Zune's Sewing Therapy

Sun Hat with Free Sewing Pattern

May 29, 2020 No Comments

Learn how to make this easy and stylish DIY sun hat for kids and adults using a free sewing pattern.

It’s fun to be out and about in the sun, but if you’re also taking photosensitive drugs, like I do for my Rheumatoid Arthritis, you need to be especially careful. So hats are an essential part of my summer wardrobe. As much as I adore oversized straw hats, cloth hats are ever so practical when you’re in and out of stores and restaurants. You can fold and fit it in any size bag, and simply pop it back on your head before you step out in the sun! So, do I pack my little DIY sun hat in my cross body bag whenever I go on vacation? You betcha!

I also made this hat for my 8 year old in a fun Transportation-themed fabric.

If you make this sun hat, be sure to share pics of your finished project by tagging me @sew_zune on Instagram or post on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook. I’d love to see your creation!

Now, let’s sew a sun hat together!

Children

Kids Shorts with Free Sewing Pattern & Tutorial

April 25, 2020 6 Comments

I have a fun and easy sewing project for you today using a free printable sewing pattern. These pull-on shorts feature no side seams and a no casing elastic waistband making them super quick to sew, that you’ll be able to make several pairs in no time! You can use breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to make these shorts so your kiddo will be comfy and cool chilling at home or playing outside in the hot summer days ahead.

I drafted this simple one-piece pattern for my little boy who is 9, but these shorts are perfect for both boys and girls. If your kiddo wears a size M (8-10) from Target, then these should fit him/her comfortably.

Also, be sure to share pics of your finished projects by tagging me @sew_zune on Instagram or post on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook. I’d love to see your creation!

Let’s get sewing!

Sewing Tips & Tricks

20 Easy Things to Sew (includes FREE patterns)

April 2, 2020 2 Comments

Are you looking for some fun beginner and kids-friendly sewing projects? I’ve put together 20 easy and simple things to sew for yourself, for your kids or WITH your kids. This compilation of free patterns and tutorial is perfect for sewists of ALL levels!

I included a variety of my most popular sewing projects from clothing to accessories, so there’s something fun for everyone. Also, be sure to share pics of your finished projects by tagging me @sew_zune on Instagram or post on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook. I’d love to see your creation!

Most of the sewing projects on the list come with a video tutorial as well so you can watch the video and sew along with me. The free patterns are either one-sized or multi-sized, and are available to all my newsletter subscribers.

Ok, let’s get started…

Sewing Tips & Tricks

How to Sew a Waistband – Easy Tutorial

March 18, 2020 No Comments

An easy step-by-step tutorial on how to sew a classic waistband with interfacing and an overlap. My trick to getting the waistband looking sharp and neat is to use washable glue or an iron-on adhesive to hold the waistband in place before topstitching. This is how I sewed the Agnes A-line skirt, but you can use this same waistband sewing technique on ANY skirt or pants.

If you’ve just come from the zipper installation tutorial, you will want to stitch, finish, and press your skirt’s side seams before moving onto the waistband.

See it in action! Watch the video tutorial.

Ok, let’s make a waistband!

Sewing Tips & Tricks

How to Sew a Zipper – Perfect for BEGINNERS

February 18, 2020 No Comments

A simple and easy step-by-step tutorial on how to install a standard zipper using the centered method. All you need is some tape and a longer-than-you-need zipper. That way, the zipper pull will be well out of the way of your sewing.

I used this same zipper installation method on the Agnes A-line Skirt. Alternatively, you can baste the zipper down instead of using tape but I found the taping technique to be faster which made sewing the skirt THAT much quicker. This flattering A-line skirt goes from sizes 0-30 (waist 24”-53”) and is available in the shop.

Adult

DIY Ear Flap Hat FREE Pattern & Tutorial

January 27, 2020 No Comments

A simple tutorial on how to make a DIY winter hat with earflaps using a free printable pattern.

This winter hat has a finished circumference of 23″ – it fits all the adults in my family comfortably as well as my son who was 7 when I made him his. I also have a smaller version of this Earflap hat here which has an 19.5″ circumference. Check it out here.

I get asked often if woven can be used for the shell of the hat. Definitely! You can use ANY kind of fabrics for the shell – corduroy, leather, or even a windproof waterproof fabric. The lining is something you would want to be as soft as possible as it will be against your ears and face. Fleece, Sherpa, and faux fur are excellent options.

If you do make this earflap hat, be sure to share your beautiful pictures on Instagram or Facebook with #zunessewingtherapy. I’d love to see your style!

Ok, let’s get started!

Crafts

How to Make a Pull Through Scarf

December 20, 2019 No Comments

A simple and quick DIY Pull Through Scarf tutorial using fleece and sherpa. This homemade scarf takes only a few minutes to make, and is perfect as a Christmas gift. You can quickly whip up these handmade presents to give to your family, friends, coworkers, and teachers in no time!

I was going for a rustic Christmas style but if you’re into a more luxurious look, you can use faux fur instead of sherpa to pair with the fleece. You can also customize your scarf – I got these adorable metal tags from Hobby Lobby which I hand sewed on. Lastly, I used jute twine and homemade gift tags to get these cozy soft scarves ready for the teachers. I hope they like them!

Ready to make one (or several) with me? Let’s start sewing!

Crafts

DIY Scrunchie Quick & Easy Tutorial

November 20, 2019 No Comments

Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial on How To Make a Scrunchie. Great Sewing Project for Kids. Video tutorial for the DIY Scrunchie available as well.

Take your bun or pony tail to a whole other luxurious level with a velvet scrunchie! I used Crushed Panne Velvet to add that posh factor.

Adult

DIY Halloween Shirts

October 25, 2019 No Comments

You don’t need to go all out on a costume to get into the spirit of Halloween. These quick and easy DIY Halloween shirts are a fun way to show off your spooky style. You can wear it with anything and be ready for everything from a trip to a haunted house or a scary movie marathon!

Choosing the perfect Halloween fabric is half the fun! I got this interlock knit because purple is my dear friend’s favorite color , and nothing screams Halloween more than bats!

One and half yards got me 2 short sleeve shirts, a medium and an XS. I made my friend’s shirt using this free PDF pattern.

You can also easily copy a shirt you have in your closet to make your Halloween t-shirt, like I did for mine. You already know how your shirt fits your body so it easily takes the guesswork (and stress) out of fixing any fitting issues later. If you’d like to learn how to clone your favorite clothes, check out this tutorial.

Share your DIY Halloween shirts on the Zune’s Sewing Therapy Facebook or tag me on Instagram @sew_zune. I’d love to see your spooky style!

Children

Kids Shorts with Free Sewing Pattern

September 23, 2019 No Comments

A comfy pair of shorts are a must have for every kid! You can use this free sewing pattern to make shorts in woven or knit fabrics for your little boy or girl. This simple and quick sewing project is great for beginner sewists and busy moms!

I used this free kid pants pattern and cropped it to my desired length. So far I’ve made these shorts in denim, linen, flannel, and knit. For this interlock fabric, I used my serger and twin stretch needles but don’t worry if you have neither. You can use a regular zig zag stitch on your sewing machine.