A knitter's Christmas tree isn't complete without handmade ornaments. Fortunately, stitching one doesn't take nearly as long as, say, that knitted blanket you're planning to give to your mom. Stitch these free patterns up in a day and soon enough they'll be hanging from your tree!

Potholders are the perfect project — they're quick and easy to stitch up, they make great gifts and you can use scraps left over from larger projects. Follow this tutorial and you'll have some ready to present in no time.

Have you seen the ah-mazingly realistic amethyst cake that's gone viral? We simply couldn't stop thinking about this cake, so we asked the designers and Bluprint instructor Rachael Teufel to tell us more about her jaw-dropping creation. Read on to hear Rachael's inspiration for the cake and to find out how to get a step-by-step tutorial to make your own geode cake!

Ear cuffs are a trendy, pretty alternative to pierced or clip-on earrings. Instead of dangling from your lobe, the ear cuff attached to the outer cartilage of the ear, snugly tucking in and holding on. Some designs are simply cuff-only, some snake up and down the outer edge of the ear and some have dangles.

There's a lot to love about hand knit socks. But the best part may just be how there's no one way to do it. Take the heel, for example — you can knit a heel flap, an afterthought heel, or, the star of today's show, a short row heel.

A custom duvet sounds like a major splurge. After all, it's designed to fit your bed perfectly, and it comes in any color or pattern you want to help you create your dream bedroom. But what if we told you that in this case, custom is cheaper than off the rack? That's because, yup, you'll be making this one yourself!

Whether you're looking to create an interesting texture or eye-catching color patterning, the crochet V stitch might be just what you have in mind. It's a simple stitch to learn and it can be a very effective design element. The repeating V's create an openwork pattern with graphic appeal. Worked all in the same color, crochet V-stitch has lovely texture, and changing colors from row to row creates a powerful design.

Chevron crochet never goes out of style. To a beginner, chevron crochet might seem like an advanced technique, but as long as you know how to single crochet and understand the basics of increasing and decreasing stitches, then you can easily create this pattern for yourself.

When you hear the word "sampler," you probably think two things: chocolate and embroidery. Today we're all about embroidery (but by all means, feel free to grab some chocolate as you read this). Embroidery samplers are fun to make and retro in the coolest possible way: The oldest surviving European samplers date all the way back to the 1500s. But samplers nowadays can do much more than the O.G. samplers of centuries ago.

It may not be listed in the latest DSM, but ziphobia is real. And the zipper that tends to inspire the most fear (among even seasoned sewers) is the fly front.

An exposed zipper used to be trendy. Today it just looks modern — a new classic that can add a little drama to a top, skirt or dress.

In sewing, ease is a total necessity. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to bend, reach, sit or walk in your clothes, as it's the extra space built into a garment to make it easy, fun and flattering to wear.

It totally makes sense if you dread sewing the neck binding on a cotton knit t-shirt. After all, make a sewing mistake and it's literally in your face (or at least right below it). And the fabric makes it even harder to undo snafus.

You've got a fun, strappy top you love to wear, but there's one pesky problem: those straps always slip off your shoulders. Rather than constantly push them back into place, you can shorten them super fast — we're talkin' minutes here — and even make them adjustable. Problem solved!

It might feel intimidating, but branching out into sewing your own lingerie can be much easier than one might think. It's really satisfying to have the secret of a cute handmade bra under your dress. And because it takes such little fabric, it's a wonderful way to use up some favorite scraps or to splurge on something pricy, since the projects require so little fabric.

Sleeves are the unsung heroes of outerwear. Just think about your favorite coat or jacket—you’re probably picturing the collar, the lapels, the buttons…the sleeves? Not so much.

You're happily working away on a sewing project, and all of a sudden you're face to face with a scary diagram—complete with a mysterious acronym. Case in point: FBA.

When you're packing for a sunshine-and-chill vacation, you're not exactly looking to lug around extra stuff—especially not one of those giant woven sun hats that won't even fit into your suitcase. But you'll definitely need a hat to keep out the rays, so what to do? Bring a lightweight, foldable sun hat you can stuff into your carry-on. Better yet, make one yourself!

One of the biggest differences between regular garment sewing and couture sewing is underlining. Underlining is what gives couture garments their superior overall appearance and elevates any homemade article of clothing to a designer-grade product. But, what is underlining? Why do you need it, and how do you use it?

If you're like me, you sew your own clothes because you want a custom fit. That usually means you adjust the pattern before taking scissors to fabric.

Filet crochet is a type of fabric created with only two stitches: the chain and double crochet. The grid-like lace can accommodate various designs, from text to flowers to geometric shapes. Pretty much any design that can be drafted on grid paper can be translated into filet crochet! Let's explore this interesting technique. I'll explain the basics and then show you exactly how to filet crochet.

Looking for a fun, versatile stitch to add to your projects? Want a pattern so easy to remember you can knit it while you watch TV? Love the look of cables but are afraid it's too complicated for your skill level? Meet the honeycomb stitch!

You may have lived the whole of your life without ever making or even having a bowl cozy. Time to fix that sorry situation ASAP.

The name "princess seam" sounds a little fussy. In fact, princess seams are anything but: They create graceful vertical lines that elongate the body and allow adjustments across large sections of the garment — useful for pattern fitting.

Dancing is all about expressing yourself — and that goes for your leotard too! Whether you're sewing a leotard in a funky color or pattern, or going with the trad pink or black version, making your own means YOU get to customize the design, the fabric, the fit, the whole vibe.

