Active Arts & Crafts Posts
How To: Cut a button hole and insert a button footer
An important part of sewing involves knowing how to make button holes. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to cut a button hole and insert a button footer on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Watch and learn how easy it is use a Kenmore sewing machine to make button holes.
How To: Thread a vintage Kenmore sewing machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to thread it properly. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to insert thread on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Follow the user's instruction below to properly thread your sewing machine.
How To: Sew a straight stitch on a Kenmore sewing machine
This is the final step of learning how to sew on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Watch this how to video to learn how to sew a straight stitch on a this type of sewing machine. Run the motor as you press the reverse button, this locks up the thread.
How To: Use the tension knob on a Kenmore sewing machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to the tension knob properly. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to properly adjust the tension knob on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. The tension knob is located near the front of the sewing machine. It has a dial numbered from 1 to 9. The larger the number, the tighter the tension.
How To: Insert a bobbin into the feed dog on a Kenmore machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to insert a bobbin properly. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to insert the bobbin into the feed dog of a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. The bobbin in the feed dog part of the sewing machine makes up the bottom of the thread needed for sewing.
How To: Fill a bobbin on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to fill a bobbin with thread properly. This sewing how to video will show you how to fill a bobbin on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Happy sewing!
How To: Weave on the Schacht Inkle loom
Ever wanted to learn how to weave? The inkle loom is a simple and inexpensive loom for weaving bands, and is easy to learn how to use. Watch this video weaving tutorial and learn how to use a Schact Inkle loom and start weaving in no time. Learn about warps, wefts & threading. Wonderfully clear weaving tutorial for textile artists and designers.
How To: Use an adjustable overcast foot on a sewing machine
To use an adjustable overcast foot on a sewing machine, watch this video sewing tutorial. It is ideal for stitching and finishing stretch fabrics or fabrics that unravel easily. Prevents seam from puckering, even when stitching wider seams. Turning the screw, adjust wire to seam width so needle swings over wire on right side. Stitch slowly with edge of fabric even with red guide and stitch going over wire. Use an adjustable overcast foot on a sewing machine.
How To: Use an applique foot for a sewing machine
To use an applique foot for a sewing machine, select zigzag stitch with very short stitch length 0.30 to 1, width of 1.5 - 4.0. Loosen tension to about 3. Transfer pattern to paper side of fusible backing. Mirror all letters or numbers. Iron fusible backing onto applique material, cut out designs and remove paper. Position applique pieces and iron onto base fabric. Place stabilizer under applique area. Over stitch all edges to prevent fraying. Use
How To: Make a "y" style drop necklace
This video jewelry-making tutorial demonstrates how to construct a "Y" necklace, by using gunmetal chain and findings with a few crystals in Sapphire to add a pop of color. Also demonstrated is a great way to make a perfect rosary loop using the wire looping pliers!
How To: Use a jump lock for jewelry-making
The end of the ugly split ring and soldering jump rings has arrived! Jumplocks "are easy-to-use jumprings that "LOCK" into place! This video jewelry-making tutorial demonstrates this new product and the technique used to "LOCK" them!
How To: Sew a shirt cut from a pattern
Always wondered how those store bought patterns are used? If so, then this is the how to video for you. In this instructional video learn to sew a shirt from a Vogue pattern. Watch as they demonstrate how to cut out the pieces and then sew them to make a beautiful shirt.
How To: Make a 3D greeting card with embroidered flowers
Here's a quick paper craft project that will allow you to use up those ribbon remnants! This project takes about an hour to make. A great starter if you are interested in ribbon embroidery. So watch this arts and crafts tutorial to learn how to decorate your greeting cards with embroidered flowers.
How To: Knit the linen knit stitch for experienced knitters
This how to video knitting tutorial demonstrates how to knit the linen knit stitch. The linen knit stitch combines knit and purl stitching. Viewers will need to know how to knit basic moves to learn the linen knit stitch.
How To: Do the yarn over in knitting with the left hand
This video tutorial shows how to execute a yarn over with the left hand. Great for lefties to learn how to knit a yarn over stitch, without having to mentally reverse the directions.
How To: Weave in loose ends of knitting using a yarn needle
This instructional video shows how to finish off the loose end of knitting with a yarn needle. Wear is bound to cause knitwear to thread and original projects need to be polished. Learn how to bind up ends before the yarn unravels.
How To: Knit a yarn over for simple knitting directions
Learn how to knit a yarn over knit stitch. These are common in knitting patterns as another way to increase and also used in making eyelets and decorative stitches.
How To: Assemble a knitted tote bag with pockets
This video crafting tutorial shows how to assemble a knitted tote bag with pockets from pre-knitted pieces. The process of putting the bag together is demonstrated step by step. Learn how to construct a knitted tote bag by watching this instructional video.
How To: Knit baby booties with straight single point needles
This video shows how to construct baby booties, knitted with straight knitting needles. No need to know how to "knit in the round" in order to make this pattern; it's an excellent project for beginner knitters. To make this pattern, knitting needles, yarn, a yarn needle and/or crochet needle are needed.
How To: Use eyelet pliers to attach grommets
Here's a quick video tutorial on using eyelet pliers. These work with the smaller eyelets by forcing the grommet through the fabric and curling it back on itself on the other side. Eyelet pliers are very quick and easy to use to attach grommets.
How To: Transfer pattern markings
In this how to video tutorial, learn how to transfer pattern markings. Get the basics on how to transfer sewing pattern markings. Different methods covered in the video include transfer paper, wheel and chalk, plus a couple of other sewing tricks.
