Today I’m sharing a fun photo and video tutorial to sew your own poodle skirt. It’s a fun and easy quick sewing project that can be used for dress up days or Halloween, or just for fun. There is also a video tutorial included below, so please refer to that if you have questions. As always, there is also a photo tutorial, walking you through the sewing process as well. Enjoy!

Felt Poodle Skirt

This is a project I’ve been wanting to make for awhile now, so when a reader sent an email asking some questions about sewing a poodle skirt, I decided it was time to make one and write about the process. This is a felt poodle skirt and is so easy to sew!

Now why do we need a poodle skirt? Good question… we don’t really {haha} But actually I think this would make a very fun Halloween costume, it sews up quickly and doesn’t cost that much to make. It’s a fun sewing project and will be fun to have this skirt around for dress up occasions.

I like using felt because you don’t have to hem the bottom, and it has some body, even without an underskirt. Quick and easy! You can use this tutorial with any fabric you want {its just a circle skirt} but felt works great and is nice and wide for skirt length.

Other fun skirt projects to sew-

• Half Circle skirt with knit waistband
• Tiered Skirt tutorial
• Double layer skirt with undershorts
• Skirt with leggings attached
• Long skirt with pockets tutorial
• Double layer circle skirt

Poodle Skirt video tutorial-

The video tutorial should be here below this text. If you don’t see it, make sure you aren’t running an ad blocker or try a different browser.

How to sew a poodle skirt tutorial-

here’s what you will need to recreate this cute poodle skirt project. The directions for this skirt are below… but if you need more tips making a circle skirt you can check out my circle skirt tutorial post.

• Free poodle printable pattern {click button below to download.}
• Ribbon for leash
• 2 yards felt for skirt {for toddler, one yard is probably enough}
• scraps of felt for poodle
• Wide elastic {mine is 2″ wide}

NOTE: the free download is a .zip file. This means you will have to download and UNZIP to use it. You cannot use as is. I use a zip file so I can give you two forms of the pattern in one download. There is a PDF and SVG included.

NOTE 2: the fabric I ordered from Amazon was a great price and worked fabulously for this skirt, however, the two yards came separate {I couldn’t quite tell in the listing} So below I will show how to sew together, and I still think this felt is a great option, so wide and the ability to make long skirts is perfect!

If you purchased two continuous yards of fabric you can skip this first step. Line up the long edges so after you sew you will have approx 72″ x 72″ square. I placed the edges together with just a slight overlap and then sewed it with a zig-zag to connect the edges.

Take your large square of fabric and fold it in half, then in half again. {see video for double fold instructions if needed} Now you should have a corner of the fabric that is all folds, no edges. This corner is the center of the skirt.

Next, figure your top circle cut by taking the hip measurement of the skirt recipient and divide it by 6.28. Use the hip measurement because the skirt will have to fit over the hips. For example, our skirt waist opening was 30″ x 6.28= 4.7″. Starting from the double fold corner. Measure and mark this to create a quarter circle from the corner.

Here is the waist marking for my skirt. Measure, mark, then cut.

Now, from the cut waistline, measure down to the intended skirt length. Keep the fabric folded as before. My skirt was 27″ from the waist. Make sure you are measuring from the new cut waist, not the original folded corner. Mark the skirt length measurement along the whole quarter circle, then cut all four layers at once.

Becuase my skirt is felt, I didn’t finish the bottom edge, this cut was the bottom.

Cut the elastic based on the waist measurement. I would cut it 1-2″ smaller than the actual waist, its best if you can try on your model, but you can cut with just the measurement as well. Overlap the cut edges 1/2″ and then sew with a zig-zag over both raw edges.

At this point if you sewed two yards of felt together, you will want to make sure that where you sewed the felt together is now on the side seams. Lay the skirt so the seams on on the sides, and the seam of the elastic is at the back. The elastic waistband should be laid over the right side of the skirt, overlapping 1/2 of the elastic and skirt. Stretch and pin the elastic to the skirt. Place pins on the right side of the elastic so you can sew from the right side.