The crochet basketweave stitch is sets of front and back post double crochet stitches that creates a fabric with a woven texture. It's a wonderful stitch to use for crocheting scarves, blankets and washcloths.

You can't go wrong with a classic A-line skirt. You can wear it short or long, dressed up or down, and it always looks good. Best of all, the simple shape means you can learn to sew an A-line skirt in just a few easy steps.

A cowl is a timeless look that's almost always flattering, no matter your body type. You can add one almost anywhere — not just at the bodice front, the most obvious spot, but also the bodice back, the sleeves or even the sides of skirts or pants. Cowls can be subtle with a gentle fall, or dramatic with a plunging silhouette. It's one of those versatile design elements, so sewists really can't help but love it.

When it comes to making alterations to your WIP garment, there's a secret weapon just waiting to be used: curved rulers. These get the job done much better than simple straight rulers could — after all, our bodies aren't filled with straight edges and hard lines. Humans are curvy!

It's cold outside and there's nothing like a warm and comfy throw to take the chill off. And while you could always buy a cozy blanket, making your own is simple and fast, so you can start sewing in an afternoon and have it ready for that night's movie.

Crocheters, grab your hooks — it's time to decorate for Christmas! Going handmade is an obvious choice for the holidays, whether you're looking to make ornaments, gifts, garlands or other decor. We've got the free patterns you're looking for — make one or make 'em all to truly get in the holiday spirit.

Cables are a beautiful way to add texture and interest to your crochet projects. But if you've never crocheted one before, it can be a bit intimidating. They're made by skipping a set of stitches (usually two or three, depending on the stitch width of the cable), then crossing front and back post stitches to create that twisted effect. So once you get the hang of it, it's actually pretty fun to make.

Crochet ruffles are both cute and versatile: you can use them to add a border to your blankets for a flowing feel, or you can use them as surface crochet to create a cheeky accent.

You've gotta love a quilt that takes its name from a hairstyle. Like the fancy 'do, French braid quilts and quilt blocks give the illusion of woven strands, and they're sewn from fabric strips in prints or solids. And while they look intricate, they're actually a cinch to piece — even if you're a beginner.

Did you know you can make a charming, super cozy quilt without putting in a ton of time or — wait for it — even really knowing how to quilt? It's shocking, but true, thanks to one quickie weekend project: the rag quilt.

There's a lot to love about gingerbread cookies, whether served on their own or as part of a larger gingerbread house project. Either way, these little guys' royal icing smiles and heart-shaped cheeks are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

There are three different ways to finish a quilt: machine quilting (either through free-motion, longarm or a walking foot), traditional hand quilting and hand tying.

Zippers can feel super intimidating to beginner sewers, but they’re actually pretty easy to pull off, and some are easier to insert than others. Like the invisible zipper. When you add one, there’s no machine stitching visible from the right side of the project. Everything is done behind the scenes, totally concealed within the seam allowances.

When you’re working with lightweight, sheer fabrics, there’s a sense of airiness and elegance to them. Which means they deserve an equally-as-elegant finished seam that hides all your raw fabric edges. Enter the French seam.

Aprons are a lifesaver for any cook or baker, and it's easy to sew one yourself. The best thing about this project? With just a few simple measurements, you can get started — no pattern necessary.

Monogramming adds a personal detail to any project: piped icing on cake designs, embroidered stitches on home decor, stamped initials on stationary, even custom details on quilt or sewing projects. And these days, you can pretty much design your monograms however you want. But if you want to keep things more traditional, there are a few monogram etiquette rules to consider following.

There's nothing worse than picking a dreamy fabric to work with, only to have it turn into a total nightmare when the edges start to fray. By the time you get to the hemming stage, it can feel like over ¼" of your seam allowance has — poof!— vanished into thin air.

Fitted sheets can be pricier than flat ones and, depending on the material you want and the place you're shopping, they can even cost more than double. What's worse: sometimes fitted sheets aren't even included in bedding sets, and they can be hard to find in luxury natural fibers like durable cotton wovens or linen and hemp blends.

Learning your way around a sewing machine can take time, and even experienced sewers can have a few technical blunders. Here are some of the most common issues sewers can run into on their Janome machine, and how to fix them so you can get back to your project ASAP.

Whether you're flying a red eye or simply trying to block out the light from your TV, there are many reasons to use a sleep mask and get some quality shuteye. The good news is that it's super easy to DIY, and only calls for a little bit of fabric. (Stash-buster project, anyone?) Whip up one for yourself, or go to town and make 'em for the whole fam so you can all get some beauty rest, stat.

Artists have taken inspiration from mountains since ... forever. Whether up close or far away, covered in snow or in trees, rounded or jagged, they tend to symbolize something vast and vital. And when you draw them, you want that feeling to come to life on the page. Here's how.

Properly prepping and cutting your fabric is the very first challenge you face when sewing a garment that wears well. Case in point: Have you ever worn a shirt with one side seam that kept twisting toward the front? It did that because the fabric wasn't cut on the grain. Or, have you ever sewn a dress and ended up with different lengths when trying to match a seam? That can happen when your cutting isn't as accurate as it could be.

Looking to dive deeper into your sewing obsession? These blogs are some of our all-time faves, and many of the faces behind 'em teach classes on Bluprint — meaning you can gain extra knowledge and get those creative juices flowing for your next project.

Adding a collar can make your dress or top look extra fabulous — but it can also be a nightmare if not sewn on correctly. So if you're planning to sew your own collar, follow these tips to help you nail that polished look.

Pockets make life easier — it's just a fact. After all, haven't you ever thought about how much better your favorite party dress would be if it had pockets you could stick your hands (or lip gloss) into?