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Are you ready to DIY but need inspiration? Sewing can be a fun and useful hobby but sometimes we need ideas! In this blog, we’ve included project pictures, links to patterns, and some contact info incase you don’t want to attempt to project yourself!
Check out this link for lots of free patterns for some of the projects in this blog and for a few projects not featured!
So grab your scissors, thread, and fabric, and join us on this DIY journey!
Baby blankets
Make adorable, snuggly blankets for your newborn or toddler! DBP, Sweater Knit, Muslin, and Cotton Gauze Fabric all work great for blankets.
For Newborn size use 1yard of fabric. For 3+ months use 1.25 yards. Children or adult blankets – 2 yards.
Want an adorable new blanket without taking the time to sew it! We got you covered! Check out our selection in-store or online!
Hankies
The hankies pictured below are made with Brushed Poly fabric so it’s easy on little noses! Takes 1/3 yard. Super quick and easy DIY. This project works great for a young girl who wants sewing practice.
PJ shirts
Fun, soft PJ shirts that are sure to be your toddler’s favorite! Need a pattern? Check out this list of PJ pattern options!
Want some custom PJ but don’t want to spend the time to sew them yourself? Esther Mae is willing to sew for you! To order PJ shirts or patterns, call or text 717-847-4180, or email esthermaeh98@gmail.com. See sizing and style below.
Rompers and Sleepers
For toddlers use yard of fabric. Works best with DBP and poly rib knit fabric.
Want some custom rompers/sleepers but don’t want to spend the time to sew them yourself? Order yours today from Sharon! Contact 223-230-1418 or join her Cloudveil/Telegram Group at this link https://t.me/+xBKgE4L73TY1Yjhh.
Onesies
Make your baby their own special onesie! Need a pattern? Check out this free onesie pattern printable! Works best with DBP and poly rib knit fabric.
Want some custom onesies but don’t want to spend the time to sew them yourself? Order yours today from Sharon! Contact 223-230-1418 or join her Cloudveil/Telegram Group at this link https://t.me/+xBKgE4L73TY1Yjhh.
Baby Hat
Baby hats are so adorable with knots or pompoms on top! Takes 1/2 yard of fabric. Works best with DBP and poly rib knit fabric. Check out this pattern for knot top baby hats.
Need a tutorial for car seat covers? Try this one! Takes approximately 1 yard of fabric.
Scrubs
Make your own unique, one-of-a-kind scrubs!
Nursing Nightgowns
Want some comfortable nursing nightgowns but don’t have time to sew them yourself? Contact Esther Mae ! To order, call or text 717-847-4180, or email esthermaeh98@gmail.com. Available in 5 sizes. Small-XXL. Modest and comfortable for postpartum. Made with soft and cozy fabric.
Shower Curtains
This shower curtain is made of Opaque Penny Size Swiss Dot fabric.
Window Curtains
These beautiful curtains are made out of Brushed Poly.
Tablecloth
Slub knit, rib knit, and DBP can all make beautiful tablecloths! Need tablecloth inspo? Check out our new Tablescape Collection book! It’s full of party ideas, recipes, and pictures!
Veils
Slub knit works very well for veils. We also have a selection of ready made veils in the store.
Aprons
An adorable apron for the little bakers! This one is made of knit Swiss Dot.
Vests
Such a cute addition to a little girl’s dress!
Sweaters
Muslin fabric works the best for sweaters.
Biker Shorts, Leggings, and Potty Training Pants
Works well with Rib Knit, DBP, and Waffle Knit fabric.
No time to sew? We carry potty training pants already made in our store!
Hair Bows
These adorable hair bows are made of Linen Fabric!
Want adorable linen bows without putting in the time yourself? Check out Bantik Milli’s adorable handmade hair bows and clips.
Doll Clothes
Adorable tiny clothes! A quick and easy sew. You can even make matching dresses for your girlie and her doll. She will love you!
Want some custom doll clothes but don’t want to spend the time to sew them yourself? Order yours today from Sharon! Contact 223-230-1418 or join her Cloudveil/Telegram Group at this link.
Girl’s Nightgowns
Works well with any soft knit fabric. Want some already made? Check out our collection in-store.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a beautiful way to add beautiful minimalistic detail to a project! Check out our brand new embroidery thread!
Don’t know how to embroider or simply don’t want to spend the time? All of these beautiful designs were embroidered by Lanise Martin. Her contact number is 717-543-1839 and she would love to work at a project for you!