Use a zig-zag stretch in thread color that matches the elastic and stitch on the bottom edge of the elastic, making sure to catch the skirt under. You will need to stretch the elastic as you sew to match up with the skirt. When you finish, the front will look finished and the inside will have the raw edge of the felt.

Now it’s time to prepare the poodle to add to the skirt. You can download the free pattern using the button in the supply list. {see note about .zip file} You can use the pdf file to cut black felt with scissors or the svg file on your cutting machine. When you open the file there are two layers. Image and shape

You will not cut the image layer. You can hide or delete it before cutting the shape layer.

Find the front center of the skirt and place the poodle to the left or right of the center. I used hot glue to attach the poodle. You can sew or glue the poodle.

Add a leash from the poodle neck. You can create the leash using any design you want. Take the leash from the neck to the waistband. Glue the leash in place.

There you have it! A cute poodle skirt you can make in any size.

The post How to sew a poodle skirt appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

I really want a tumbler for iced coffee. I’ve gone through four glass tumblers {even with the rubber bottom} and I can’t be trusted with glass. On a trip to Hobby Lobby this spring I saw this stainless steel tumbler with a straw and I was pretty sure this tumbler could survive. Of course I wanted to add some fun design to it though before using.

Stainless steel tumbler with sublimation

If you are like me and can’t be trusted with glass, this project is for you. All the cuteness of a glass tumbler, with the strength of stainless steel. I may replace the plastic straw these came with, but for now it has the original straw.

I designed the text right in the Artspira app. I love how easy it is to import your own designs AND use font and graphics from in the app. There was no cross in the app, so I imported one and it seamlessly blends with the rest of my design.. If you have any Brother craft or sewing machines the Artspira app is a great tool. This was all done just using the free version of the app.

Other sublimation projects

• Sublimation on dark fabric
• Sublimation on Glass
• Custom sublimation ornament
• Tea towel sublimation

Sublimation on Stainless Steel tumbler tutorial

Here are the supplies needed to create your own sublimated stainless steel tumbler.

• Stainless steel tumblers. You can find on Amazon here. Or at Hobby Lobby.
• Sublimation printer
• Design – download one online or design your own.
• Tumbler Heat press – with heat gloves and heat resistant tape.
  • My exact press is no longer sold, but the one linked is very similar with great reviews. I love that one press can do all shapes and sizes of tumblers and mugs.

I looked up some fun tumbler designs online and then recreated/ adapted them to the fonts/graphics I had on hand in the Artspira App.

Measure your tumbler top to bottom and around the circumference.

Use these dimensions to create your canvas on your design software. Then create your design. OR import a complete design you purchased online. Send to your sublimation machine and print.

My design was the right size, but it printed on a full sheet, so I had to trim the paper down.

Remove the top and straw from the tumbler. Wrap the paper/design around your tumbler and secure with heat resistant tape. {my tape came with my machine and I’m still using the first roll.}

More tape is better than less to avoid slipping. My press has a small crack where the tumbler is not pressed, so make sure that a blank sport is on the area. If your design is a full 360, you will have to press your tumbler, then rotate and press again.

Follow the instructions on the tumbler for time and temperature. You should be able to put these settings into your heat press. While the time is ticking, I put on my heat gloves.

When the timer goes off, remove the tumbler from the press. Let cool for a few minutes. If you have more sides to press, rotate and press again before cooling.

I like to try and peak at a corner of the design before removing the whole paper to make sure the color fully transferred. Remove all the paper if satisfies with the design.

Place the top and straw back in place and enjoy!!!

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Prime Day is back!! June 23-26, 2026!! So many amazing deals to check out. This post will focus on deals for sewing and crafting and home, but there is so much more on Amazon for sale. Over the next few days I’m going to be updating this post as I see amazing deals on sewing and crafting supplies. I apologize up front if the item isn’t on sale when you click the link. These deals can be short lived!

