Sewing notions---those small, seemingly inconspicuous items---are the unsung heroes of the sewing world. Often tucked away in sewing kits, boxes, or drawers, these tools have the potential to elevate your creations and solve a myriad of challenges. From the humble button to the ever‑versatile zipper, each notion can be utilized in creative and unexpected ways. If you're ready to take your sewing game to the next level, it's time to explore the many ways these everyday notions can bring flair, functionality, and innovation to your sewing projects.
Buttons: Beyond Just Fastening
Buttons are one of the most basic yet essential notions in sewing, but their versatility goes far beyond the typical function of fastening clothing. While buttons are traditionally used to secure garments, they can also serve as decorative elements, functional closures, or even embellishments for projects that require a personal touch. Here are some creative ways to use buttons in your sewing:
Decorative Embellishments
Buttons can be used as charming accents on bags, pillows, or quilts. Their variety in size, shape, and color can turn a simple item into a unique piece. For example:
- Button Flowers -- Sew a few colorful buttons together to create a simple flower design. Attach it to a bag, dress, or even a denim jacket for a whimsical touch.
- Button Borders -- Create a border or frame around a piece of fabric, using buttons in different colors and sizes for a playful and eye‑catching look.
- Button Collar Accents -- Instead of using the standard button placement, place a button at the end of the collar or cuffs for a unique twist on classic shirt design.
Button Closures for Pockets or Accessories
A great alternative to zippers or Velcro, buttons can be used for closures on pouches, wallets, or even small bags. You can create adjustable closures or add decorative buttons to open‑flap designs.
Zippers: More Than Just Fasteners
Zippers are often seen as a functional necessity in garments and accessories, but they can also serve as creative tools in sewing projects. By thinking outside the box, you can incorporate zippers in ways that transform the look and feel of your projects.
As Decorative Features
Zippers don't always have to be hidden or concealed. Instead, they can be featured as a design element:
- Exposed Zippers -- Add an exposed zipper to the back of a dress or along the sides of a jacket for an edgier, more modern look. The metallic shine of the zipper itself can be a focal point of your design.
- Zipper Trim -- Use zippers as trim on the edges of bags or sleeves. Instead of sewing them as functional fasteners, you can simply sew the zipper as a decorative line of stitching that adds texture and dimension to your piece.
Functional, Yet Stylish
- Zipper Pockets -- Add a zipper pocket to a casual bag, coat, or pair of pants. It not only serves as a functional feature, providing secure storage, but it also adds a sleek look to your garment.
- Zippered Accessories -- From pencil cases to cosmetic bags, zippers allow you to create practical items that are stylish and durable. A zipper on a wallet or clutch ensures security while keeping the design modern.
Ribbons: Adding Elegance and Playfulness
Ribbons are a versatile notion that can be used for both functional and decorative purposes. They're often associated with gift wrapping, but in the sewing world, ribbons can add a touch of softness, elegance, or fun to a variety of projects.
Creating Beautiful Bows
Bows are a timeless addition to any project. You can attach ribbons in the form of bows to:
- Headbands and Hair Accessories -- Create delightful hairbands with a decorative ribbon bow to add an extra pop of color.
- Garments and Dresses -- Sew ribbons at the waistline or neckline to add a feminine touch to a dress or blouse. Experiment with different types of ribbon---velvet for luxury, grosgrain for structure, or satin for a smooth finish.
Ribbon Trim
Instead of using ribbon simply for bows, you can use it as a trim along the edges of pillows, bags, or even clothes. Sew it along hemlines, sleeves, or across the front of a garment to give it an elevated, polished look.
Elastic: Creating Comfort and Versatility
Elastic is commonly used for waistbands, sleeves, and other areas that require stretch, but it can also be applied creatively for both comfort and design. Its flexibility makes it perfect for creating garments that adapt to the body's movements.
Functional Waistbands and Hems
Elastic waistbands are a practical and comfortable way to create clothing that's easy to wear. However, you can also use elastic creatively to enhance the fit and design:
- Gathered Waistbands -- Use elastic to create a gathered effect on skirts, dresses, or pants. It gives a soft, feminine silhouette while offering comfort and flexibility.
- Elasticized Hems -- Add an elasticated hem to a pair of shorts or a skirt to create a more relaxed and playful look.
Creating Unique Textures
Elastic can be sewn into fabric in a way that creates interesting texture. For example:
- Smocked Designs -- Smocking with elastic thread creates beautiful, textured fabrics that are often used for dresses or blouses. It allows for a fitted shape that still maintains flexibility.
- Elastic Lattice or Ruched Details -- Sew elastic in a lattice or ruched pattern to add dimension to garments or accessories.
Bias Tape: Polishing Edges and Adding Color
Bias tape is an incredibly versatile notion, often used to finish raw edges or create neat hems. However, it can also be used as a design element in its own right.
Decorative Edging
Bias tape can add a beautiful finishing touch to almost any project. Use it to add color and contrast along:
- Necklines and Armholes -- Use bias tape to create clean, neat, and colorful edges for t‑shirts, dresses, or tops.
- Pillow Edges -- Give your home‑decor projects a professional finish by using bias tape along the edges of pillows or cushions. You can use a contrasting color to make the tape pop or a matching color for a more subtle effect.
Unique Straps and Handles
Bias tape is also great for making straps or handles for bags, purses, or other accessories. The width and flexibility of bias tape allow for a sturdy yet flexible strap that will hold up over time while adding a stylish flair.
Velcro: More Than Just for Kids' Clothing
Velcro is often seen as a quick and easy fastening option, particularly in kids' clothing, but its potential reaches far beyond simple closures. Velcro can be creatively incorporated into projects for its practicality and ease of use.
Adjustable Closures
Use Velcro to create adjustable closures on clothing, accessories, or home goods:
- Adjustable Cuffs -- Attach Velcro to the cuffs of a shirt, jacket, or pants to make them adjustable. This is particularly useful for creating garments that can be tailored to fit different body sizes or preferences.
- Removable Pockets -- Add Velcro to the inside of bags or on the outer surface of jackets to create removable pockets. This feature allows you to change the look and functionality of your garments as needed.
Artistic Designs
You can also use Velcro to attach decorative elements to your clothing or accessories:
- Patchwork Designs -- Attach small patches with Velcro, allowing you to switch out designs as desired. This adds versatility and individuality to your pieces.
- Textile Art -- Combine Velcro with different fabric pieces to create a fabric collage or art installation. Velcro allows for easy adjustments and changes to the design.
Conclusion
From the simple button to the functional zipper, sewing notions are far more than just the tools we use to finish our projects. They are the key to unlocking creativity and functionality in ways we might never have imagined. By exploring new and unexpected uses for these everyday items, you can breathe new life into your sewing creations, making them not only more functional but also more distinctive. The next time you reach for a button, zipper, or spool of elastic, take a moment to think outside the box. You'll be amazed at how these small notions can transform your sewing projects into something truly unique and personal.