Getting Started with Sewing

Sewing student working at a machine

It’s time to get back to sewing our own clothes! The amazing experience of learning to make your own clothing in your own style is at your fingertips. 

Unfortunately, it’s very hard to teach yourself how to sew because the instructions that come with commercial sewing patterns are difficult for the average person to understand. There are new terms and concepts to learn before you can read a pattern on your own.

A womans hands smoothing a sewing pattern before pinning it to fabric
Sewing pattern being pinned to fabric

Therefore, the best way to start out is to take a beginning sewing class. There are many online classes out there with amazing instructors who can show you first-hand how to get started. Over the past year I have taught over 20 sewing classes online with Zoom. Each student was able to accomplish her goal of completing a garment.

Here are some pictures of my students in an in-person workshop before Covid. Workshops will resume in person starting in 2022.

How and where do you find fabric? And which machine do you use? 

I enjoy working with JoAnn Fabrics for my supply needs. JoAnn is a national chain of fabric stores, so there is likely to be one near you. Make sure you bring a coupon, because there’s always a discount! This is where I purchase my needles, my thread, and my zippers. It’s a great resource for all of those things. 

When it comes to sewing machines I prefer to go to a sewing machine manufacturer such as Bernina or a Juki dealer.

When it comes to fabric I love the Confident Stitch, a fabric store based in Montana. They have an amazing online presence; check out the link to their website on the sidebar of this page!

The Quilt Show

TV screen image of host and guest, text on screen reads "Sandra Johnson coming soon"

I am so excited about my upcoming appearance on The Quilt Show!

The Quilt Show is the very first quilting TV show produced directly for online viewing. They have episodes featuring amazing quilters and all kinds of techniques for beginners and professionals.

Watch this short trailer to find out all about my episode.

The Quilt Show trailer

I will talk with host Alex Anderson about some of my favorite ways to quilt.

If you know me you know I love blue jeans. I’ll demonstrate how to deconstruct your jeans to transform them into a quilt.

One of my other loves is Sashiko. I will demonstrate this traditional Japanese stitching technique. I use sashiko on my quilts and to embellish my clothing. 

This leads to my last topic: wearable art. We will discuss my quilt jackets and other handmade garments, modeled by the cast and crew!

Episode 2805 featuring me, Sandra Johnson, goes live on Feb 28 on The Quilt Show website  https://thequiltshow.com/

Here is a slideshow of photos from the set.

On Set With Sandra Johnson

Follow me on Instagram to see more behind-the-scenes pictures from the taping, as well as information on upcoming workshops where I teach you how to make your own denim quilt or quilt bomber jacket! https://www.instagram.com/sandrajohnsondesigns/

Please watch the show and tell me what you think!

“Stronger Together” Quilt-along

Handmade quilt hanging on a wall
My version of the “Stronger Together” quilt

This February for Black History Month, FatQuarterShop is hosting a quilt-along. The quilt pattern is called “Stronger Together.”

Until February 28, 2021, 100% of the proceeds from sales of the “Stronger Together” pattern will go to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) whose mission is to increase the total number of African American college students and helping them graduate.⁠

Support this cause by buying the pattern then participate from home with whatever fabrics you choose. (click the image to link to the shop)

In addition to supporting the UNCF, this quilt-along also raises awareness of Black women throughout history who have made their mark in quilting.

When you buy the pattern, it comes with a biography of an influential Black quilter from history. They are: Gwendolyn Magee, Rosie Lee Tompkins, Harriet Powers, Gee’s Bend quilters, and Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley. 

Present-day quilters have been invited to participate in the quilt-along and show our progress throughout the month – and I am one of them! Follow along on social media: @sandrajohnsondesigns

Here is a quick tutorial on how to make the stars. Hint: they’re based on flying geese!

You can find more information about the quilt-along on the FatQuarterShop blog (Jolly Jabber) below.

https://blog.fatquartershop.com/announcing-the-stronger-together-quilt-along-stitch-along/?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-fatquartershop&utm_content=later-13797575&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram

I hope you’ll join me and quilters around the world as we make this quilt together for February 2021! I can’t wait to see yours!

How to Make Half Square Triangle Units

How to Make Half Square Triangle Units

Sandra Johnson

Half square triangle units are squares made up of two 90-degree triangles. Each triangle occupies half of the square’s space.

Two triangles together create a unit, and we are going to assemble the patchwork with quick piecing techniques that eliminate the need to handle individual tringles with stretchy bias edges.

What you will need

  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Square rotary ruler and cutter
  • Straight 
  • Iron and ironing board

Materials

  • Various fabric scraps

Instructions

            Cut and Mark Squares for Triangle Square Units

Refer to the pattern for the size of triangle square size and number of units required.

With your pencil or permanent marker to draw a diagonal line from one corner to the other opposite corner on the reverse side of the square.

Draw two more lines, each one ¼’ from the original diagonal line.

           

 Sew Squares and Cut Apart the Half Square Triangle Units

Let’s start with a pair of marked squares, edges matched and right sides together.            

Pin the fabrics and sew two seams, each ¼” from the marked centerline. Press to set the seam.

Cut through both layers of the square on the marked center diagonal.

            Pressing the Square Triangle Units

                        Press the half square triangles with the seams open.

            Making Oversize Triangle Squares and Trim Back

                        You can start with a larger square triangle piece of fabrics.

Once you have cut and pressed the squares you can trim the half-square triangles to the size you desire. I use a ruler “Slotted Trimmers” 

Bags Made for the Road

Making bags workshops are such great fun

Red, White, & Blue Americana

Art flag as art work

Have you used Fons & Porter Half & Quarter Ruler yet? I did and you can purchase one at Joann. The fun you can have with 1/2 triangles to form an art quilt.