Have you ever sewn something super sweet and girly and thought to yourself "what this really needs is a cute little bow!"... but then tried to tie a simple bow out of ribbon and ended up just making a mess?  I have (obviously, or why on earth would I bring it up?).  The reason I'm asking the question though is because I found the answer!  A while back, I stumbled upon a method for tying tiny bows that completely changed everything; now, I actually look for reasons to make pretty little bows!   "What is this magical secret?", you ask... well, go get a fork and I will explain...

The world of textiles is vast and varied.  Walking into a well stocked fabric store is, to me, similar to the feeling I get when I walk into a bookstore or a library.  So many possibilities!  

Patterns are generally designed to be used with a specific type of fabric.  In most cases, there is one very basic distinction that will at least get you headed to the right section of the store... identifying whether a fabric is woven, or knit.  These are the most simple categories that fabric can be divided into, and it's important to understand the differences.  Once you know the basics, I'll share some tips about these two very different fabric types, and how you can sew them together in one garment.

The other day, I spent some time introducing you to some different types of fleece, and how to tell apart some of the variations that stores might sell under the Fleece category.  I was surprised to learn there are so many different types of fabric under this title, and it lead me to really want to make sure that there is a clear way to tell whether or not a specific fabric is suitable to use with certain patterns.  

Before we get to that though, I definitely recommend having a look at the previous post in this series...
Sewing with Fleece... What is Fleece?

Today, I'm going to show you how to do a Stretch Test using several different types of fleece (and fleece-like fabrics) that were talked about in the first part of this Series. 

What fabric is warm, cozy, and sews like a dream?  I'm talking about fleece, and this is a textile that has SO much to offer!  Currently, I have three patterns designed specifically for this wonder fabric, with more to come.  There is just so much to love about this fabric! 

A new addition to my Tips & Tutorials page today is a video showing exactly how to do the wrapped fleece binding technique on the Muskoka (formerly called Autumn Grace) pattern.  You will see this technique in a few of my patterns that are designed for fleece because it is one that I absolutely LOVE using!  I'm hoping this video will explain this method clearly to those of you who might be unsure quite how or why this technique is used.  

The main reason that I love using the wrapped fleece binding method for hems, cuffs, and even collars when working with fleece is that it takes some of the bulk out of the seams. When you are working with a thick fabric, the more layers of fabric that are in the seams the thicker and stiffer those seams end up being.  By removing as much bulk as possible, you allow the fabric to hang better and keep the seams nice and soft. 

Clicking the image below will take you to the Tutorials section of my website where you will find the video showing how to wrap, pin, stitch, and trim the bottom hem on a Muskoka tunic.  It also shows how this technique can be used in a similar way on wider pieces, such as the collar of the Finley & Quinn robe pattern.

​I hope that this video is enlightening to those who have never used this method before, and that it will inspire you to give it a try!