Prime Sign up and other Promotions

If you don’t have a prime account sign up for a FREE trial here >> Prime Trial

Also… have you seen the Prime for young adults? Students or 18-24 year olds can enjoy Prime as well as an extra 5% cash back on eligible purchases and monthly perks. Plus, it’s $0 for the first 6 months. Sign up here.

Another great new option is prime access! Eligible government assistance recipients and income verified customers can access all of Prime (fast, free delivery, Prime Video, Amazon Music, and more) for just $6.99/month (50% off) Check it out here.

Need a Kindle? Check out Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Fires here. {my kids have these simple inexpensive ones!}

Amazon video is a super fun streaming subscription. Tons of shows and Movies. Try Amazon video here.

My kids LOVE audio books and Audible is a lifesaver! We don’t have a yearly subscription, but do subscribe when we need {summer!!} You can try Audible plus here.

I love to read and I do subscribe to Kindle unlimited. It’s so easy to always have a book at my fingertips!! Try Kindle Unlimited here.

Prime Day Deals for Sewing and Crafting

Are you a prime day shopper? Over the years I’ve found several really great deals on Prime Day. When it used to be in the fall I would do a lot of Christmas shopping during these sales. Now that it falls in summer I’m not as excited to Christmas shop in July, but we will see what I find.

Below you will find categories of sales and several items in each. Again, when I post the item it was on sale, but I can’t always be sure it will last the full two days. This post was written for Prime Day 2024.

Deals on Sewing and Crafting Machines

• Brother basic sewing machine {great starter machine!}
• Dress forms!! so many good ones on sale!
• Brother Mechanical sewing machinene
• Brother Strong and Tough Sewing Machine
• HTVront heat press
• Folding sewing table
• Label Maker

Deals on Sewing Supplies

• Sewing Kit
• Sewing Book – Half Yard Christmas
• Stitch Book – 32 Stitches with room to practice and create a beautiful book
• Machine Presser Foot Set
• Sewing Machine muffling mat
• Polymer Clay 50 colors
• Seam ripper kit
• 600PCS Sewing Pins Straight Pin for Fabric
• Sewing clips – my favorite!!
• Bobbin Cases- pre wound!
• MOHOM 17″ x 13.5″ Wool Pressing Mat 100%
• Thread clipping embroidery scissors

See all kinds of small sewing notion deals HERE

Deals on Crafting Supplies

• Chalk Markers
• Journal Markers
• Craft Scissors
• 40 pack Crayola markers
• 3000+ Pcs Arts and Crafts Supplies for Kids
• Heat Gun for Crafting
• Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun,

See all kinds of smaller item craft sales HERE

Other home deals and items I’m eyeing!

• Ninja Foodi Double Air fryer.. I have this one! Love it!
• Shark Robot vacuum {almost 1/2 off!!}
• Veggie Chopper-I bought this last prime day
• Airtight food storage containers
• Ninja Crispi Airfryer – 5.5 qt
• Kitchen Aid Oven Mitts
• Soda Stream...
• Just ordered these two tents as ours broke last summer
  • 6 person dark tent
  • small backpacking style tent

The post Prime Day Deals for Sewing and Crafting appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

I have a couple embroidery machines, but they are all flatbed, single needle machines. This means that you use a flat hoop and your fabric/item must be flat. BUT… with the machines I do have I can still make amazing embroidery items. Here is my DIY custom patch, sewn on a hat tutorial.

Custom Patch Hat

It’s SUMMMMER! Also known as hat season {haha}. I found this adorable persunality design on the Artspira App. I decided we needed it on a hat.

I love the way this looks. A truly custom hat… you can make any size or shape or design of patch and then sew it on a hat. I’ll give you a quick tutorial on how to make custom patch, then show you how to sew it on a hat.

