Jenny, Author at Everything's Famtastic

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

How to Mark Fabric for Sewing: 5 Simple Tools That Make a Big Difference

Let’s be honest… marking fabric is one of those steps that feels very skippable when you’re excited to start sewing. You trace your pattern, you cut your fabric, and all you want to do is sit down at the machine and actually sew something. I totally get it.

But here’s the thing ☝️: those little markings are what stop your pockets from ending up in wildly odd locations and you forgetting about adding that seam allowance to your dream project. Marking fabric ready for sewing is simply how we transfer the helpful little clues from a pattern onto the fabric so we know where to cut, fold, embellish and stitch. It’s the difference between calmly following a map and randomly hoping you’re heading in the right direction.

If you’ve ever wondered how to mark fabric for cutting or even what actually works for marking fabric without buying every gadget on the market… you’re in the right place. Because you really don’t need eighty different tools. You just need a few that are practical, budget-friendly, and fit into your already-full life (and sewing supplies crate).

January 29, 2026January 26, 2026

Seam Allowance Made Simple for Sewing Beginners

If you’re just learning to sew, there’s a lot to wrap your head around: fabric, needles, thread, and so many patterns that look like they’re written in a secret code. One little thing that can lead to big headaches for sewing beginners is seam allowance.

Knowing what it is, why it matters, and how to actually use it can make a huge difference in how your sewing projects turn out—and save you from a lot of “WTH?!?” moments. 😅

Here I’ll break it down in simple, friendly steps so you can feel confident the next time you cut into your precious fabric and fire up that sewing machine.

all about seam allowance, woman working at sewing machine

December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

My Top Instagram Posts of the Year: The Most Viewed Reels You Won’t Want to Miss

If you don’t have time to scroll through my whole blog (I get it—life is busy!), I wanted to give you a quick peek at what I’ve been up to this year—Instagram-style. This whole website and my Everything’s Famtastic Instagram account are all about sharing little wins, fun behind-the-scenes moments, and beginner-friendly tips that I hope inspire you, make you laugh, or even give you a nudge to pull out your sewing machine.

And if you’ve ever wondered what actually works on Instagram… honestly, same same. Every year I’m surprised by which Instagram posts get the most views and end up taking on a life of their own. I’ll share something I think is helpful or funny, and suddenly it’s being saved, shared, and sent to people’s sewing-obsessed besties.

So… I thought it would be fun to look back at the posts you loved most each month this year. 😍

Never fear, 🫣 this isn’t some braggy deep-dive into stats and analytics. It’s simply the top Instagram post from each month paired with a short note about what it was and why I think you’ll want to make sure you watch it too.

Think of this blog post as a little highlight reel of the moments that made you laugh, nod along, or finally try that thing you were nervous to touch on your machine.

And if we’re not already connected on Instagram, this gives you a comfy peek into what happens over there—simple sewing tips, tiny creative wins, and plenty of “oh good, it’s not just me” kind of energy.

Ready to take a snoop?

November 13, 2025November 14, 2025

Stunning DIY Paper Christmas Wreath to Make (Origami-Style!)

If you’ve been scrolling for paper Christmas craft decoration ideas that actually look good and don’t take all day—this one’s going straight to the top of your list. This paper star wreath (or origami Christmas star- with a twist, if we’re getting fancy) looks beautifully intricate, but it’s really just made from folded paper triangles that slot neatly together. Think “wow, you made that?!” results… with minimal stress and zero glue mess.

Whether you hang it as a paper Christmas wreath, pop it on the tree, or use it as part of your holiday table decor, it’s one of those simple crafts that feels extra special because you made it. All you’ll need is a few sheets of paper, a little patience, and maybe a Christmas playlist to keep things festive.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make a Christmas star from paper, step by step. Once you’ve made one, you’ll probably end up folding a few more (they’re surprisingly addictive!). So grab your paper, get cozy, and let’s make something beautiful together.

October 2, 2025October 10, 2025

Easy Sewing Projects for Busy Beginners: Fun Makes in Just 15 Minutes (Really!)

There’s nothing worse than clicking on a “quick and easy sewing project” tutorial… only to realize halfway through that the person in the video pre-cut everything, sped up the tricky bits, and somehow stitched a perfectly finished bag in what feels like 4.7 seconds. 😅

As a sewing beginner, that can be so discouraging. You sit down with good intentions, maybe you’ve even carved out a precious pocket of time between dinner and bedtime… and before you know it, that “simple sewing project” has stretched into an hour, you had to rethread your needle twice, and you’re wondering why you even bothered.

So today, I want to give you something different. These are five genuinely beginner-friendly sewing projects you can sew from start to finish in around 15 minutes — even if you’re still finding your way around your sewing machine. No sneaky pre-prepped steps, no fancy techniques, just simple, satisfying makes. Think: useful little things you can actually finish in one sitting (and maybe even make more than one!).

