored or frustrated with one thing I can go to another.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Short Sleeve Top with Knitted Lace Panel

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This is another project where I have combined my love of sewing and knitting.  I made my first top like this with a long sleeve shirt back in February.  You can click on the highlighted text to take you to that project.

Sewing and Knitting project from Kimberlees Korner

Originally I had this project planned to share in March.  Well, I actually had it done but did not like the end result with the particular lace panel of feather and fan stitch that I used.  I like how it had the scallop in the front but the shirt seemed too loose.  So, I ripped that out and started over.

Original project designed with feather and fan  Kimberlees Korner
Photo of first project that I didn’t like – with the feather and fan panel

I went back to the knitting stitch I had used for my red top and just made it a little more narrow as this blue top seemed to be a bit more loose fitting than the red one.

Below is the tutorial on how to make this top:

To make this you will need to know how to knit and how to use a sewing machine.

Supplies needed:

  • Size US 8 knitting needles (I used straight ones)
  • Worsted weight yarn that is washable – I used Hobby Lobby I Love this Yarn
  • T-shirt that is a little too snug or one size too small for you
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Sewing thread to match shirt

Step 1:  Using your fabric scissors cut up the center front and center back of shirt – use a tape measure or ruler to determine center

Step 2:  Knit lace panels using the following stitch on size US 8 needles:

Cast on 12 stitches – knit the first row

Row 1:  *k2tog, yo, k 2;  rep from * across to end

Repeat row 1 for pattern knitting one panel for the front and one for the back according to how long those sections are.  When panel is almost the measured length knit last row then bind off.

Abbreviations:  k – knit        k2tog – knit 2 together      yo – yarn over      rep – repeat

Step 3:  Pin knit panels to shirt with fabric on the top of the lace knit panel.  Sew using a straight stitch and a stitch length of 2.5  – back stitch at beginning and end one or two times to lock stitches.  Use the inner toe edge of your presser foot as a seam guide for fabric edge. Repeat this process a total of four times to attach panels to shirt.

sewing top to lace knit panel  Kimberlees Korner

Step 4:  Weave in tail ends of yarn and your top is done.  Enjoy wearing it!

I really like how this top turned out and have already wore mine a couple of times.  I found out the other day as I went to ride my bike that it matched my bike so I took a picture.

blue top project matches my bike  Kimberlees Korner

 

I have had this Electra 3 speed bicycle for about five years now.  It was a combined Mothers Day and birthday gift.  I love this bike and enjoy riding it around our neighborhood for exercise and to the store.  I actually rode it to Walmart today to get a few groceries.  It is hard to see but even the tire print has flowers for the treads.   Now that gas is going up again I am planning on riding it to the store more frequently.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and have fun making a shirt if you decide to try it.  It is really a very easy project and comes together quickly.

Have a great day!

Kimberleesewing and knitting project from Kimberlees Korner

Denim Purse Made From Jeans

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Sewing bags and purses is one of my favorite types of sewing projects.  Recently I made this purse using old jeans – a pair of mine, a pair of my husbands and a pair of one of my sons – to create this fun purse that has a zipper closure and is fully lined.  I really like how this turned out and have been using it daily as my purse for at least a month now.  This was actually a project I had started back in the fall and finally got around to finishing it.  I don’t know why I waited so long as I am very pleased with how it turned out.

denim purse made with old jeans from Kimberlees Korner

This purse is approximately 13 inches wide at the top, 10 inches wide at the bottom and 10 1/2  inches tall.  It has a nice size outer pocket on the one side and I just did an embroidered letter for my name on the other side.  The pocket is perfect for my keys or for my cellphone.

Below is the information on how I made this if you are interested in creating your own.  One of the things I like about using the jeans and upcycling is that each time you make something it looks different because of using various colors and weights of denim.

