What is Tangle?
Tangle comes from the English language and means a "mess" or "knot". You might know the term from detangling brushes*, which help to clear up tangled hair. As the mother of two long-haired metalheads, I run into these brushes practically every day. :) However, you might also be familiar with Zentangle. And with that, we're getting even closer. Zentangle—the word is composed of Zen and Tangle. Many people doodle and draw while they are on the phone or thinking. This doesn't just create exciting little patterns and pictures. It also induces a kind of meditative state. This means that the brain is doing creative work and relaxing at the same time. You are present, but your thoughts are far away. And creatively inspired. True Zentangle adventurers sit down in front of a white sheet of paper, take a pen in hand, and get started. However, those who feel a bit intimidated by that exact white sheet can also fall back on Zentangle coloring books* (these are available for many different topics) with predefined patterns and coloring pictures. Add a set of great ink pens* and start your relaxing "tangle-painting"!What does "Tangle" have to do with sewing?
In sewing, the term "tangle" has different meanings. On one hand, it refers to free-motion quilting with a sewing machine. But: without drawing beforehand.Tangle sewing - how does it work?
This can feel like that famous blank sheet of paper at first. Therefore, it is good to practice on a test piece first. In this case, a test piece means: top fabric, batting, and backing fabric. Everything is clamped together into an embroidery hoop. However, on the photo, you can see that I have drawn a pattern beforehand. But that is a no-go when tangling! So: no pre-drawing. It's time to let go. In every respect. ;) You then "tangle" from the top side in a freehand manner. In the picture, I show how to clamp the fabric into the embroidery hoop. This is done so that the embroidery becomes even and the stitches don't sink in.
I'll show you how to prepare the sewing machine for free-motion sewing in this blog post. There is also a video for it, by the way. And then confidence is required: Just start sewing without a plan? Just imagine you're on the phone with your best friend. And you're doodling away absent-mindedly. The sewing machine needle is your pen. Draw lines, circles, and spirals with a short stitch length. Let the lines cross over each other. Give up control. Now your imagination is in the driver's seat. Be curious about what happens! :)
And what else can "Tangle" do?
You can also "tangle" in three dimensions the SewSimple way. In doing so, you create a little puzzle of different dimensions. That is really fun! You can use my "Tangle" instructions to sew really large, cozy sofa cushions. Of course, you can let your sewing-creative spirit run wild and just start sewing away. Finally, everything is sewn together—either with the sewing machine or with a ladder stitch (I love to sew by hand sometimes!)—and stuffed. But you can also start with a mini project to get used to the "Tangle" method. For example, by sewing a fun pincushion. Or a really chic cosmetic bag. You can also wonderfully use up fabric scraps by simply sewing the base pieces you need for tangle sewing together using the "quilt-as-you-go" technique. I show you how to do that in this guide. And if you don't feel quite confident enough to start tangling right away, just begin with straight lines. I show you how cool that can look using the example of our new Manta cosmetic bag, where I simply varied the direction of the lines.
So: What are you waiting for? Get relaxing with your "tangle" and sew yourself something great! :) Have you become curious and want to learn more about the topic of "Tangle"? Then I can recommend the Tangle pattern book* by Jane Monk:
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Happy simple sewing, your Sabine
P. S.: Do you already know our Top Ten of the best sewing helpers? P. P. S.: Do you want to know more about the topic of sewing with fabric scraps?
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