How a Fabric Cutting Machine Made Me Rich

If you are looking for more efficient ways to cut stacks of fabric, whether for your own hobby or Etsy Business, you've got to try adding a fabric cutting machine! 

It not only cut my fabric cutting time by more than half, it allowed me to lower my production time, increase my output, and make me more money! Bonus!

[*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]

Adding a Fabric Cutting Machine Can Make You Rich

BEFORE using a Fabric Cutting Machine

When I first started my Fairface Washcloths business, I cut out flannel washcloths by laying 4 pieces of flannel on top of each other and cutting squares with a hand held rotary cutter. Each step of the cut and sew process took way longer than it should have. But I was still learning.

As orders started rolling in and my business grew, I knew I needed a much more efficient way to cut my fabric in bulk. My little rotary cutter just couldn't cut it in anymore (pun intended).

What I needed, was a Fabric Cutting Machine like this one (*Amazon Link. As an Amazon associate I earn a small commission on products purchased through my link), that could:

• Cut multiple layers of fabric at once, allowing me to 
• Produce more sewn products in less time, and ultimately
• Make more money! 

AFTER using a Fabric Cutting Machine

Using a Fabric Cutting Machine was a GAME CHANGER for my business! Instead of just being able to cut out a few pieces of fabric at a time, I was able to cut hundreds of pieces at a time. 

My new cut-and-sew manufacturing process allowed me scale my production at a rate I never imagined! From maybe 50 hand cut fabric squares in a day, to hundreds and hundreds of stacks a day. *And I was able to produce all of this from my home sewing studio (new post coming about that).

Why You Need a Fabric Cutting Machine

If you make and sell sewn products on Etsy and your goal is to work smarter (not harder), up your production, and ultimately make more money, cutting your fabric in bulk is a great way to do that.

Cutting your fabric in bulk:

• Saves you time and money 
• Streamlines your fabric cutting process
• Increases your productivity and production
• Allows you to increase your sales and make more money 
• Opens up more time for everything else

You will be amazed at how much time you can save cutting your fabric in bulk and you'll wish you had gotten this fabric cutter a long time ago.  

Get your Fabric Cutting Machine here - Amazon

If you have any questions about my experience making money selling on Etsy and how I upleveled my business by adding a fabric cutting machine to cut stacks of fabric in bulk, please leave a comment below and I'd be happy to answer them for you! Happy Cutting and Sewing!

Fall In Love with Wonder Clips: Sewing Hacks

If you like to sew, don't wait to try this popular sewing tip! Did you know it is easier and faster to secure fabric together with clips versus pins? And once you try Wonder Clips, I promise you'll never want to go back to pesky pins again!

This sewing hack is something I wish I had tried YEARS AGO! Once I tried Wonder Clips, I loved them so much that I will never go back to pinning raw edges together again!

Disclaimer: this post includes an Amazon affiliate link. As an Amazon associate I will receive a small commission when you purchase through my link. Thank you for your support!

*These cute & colorful Wonder Clips are the ones I bought (& also a pack of all red clips). These are the perfect substitution for pins! You've got to try these! 

Here are: 

6 Reasons You'll Love Wonder Clips Instead of Pins:

1. No more painful pokes! Ouch! We've all had them!

2. No more blood spots that ruin your fabric (yes, it has happened to me!)

3. Save time securing fabric together (it really does take less time to clip raw edges of fabric together with clips versus pins!)

4. No more awkward maneuvers trying to pull pins out of your fabric while it's under your sewing foot, it's as easy as one quick "un"clip prior to going under the presser foot.

5. If you have larger hands or fingers, or arthritis, it's much easier and less painful to use Wonder Clips versus pins.

6. Wonder Clips secure fabric beautifull, are easy to use and are literally my favorite new sewing accessory of all time!

Don't wait to poke yourself one more time with pesky old pins ha! Once you transition from pins to Wonder Clips, you'll fall in love with them just like I did!

SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO USE WONDER CLIPS!

---

About the Author:

Shannon Sorensen is an experienced seamstress, blogger and business owner.  She has sewn and sold many different types of handmade goods over the years. Shannon is the founder and CEO the popular sewn product based business, Fairface Washcloths for sensitive skin.

How to Sew & Sell Your Products on Etsy

Have you ever thought of selling the beautiful things you sew, online through Etsy or your own website? 

