An Update for the New-Sew Fleece Techniques

A few months ago, we shared some skill techniques for finishing the edges of a fringed no-sew fleece blanket. The response was wonderful! We love Pinterest…

You can see the original post here: https://www.sandicrafts.com/no-sew-blanket-knot-tying/

And her update here: https://www.sandicrafts.com/no-sew-no-tie-fleece-blanket-video/

Sandi also shot two YouTube videos to show this technique and a variation. Continue reading »

How to Sharpen Your Tools – Part 1, Concepts

What You Need to Know

One of the quickest ways to bring frustration to your craft table is to try to use dull tools. Instead of cutting, they tear. Instead of being easy on your hands, you push or squeeze harder and fatigue sets in. It is more difficult to move though the material, and it is more dangerous as you apply pressure, and the tool slips. It is expensive to keep on replacing tools that are too dull to use.

Sharpening your tools is a necessary skill to learn. Not only do you save money by not replacing tools, but a sharp tool makes crafting fun.

I can teach you how. It will take 3 posts to cover what you need to know. Continue reading »

Fire Starters

The BEST fire starters you will ever use are also so easy to make.

I bought a lot of muffin tins at garage sales and thrift stores, and found a roaster at a yard sale. If you don’t want to use a roaster, get an old double boiler and use it. You’ll need to work in smaller batches, but the fire starters will still be perfect. I save all my old candles, and also ask a few friends to save their candle stubs for me as well. Continue reading »

Ribbon and Fabric Wreaths – No Sew

This might seem a little late to show how to make these wreaths, but just by changing out the fabrics and ribbons and maybe even altering the shape of the wreath form, you can make these wreaths year-round.

I was able to complete two of these in just a few days during my “TV” time. Both were made as gifts, and the recipients loved them. I am going to make several this year. I have several friends and family members who saw the ones I finished and asked for one this coming Christmas, and I’m going to try to sell a few.

But, enough of my plans… let’s get to the how-tos. Continue reading »

No-Sew, No-Tie Fleece Blanket Videos

I know many of you have been looking for a tutorial that gives a little better view of the edging treatment on the no sew blanket, and hopefully these little videos will answer your questions.

No-sew, No-tie YouTube Video


Another No-sew, No-tie YouTube Video

You will cut the “fringe” just as you always have, or as the directions on the kits specify. Instead of tying knots, you snip in the middle of the strips, then pull them through the hole.

I had a really hard time finding a pair of scissors that would do a good job on the cutting. I loved the heavy duty craft scissors sold here: Heavy Duty Craft Scissors

I’ve also shown another edge treatment that I really like. On this T shirt blanket stitch method, you don’t cut strips and don’t cut out the corners. Use a craft knife to make little holes, then blanket stitch around the entire blanket. I’ve shown how to make the stitches on the same video.

I find both of these edging methods faster than the traditional knot tying method.

Have fun making your blankets, and let me know how you like it.

Sandi P