I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge FREE! Cinch Sack Sewing Tutorial and NEW! Comic Strip Challenge Kit
NEW! I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge 2023 sponsored by Nancy Zieman Productions, Clover Needlecraft, and Benartex Fabrics. Youth ages 15 and under are invited to share how they “sew for fun”— while making a Cinch Sack with My Hero Fabric by Benartex; along with a Clover sewing tool.
Youth age 15 and under may participate in the NEW! I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge 2023 by reading and understanding the contest guidelines listed below, sewing a cinch sack using one of the 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Packs purchased by an adult, and emailing two photos to [email protected] on or before September 23, 2023: One photo showing youth sewing/working on the challenge project using the Clover tool (included in the 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Pack, and a second photo of youth with completed project. Note: It’s okay if you prefer not to show youth’s face in photos. Be sure to include challenge participant’s first name, city, state, and age–when emailing photos to [email protected].
To reserve a spot in the NEW! 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge, an adult parent or guardian must purchase the Official 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Pack. Purchase the Official 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Pack at ShopNZP.com, as soon as possible. Quantities are limited!
NEW! I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Kick Off—Part One: Purchase and Prep Your Supplies
Supplies Needed
- Official 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Pack includes 1/2 yard My Hero Fabric by Benartex, 3-1/2 yards Turquoise, Red, or Blue Ribbon and one mystery Clover Sewing Tool .
- The FREE! I Sew For Fun Cinch Sack Sewing Tutorial , will be available September 12, 2023, right here at the Nancy Zieman Productions Blog.
- Sewing Machine, sewing thread, and basic sewing tools.
Helpful Notions
Using the right sewing tools assists with creating a successful sewing project! Above is a photo showing I Sew For Fun Tools by Nancy Zieman Productions for Clover. You may use any of the above I Sew For Fun sewing tools while sewing your cinch sack challenge project! Show us What You’re Making! We love to hear from you, so email your photos—anytime—to The NZP Team at [email protected], and/or share your experiences and photos with us on Facebook or Instagram!
Prep Before You Sew
Gather your sewing supplies and prep your fabric for sewing. Included with the Official 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Pack is everything you’ll need to complete the I Sew For Fun Cinch Sack Project, you’ll supply the thread! When you receive your challenge project pack, open the package and prep your fabrics. The FREE! I Sew For Fun Cinch Sack Sewing Tutorial will be available September 12, 2023, right at the Nancy Zieman Productions Blog. If you’re ready to get started sooner than September 12, you’ll also find our Cinch Sack Sewing Tutorial shared in an earlier blog posting. Read all directions, before beginning.
Before the sewing process, pressing and starching the fabric adds a bit of stiffness that helps make the cutting and sewing easier.
Cutting Directions
- Using a scissors, or rotary cutter, ruler, and mat; cut two 17″ x 21″ fabric rectangles for cinch sack front and back.
To easily identify the cinch sack top, during the sewing process, place a piece of painter’s tape—on both fabric rectangles—near the fabric wrong side, near the top 17″ wide edge.
Sewing Directions
Sew a cinch sack with our super-easy step-by-step directions. This sewing project is ideal for beginners! Stitch this project in a weekend, then wear the cinch sack as a backpack – for carrying books or workout gear. The cinch sack also makes a great trick or treat bag! Approximate Finished Size: 16″ x 18″ – fits most youth and adults
Use the edge of the I Sew For Fun (ISFF) Sew Safe Presser Foot – for a quick and easy seam allowance reference.
Finish Raw Edges
Clean finish cut edges with a zigzag stitch, or Serger machine stitching, around all four edges of both fabric rectangles.
Optional! Add a patch pocket to the front of your cinch sack.
Cut a contrasting 9″ x 16″ fabric rectangle for pocket.
Fold pocket rectangle right sides together, meeting short ends. Using the ISFF 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge, mark a 3″ seam opening along one long edge.
Stitch around three edges, leaving a 3″ opening for turning. Optional: Use Nancy Zieman’s Wrapped Corner Sewing Techniques to create quick and easy pointed corners.
Using the ISFF Point 2 Point Turner, turn pocket right side out. Press.
Center and pin patch pocket to cinch sack front, right sides up, with lower pocket edge approximately 4″ from lower edge of cinch sack front panel.
Stitch sides and lower edge of pocket, guiding pocket edge along edge of ISFF Sew Safe Presser Foot, and pivoting (with needle down) at corners. Backstitch to reinforce top edges of pocket.
Mark and Prep Cinch Sack
On the wrong side of upper right corner, using the ISFF 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge and ISFF Fabric Marking Pen, place a mark 1-1/4″ below top edge – at side seam. Place a second marking 1-1/4″ below the first marking. Repeat on all four front and back upper corers – this will later form the ribbon casing openings.
For reference later during the sewing process – place a piece of painter’s tape on the fabric wrong side, between each of the markings.
At lower left corner, using the ISFF 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge and ISFF Fabric Marking Pen, mark a 1″ square – to form a gusset.
Using a scissors, cut out lower 1″ corner square along marked lines. Repeat above steps on all four front and back lower corners.
At top edges, fold 1-1/4″ to wrong side on front and back panels. Press, then open. This step later forms ribbon casings.
Place cinch sack front and back right sides together, aligning edges. Hold edges together temporarily with ISFF Wonder Clips.
Assemble Cinch Sack
Stitch side seams and lower edge seam.
At upper right, stitch cinch sack side seam to first marking, backstitch and cut threads. Advance fabric under presser foot to second marking. Stitch remaining side seam, backstitching at the beginning and ending of seam. Repeat steps on remaining left side seam. Press seams open.