Supplies for project:

  • 3 pairs of jeans in different shades of denim
  • cotton fabric for lining – approx. 1/2 yard
  • 1 denim zipper at least 20 inches long or longer
  • thread for sewing the bag and decorative thread for embroidery design and topstitching if desired
  • denim sewing machine needles – size 90 or 100
  1. Cut 6 pieces of denim from jeans 13 inches long by 6 inches wide for outer bag (I cut 2 of these size pieces from each of the pairs of jeans)
  2. Cut 1 piece of denim for outer pocket 12 inches long by 6 inches wide – fold this in half to be 6 x 6 and press, topstitch the folded edge as desired
  3. Sew pocket to one of the denim panels using for the center by measuring  2 1/2 inches from one  end and draw chalk line – place the raw edges of the pocket on this line and sew using the edge of presser foot as a seam guide – press pocket up to enclose raw edge and topstitch lower edge of pocket using a decorative thread if desired or just your regular thread
  4. Embroider design or monogram on other center panel if you are doing this step – use a tear away backing to ensure quality embroidery
  5. Sew 3 panels together along 13 inch length to create one side of bag and repeat the process to create the other side of the bag – use 1/2 inch seam.    Make sure you have your pocket upright on the one center panel and catch the sides of the pocket in the stitching.  After sewing the panels together press them and then go back and topstitch them on the outer right and left sides of the panel
  6. Cut 4 strips of denim 26 inches long by 3 inches wide – you will use 2 for the straps and 2 for the zipper casing
  7. Cut 2 pieces from cotton fabric for lining approx. 16 1/2 inches wide by 13 inches long or by laying your denim panels that are sewn together over the cotton fabric and cutting that size – set aside for now
  8. For zipper casings – fold in and press 1/2 inch on each long end of strips and 1/2 on each short end  –  enclose zipper in 2 casing strips using a zipper foot and sewing close to zipper teeth  note – fabric is on either side of zipper tape, make sure you are catching the fabric on the lower side as you sew  Set this aside for now
  9. For straps – fold in 1/2 inch on ends of the other 2 strips and press – fold strips in half lengthwise and stitch with a 3/8 inch seam with right sides together  –  turn strips right side out and press – topstitch each side of strip – set these aside for now
  10. Bag and Lining –  Place each bag outer side right sides together with bag lining and sew around each side and top using a 1/2 inch seam allowance – leave lower portion open for turning right side out.  Do this for both sides, clip corners and turn right side out and press
  11. Place sewn zipper casing (centering zipper casing as it will be longer than your bag sections) on top of each bag top portion with denim side facing up – topstitch down each zipper casing attaching bag to zipper casing piecePlace Zipper Casing on top of bag section  Kimberlees KornerSewing Zipper casing to bag  Kimberlees Korner
  12. Open zipper – do not forget to do this! – Place bag sections right sides together and sew around bag sides and bottom – zig zag or serge bottom raw edges of bag.  To box corners match lower bottom seam to side seam and measure in 2 inches from corner and sew – turn bag right side out – tucking long zipper tails into bag – this makes a nice sturdy area to hold or pinch when zipping the bag open and closedSewing Bag together  Kimberlees Korner
  13. Place straps on bag 1/2 inch from zipper casing edge and 1/2 inch from panel seam – use a narrow zig zag or bar tack type of stitch to sew down on ends of straps that are folded in 1/2 inch

That’s it – your bag is all done and ready to use.  You could also choose to put pockets on the inside of the bag but I never use them since I use my purse organizer.

inside view of chevron lining denim purse  Kimberlees Korner

The fabric that I used for the lining is a fun chevron fabric that I got at Fabric.com.  I also got the same fabric in a different color way and made a top from that.  I think I have enough of the fabric left from my bag lining to make another top or maybe a short skirt.  I am putting the link to their site if you are interested in ordering anything from them – they offer free shipping on orders over $35.00 and have really great fabrics for reasonable prices.

Orders of $35 & up Ships Free.

I am currently working on sewing some skirts and tops for spring and summer.  What projects are you working on?  Click on Leave a Reply and tell me about them.

KimberleeDenim Recycled Jeans Purse from Kimberlees Korner

 

Sewing Jeans

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Sewing your own jeans is a lot easier than you think.  About 5 years ago I made my first pair of jeans because I was fed up with buying jeans that never seemed to fit me how I like.  I decided that instead of wasting my time shopping for jeans and paying a bunch of money for them I would learn to make my own.

This is the first pair of jeans I made using a Kwik Sew pattern.  The pattern is number 3193 and I know as of a year ago it was still in print.  I made these jeans approximately 5 years ago and yes I still wear them.  They have become a little faded over time but they are very comfortable.