I considered that too, over 15 years ago —  and I haven't stopped since! 

My Etsy Success Sewing and Selling Online

As the founder of Fairface Washcloths, I have spent years making sewn products and selling them online through Etsy, my own website, and consignment. 

Thousands upon thousands of washcloths later, I’ve learned a lot about what it really takes to bring a sewn product to market.

I’ve cut and sewn my own products, sourced fabric and supplies, hired contract seamstresses, managed inventory, researched cut-and-sew manufacturers, packaged and shipped orders, and learned many lessons along the way.

Now I’m beginning to share what I wish I had known when I first started.

---

Cut, Sew, Grow: Maker Mentorship Session

$197 / 60-minute private consultation

Do you have a sewn product idea you want to bounce off someone?

I’m here to help.

These private mentorship sessions are for makers who want honest, experienced feedback before investing more time or money into a sewn product idea.

We can talk through things like:

• your sewn product idea
• whether your product feels clear and sellable
• fabric, supplies, or production questions
• pricing and packaging thoughts
• selling on Etsy or your own website
• what to consider before scaling
• what your next steps look like

This is not a formal course or a guaranteed business plan. It is a private conversation with someone who has spent over 15 years sewing, selling, learning, and figuring things out along the way.

Interested? I'd love to hear your ideas and help in any way I can. Sometimes you just need to talk things through with someone else who "gets it".  >Submit your interest here.

---

Cut, Sew, Grow E-book Coming Soon

I am also in the process of creating a Cut, Sew, Grow e-book to help walk you through the process of sewing, scaling, and selling your products online.

More details will be coming soon.

E-book containing all our courses is coming soon!

---

Resources: 

We are in the middle of updating our offerings, so I apologize if some information across all platforms is inconsistent. Thank you for your patience as we get things streamlined.

Follow @CutSewGrow on Instagram

Listen/Subscribe to the Cut, Sew, Grow Podcast on Apple, Spotify + read our show transcription or listen through your browser

Stop your ruler from slipping while cutting fabric: Great Sewing Tip!

{Cutting fabric straight© ShannonSorensen}

I can't be the only one this happens to: Trying to cut fabric using an acrylic ruler, while carefully spider walking my fingers across the ruler to keep it straight, while cutting with my rotary cutter in the other hand...only to have the acrylic ruler slowly begin to slide out of place so the edge is anything but straight. Aaaaakkk!

[*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]

---

How do I cut a straight fabric edge?

How do I keep the ruler from slipping 
while cutting fabric?

---

 Stop an acrylic ruler from sliding while cutting fabric

...and it all begins with a shower tool. 

By attaching a Bathroom Grip Bar (shower handle) with detachable suction cups, to your acrylic ruler, it evenly distributes the weight across the ruler and holds it in place. It's like you have two hands down on the ruler and a 3rd to cut. Go team! I wish I'd found this a long time ago. It's like magic.

{Stop your acrylic ruler from slipping while cutting fabric © ShannonSorensen}

{Perfect straight edge for cutting fabric: acrylic ruler + shower handle © ShannonSorensen}

Here's a short video demo showing just how effective this new fabric cutting tool can be.
No more slipping = straight edges! Hooray! And it only cost me about $5.00 with a coupon at Harbor Freight. Even better!
Happy cutting ☺

---

SUBSCRIBE (never miss a post!): Subscribe to ShannonSews
BLOGLOVIN: ShannonSews on Bloglovin
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
TWITTER: @ShannonSews1
INSTAGRAM: ShannonSorensenDesigns on Instagram
SHOP: Shannon Sorensen Designs + Fairface Washcloths
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/ShannonSews

---

Linked to: http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/, http://www.flamingotoes.com, http://www.thegirlcreative.com/, http://www.crumbsandchaos.net/, http://www.craftionary.net/, http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/, http://www.sugaranddots.com/, http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/, http://www.niftythriftythings.com/, http://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/, http://www.sewcando.com/, http://makingtheworldcuter.com/, http://threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/, http://www.madincrafts.com/, http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/, http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/, http://www.linesacross.com/, http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/, http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/  http://bebetsy.com

Cotton Duck 101: Chevron Pillow Cases

{Image: Cotton Duck Chevron Pillows: Chartreuse/White}

I've been a sewing maniac lately! So many new things in my shop, & a few snapped up so quickly, the fabric had barely left the sewing machine. I'm on fire people!