Here’s what you need to create this project…

• Adhesive stabilizer
• Twill patch fabric
• Embroidery Thread
• Simple Trucker hat {this is a link for a pack of hats like mine, I got my single hat at Hobby Lobby}
• Embroidery design {I found mine on the Artspira App}

Other fun embroidery projects

• Puff Embroidery Tutorial
• Logo pocket embroidery
• Double Layer embroidery
• Couching and embroidery
• Create custom clothing
• Embroidered Bag tags
• Applique and Embroidery shirt
• Flower bouquet embroidered shirt

How to make a custom patch

Place a piece of the stabilizer in your hoop. Make sure the paper side is facing up. Cut a piece of twill larger than you need for your patch and place in the center of the hoop.

Use a design on your machine or transfer from Artspira, then import to your machine screen.

Use the square/rectangle designs built into your machine. I added one rectangle single stitch, then directly overtop I added a satin stitch rectangle. You can see the layers of colors. Make sure the rectangles are in the order I mentioned and after the design, this will give the correct order of stitching.

Stitch out the design. This only had three colors, so it didn’t take too long.

After the design stitches, the next layer will be the single stitch. After this, you will remove the hoop and trim around the single stitch rectangle.

Start the final layer of stitching, which is the satin stitch and will finish the patch.

The patch should pop right out of the stabilizer as the stitching perforates the stabilizer.

How to sew a patch on a hat

Now that you have a fun, custom patch, it’s time to sew it onto your hat. remove any packaging that will get in the way while sewing.

Pin or glue the patch in place on the hat.

While pinning and sewing, make sure to keep the hat sweatband out of the way. I kept the same thread as the patch border. This will

I kept the same thread as the patch border. This will make the stitching blend right in with the patch.

Now, here’s a tip that is SUPER helpful. If your machine has directional sewing, then you never have to rotate the hat. I started near the brim and stitched to the left, then forward, and then right.

For the final side {the one hear the brim} it can be hard to sew close to the brim. I like to use my zipper foot and then also move the needle several places to the right.

Now your patch hat is finished and should look amazing.

The post DIY custom patch sewn on hat appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

Embroidered Bag Tag

We’ve marked our suitcases with ribbon in the past, but no more! Now we have the cutest bag tags. You can use just as a marker, or as an actual address tag, by adding your address to the back with permanent marker.

Embroider all your tags the same or make a bunch of cute ones. I found this travel embroidery pack and used a few to make theses tags. There are more cute designs so I will have to keep sewing! I don’t think anyone else will have tags like this on their baggage.

Other Travel Themed Tutorials

• Toothbrush Roll tutorial
• Water bottle/Phone Carrier
• List of patterns and tutorials for travel
• Diagonal Zipper pouch for your devices
• Padded Sunglasses case
• Passport Holder

Bag Tag with embroidery tutorial

Supplies for making embroidered bag tags

• Embroidery Machine
• Tear away stabilizer
• Embroidery thread
• Fun travel themed embroidery designs
• Poly patch twill

Ok! Here’s my set up to making these embroidered bag tags. I have this poly twill for making patches of all kinds, but it also worked great for these bag tags.

Start by hooping two layers of tear aways stabilizer in your hoop. You can make this project in a small hoop one at a time, or in a larger hoop and sew a few in a single hoop. I added all my travel files to a usb stick to transfer to my embroidery machine.

Here is how I created the embroidered bag tag. Start by adding a straight stich rectangle. Most machines have these basic shapes built in. Adjust the rectangle to be the size you want your tag.

Add the travel design {or any design you want to add} Place it to one side of the rectangle.

Now add a satin stitch rectangle and place it on top of the straight stitch one. When looking at the layers of the embroidery, this satin stitch outline needs to be after the other embroidery.

Add a tiny circle to the other side of the rectangle {this will be cut out to add a ribbon} Check the placement of the design in the hoop, then add your twill fabric.

Stitch the straight stitch outline, then trim twill {if you didn’t already} This other piece will be the back of the tag.

Stitch out the suitcase. You can see here how I’ve arranged my layers.

I forgot to photograph the backing stop on the suitcase tag, so I will now show you on the tree tag. After stitch out the outline and design, remove hoop from machine.