Kwik Sew jeans pattern

It is kind of hard to see but I embroidered the back pockets of these – I did not have good light conditions outside for these photos but wanted to show how these jeans looked.  The pattern is super easy to follow with great zipper instructions.  There are 2 versions of the jeans a wide leg, as I am wearing, and a straight leg.  I like that the waist is a littler higher on these and not such a low rise, too.  I am getting too old for those low rise jeans.

I  began making more of my own jeans a few years ago after buying the Bernina My Label pattern drafting software.  This is software that helps you design your own patterns using your measurements.  I am not sure if they still sell it but there are other software programs available that do this.  I really like it because it is a more custom fit.  It does – has – required some tweaking and learning to do things on my own.  So, all the current jeans I have made I am now using the My Label pattern which is essentially my own pattern made to fit me.

Dark Denim Jeans sewn by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

Recently I have been on a major jean sewing spree.  I told my husband the other day that I was really getting a system down for making them and I can now get a pair done in about 5 or 6 days.  This of course is not working on them constantly and some days I only have time to sew for about 30 minutes and some days I have no sewing time.  The most sewing time I ever get is about a 2 hour session on the weekend.

I have taken 2 Craftsy classes that have really helped me learn a lot more about designing and sewing your own jeans.  The first class I took a couple of years ago was Online Sewing Class Jean-ius by Kenneth King.Online Sewing Class  This was a great class and I learned so much about fitting and sewing the details on the jeans like the pockets and waistband and topstitching techniques.  In this class you can actually learn how to take a pair of your favorite jeans and copy them to make your own pattern.  The other class I recently took through Craftsy was Sewing Designer Jeans with Angela Wolf.    I learned some more great sewing tips and techniques for the jeans as well as how to put a curved waistband on the jeans after taking Angela’s class.  I also learned how to distress the denim fabric in her class.   Both of these classes are wonderful for increasing your sewing knowledge and learning the skills you need to make your jean sewing a success.    You can learn more about the classes I just mentioned by clicking on the highlighted text to take you to the link to them.  If you are going to make your own jeans I would highly recommend taking both classes.

Some of the tips I have that I think are important when sewing your own jeans are:

  • Use a size 90/14 or 100/16 denim sewing machine needle
  • Take your time and sew slowly – especially when topstitching
  • Make a muslin first using inexpensive muslin just to get an idea of the fit – this way you can adjust some things without ruining your expensive denim.  You may still need to make a few minor adjustments on the denim but at least it will be less and you won’t ruin your fabric
  • Press all your seam using a hot steam iron.  This will make sewing so much easier and your seams will lay nicely.  I took a whole class on pressing once from my Sewing Guild and it is a very important step.
  • Use 2 spools of the same color thread through the needle when topstitching versus using the jeans thread they sell.  I tried using the jeans thread on my dark denim ones and my machine (an older Bernina) does not like it – it is very thick thread and requires tension adjustments.  I found it easier and less stressful to just use 2 spools of thread and a stitch length of 4 for your topstitching.
  • Sew your inner leg seams first, before the outer leg seams.  This is the opposite of what patterns usually tell you to do.  This way you can topstitch the inner leg seam easily.  Also, stitch from the center crotch point down to the hem on each side for best results when sewing this seam together.

Fabric is a fun and important part of making your own jeans.  I have bought denim fabric from JoAnn that I like as seen in the pair I made 5 years ago (above) as well as the glitter denim fabric I used in this pair:Glitter Denim jeans made by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

This pair was the first pair I made after taking Angela Wolf’s class.  I had this fabric in my stash and decided to use it.  It is hard to see but there is a light silver glitter in the fabric and this denim is very lightweight – no stretch.  I embroidered my own design using a K logo for Kimberlees Korner using a metallic silver thread.

I also got this fabric that I made these shorts from at JoAnn.  I have only wore these once since it is still kind of chilly here.  denim shorts front & back sewn by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

I didn’t have enough of the fabric to make the curved waistband facing so I used the fabric that I did the pocket lining with and love how this turned out.Waistband and Pocket Lining of jean shorts from Kimberlees Korner

The fabric I recently bought from  Fabric.com  is really nice quality denim and a great price, in my opinion.  They also have free shipping on orders over $35.00 and it arrived quickly.  The photos below are the jeans I made using the fabric I bought from there.

front & back dark denim jeans made by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