Placing a piece of painter’s tape on the fabric wrong side, between each of the markings, provides a visual marker for “no stitching zones”, and automatically forms the ribbon casing openings. It’s okay to remove the painter’s tape, after seams are stitched.
Stitch lower/bottom seam, backstitching at beginning and ending of seam.
Using the ISFF Roll ‘n Press, press seam open. The rolling action opens the seam—without the heat of an iron.
Fold over top edges at 1-1/4″ pressed line. Pin in place along clean finished edge.
Stitch along clean finished edge, about 1″ from folded edge. Backstitching at beginning and ending of seam – this forms the ribbon casing. Turn cinch sack right side out.
For evenly spaced seams, place the ISFF Seam Guide on your sewing machine – to the right of the fabric fold.
Add Ribbon Straps
Cut two 60″ lengths of ribbon.
Using the ISFF Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin, thread ribbon through front casing beginning at right edge, then through back casing at left edge, and exit out the right edge. About 17″ of ribbon will extend out right edges of both front and back casings.
Using the ISFF Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin, thread ribbon through front casing beginning at left edge, then through back casing at right edge, and exit out the left edge. About 17″ of ribbon will extend out left edges of both front and back casings.
Center ribbon along outside right side seam, matching cut edges of ribbon to center of side gusset opening at lower right edge. Pin.
Reach into cinch sack, grasping pin head and ribbon layers, and turn cinch sack wrong side out.
Form Gussets and Complete Cinch Sack
Align cut edges of gusset corner openings, stacking side seam on lower/bottom seam – centering ribbon layers between fabric layers. Realign pin as needed and re-pin.
Stitch gusset seam through all fabric layers, securing ribbon ends within seam. Clean finish cut edges with a zigzag stitch or Serger stitching.
Repeat above steps to form gusset at lower left corner.
Turn cinch sack right side out. Enjoy!
As soon as you receive your 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Pack you may start making your pillowcase! You’re the designer: You may choose to embellish your pillowcase with ribbons and/or lace, and/or add your name with fabric markers, and/or decorate your pillowcase as desired. Remember, you must use the office challenge fabrics included with the project pack and one Clover sewing tool—all included with the challenge kit!
Coming, September 12, right here at the NZP Blog: NEW! I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Part Two: Step-by-Step Cinch Sack Sewing Tutorial!
Sign up for Nancy Zieman Productions E-news, then watch your inbox for updates from the NZP Team.
NEW! I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Guidelines
1. Challenge is open to all youth, ages 15 and under, residing in the continental US.
2. The challenge is limited to the first 30 persons whose parent or guardian purchases the Official 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Pack. Purchase project pack as soon as possible at ShopNZP.com to reserve challenge spot. Quantities are limited.
3. Today, September 12, here at the NZP Blog: NEW! I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Part Two: Pillowcase Sewing Steps! Or go ahead and get started with our Cinch Sack Sewing Tutorial shared in an earlier blog posting.
4. Sew a pillowcase using the official Official 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Cinch Sack Project Pack fabric, along with any sewing and/or serging techniques. Construction may be done by hand or by machine. Participants may use any type of embellishment, decorations, and may add designer touches. Work may be done exclusively by the participant, and/or with the assistance of an adult. One pillowcase per participant. Challenge participants, and/or an adult parent/guardian must email two photos to [email protected] on or before September 22, 2023: One photo showing youth using Clover’s Sewing Tool(s) while sewing and/or working on the project, and a second photo of youth with the completed pillowcase. Note: It’s okay if you prefer to not show youth’s face in photos. Be sure to include challenge participant’s first name, city, state, and age when photos to [email protected].
Participants will be judged on workmanship, creativity, and overall appearance. Participants photos will be shared on sponsoring companies social and web sites to promote the love of sewing.
Prizes will be awarded to those making the top three pillow cases, along with additional prizes awarded randomly. Winners will be announced on the Nancy Zieman Productions Blog on September 28, 2023.
To reserve a spot in the NEW! 2023 I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge, an adult parent or guardian must purchase the Official 2023 I Sew For Fun Sewing Challenge Project Pack. Purchase challenge project pack, at ShopNZP.com, as soon as possible. Quantities are limited! Coming, September 12, here at the NZP Blog: NEW! I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Part Two: Cinch Sack Sewing Steps!
NEW! I Sew For Fun Kids’ Sewing Challenge Prizes 2023
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
- Clover-USA: I Sew For Fun Sewing Tools, Neon Wonder Clips & Sweet ‘n Sharp Macaron
- June Tailor: Quilt As You Go Lunch Tote Navy, Project Bag Black.
- C&T Publishing: My Sewing Workshop, Forest Fairy Crafts, Girl’s Guide to DIY Fashion, The Best of Sewing Machine Fun for Kids.
- Benartex: Assorted Spooktacular Gnomes Fat Quarters.
- Stitch it! Sisters: Exclusive Mary Mulari’s Little Sister Apron Bundle Box
- Nancy Zieman Productions: Exclusive Mary Mulari’s Little Brother Apron Bundle Box.
- Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio: Nancy Zieman’s The Flying Sewing Machine Children’s Book
For Adults and Sewing Teachers: Tune in and watch Nancy Zieman and her granddaughters, along with friends, take a modern approach to sewing. Nancy shares her team sewing-for-fun experience along with many tips for a big partner, and numerous insights for involving a little sewing partner—all while making simple, easy to sew kid-friendly projects. Watch I Sew For Fun on Sewing With Nancy!
For a listing of all Clover Sewing Tools by Nancy Zieman Productions, visit ShopNZP.com.
Happy Sewing!
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.
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