Flip hoop over and place the backing right side out over the back of the design. Use the outline for placement.

Turn the hoop back over and place two pins to hold the back in place. Put the hoop back on the machine and add the final two layers. The satin outline and the small circle. If you want the satin outline to blend in, match your bobbin thread with the twill color.

If you want to make several of these, you can just delete out the travel design and keep the other layers all in place. Replace the travel design and then stitch it out again.

When you have all your bag tags finished, remove the stabilizer from the hoop and then tear out the patches/tags from the stabilizer.

Cut around the satin stitch outline with sharp scissors.

Now you have the finished front and back.

Use sharp snipping scissors to cut out the tiny circle and thread a piece of ribbon or chord through the hole.

Now you have adorable luggage tags to add to your bag or backpack.

The post Embroidered Bag Tag for travel tutorial appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

I was looking through my previous posts on this topic and I was noticing that I had several posts on this topic, but were all basically similar. So I’ve redirected all former Reusable Fabric Snack Bag posts to this one, and now this will be the go-to post for my Fabric Snack Bag tutorial.

Reusable Fabric Snack Bags

I’ve been making bags like this since my boys were little. Originally I used some cotton on the outside, and clear vinyl on the inside, but since then I’ve refined my fabric choices and the size and shape of my reusable snack bags.

Today I’m going to be sharing my favorite fabrics as well as the two styles I think work the best. I use both KAM snaps and Velcro as closure, but you can use just one of these if that works better for you.

I like to make different sizes of snack baggies. Small enough for just a few carrots, and large enough for a sandwich. My favorite fabrics are rip-stop and PUL fabric. Links below.

Other lunch tutorials

• Lunch Box name tags
• Insulated Lunch bag tutorial
• Personalized Snack boxes
• My favorite lunch boxes

Reusable snack bag tutorials

Fabric and supplies to make reusable snack bags:

• Rip Stop Nylon fabric {slippery fabric with the little squares… like kite fabric}
  • I recently purchased on Amazon
• PUL {Polyurethane Laminate} This is a water proof fabric often used for cloth diapers
  • I have bought here on Amazon or here on Etsy
• KAM Snaps
• Velcro

The Ripstop fabric makes the perfect lining for your snack bags, if I’m also using the PUL fabric I will put that on the outside as a leak proof layer {so apple juice doesn’t leak}. You can also use two layers of Ripstop. I will show both options.

My smaller bag is 5 x 10″, cut two pieces of fabric {I used on ripstop and one PUL}. Cut velcro just a bit shorter than the width of one short end. {approx 4″}

The larger sandwich size is 7 x 13/14″ – cut a rectangle, then round two corners on one short end.

For the smaller pouch I start with sewing the two rectangles together, right sides facing. Leave one short end open for turning. Sew with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

After sewing, clip the sewn corners, then turn right side out. You may need to use a blunt point to poke out the corners. Fold in the top seam allowance and sew shut.

On the lining side of the snack bag, place the two strips of velcro and sew around the edges.

Fold the ends together and pin or clip the side. Sew down the two sides, stitch as close as you can to the edge, still catching all four layers. Around 1/8″. Now you have a cute and secure snack bag.

For my larger sandwich bag made with two layers of Ripstop, there isn’t really a wrong or right side of the fabric. But sew bother layers together and leave a 2″ opening on one long side to turn.

Clip the bottom corners and turn right side out. You may need to use a blunt point to poke out the corners. Fold in the seam allowance on the turning hole.

Fold the bottom up to match the straight sides. Pin or clip to hold in place.

Carefully transfer your pins of clip from the turning opening to the side, keeping the seam allowance turned in. This way you can sew only once and close the hole and sew the sides.

Add snaps or velcro for closure. I added two snaps just off the center. Use a fabric pen to rub on the inside of the snap, then when you fold it over it will mark where the other side should be placed.

Place the snaps on the front of the pouch.

These two snaps will match with the flap snaps.