Jeans sewn by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

So far the above light color denim and the shorts are my two favorite pair.  They both fit how I like them – not too tight and not too low of a rise.  I really like how the curved waistband adds some extra give to the waist area, too.

side & back view of light denim jeans from Kimberlees Korner

What sewing projects are you currently working on?  Click on Leave a Reply and let me know. I am still in the jeans sewing mode and currently working on another pair of denim shorts using some more fabric I found in my stash.  I also have a tan twill fabric cut out for shorts using the jean pattern but have not started sewing those yet.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Sewing Project Knit Jacket

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I recently made this knit jacket using a pattern that I also made a tunic from this past summer.  The pattern is Simplicity 1668.  It is one of those patterns considered to be sportswear as there is a whole ensemble that you can make in the pattern that includes a dress, jacket, pants, shorts and a tunic.  So far I have only sewn the jacket and the tunic. Navy Knit Jacket made by Kimberlee from Kimberlees Korner

The fabric I used for this jacket was a lightweight knit that I believe I bought from Hancock Fabrics.  The jacket is very easy to sew as it has minimal pieces.  There are no sleeves to sew as it has a dolman sleeve.  I always like that as it makes completing your project so much easier when there are no separate sleeves to sew.   The front features a shawl type of collar and that was sort of time consuming to sew as it requires interfacing and since it is curved you have to sew slowly and do some clipping to make the seams lay nicely.  I don’t think the jacket front is hard to sew just requires a little time and patience to ensure it turns out well.  You also need to press it to get a crease to make it fold back.

Front, Side & Back view of navy knit jacket from Kimberlees Korner

As you can see from the photos the jacket is a 3/4 sleeve and it also has an asymmetrical drape as the back is lower than the front.

I really like this jacket a lot and was so pleased that I had some navy pants that I made a couple of years ago that went with the jacket and It also looked nice with my Olympic Crochet Scarf that I had finished during the winter Olympics.  I think I would like to make this jacket again in the near future in a cream or white for spring or summer.  This jacket is the perfect thing to keep with you for those air conditioned places that are so chilly in the summer time.

Currently I am working on sewing some jeans and jean shorts.  I will be doing a future post on them so be sure to subscribe via bloglovin, email or RSS for updates.

Have a great day!navy knit jacket sewn by Kimberlee  Kimberlees Korner

Kimberlee

Top with Knit Lace Panel

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I recently designed this new shirt that has a lace knit panel insert on the front and back.  The idea for creating this was for two reasons.  One, this shirt was a little too small (tight) for me and Two, I really like this easy to knit lace stitch that I had recently used to create another project.Top with Knit Lace Panels from Kimberlees Korner

To make this you will need to know how to knit and how to use a sewing machine.

Supplies needed:

  • Size US 8 knitting needles
  • Worsted weight yarn that is washable – I used Hobby Lobby I Love this Yarn
  • T-shirt that is a little too snug or one size too small for you
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Sewing thread to match shirt

Step 1:  Using your fabric scissors cut up the center front and center back of shirt – use a tape measure or ruler to determine the center point.Cut shirt apart center front and back  Kimberlees Korner

Step 2:  Knit your lace panels

Cast on 16 sts – knit the first row

Row 1:  *k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * across

Rep Row 1 for pattern – measure your front cut center line of shirt and when your knitted piece is close to that length knit 1 more row, then bind off.

Make another panel for the back following the same pattern above – note that the back section will be longer so you will need to measure that and knit this panel a little longer.Pin Lace panel to shirt placing shirt on top and panel on bottom  Kimberlees Korner

Step 3:  When both your panels are knitted you will then pin them to the shirt front and back and using your sewing machine and a stitch length of approx. 3 stitch the shirt and panel together with the shirt laying on top of the panel – use the inner edge of you presser foot (see below)  as a guide for a seam allowance.  You will have to stitch down each side of the panel so you will stitch 4 different times.   Weave in the ends of the yarn when you are done – or you could do it before but I did mine at the end.Sewing knit panels to shirt using your sewing machine and straight stitch  Kimberlees Korner

That’s it – all done.   Super simple and fun to wear.  The top can be worn as is or with a camisole or tank top underneath.  I have a tank top under mine that I found at Old Navy and it was the perfect red to match the shirt.   Top with Knit Lace Panel Kimberlees Korner