More DIY Projects. Approximate Yardage
Fitted bed sheets
Crib sheet-2yd
Twin/queen-6yd
King-8yd
Pillow case-1yd
Small boys shirt
Uses-2/3 yd
DIY Project Fabric Collections
We have several fun collections of fabric for DIY projects! Most of these patterned fabrics are one the DBP fabric bases although we do have some on Pointelle Knit, Swiss Dot Knit, Flannel Knit, and Rib Knit as well.
All the DIY Supplies!
Find all the DIY supplies for your next project!
Browse our online store or shop our full line in-store!
Have you ever come up short when deciding how to make your new dress? We know the feeling! Struggle no longer!
We compiled some of the ways we and various customers have made their dresses. We may not have instructions for all of the ideas and a few of them may only have limited instructions but we hope you can find inspiration anyway!
Instructions for olive dress below. Made with Rib Knit fabric.
I laid my bodice and fitted skirt together on the fold overlapping at the waist to take out the seam allowance.
I measured the bottom of the bodice and took that times 1.5 and moved it away from the fold that many inches.
I also drew a straight line at the waist for my guide for the string elastic.
I sewed only one shoulder seam together and then sewed a casing at the neck and strung elastic through it. Sew the other shoulder seam and put on sleeves. Only sew one side seam and then sew your string elastic rows around the whole waist sewing over the one side seam before sewing shut the second side seam.
Try using elastic thread for gathering or smocking. Try it for the waist, bodice or sleeve!
Instructions for dress below.
I usually pioneer it with my ideas, so I didn’t have a pattern but I’ll try to explain it.
Cut a tapered ruffle, that lengthens in the center. Gather it and sew it on. The back of the sleeve, the part you sew on to the bodice is straight. It almost looks like an upside down sleeve before you have it sewed on.
The striped dress below on the right is made with a Sew Basic Girl’s Pattern. It is size 14 eliminating the darts and adding elastic.
How to make a non-functional button down dress When you cut out the bodice (or cape instead if your making a cape dress) about 1″ – 1.5″ wider depending on the button size. It is important to make sure you cut it wider by pulling it away from the fold, where the neck line is.
Keeping your skirt and top still folded, sew along the fold the distance you need to fit your buttons on. Continue to see your dress normally, making sure the folds you sewed line up; top and skirt when you sew them together.
Now you’re ready to stitch the buttons on the fold, Tip: put two threads on your needle to make it go faster when stitching them on.
Picture this. You’ve found the perfect fabric for a new dress. Anticipation mounts as you receive the package in the mail and sit down to sew it. But, after spending hours on it, it doesn’t fit or feel like you imagined!
Sound familiar? Choosing fabric online can be difficult because you can’t physically feel or stretch it. We want to make buying fabric online as seamless and easy as possible. We’ve compiled all of the fabric bases as well as how they feel and stretch. You can end up with a beautiful dress that you feel good in!
What Makes the Fabric Bases Different?
We all know how cotton and polyester feel. But what about 95% Polyester/5% Spandex which is a very common content ratio? Not all fabrics act the same! There are many factors that play a part in how a fabric base feels and acts.
Whether it’s woven or knitted
How tightly its woven or knitted
How heavy the fabric is (its GSM)
The thread content of the fabric (polyester, cotton, spandex, etc.)
This can feel confusing if you aren’t familiar with these terms. Don’t worry, I’ll give you an overview! We are not always able to get the exact content percentages and gsm so I’ll include a description of the fabric without the technical terms so you can envision how it will feel and act in real life. Feel free to skip over the technicalities and straight to the descriptions and pictures of each fabric type!
What is GSM?
GSM stands for grams per square meter, which refers to the weight of a fabric. In general, the higher a fabric’s GSM, the thicker it’s likely to be.
Though fabric weights appear straightforward (a heavy fabric will result in a more structured garment, etc.), there are some caveats to consider.
For example, many knit fabrics have some spandex content, which adds extra weight but doesn’t make a knit feel or act heavier. Therefore, a knit that weighs 200 gsm can feel more lightweight than a woven fabric with the same weight. Therefore, fabrics with different fibers or weaves with the same weight may not have the exact same thickness. GSM is generally most helpful when comparing woven fabrics.
In general, it can be difficult to get an accurate idea of knits even when you know the weight because of how they are made. Knitting uses more fiber or threads than weaving. A knitted piece of cloth will weigh more than a woven piece that is the same size and content.