Now you have a finished sandwich size bag. You can also make this smaller for snacks.

Here are some examples of the sizes and shapes I have sewn. The animal pouch on the left is a larger snack bag, with a seam down the middle to hold two different snacks.

The post Reusable Fabric Snack Bags appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

We live in very dry Colorado and my lips are very very dry! There are a few months of the year where I think they are ok, but most of the year I have multiple chapsticks in all the places to keep my lips moisturized. These cute chapstick holder keychain DIY is a fun and easy sewing proejct.

DIY Chapstick holder pattern-

So cute right? This chapstick holder template is perfect for keeping that moisturizing goodness near you at all times. Add one to your bag, your keys, your car, anywhere! I’m still using these that I sewed up last year, super handy.

I’ve included a couple of different ways to make these keychain chapstick holders, but either way it is a simple sewing project and one that you can make quickly. These also make adorable gifts, so when you start sewing, make several.

Other cute accessories to sew:

• sunglasses holder
• drawstring bag
• Mug Cozy

Chapstick holder template free

Ok! First let’s talk supplies. Here is what you will need:

• Fabric scraps
• Keychain rings
• Interfacing OR Iron – on Fabric applique sheet

As I mentioned there are two main ways to create these cute DIY chapstick holders. You can used your electronic cutting machine or just print the template and cut out. I use a ScanNCut for the example, but you can use any brand machine.

Download the free template using this button or the one below.

The file you will download is a zip file. Unzip the file and you will see three file types. The SVG file is for cutting machine, the PDF pattern is for printing and cutting and the layout view is to open and see how to layout and cut the fabric.

How to make a chapstick holder

If you are printing the pattern make sure to print at 100% or actual size so the template is the correct size. Once you have printed the template will show you how many to cut of fabric and from interfacing.

If you are using a cutting machine, open the svg in your software and see the two layers. One is the logo and that will not cut, just the template lines will cut. Export to your cutting machine.

To use your cutting machine, prep the fabric by ironing on the applique adhesive. This allows for easier cutting as well as adds a layer of stability. You do not need interfacing if using this method.

Prep your machine by installing a fabric blade {if needed} then layout your fabric. If using interfacing, place fabric and interfacing side by side on the cutting mat so two of each get cut. If using the applique sheet backed fabric, you only need to cut two of the fabric.

Press and fuse interfacing to the back side of the fabric pieces. Then pin or clip right sides together. I’m showing to versions here.

Sew around the outside of the fabric using a narrow 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave the top edge open for turning.

Clip the curved edges and extra fabric on the bottom corners. Then turn the project right side out.

Press to flatten and make the edges crisp. Thread the keychain ring into the curved part of the fabric.

Fold the top over to the back. You can fold the seam allowance inside and straight stitch, or zig-zag to hold down and finish the raw edge.

To finish, fold the bottom edge up to the line you just sewed and the stitch the sides. This will create the little pocket for the chapstick. What a fun and easy project!

The post Chapstick holder template – free appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

I’ve been sharing some swim inspiration the past couple weeks. School is out here and while the weather doesn’t feel overly summery, I’m getting in the summer mood with sewing swimwear for the kids. Today I’m sharing a fun swim set with boardshorts and a coordinating swim top. I’ve used two of my sewing patterns and I’ll give you all the details below.

**Note – pool background generated using AI and Photoshop. My daughter and the swim suit are %100 real {haha} **

Swim Shorts with top sewing pattern

ok! Let’s check out some photos. I sewed up the Sand N Surf Board shorts {these are for both boys and girls} I love pairing these shorts with a swim top for a fun swim set. This would also be so cute with a swim shirt {free pattern and tutorial here.}

The top here is a hacked version of my Girls Classic Swim suit {linked below}. I sewed it with some swim fabric from my stash that went well with the shorts. The Board Shorts are made of board short fabric {a quick dry woven with a slight stretch}. I will be sharing the pattern links and fabric sources below. While I used my patterns for this, I also wanted this to be and inspiration for others to use with patterns they may have.