The tricky thing about making decorative pillow cases for other people, is that I secretly want all of them for myself.

As you know, Chevron Prints, in all their bold colors, are really popular right now and can update & bring life to any room in the house.

I decided to make a couple sets for my shop, out of screen printed cotton duck fabric, and yes, I fell in love with them immediately.

Chevron Pillow Cases ~ Chartreuse & White
18" x 18" 
Envelope Back
100% Screen Printed Cotton Duck

{Image: Decorative Pillows- Chevron Chartreuse & White}

Chevron Pillow Cases ~ Black & White
20" x 20" 
Zipper Closure
100% Screen Printed Cotton Duck
Medium Weight Black 100% Cotton Back

{Decorative Pillows: Chevron Black & White}

Sigh.
I love these bold colors!!

I've found colorful chevron prints in light-weight cotton, twill and cotton duck. Light-weight cotton would work for bedroom throw pillows, but twill and cotton duck are a more durable, heavier-weight fabric, perfect for couch pillows or throw pillows for family room chairs.  I considered twill, but the colors were a little muted, so when I ran across this bold screen printed cotton duck, I knew I'd found exactly what I was looking for!

So what is 100% Cotton Duck Fabric?

Cotton Duck is a strong, durable fabric, resistant to tearing and snagging, and is often better known by its more common name, Canvas (doesn't sound nearly as fancy, does it?). Not all cotton duck is created equal, however, since it comes in a variety of weights. The cotton duck that I used for my chevron pillow covers, was medium weight (~6.5 oz); great for curtains, accent pillows, bed skirts, slipcovers, upholstery, purses & totes.

At its heaviest weight, you've probably seen cotton duck and didn't even know it - on tennis shoes, hammocks, cots, tents or sandbags. Now that's some durability!

Where does Duck Fabric Come From?

Duck fabric comes from the Dutch word, "doek", meaning “linen canvas.” In order to distinguish it from traditional duck (linen), its termed "cotton duck".

Duck Fabric + Duct Tape 

You know our old friend, Duct Tape? It's related to Duck Fabric. What? Who knew? Some people even call duct tape, duck tape, but don't do it around me. hahahaha Turns out, the original duct tape was made from duck fabric, with an added adhesive.

Now you have a little conversation starter for the dinner table!

Make a Basic Shirt Pattern

It may seem daunting, but making your own basic shirt pattern is as easy as laying down a t-shirt you like, and tracing around it.

Then end.

Well, okay, it's not really the end, but it really is simple!

Make your own Basic Shirt Pattern

Round Neck Top

This shirt pattern is the one I used to make my new cute blue and white polka dot summer top. I gave you a sneak peek on facebook, but will share more pictures and details this week!

Trace a Shirt

The first step in making your own basic dolman sleeve shirt pattern is to find a shirt to trace that you already like the fit of. *[for more info, see dolman sleeves versus in-set sleeves]

Fold the shirt in half, shoulder seams together, and lay your shirt down on a piece of pattern paper. (I use craft paper)

Trace around your t-shirt with a pencil.
I made an "actual shirt line" and "with seam allowance line"

*I'm tracing a t-shirt, so keep in mind if you're using the pattern for a cotton shirt you'll need to add a little extra room to account for the difference in fabric and lack of stretch.

I won't be sewing an in-set sleeve this time around, but I decided to add a sleeve curve line on my pattern in case I ever wanted to. To do this, I tucked the sleeves inside and traced the curve.

Label & cut out the pattern

I traced the back neckline, eyeballed the front, and labeled everything (i.e. front fold, necklines, shoulder seam, where the sleeve ended, etc).

Cut out your pattern along the seam allowance line.

Use the new shirt pattern

Lay your shirt pattern down on your fabric. I held down the pattern with easy fabric weights I made, but you can also pin down your pattern.

I laid my fabric in half and then turned it under in half so I would be cutting both pieces at once.

I used a rotary cutter to cut all around the pattern except for the neckline. I gave it a little extra fabric since I'm not using a knit or stretchy fabric.

When cutting the necklines, I generally start a little higher to give myself room to cut lower. The back neckline is higher than the front.

I removed the 2nd layer of fabric and cut each neckline individually.

New shirt

Here is the start of a cute top, based on my new pattern. You'll have two fabric pieces for front and back.

⇒ Check back later this week to see how this shirt is put together!

