Make-Alongs

At Fabrications, we know that sewing, knitting, and crafting are more fun when we do them together! Sometimes you need a little guidance through the tricky parts, or simply the motivation to complete a project. Since 2020, we have been hosting sew-alongs, knit-alongs, and quilt-alongs as a fun way to learn new techniques, share ideas, and connect with each other!

Here are a few answers to your FAQs!

• All of our make-alongs are hosted on our YouTube Channel. Make sure to subscribe and hit the notifications bell to stay in the loop!
• There is no need to sign up. Our videos are shared publicly and free to watch.
• Participation is optional! We know everyone works at their own pace, and some people might not be ready to start when we are.
• Most make-alongs run for about 3-5 weeks depending on the complexity of the project.
• Videos are filmed LIVE and published within 24 hours for you to catch up or rewind.
• Typically videos are filmed on a weeknight (EST). Specific dates and times will be shared when make-alongs are announced.
• If you watch our videos live, you can have specific questions answered in real time. Comments are monitored daily if you think of anything you want to ask at a later time.
• Kits are often available (online and in the shop), depending on the project. If you prefer to choose your own supplies, our staff can help you find what you will need!

If you want to receive updates on upcoming SALs, QALs, and KALs, you can subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Join our Fabrications Sewcial Group on Facebook, where you can share your photos and find encouragement from our friendly community!

UPCOMING MAKE-ALONGS

Oxbow Tote Sew-Along

It’s time to make the Oxbow Tote – the newest pattern from Noodlehead! Join Michelle to learn all the tips, tricks and sewing shortcuts to make this fantastic bag. This project is ideal for an intermediate level sewist.

The Oxbow is a versatile zippered top tote bag that you can sew in two sizes. It features an easy-access front pocket, reinforced base, crossbody strap, and a roomy interior with a slip pocket. You can even customize yours by quilting the exterior!

During this sew-along, you’ll learn

• How to choose fabric and interfacing
• Discuss helpful tools for bag sewing
• Discuss how to quilt the exterior of the bag (if you choose)
• How to work with zipper by the yard
• How to sew an inset zipper into a pocket lining
• How to reinforce your bag base for extra durability

You can purchase a kit (coming soon) or gather the materials yourself. Please consult the pattern for the list of materials you will need.

You will need a copy of the pattern to participate in this sew-along.

When: 8:00 pm EST starting Tuesday, March 26th, 2024
Where: YouTube
Price: FREE!

Fabrications Sock-Along

Spring has sprung, and our thoughts immediately turn to…sock knitting! That’s right, one of our top 5 warm-weather knitting projects is a pair of socks. Whether you’re knitting on the porch, at the park, or by the pool, socks are perfectly portable!
 
Dive into the wild and wonderful world of woolly footwear with Caitlin and Emily starting April 23. This Knit-Along will build off of our two free sock patterns: Quilt Block Socks and Irish Chain Quilt Socks. We’ll be primarily focusing on the many different types of sock construction for this class, so if you need some practice with stranded colour work knitting, we encourage you to go back to our Fair Enough Cowl KAL. You can also choose to knit these socks plain - we love vanilla socks too!
 
In addition to sharing our own personal knitting tips, tricks, and quirks, we’ll learn all about:

• double pointed needles vs magic loop vs small circulars
• what makes a good sock yarn
• the sock percentage system
• knitting two socks at a time
• knitting top down vs toe up
• different sock heels: heel flap + gusset, short rows, etc…
• different sock toes: rounded, anatomical, etc…
• Judy's Magic Cast On
• kitchener stitch

You will need:

• Yarn:
  • 100g of fingering weight yarn sock yarn (we recommend a plied, wool-nylon blend, like Sweet Georgia’s Tough Love Sock or Party of Five, Kelbourne Woolens’ Perennial and minis, or Malabrigo’s Ultimate Sock. For multicolour options, check out Gusto Wool’s Echoes, or Urth’s Uneek Sock.)
  • if you’re doing the stranded colourwork, add 20-30 yards of a contrasting colour
  • if you’d like to do a contrast heel, toe, and cuff, add 10g of a contrasting colour
• Colour:
  • If you’re feeling nervous about colour combinations we recommend checking out this clever blog post from TinCanKnits (especially the part about value!)
• Needles:
  • 2.5 mm (US 1.5) double pointed needles
  • OR 2.5 mm (US 1.5) 32” (80cm) for magic loop one at a time
  • OR 2.5 mm (US 1.5) 40” (100cm) circular needle for magic loop one or two at a time
  • OR 2.5 mm (US 1.5) 9” (23cm) or 10” (25cm) circular needle (NOTE: you will need double pointed needles or magic loop for the heel and toe)
• Notions:
  • Small stitch markers to sit on your needle for magic loop, and/or locking stitch markers
  • Darning needle
• Pattern:
  • We will be referencing our two free sock patterns: Quilt Block Socks and Irish Chain Quilt Socks, but you are welcome to knit along with your favourite sock pattern. Toe-up instructions will be based off of Fish Lips Kiss pattern by Sox Therapist

When: 7:00 pm EST starting Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
Where: YouTube
Price: FREE!

Apparel Sew-Alongs

Bag Sew-Alongs

Quilt-Alongs

Knit-Alongs