Other swim patterns and tutorials to try

• How to sew swim elastic perfect every time
• Swimsuit hack – add a side seam
• One piece swim suit into a two piece, sewing hack
• The best swim patterns for kids
• Free swim shirt sewing patterns
• Free toddler swim suit pattern {only one size}

Board shorts for boys and girls with swim top

Here are the details you need to put this same look together. The board shorts were sewn as is.. they have great side seam pockets, a few waistband options, and compression short lining.

The swim top is my girls swim suit pattern, with a hack to make it a two piece. You can find this sewing hack here to replicate.

BOTH PATTERNS HERE ARE ON SALE UNTIL MAY 29th

• Swim fabric from Raspberry Creek and knitFabric {dot} com
• Swim lining fabric
• These are some places I have ordered quality swim fabric {the kind that holds up well to water and sun, but there are probably many other places to get swim fabric.
• Board Short Fabric from Raspberry Creek and Knit Fabric {dot} com

New to sewing swim? Check out this tutorial for sewing swim elastic.

You will be able to find the tutorials and instructions for putting this outfit together in the purchased patterns and linked pattern hacks here. Let me know if you have any questions for this project.

The post Swim Shorts sewing pattern appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

I love my girls classic swimsuit pattern. It’s done well for my daughter over the years. The past couple years she’s been asking for a two piece suit and this pattern works well for that as well. Today I thought I would share how I turn this one piece pattern into a two piece suit. You can use this sewing hack with any pattern, or buy mine below.

Two piece swim suit sewing hack

This suit turned out so so cute, but I’m going to admit right at the top here that I used photoshop to put Rose on the beach. We took these photos in our home and the weather is NOT swim ready {although we are dreaming!} So just pretend with me that we recently took a beach vacation {although we haven’t in a long time} haha!

We blew up our innertube and took photos yesterday to show how cute and practical this suit is. One of the things I’m most proud of with my swim suit pattern is that is has great coverage and fits really well. The perfect suit that will not slip or slide and stays put while you play and swim.

I’ve been sewing this suit for Rose for many years {and variations of it} and it’s perfect every summer. I had this fabric in my stash and also used a lining fabric for a fully lined suit. I’ll give some fabric and lining links below.

To see photos of tiny Rose in this suit or purchase this pattern click the buttons below.

Other swim patterns and tutorials to try

• How to sew swim elastic perfect every time
• Swimsuit hack – add a side seam
• The best swim patterns for kids
• Free swim shirt sewing patterns
• Free toddler swim suit pattern {only one size}

How to turn a one piece suit into a two piece

Ok! let’s dive into the the sewing! This won’t be a full sewing tutorial as whatever pattern you are using for your suit should have the full instructions. This will just be some basic tips that you can use to create a two piece suit from your one piece pattern. The buttons below will give you more information about my girls basic suit which I am using here in this tutorial.

• Swim fabric from Raspberry Creek and knitFabric {dot} com
• Swim lining fabric
• These are some places I have ordered quality swim fabric {the kind that holds up well to water and sun, but there are probably many other places to get swim fabric.

New to sewing swim? Check out this tutorial for sewing swim elastic.

Here you can see my lining fabric, swim fabric and elastic. I’m using 3/4″ elastic for the waist and chest and 1/4″ for leg and arm openings. I do not use any special elastic. I have not had trouble with it breaking down. I find that the fabric wears out before the elastic, so I don’t bother to buy swim elastic.

Here are my trace off pieces from the original swim pattern. I traced a size 12 in length and size 8 in width.

Now it’s time to create the bottoms. Match the bottom hip sides. Use a pair of underwear, other swim suit or measure the rise of your child to determine how high it should go. Add 1″ for elastic then cut.

Here are the bottoms cut and the elastic casing folded over.

Let’s do the same for the top. Line up the underarm, and again measure with a sports bra, swim top or measure down from the shoulders. Cut enough for elastic casing to fold over. I had about 1.5″ of extra middle paper after cutting away the top and bottom.