This is a great basic pattern for a t-shirt or round / scoop neck cotton top and can be re-used and re-used and re-used with any number of fabrics and patterns. You can also change it up by altering the neckline, adding darts, sleeves or a different hemline for some variety.

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

How to fold your fabric: neat and organized

I love fabric. Sometimes I just like to walk by my sewing room and look at it. Or touch it. I know, I'm obsessed.

Did you know that what you look at in your creative space can either spark or dim your creativity? Cluttered or clean? Bright or dark? Organized or a big fat mess?

In an effort to create a more inspiring sewing room, I determined that a great 1st step is to organize my fabric.

(This post contains Amazon Links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission on purchases)

How to Fold Your Fabric

This * Fiskars Sewing Ruler (6"x 24") makes a great folding tool (it's the one I use and love). By creating a uniform size and shape, you can store your fabric in neat little stacks. Keep it out on a shelf to get your creative juices flowing, or tuck it neatly away in an organized bin.

It take a little time, but is well worth it! I can't tell you how many ideas ran through my head just by looking at each fabric as I folded it neatly into place.

Steps to getting a neat fabric fold

1st: Fold your fabric in half, selvedge to selvedge, and begin to wrap it around your *plastic sewing ruler, starting at the end.

2nd: Wrap your fabric neatly around the plastic ruler
3rd: When you reach the "start" of your fabric, tuck the raw edge under
4th: Fold the last piece over neatly

5th: Gently slide the plastic ruler out from between your fabric layers

6th: Use the straight edge to create a clean fold

7th: Admire your neatly folded fabric

8th: Fold additional fabric and begin to stack and organize

Some like to sort these lovely folded stacks by color, others by fabric type. Decide what works best for you.

Going through all your supply is like opening boxes of old belongings you forgot you even had! Let the new ideas and creativity begin!

RELATED POST YOU MIGHT LIKE:

How to keep fabric from slipping while cutting a straight edge

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

---

Linked to: http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/, http://www.iheartnaptime.net, http://www.flamingotoes.com, http://sewchatty.blogspot.com, http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com, http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com, http://sewcando.blogspot.com, http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com, http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com, http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com, http://www.skiptomylou.org, http://diyshowoff.com http://www.linesacross.com  http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/ http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/, http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/, http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/, http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/ http://todayscreativeblog.net/http://www.craftyconfessions.com/, http://www.diybydesign.blogspot.com/, http://www.733blog.com/,http://www.sew-much-ado.com/, http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/,http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/, http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/, http://www.rolleduppretty.com/,http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/, http://www.adornedfromabove.com

Fix a low neckline: adding a neckline binding to knits

I've had this cute striped dip-dyed t-shirt for a while, but rarely wore it because the neckline was just too low.

I tried wearing a cami under it, but it felt a bit too bulky. A while back, I had even come up with a few different ideas for altering this low neckline, but in the end, nothing seemed right.

In an attempt to find something to wear the other day, I decided I'd take the time to fix the neckline as simply as I could. If I ruined it, it would still just be in the closet anyway, so nothing lost, right??

FIXING A LOW NECKLINE

Fixing a low neckline on a t-shirt is really easy, especially after I stumbled upon the BEST video tutorial on adding a neckline binding to knits, which I promptly pinned to my Pinterest Sewing Tips Board!

She shows you how to pin and stretch your neckline binding at  just the right time to ensure your neckline doesn't bubble or gape. I could seriously hug this woman! She has taken the mystery out of altering t-shirt necklines forever!

To fix this v-neck, I first measured the existing neckline and cut a strip that size (you will end up cutting some off). I ended up just using the bottom hem from a dark blue t-shirt, but it was the equivalent of cutting a 2" strip and folding it over. 

To create the v-shape, I folded the middle of the strip in half (right sides together) and stitched on a diagonal.

When adding binding to your t-shirt neckline, the binding will be smaller than your neckline. Watch the Threads neckline binding tutorial to see how to measure and where to pin and stretch in all the right places! It seriously will change your life.

After pinning and stretching and stitching in all the right ways, my neckline turned out just the way I hoped it would. Shocker!

Now I have one more thing to wear!
{the crowd cheers!}
And it looks like it could have easily been made that way from the beginning.
How's that for an easy breezy neckline?!