How To: Straighten out wrinkled sewing patterns
Sometimes you find a pattern you really like, but it never folds up like it did when you first bought it! The result? A wrinkly messy pattern crammed in the envelope. This instructional how to video shows you how to straighten pattern pieces back out quickly and easily.
How To: Sew a straight stitch by hand
This how to video tutorial demonstrates how to sew a straight stitch by hand, just in case you don't have a sewing machine. The straight stitch is excellent for simple hems, decorative stitching and gathering fabric.
How To: Sew a simple pillow or dog bed out of jeans
In this how to video tutorial learn to sew a simple pillow out of jeans. Make your own pattern and create a pillow using just about any piece of clothing you don't use. You can also use creation as a pillow or as a dog bed if you make it big enough.
How To: Make a gift box out of fabric with little sewing
This project requires very little sewing experience. If you can do a basic whip-stitch, cut fabric and use an iron, you can do this. This is a great gift idea and you can use up those old fabric scraps, trims and beads. The best thing about it, is that you can customize the box to any occasion. Watch this how to video tutorial and learn how to make a fabric gift box.
How To: Knit using the continental method
Learn to knit using the continental method. Follow along, it's easy. Anyone can learn to knit and it's a great craft to know if you want to give handmade gifts! This how to video knitting tutorial will show you how to knit using the continental method.
How To: Make a quilt-inspired polymer clay cane bead
Suzanne Ivester demonstrates a fun technique for building a colorful, complex quilt cane quickly and easily with a clay gun. You will need a fair amount of materials, a variety of colors of polymer clay, a clay press, and something to make triangular clay tubes. Watch this video beading tutorial and learn how to make quilt-inspired polymer clay bead cane.
How To: Design and put together a scrapbook layout page
This video demonstration shows the process of putting together a scrapbook layout page. Demonstrator Debbie's theme is "Being Grateful." While replicating this exact page might be difficult, watch this video scrapbooking tutorial to pick up some ideas for painting, inking, sanding, lettering, and generally decorating scrapbook layouts.
How To: Cover chipboard or cardboard for scrapbooking
This video scrapbooking tutorial shows how to cover chipboard shapes with papers to match your layouts. This same technique applies to any sort of thick paperboard or paper. Watch this instructional video and learn how to add finish to chipboard and cardboard, fully incorporating a variety of materials into any scrapbooking or paper design project.
How To: Doodle swirls on bookmarks, cards, or scrapbooks
This video scrapbooking tutorial shows how to freehand draw some swirls to decorate any craft projects. It's real simple; you don't need to know how to draw to doodle. Swirls will add a little bit of color and flash to anything that's looking too plain. Watch this video demonstration and learn how to doodle swirls on bookmarks, cards, and scrapbooks.
How To: Make a paper daisy for embellishment
This video shows a simple method of crafting a paper daisy to embellish scrapbooks or cards. You'll need white paper, yellow paper, a flower stencil, scissors, some glue, and a brad. Watch this video scrapbooking tutorial shows how to make an easy paper daisy.
How To: Origami an electra icosidodecahedron
This video origami tutorial provides instruction on how to make icosidodecahedron out of Dave Mitchell's electra modules. This piece is a great example of modular origami, which is an origami project that requires multiple sheets of paper instead of one simple square. Watch this instructional video and learn how to fold an origami electra icosidodecahedron.
How To: Unravel yarn by the stitch to fix a knitting mistake
This is an easy, up close, demonstration of one way to unravel your knitting when you make a mistake. By Judy Graham, Knitter to the Stars, who's knits have appeared in movies, TV, and concerts for over 30 years and who has been hand knitting for over 50 years. Watch this video knitting tutorial and learn a simple way to unravel the yarn from a project to undo a mistake in your knitting.
How To: Origami a mini paper wishing star
This video origami tutorial shows how to fold a little paper wishing star. Follow along with the instructions and demonstration to fold a strip of paper into a star shape. Watch this instructional video and learn how to fold a paper wishing star.
How To: Origami a paper canoe boat
Canoes are a proud and noble tradition, dating back to 7600 BC. While it takes a skilled craftsmen to make a real canoe, even you can make a one out of paper, unless origami folding is somehow too challenging. Watch this video origami tutorial and learn how to fold a paper canoe.
How To: Origami a paper rabbit
Watch this video origami tutorial and learn how to fold a paper rabbit. You'll need a piece of square paper and some scissors. Follow along with the demonstrator as he walks through the simple steps of folding a paper rabbit. Watch this instructional video and learn how to origami a folded paper bunny rabbit.
How To: Make substitute origami paper
This video origami tutorial shows how to make a substitute for origami paper in case you ever run out or can't buy any. You can use construction paper, printer paper, magazine paper, and etc. Have Fun!
How To: Origami a paper vase
This video origami tutorial series shows how to fold an elegant paper vase. Follow along with the demonstrator to see the simple steps to making this paper flower vase. Use it to store origami flowers, for blooms that will last forever. Watch this instructional video and learn how to origami a folded paper flower vase.
How To: Origami an 8-pointed star
This video origami tutorial shows how to transform a single sheet of square paper into an eight point star. Follow along with the demonstrator as she folds up this origami project. Watch this instructional video and learn how to origami a folded 8 point star.
How To: Origami a phoenix
The design explains itself; almost all folds are easily determined from other creases. The phoenix is a sacred brid from Greek mythology that is born from ashes. Watch this video origami tutorial and learn how to make a phoenix using the traditional Japanese art of paper folding.