Now you have your four pieces and are ready to cut. Cut one of each from swim fabric and from lining mesh. Remember to check out the original girls swim post and the shop listing if you want to purchase. Also see my tutorial for sewing swim elastic for tips.

The post One piece to two piece swim sewing hack appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

When you use zippers often, you know the price can add up. Not only that, but I’m always needed different lengths, so buying a large pack of one size isn’t always efficient either. A few years ago I started buying zipper by the yard and now its {almost} all I use for bag making and other zipper projects. Today I’m going to give you some tips for using these kind of zippers.

Zipper tab video quick look

Here is a quick video tutorial of what is in the photos below. I will saw it was very hard to video the machine method, so the photos are better to look at for that. Between the photos and video you should be able to see both methods well. If you can’t see the video check your ad blocker or switch browsers.

How to use Zipper by the yard

I love the cost factor and the flexibility of zipper by the yard. In the photo below you can see I’ve created a single normal zipper and a double zipper {great for bags and sweatshirts} I’ll show you how to use the zipper tabs to create each kind of zipper, plus how to add the tabs to the tape.

Where to buy Zippers and Tabs

These are the zippers and tabs seen here in this post. I buy them from Amazon. There are so many colors and options, here are just two basic colors that I have bought.

• Beige Zipper
• Black Zipper

Let’s first look at the tabs and tape and talk about what they look like.

Zipper tape: has a right side and a wrong side. The right side has the teeth showing. The wrong side will have no teeth or just barely showing teeth.

Zipper tabs: the wrong side is flat and the right side has the bump attached to the pull.

When putting the zipper tabs on the zipper tape I always work with the teeth AND the tape right side up towards me. Let’s talk about thread the tabs onto the zipper tape. NOTE: There is actually a tool that can help with this, but I just have found other methods.

Method 1: This is the one I primarily use and it works for me. I cut about 1/2 inch of the fabric off either side of the zipper teeth. Then, with the curved side of the zipper facing the tape, insert on side just a tiny bit in the tab.

Then stick just a little bit of the other side of the teeth into the tab, try to have the same amount on each side. From there I grab the zipper tape with my left hand, just below the tab and hold firmly, with the other hand pull the tab down over the teeth. It should resist just a bit, then slide down.

Once you have the tab in place you can add more tabs if you need more zippers or just cut the length you need. If you want to make a double zipper, those instructions are below. You can see my zipper tape ended up just a bit uneven, I just cut to even up when using.

Method 2:

Here is another way to thread the zipper tab onto the tape. This method you do not cut the sides of the tape. Install your zipper foot onto your sewing machine. We will be using it as a clamp to hold the tab. With the right side of the zipper tab up, place it under the raised foot, then lower to hold it in place.

From the back side of the foot, separate the zipper a few inches. Thread just a bit of the teeth into one side of the tab.

Add the other side of the teeth into second side of the tab. Grab both sides of the zipper tape.

Gently pull until you see the tape come out the bottom of the zipper tab. You may need to place one hand on the tab and one hand pull.

After the tab is securely on you can lift the pressure foot and remove the zipper.

Those are two ways you can thread tabs onto zipper tape. On last thing to mention is how to add a second tab to a single zipper. In this case you want the flat ends of the tabs to be together. So the first tab you thread as above.

For the second tab you will completely close the zipper teeth. Use the tab already on the tape to help close the teeth if needed. With the flat edge of the tab towards the teeth, press the tab onto the closed teeth.

It will go in a bit, then stop. Use a pin or something else small to place inside the top of the tab and pry the teeth apart. Once you get it started the tab should slide onto the teeth.

Now you have a zipper that slides both ways and it perfect for bag making and/or sweatshirts.

Projects to make with zippers

All of these projects below use zipper by the yard that I purchased and used just like described in the tutorial.

• School Pencil case with zipper
• Zipper pocket for bag making
• Diagonal Zipper case
• Zipper cross body bag free pattern

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