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

---

Linked to: http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com, http://sewcando.blogspot.com, http://creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com, http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com, http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com, http://www.skiptomylou.org, http://diyshowoff.com http://www.linesacross.com  http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/ http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/, http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/, http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/, http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/ http://todayscreativeblog.net/ http://www.craftyconfessions.com/ http://www.diybydesign.blogspot.com/, http://www.733blog.com/,http://www.sew-much-ado.com/, http://www.mygirlishwhims.com/, http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/, http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/, http://www.rolleduppretty.com/, http://raegunwear.blogspot.com/, http://www.adornedfromabove.com

DIY Fabric Weights / Bean Bags / Rice Bags

As I drafted my straight skirt pattern, and the blasted craft paper kept rolling up on me, I finally did something I should have done a long time ago!

No more fabric sliding off the table while I'm trying to cut. No more craft paper rolling back up into it's tightly wound tube.

I would finally stop the madness and take the time to make myself a set of fabric weights. Long overdue!!

Making fabric weights (or rice bags / bean bags) is probably one of the easiest sewing projects around. It got me thinking that it would be a great kids' sewing project to do at school. What kid wouldn't want their own set of beanbags? Or am I totally old school?

How to Make Fabric Weights / Bean Bags / Rice Bags

Lets start with bean bags. Perfect for Fabric Weights to keep that pesky slippery fabric and rolling paper in place.

Materials:
-2 squares of fabric
-Thread
-Point tool (pencil, chopstick)
-8 oz Dry Beans per bean bag depending on size (I used pinto)
-Funnel or spoon



1. CUT TWO FABRIC SQUARES
I made my bean bag fabric weights using 6 inch squares.
Great project for using up some of the odds and ends in your fabric stash.

2. PIN FABRIC SQUARES RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER

3. STRAIGHT STITCH AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE SQUARE, LEAVING AN OPENING (TO TURN AND INSERT BEANS). It's easiest to leave an opening at the bottom center, rather than on a corner, to keep a square shape.

4. CUT THE CORNERS TO PREVENT BULK

5. TURN THE SQUARE RIGHT SIDE OUT

6. USE A POINT TOOL TO GENTLY SQUARE CORNERS

7. INSERT BEANS WITH A FUNNEL OR SPOON *Don't fill it too full! You still have to stitch the hole shut.

8. PIN HOLE AND STITCH SHUT You can do this by hand or machine stitching. I used my machine. Just be sure to keep the beans out of the way of the needle!

That's all there is to it!

And now you have a great set of Bean Bag Fabric Weights!

These turned out to be my favorite because they are heavy enough to stop ANY amount of sliding or rolling. 

Rice Bags

Rice bags are another great option for Fabric Weights. But don't stop there. Make a few for your medicine cabinet!

Throw a rice bag in the freezer or microwave and use it as a cool or warm compress to soothe headaches, tired eyes, skinned knees or other sore spots.

Plus, you can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or peppermint to the rice for a little aromatherapy!

The materials and instructions for making rice bags are almost exactly the same as making bean bags. The only difference is using dry rice instead of dry beans.

Like I said, easiest project ever. My favorite!

Once I got started, I couldn't stop. I made triangles too, because, why not?
Now I have exactly what I have needed for so long.
Fabric weights made with beans and rice. Now all I need is a taco!

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

---

Linked to: http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/, http://www.iheartnaptime.net, http://www.flamingotoes.com, http://sewchatty.blogspot.com, http://www.thegirlcreative.blogspot.com,

Sew Inspirational: Great British Sewing Bee Review

I was introduced to the most fantastic sewing show, The Great British Sewing Bee, from one of my dear reader's blogs, Janlynn- Sew More and I just had to share it with all of you!

GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE

A bit similar to shows like Project Runway or Fashion Star, but a little closer to "home", the Great British Sewing Bee features home seamstresses / sewers (hobbyists, grandmothers, mothers, every day men and women), competing with one another to see who sews each project the best. And oh my, if you adore English accents (and maybe I'm also hearing Scottish?) you'll love watching the show just for the conversations!


SHOWS CREATIVE PROCESS

I've watched Great British Sewing Bee Season 1 Episode 1; Great British Sewing Bee Season 1 Episode 2 on youtube, and so far, projects have included refashioning a neckline, sewing men's trousers, making an A-line skirt, creating pockets, blouses and dresses. I love the fact that the show highlights details and the process of creating through completion, with helpful tips, instead of just showing the idea and end result.


