Make with your hands

Crafts and needlework

Start with VLU Bailliepark’s practical projects in Potchefstroom, then use the technique guides created for South African makers. Each guide answers a real material choice, difficult step or common problem—not a copied city-page variation.

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Practical starting points

Begin with VLU Bailliepark’s local needlework and craft sections, explore all activities or open the complete découpage project.

Sewing sectionSewing and textile projectsBrowse all current VLU sewing, crochet and mending projects in one place.Open Craft sectionArts and craftsFind creative VLU projects using paper, glass, colour and reused materials.Open All sectionsExplore all VLU activitiesChoose from needlework, crafts, gardening, health, culture and home management.Open HandcraftGlass coffee-jar découpageTurn an empty glass jar into something beautiful with paper, glue and a soft brush.Open

Technique guides for South African makers

Use the Tunisian crochet, denim and slow-stitch series for material choices, difficult steps and common problems. The local Potchefstroom projects link to broader topic-led guides.

Main resource

Complete articleMachine Work: make a lined denim tote bag with handlesA sturdy denim tote bag is useful for library books, shopping, a VLU gathering or a church bazaar. Use new denim or give an old pair of jeans a second life. The finished bag measures about 38 × 40 cm. The lining conceals the seams, strengthens the bag and creates a neat finish that will stay attractive for years.

Supporting articles

Practical guideWhich needle, thread and stitch length work for denim?Use a size 90/14 denim needle for medium denim, a 100/16 needle for thick layers, strong polyester thread and a stitch length of about 3 mm.Practical guideHow do you cut and sew a neat tote-bag lining?Cut the lining to the same main measurements as the outer bag, attach the inner pocket first and leave a turning opening in the lower seam.Practical guideHow do you reinforce handles and thick denim seams?Place the handles evenly from the side edges, baste them in place and reinforce every end with box-and-cross stitching and a second row of topstitching.

Main resource

Complete articleGive an ordinary jacket new life with slow stitchSlow stitch is peaceful hand sewing in which simple stitches, small fabric pieces and personal detail matter more than perfection. It is ideal for repairing or decorating a favourite jacket, and you can tackle the project in short sessions without a sewing machine.

Supporting articles

Practical guideWhich fabric, needle and thread work for slow stitch?Choose soft woven cotton or linen, a sharp embroidery needle and two or three strands of cotton floss that move through the layers without strain.Practical guideHow do you make a simple slow-stitch flower?Build a small flower with a circular centre, five loose petals and a few running stitches; mark only the main shape and let the hand stitching add character.Practical guideHow do you prevent puckering and loose edges in slow stitch?Keep thread tension light, secure fabric edges regularly and weave short, flat thread ends into the reverse so the jacket remains smooth and wearable.

Main resource

Complete articleTunisian crochetTunisian crochet—also called Afghan crochet—combines crochet movements with fabric that can resemble knitting. It fits naturally at a VLU needlecraft table: a calm technique for a winter scarf, cushion cover, kitchen cloth or squares for a community blanket. The precise origin of the technique is uncertain.

Supporting articles

Practical guideWhich hook and yarn work for Tunisian crochet?Begin with a long Tunisian crochet hook and smooth, light-coloured double-knitting yarn. A slightly larger hook helps prevent a tight practice swatch.Practical guideThe forward and return passes explained simplyEvery Tunisian crochet row has two parts: pick up loops during the forward pass and work them off during the return pass without turning the work.Practical guideHow to prevent Tunisian crochet from curlingTunisian simple stitch curls easily because the fabric forms densely on the front. A larger hook, relaxed tension, blocking and a border reduce the problem.

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From technique guide to complete project

Use the short troubleshooting guides together with the complete sewing and craft projects.