I am currently working on a short sleeve version for spring using a different lace stitch and I will be sharing that on my blog in March – so be sure to follow me via bloglovin, email or RSS feed for future updates.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Sewing Napkins Double Sided

Sewing your own napkins is a really easy and quick sewing project.  We usually use cloth napkins at our house.  I started doing this many years ago as part of a green living movement in our home and because paper napkins are rough on your face.  I also like the look of cloth napkins on the table over paper napkins.  You can coordinate fabrics to go with your dishes as well as sew cute seasonal napkins for various holidays.Sewing Cloth Napkins Tutorial   Kimberlees Korner

This is a tutorial on how to make pretty double sided napkins from cotton fabric.  You will need:

  • 1 1/2 yds of cotton fabric (quilters fabric) – this will give you 6 napkins
  • sewing machine that does a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch
  • sewing thread to match fabric
  • rotary cutter or sewing scissors
  • quilters ruler
  • point turner
  • iron

First thing you need to do is wash and dry all your fabric.  I have learned the hard way that you need to do this with anything that is going to be washed or you will be sorry.

Then you will need to iron the fabric and fold it in half right sides together like it came off the bolt, before you cut it.

  1. Cut fabric 13 inches wide by width of fabricCutting Fabric with Rotary Cutter for Napkins  Kimberlees Korner
  2. Cut 13 inch strips into 13 inch squares – you should be able to get 3 squares total per strip13 inch square for napkins right sides together   Kimberlees Korner
  3. Place squares RS(right sides) together and sew around edges using a 3/8 or 1/2 inch seam allowance – leaving a 2 to 3 inch opening at the center of one side for turning
  4. Turn napkins RS out, clip corners, use a point turner to press corners into a pointClip corners - Use point turner on napkin corners   Kimberlees Korner
  5. Press napkins with iron
  6. Set your machine to a zigzag stitch and sew using the edge of your presser foot or a 1/4 inch marking as a guide around all 4 edges – this will close up the opening you left for turningTopstitch napkins with a zigzag stitch   Kimberlees Korner

Now your napkins are all done and ready to use and they look pretty on both sides.  The napkins can be washed with your regular laundry and dried.  If they are really soiled you can always soak them in color safe bleach like Oxi-clean.  I do this a lot with having 3 boys.

Sewing Napkins Tutorial  by Kimberlees Korner

I hope you enjoyed this little sewing tutorial.  Please subscribe to my blog via bloglovin, email or RSS feed for future sewing tutorials.  All icons for subscribing can be found in the sidebar.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee

Sewing Fleece Tops

5 Comments

Sewing is something I love to do.  I have been sewing since I was in 7th grade.  I love to create things with fabric and I make a lot of my own clothing.

Some of my favorite patterns to use are Kwik Sew patterns.  They are a little more expensive than other brands but they are written very well and they always fit good, at least for me.

Kwik Sew Fleece Top     Kimberlees Korner

This Kwik Sew pattern is one of my favorites and very, very easy to make.  The pattern is #2992 and there are three different versions of this top.  All three have the same general look but the necklines can be varied.  You can choose to sew a tradition round neckline , which is in the above photo, a boat neckline or a funnel neck.  So far I have only made the round and the funnel neck and not the boat neck top.  The pattern recommends using polar fleece, berber fleece, or heavy fleece to make this top.  All of mine are made using anti-pill polar fleece.

The turquoise top (above) is one I made several years ago and still love to wear.  I used my embroidery machine to embroidery a design on the lower front and back sides and on the sleeves.

This top has a dolman sleeve so there is no separate sleeve to sew in.  This makes sewing go a lot faster – especially if you have a serger.

Fleece Top sewn by Kimberlee  www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog

The light blue top above is the funnel neckline.  I made this one a couple of years ago – it is hard to see the neck well since I have a scarf on.   I like to wear this top on cold days because it keeps your neck warm, especially with the added scarf layer.

Fleece Top sewn by Kimberlee  www.kimberleeskorner.com/blog

The navy blue top above is the one I recently made.  I also embroidered a pretty cross and angel design on the front of this one.  Since these tops are sort of basic I like to add my own embroidery designs to them.

Currently I have another pair of leggings cut out to sew and a knit cardigan jacket.  I am hoping to get those finished before February.  What sewing projects are you currently working on?  Click on Leave a Reply and let me know.

Have a great day!

Kimberlee