I couldn't be more excited about the Sketchbook Blog Tour week. Today's post by Raedene Averitt from Chasing Mermaids is one of the five reasons why I'm so happy! Yesterday Kara Orr from Sweeter Than It Seams posted about her date night tank and clutch. See the full line-up of five talented bloggers here.

Sketchbook fabrics outfits made by Chasing Mermaids

Visit the Chasing Mermaids blog to read more about the patterns and prints used to make these adorable outfits! So cute! Thanks Raedene for being part of the tour :)

In addition to the five ladies posting beautiful Sketchbook fabric projects, I will also be posting each day with either a tutorial or new free project. Today will be a tutorial on how to sew a French Seam. The rest of the week I will have sewing projects that use French seam construction.

FRENCH SEAMS

I love French Seams. They are as pretty on the inside as they are on the outside. The technique is very simple, but can sometimes be confusing because you begin the French seam by sewing with the WRONG sides together. That's what usually trips people up. Here's how they are made:

1. With raw edges even, sew the WRONG sides together along the side seam line(s) using the seam allowance indicated in the pattern.

2. Turn pieces RIGHT sides together, press, and stitch deep enough to encase the raw edges inside the new seam or as indicated in the pattern. Note: Some patterns will have you trim the seam(s) before turning, so always read through the instructions before you begin.

3. Turn right side out and VOILA!

Tomorrow we will put this technique to good use and make a pretty pencil case to fit into back-to-school notebooks!

Don't forget to repost your favorite Sketchbook Blog Tour projects on Instagram for a chance to win 10 yards of Sketchbook fabric! To enter, use Instagram and repost a blog tour picture from any of the bloggers on the tour. Be sure to include the hashtag #SketchbookTourGiveaway in your post. The drawing ends Saturday, August 22nd at 9:00 am EDT.