Now’s the time to fire up that sewing machine!

September 4, 2025September 4, 2025

Cozy Autumn DIY Ideas: Quick Décor You’ll Love to Sew

Whether you’re sifting through your fabric scraps or just discovering your sewing machine, these easy and joyful projects are beginner-friendly sewing projects that bring cozy, creative charm to your space. You won’t need hours or piles of expensive new materials—just your machine, some basic fabric, and a desire to create something lovely.

Seasonal sewing projects like these give you a beautiful way to personalise your home décor without the overwhelm of endless hours at the sewing machine. The best part? These DIY fall decorations double as great gifts—imagine gifting a soft pumpkin to a friend, or watching family hanging up your handmade garland. Quick, satisfying wins are just a few stitches away. 😉

These ideas lean into autumn’s earthy palette—think rust, mustard, forest green—but feel free to mix in whatever makes your heart happy. They’re all simple fabric crafts that are great for beginners, practical, and endlessly charming. So, turn up your favourite playlist, grab your fave hot beverage, and start sewing some seasonal specialities!

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025

Make Back to School Special with These 5 Easy Sewing Projects

Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the endless to-do list: lunchboxes, new clothes, stationery… and maybe, just maybe, the urge to make something special for your kids. But if you’re like most mums I know, the thought of tackling a sewing project might just feel like adding another thing to the chaos. 🙈

Here’s the good news: sewing for back-to-school doesn’t have to mean complicated patterns, hours of cutting, or Pinterest-perfect setups. With the right beginner-friendly ideas, you can create useful, beautiful items that your kids will actually use- all without a sewing room or a whole week of free time.

These are projects you can sew in small bursts, at the dining table, with the kids in the yard and the laundry humming in the background.

And the best part? They’re not just practical school accessories, but personalised too. They’re memory-makers. Every time your child reaches for that bag, case, or pouch, they’ll know Mum made it just for them. Ready to dive into some simple back to school sewing patterns that fit into real life? Let’s go.

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025

9 No-Nonsense Ways to Sew Smart and Save Big

Want to start sewing without blowing your budget? Sewing can be an amazing, creative outlet- and yes, it can also get expensive. But it absolutely doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re a sewing newbie just starting or trying to get the even more out of your hobby, you’re in the right place. 😉

These budget-friendly simple sewing tips will help you save money, avoid overspending, and still feel totally excited to sit down at your machine.

From fabric hacks to smart project choices, here are 9 no-nonsense sewing tips that keep things simple, affordable, and fun to try. Perfect for all sewing fans, no matter whether you’re a beginner or totally experienced.

Read on to see what can work for you too!

July 17, 2025July 9, 2025

5 Easy Ways to Stop Fabric Edges from Fraying

If you’re learning to sew, one of the first surprises you’ll probably run into is just how messy those raw fabric edges can get. But here’s the good news: there are several simple ways to stop your fabulous fabric fraying, and you don’t need to be a sewing expert or own a fancy machine to use them. 😉

You’ve probably seen this with your own eyes- you cut a nice straight line, blink twice… and suddenly your fabric looks like it’s falling apart at the seams (literally😅).

Don’t worry. Nothing’s gone wrong- this is totally normal. Many fabrics, especially woven ones like cotton or linen, are prone to fraying.

In this post, you’ll learn how to stop your fabric fraying using easy, beginner-friendly techniques that are quick to try, affordable and totally doable- even if you’re still figuring out all of those sewing machine settings! These small steps can make a big difference in how polished your projects look (and just as important, how long they last). 💪

Let’s take away the frustration of fraying so you can get back to the fun part- actually sewing. 🤩

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

Sew a Reversible Round Basket (Make It Any Size You Need!)

Want to learn how to sew a round fabric basket—even if you’re brand new to sewing? This beginner-friendly tutorial will show you exactly how to sew a round basket in ANY SIZE you like.

Whether you need a tiny trinket holder, a reversible basket for sewing tools, or a big soft bin for toys, this project is surprisingly simple and super satisfying.

Most fabric basket tutorials online only give you one size to follow- but as you and I both know, life (and storage!) is not one-size-fits-all. With just a little bit of math (don’t worry, I’ve done the tricky part for you), you’ll learn how to sew a round bottom fabric basket that fits your needs. And once you understand the method, you can make as many baskets as you like, in as many sizes as you like! 🤩

This is one of those “I can’t believe I made that!” kind of projects. It’s a great scrap buster, easy enough for beginners, and can be sewn in an afternoon. So, if you’re ready to sew something cute, practical, and customisable- without feeling overwhelmed by sewing lingo- this round fabric basket tutorial is for you!