Category Archives: Techniques

Recycled Personal Style

Recycle. Upcycle. Refashion. However you say it, it all points to fashionable fabrics. Indygo Junction launched two new hat patterns that feature recycled denim or menswear. The Banded Beret (IJ931) includes instructions for a cotton/wool version along with one made …

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Machine Embroidery: Decorate It!

Creative machine embroidery can enhance a handmade or store-bought fabric gift. Add decorative touches, texture and dimension to handbags, garments and housewares. Our Permission Purse (IJ910) and Cleverly Stitched Cases (IJ905) permit you to play with decorative stitches and circular embroidery …

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Mother of Pearl Buttons: A Uniquely American Triumph by Amy B.

Examples from my book Button Ware I love mother of pearl buttons. Over the years, as I was searching for samples, I began to learn the fascinating story of their rise to popularity and the uniquely American slant to their …

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Make Magic With Your Machine!

Are you using your sewing machine to its fullest potential? So many sewers share a fear of venturing beyond those same basic stitches. You might think, for instance, that you have more control when hand stitching a small detail rather …

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Rick Rack: A Twisted History

Rick rack, ric rac, or rickrack… So many ways to say it, and even more ways to use it! This timeless trim adds instant flair to garments, home décor and more. Dating back to the 1800s, when it was called …

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Machine Embroidery: Personalize It!

Perk up your next project with a letter-perfect technique. Creative machine embroidery adds personal flair to handmade or store-bought fabric gifts, from tea towels to tote bags. Whether cursive, serif, sans-serif, capitalized or lower-cased, there’s a motif for every motive. Stitch …

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Technique Tuesday: How-to Video on Zipper Flowers

Shower your best buds with fabulous flower accessories created with zippers. Our pattern My Garden Zips (IJ894) transforms old metal zippers or new zipper yardage into jaw-dropping jewelry. We love how zippers have transcended from a functional notion to a fun, modern …

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Technique Tuesday: Ruffles

Ruffles add playful flair to a dress, skirt, apron or handbag. What better way to ring in spring than with this flirty and feminine accent? A pair of our pretty purses showcase this technique. The Serged Satchel (IJ826) features ruffles galore serged with …

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Home is Where the Quilt Is

No longer just a keepsake coverlet, a quilt can be refashioned into homespun home decor. Put your patches to work with a practical project or two — from shower curtains to tablecloths. Showcase antique or handmade quilts to add color and …

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Technique Tuesday: Box Pleats

Want to add decorative dimension to a garment or apron? Just pleat it! Box pleats add a beautiful shape to anything from skirts to curtains. This fabulous fold, used in our Pillow Party (IJ843) pattern, is oh-so-easy to make. Consider …

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