Ashley Nickels

Learn how to make mitered corners on a single piece of fabric from sewing and quilting instructor Ashley Nickels. Starting with a square piece of fabric and a home sewing machine, you will learn how to press the edges, mark corners, stitch the miters in place and trim away excess fabric. This easy technique is great for creating cloth napkins and table runners or finishing the edges of any sewing project that has a corner.

Learn how to construct a nine-patch quilt block using one of Ashley Nickel's favorite short cuts: chain piecing. Prepare and cut your nine fabric squares and learn how to piece them together row-by-row without ever snipping threads. You'll then learn how to sew your chained pieces together by nestling the seams. With this trick up your sleeve, you'll end up with a flawless nine-patch quilt block in a flash.

Dip your toe into the wild waters of quilting with these two simple potholder projects. Modern quilter Ashley Nickels shows you how to make a basic potholder using solid squares of fabric and pre-made bias tape, or a slightly more complex patchwork potholder using homemade binding tape. You will learn about basting, chain piecing and different styles of quilting, plus pro tips for attaching the binding.

Drawstring bags are a charming way to present a gift, and they couldn't be easier to make. Ashley Nickels adds a twist to this beginner sewing project by showing you how to finish the inside with French seams, and instead of twine or rope, she shows how to use selvedge trim to create your own drawstring. This customizable bag can be sewn in any size desired.

This foldover clutch is the perfect mash-up of quilting and sewing techniques. Ashley Nickels shows you how to piece the zigzag patchwork for the exterior of the bag, create an interior pocket and lining, and finish it off with a zipper. Best of all, this clutch does not require a pattern and is a great project for beginning sewers and quilters alike.

Custom-made binding tape adds a gorgeous finishing touch to your quilts, allowing you to play around with colors and prints. Binding tape is typically used to bind quilts and can be made with fabric that has been cut on the straight of grain. Ashley Nickels demonstrates how to create your own binding tape using any fabric you like and sew the strips together to create one long strip to go all around your quilt. Watch Ashley's class on attaching binding...

Watercolor quilting is a fun and colorful way to introduce yourself to free-motion quilting. By painting your own design on the fabric, you create a "coloring book" in which to practice and play. Inspired by the loose style of watercolor painting, Ashley Nickels shares her original technique for painting on fabric with fabric dye, and then outlining the brush strokes with contrasting stitches. This meditative technique allows you the freedom to follow...

Stitching in the ditch" is an essential sewing and quilting technique that anchors your layers in place and creates clean seams on the right side of your sewing. Like the name implies, ditch-stitching is as simple as sewing along your seam lines. Ashley Nickels demonstrates how it's done in this short tutorial.

Creativebug all-star Ashley Nickels shows you how to stitch a simple pair of baby bloomers that make the sweetest summery diaper cover. You'll sew straight seams, then work a double-fold casing for the elastic waist and legs. The included pattern comes in three sizes: 3-6 months, 6-12 months and 12-24 months. Requiring just a small amount of fabric, these are an approachable stash-busting project that make for an adorable gift.

Sewing a dopp bag is easier than you might think. Ashley Nickels teaches you how to create this structured yet simple bag, perfect for guys and ladies alike. You will learn how to add a handle, zipper and an inner laminate lining for easy clean up. Once you're done, fill your dopp bag with toiletries and you'll be on your way.