Foundations is a reference section of basic information about tools and techniques used in a variety of crafts. Sharpen your knowledge and skills with these downloadable ‘how-to’s. We hope to build an extensive resource for you, so please keep checking back here regularly.

 

 

Tension matters!

Story by Beck Wise

Every knitting pattern starts off with tension information, and if you’re anything like me, you give it a cursory glance and skip straight to the exciting part – the actual knitting. Or at least I did until the time I found myself trying three times to knit a hat before making one that was ‘just right’ for me (my dad and brother appreciated the ones that were too big and too small, though!).

Nowadays I take the time to make a tension square and measure it properly – for big projects anyway!...

Click to read more

 

Colour Coordinating

Choosing the colours for a quilt should be the most creative and fun part of designing, yet many of us baulk when it comes to coordinating colours. Learn a little about colour theory to help you to combine colours to give maximum impact to your work of art.

Click to download

 

APPLIQUE TECHNIQUES

Learn the basic techniques of hand and machine-appliqué – once you know the basics, it’s easy to add your own touches to projects or create original designs of your own

Click here to download

 

Cushion-finishing workshop

Isn’t it exciting when you complete the front for a wonderful cushion? Already you can imagine how it will look on your new sofa or in various comfy armchairs. But first, it must be made into a cushion.

Click here to download

 

Stamping back to basics

For those who have never attempted working on paper, but want to try their hand at some basic stamping. This is a step-by-step guide on:

1. Stamping
2. Embossing
3. Scoring and Folding Card
4. Masking
5. Ink to Paper
6. Colouring Images with Art Markers
7. Setting an Eyelet
8. Using a Stamp Positioner
9. Stamping with Bleach

Click here to download

 

Your guide to the top 10 scrapbooking techniques

New to scrapbooking and want to learn some basic techniques to help improve your layouts and other projects? Well this fantastic step-by-step guide is a great for getting you started. This article takes a look at:

1. Chalks
2. Stitching
3. Distressing
4. Stamping
5. Colour blocking
6. Tearing
7. Dyeing
8. Paints and pastes
9. Matting
10. Punches

Click here to download