Sit n' Sew Blog

You've found a fabric you love - but how do you highlight the cutest parts in your next project? Let's talk fussy cutting. So many prints are just asking to be fussy cut - to center and cut out a specific design on fabric. This technique can be used for any project - just note the size pieces you need to cut, and find your favorite sections of your fabric. Let's take a look at a few examples: Tape lines make it simple to center your desired design. Apply painter's tape to your ruler to ma …

Machine Embroidery Hooping Tips (Home & Single-Head Machines) A practical guide to stabilizer choices, alignment, floating, and fast fixes. Quick win: pick stabilizer for the fabric first, then size your hoop to the design. Those two choices prevent most issues. On this page Start with the right stabilizer Marking & alignment Classic hooping checklist Floating & adhesive Magnetic hoops & stations Fabric-specific recipes Needle, thread & bobbin notes Fast troubleshooti …

I firmly believe you can never have too many tote bags. And I know you're going to love this one! Use a fat quarter bundle to make this scrappy patchwork tote - I chose a Halloween FQ bundle - such a cute trick or treat bag! But you can choose any FQ bundle you like.  Here's how to make the tote: Cutting:Tip: Start by cutting the largest pieces first; use what's remaining to cut the patchwork squares. Choose which fabrics you want for each piece. From fat quarters:(2) 13" x 14" lini …

    October 31st is right around the corner, and with so many Halloween themed fabrics, it's time to start creating! We've curated this bundle of Halloween fat quarters which can be used for any of our FQ free pattern downloads (choose your favorite when you check out!). But today I'm showing you how to transform these prints into an adorable Pennant Banner. The full pdf pattern is available with the purchase of any fat quarter bundle.     Psst...you can make th …

Embroidery Thread Color Management: Organize with a 60-Spool Rack & Color Cards Color coordination can make or break your embroidery project. Whether you’re stitching one-off designs at home or managing multi-head runs, hunting for the right shade—or second-guessing your choices—slows everything down. With a few smart systems—and the right tools—you can take control of your color workflow, reduce mistakes, and stitch with confidence. In this post, you’l …

Hello, fellow stitchers! We’ve all been there. You spend hours creating a beautiful embroidery project—a baby blanket, a kitchen towel, a polo shirt—and the final step is to add a name, a date, or a monogram. You pick a font, shrink it down, press start, and… you’re left with a blobby, unreadable mess. What should have been the perfect finishing touch ends up ruining the whole piece. It’s one of the most frustrating experiences in machine embroidery. But I&rs …

Machine embroidery is a rewarding craft, but your work isn’t truly finished when the machine stops. As a seasoned embroiderer, I’ve learned that how you finish, press, and care for your embroidered pieces can make all the difference in their appearance and longevity. In this guide, I’ll share no-nonsense tips (with years of experience behind them) on properly finishing a machine embroidery project, pressing it without damage, and caring for it so it stays be …

 Are you a fan of sewing with solids? With no fabric motifs to distract, solids are all about saturated color, and all about the quilt design. They work beautifully in any pattern - give it a try, starting with the runner I stitched below! I had such fun putting together two solid fabric fat quarter bundles - 12 cool colors and 12 warm colors. Today I'm working with the cool colors to create a fresh summer table runner - there's just something about the combination of multiple greens, t …

Feeling those summer vibes? I sure am! I think that calls for a new summery bag to carry around my sunscreen, book, and phone! I used the warm prints from a pack of Color Notes 5" squares to get started.  Working with precut squares is such a great shortcut - you can simply start sewing! I created a patchwork drawstring bag and couldn't believe how quickly it came together. These bags are addictive - I bet you'll want to make more than one! The finished bag measures 13-1/2" square. …

It's time for another baby quilt! Last month, I shared an easy design to stitch up an adorable small quilt. Today I'm sharing another option, this time using the Sweet Baby Boy FQ bundle. Sweet Baby Boy FQ Bundle Quick baby quilt patterns are a great resource - they help you sew and gift a quilt when a baby is born. They're great for toddlers too - the smaller size means that little ones can lay on the quilt or carry it around. All you need is a bundle of fat quarters to get star …