You may be new to using GSM as a fabric weight measurement and there are a few fabric types that we don’t have the GSM, so we also include our own assessment of whether the fabric is light, medium, or heavy weight. As a reference, the GSM of jeans is usually 340-450.
Woven Fabrics Vs. Knitted Fabrics
Whether the material is knitted or woven makes a big difference on the stretch and give of a fabric.
Here’s a diagram of the difference between woven materials and knit materials. Because of the way knit fabric is made, it will have a slight give even if it is 100% polyester. The looping design of knit fabrics can allow even non-stretchy threads (like polyester) to condense and straighten out when pulled, which lengthens the fabric in the given direction.
Additionally, the tightness of the knit will affect the thread’s ability to straighten out and will thus affect the amount of stretch. Knit fabrics can also have different ways of arranging the loops together to form different textures or looks to the fabric.
Woven fabrics are also more likely to fray while knit material will not fray and does not need to be serged.
Lightweight Pineskin is smooth. Although it does contain spandex, it is a woven fabric. Which means that it has a slight give but does not stretch like a knit.
Content: 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium to light
GSM: 155
Stretch: None
Uses: Dresses, Skirts, Shirts, Blouses
Poly Slub Fabric
This is a woven fabric with a linen look and very little give. Excellent drape and good body. Very breathable and perfect for summer wear.
Content: 96% polyester 4% spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Lightweight
GSM: 130
Stretch: None
Uses: Dresses, Skirts, Shirts, Blouses
Cotton Gauze
Thin cotton fabric that makes beautiful baby blankets and swaddles. Also works well for cardigans and sweaters. You can even make custom scrubs! This material makes lovely, breathable little girl’s dresses. If you want to use it for an adult dress, you may want to consider lining some of it.
Content: 100% Cotton
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Very lightweight and breathable
GSM: 118
Stretch: None
Uses: Baby Blankets and Swaddles, Cardigans, Sweaters, Scrubs
White – Double Gauze Muslin. Pink – Cotton Gauze
Double Gauze Muslin
Double Gauze Muslin is very similar to the Cotton Gauze but is a double layer. It also has more texture than the Cotton Gauze. Since it is loosely woven, it works best for projects like baby swaddles and cardigans. However, it does look beautiful in a dress. It is 100% Cotton but has some give due to how loosely it is woven.
Content: 100% Cotton
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Very lightweight and breathable
GSM:
Stretch: Slight
Uses: Baby Blankets and Swaddles, Cardigans, Sweaters, Skirts, Dresses
Opaque Swiss Dot and Linen Swiss Dot.
These Swiss Dots are 100% polyester but are woven with an elastic thread, so while they have a slight stretch, they have an excellent snappy recovery and are not a knit. They are opaque with excellent drape and do not cling or show underwear lines. They are lightweight which makes them nice and cool to wear.
The Opaque Swiss Dot and the Woven Swiss Dot both feel and stretch the same. The difference being that the one has a woven linen look and the other is plain. Both types come in a small and penny size dot. They are very dressy which makes gorgeous wedding and formal dresses.
Content: 100% Polyester
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Light to Medium Weight
GSM: 135
Stretch: None
Uses: Dresses, Skirts, Blouses, Shirts
Diamond Swiss Dot
Similar to the Opaque Swiss Dot but the dots are in a diamond pattern. Has the same drape as the rest of the poly swiss dots.
DTY is a soft lightweight knit with quite a bit of stretch. It’s perfect for little girls. It is not quite as clingy as double brushed can be but is great with gathers or elastic.
Content: 95% Polyester / 5% Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Lightweight
GSM: 215
Stretch: Lots of 4 way stretch
Uses: Dresses, Skirts, Shirts, Baby Blankets and hats, Baby headbands
Flannel Knit
Flannel knit is a very soft, comfortable fabric! Makes fabulous winter projects and dresses.
Content: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium/Heavy
GSM: 220
Stretch: Minimal vertical stretch, fair amount of horizontal stretch
Sweater Knit is a comfortable knit with a gray back.
Content: 96% Polyester, 4% Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium/Heavy
GSM: 200
Stretch: 4 way stretch. Slight vertical but more horizontal
Uses: Dresses, Cardigans, Sweaters, Shirts
Brushed Rib
Very soft and perfect for baby blankets or little girl dresses. Also used as adult dresses but look best with gathers.
Content: 96% probably 4% spandex Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Lightweight
GSM: 170
Stretch: 2 way stretch
Uses: Dresses, Skirts, baby blankets
Variegated Rib
Beautiful, comfortable rib knit. I do not know the exact content of this fabric so although it feels like a cotton/spandex blend, I can not say for sure that’s what it is. It works very well for dresses because it has a nice drape like a knit, but doesn’t cling or show lines.
Content: Cotton/Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium
GSM: Unknown
Stretch: Some 4 way stretch. Not a lot either way
Uses: Dresses, Skirts
Variegated Rib Knit
Cotton Rib Knit
This rib knit is very similar to the variegated rib knit but the ribs are all the same size. It feels like a cotton/spandex blend although we do not know for sure. Has nice drape without showing lines.
Content: Cotton/Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium
GSM: Unknown
Stretch: Some 4 way stretch. Not a lot either way
Uses: Dresses, Skirts
Cotton RibCotton Rib
French Terry
French Terry has a very smooth texture on the front and looping threads on the back. It is very comfortable and warm so it makes great winter dresses.
Content: 80% Polyester / 15% Rayon / 5% Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium-heavy
GSM: 230 GSM
Stretch: Some 4 way stretch. Not a lot either way
Uses: Dresses, Skirts
Wave Knit
Beautiful textured knit. The texture adds interest without overbearing the print. Very comfortable fabric with nice drape. The wave texture also helps to hide the appearance of underwear lines.
Content: Polyester/Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium
GSM: Unknown
Stretch: 4 way stretch
Uses: Dresses, Skirts
Wave Knit
Knit Swiss Dot
Knit Swiss Dots are beautiful, graceful fabrics. They are knits, so they do have some stretch although not a lot. There are two kinds of knit swiss dots. One has the dots closer together and has more stretch (but not alot) and the other has more spaced dots and has less stretch.
Both make pretty dresses and have beautiful drape without clinging and showing lines.
Content: Cotton or Polyester/Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium-light
GSM: 230
Stretch: Minimal
Uses: Dresses, Skirts
Pointelle Knit (Missonia Knit)
Pointelle Knit is a breathable lightweight knit that makes beautiful dresses! No worries, though, it is opaque. Makes very comfortable dresses the are structured and won’t stretch out. It has nice drape but is not clingy. Lovely for summer!
Content: 97% Polyester/3% Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Lightweight
GSM: 150-160
Stretch: 2 way stretch. Horizontal stretch/Minimal vertical stretch
Uses: Dresses, Skirts
Liverpool Knit
Liverpool is a slightly heavier, textured knit. Works very well for winter dresses. Liverpool is very opaque, so you probably wouldn’t need to wear a slip (within reason). This is a long lasting, durable knit. that works well for school dresses etc. Because it is a knit, it has good drape but it doesn’t cling or show lines!
Content: 95% Polyester/5% Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Medium/Heavy
GSM: 200
Stretch: 2 way stretch. Horizontal Stretch / no vertical stretch
Uses: Dresses, Skirts
Liverpool Knit
Waffle Knit
Waffle knit is a thin, breathable fabric. Since it is thin, it would work best for baby blankets and projects. That being said, it does work as dress material. It is very comfortable. However, it does not have a lot of body so you may want to think about lining it, especially if you have a lighter color. Makes beautiful projects!
Content:
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: Lightweight
GSM: Unknown
Stretch: 4 way stretch. Lots of horizontal stretch /some vertical stretch
Double Brushed Poly is a knit that has been brushed on both sides, and is known for its ultra soft feel. It is very comfortable and stretchy! Has good drape but tends to be more clingy and may show underwear lines if using a lighter color.
Looks beautiful with a gathered or elastic waist. You may also want to flair your skirt instead of trying a pencil skirt.
Content: 95% polyester, 5% Spandex
Average width: 58”-60” inches
Weight: lightweight
GSM: 180
Stretch: Lots of horizontal and vertical stretch (4 way stretch)
If you love a lightweight fabric like rib knit or DBP, but don’t want the possibility of underwear lines, get a darker color! Dark colors hid so many flaws. Sewing mistakes and possible lines alike! On the other hand, if the fabric base isn’t color fast (like Liverpool) a lighter color will be best. You won’t run the risk of white shining through. Also take into account the size of the dress you are making. A lightweight knit like Double Brushed Poly will look much cuter as a size 6 dress then a size 18.
Selvage
Sometimes fabric has a wide white selvage which might look concerning. We understand! You don’t want to pay for unusable fabric! Good news! No matter how wide the selvage is, there is still 58”-60” inches of usable, printed fabric!
We want to hear from you! What type of fabric do you want to try next? What is one thing you learned that you didn’t know before? Let us know!