RELATABLE

The coolest part about it, for me, is that these are real people you can identify with. Headline: Talented People Make Mistakes. What?! Even these amazing home seamstresses over-think things, overshoot simple projects, choose the wrong fabric, get stressed out, sew things on backwards and have to unpick seams. It helps remind me that to make mistakes is part of the process to success! 


INSPIRING

Watching these every day people rise to the challenge of sewing their first pair of pants, or sewing a custom fit top in just 4 hours, makes me think, "If they can do it, I can do it!" Even the greatest designers started somewhere.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to watch Great British Sewing Bee Season 1 Episode 3!
Three cheers for handmade!! 

Update:
Won't leave you hanging...here's Great British Sewing Bee Season 1 Episode 4 (finale)!

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

Taper a Jean or Lightweight Jacket: DIY

Happy 2013!

I thought I'd start out the new year by sharing a quick how-to for tapering a light-weight jacket or fitted coat (without lining). Although with all the holiday food I ate I probably need to be taking it out!

If you have a light-weight coat or jean jacket that seems a little bulky, it's easy to alter the side-seams to give it a leaner, more feminine appearance.

This jean jacket was a little big for me, and although I wanted it a little roomy, it just felt too bulky.

To give it leaner lines, I decided to take in the sides just a touch. And believe me, at this point I'll take anything that makes me look leaner!

Here's the Jean jacket before the alterations, in all its bulky glory. And here it is after I tapered it.

Much nicer, don't you think?

It really didn't take a lot to taper the jean jacket and give it a nice feminine waist line. 
Just 3 easy steps.

1 Turn your jacket inside out and line up all seams. On a flat cutting surface, cut one side from the bottom hem up to just under the armpit, tapering it to your liking. Take the excess fabric piece and lay it on the opposite side seam. Pin it down to copy the previous side's measurement and cut.

2 Pin the newly cut seams in place.

3 Sew a straight stitch the length of the newly tapered side seam. Finish with a serger or zig zag stitch.

All cinched up and ready to wear!

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews

Add Seam Allowance {when you don't have a pattern or your pattern doesn't have it}

I have never sewn from a pre-made pattern before. I don't know whether I'm just stubborn, intrigued by a challenge, or lazy (maybe a bit of all 3) but I've always just tried to envision how something would fit together, and then make it.

In one of my sewing escapades, I created a pattern for something but realized I hadn't accounted for the seam allowance. Oops. If I had made it as-is, it would have ended up too small.

When joining two fabrics together, that important extra allowance of fabric (generally 1/2" all around), prevents your creation from falling apart at the seams. Literally. As well as preventing fraying from occurring right on the joining seam.

If you forget to add seam allowance and realize it after you've cut out your fabric? Move your breakables and tell your husband to exit quickly, because you'll want to punch something.

If you forget to add seam allowance to your pattern before you've cut out your fabric? No problem! Everybody's safe! I have an easy solution.

*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon links. As an amazon associate I earn a small commission through my links.

First let me tell you about my go-to cutting tools.

I love my Fiskars Rotary Cutting Set (Amazon) - with a self-healing mat, rotary cutter and acrylic ruler, pictured below). It doesn't look like it's available anymore but I've linked one that is. 

If you don't have these three things? Get them. I use them all. the. time. 

The Acrylic ruler is what I use to add and cut my fabric with seam allowance when my pattern doesn't have it. It has little measurement lines that help you see exactly where 1/2 inch is, so you can add it easily before cutting. And it's the perfect straight edge.

For something straight, it was simple to add 1/2" and simply cut with the acrylic ruler in place. The white paper is my pattern without seam allowance. With the ruler in place, I added 1/2" on each cutting point.

For adding seam allowance around a curve, you can use a regular ruler, or cloth measuring tape - Amazon (I can never have enough of these things). At the 1/2" mark, go slowly around the curve, making marks directly on your fabric every so often to keep it even, with a disappearing ink pen - Amazon (this photo is of me adding it to a pattern, but if you've already cut your pattern, write directly on your fabric).

Disappearing ink pens allow you to write on fabric and then blot off color with a damp cloth. They come in very handy!

Don't fret if you made your own pattern or bought a pattern that doesn't have seam allowance! It's easy to fix BEFORE you cut...or husbands be warned. :)

---

Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews