Totes are one of the easiest projects sewers can make and are often a first project for beginners. They can be lined, unlined, open-top, zipper-top or even closed with a magnetic fastener, and some offer inside and/or outside pockets as an extra convenience. Tote bags generally have flat bottoms and corner shaping, though they can […]
Wearable Art with Asian Flair (preview)
Creating wearable art satisfies the desire for something special to wear, the craving you feel to express yourself, and a reason to use the luscious fabrics and threads you just bought. Now, what to make? Why not create a garment that takes you to a land far away… to an exotic place of serenity and […]
Sticking to It: Glue in Your Sewing Projects
OMG—for some of you, the very thought of using glue with any sewing project probably makes your inner home economics teacher cringe! But take a deep breath and consider that it could be a helpful tool when used properly. Check Points There are a number of types of glues on the market, and they’re used […]
Front Fly Zipper in Slacks or Jeans
The traditional fly zipper you see on a commercially made pair of jeans or slacks works well in a manufacturing environment because special machines can make them very quickly, even though it is not necessarily the best technique or finished product. A mock fly is a great option for home sewers and is a good […]
Patch as Patch Can: Hole-y Jeans
We all have our favorite garments to wear and sometimes we just wear them too long and they show the signs of their preferred status. Jeans are one of those garments in most wardrobes. But don’t give up and toss them—instead get creative to patch them so you can keep them longer. Of course, there’s […]
Fiber Fun Scarves
If you love fabric, there’s also a good chance that you love fibers of all kinds—yarns, novelty threads, ribbons, trims, cords, etc. Assuming that’s the case and perhaps you have some of those things in your stash, making your own scarves is a fun way to showcase a medley of those fun fibers. Here’s what […]
Basting Methods for Plaids
When selecting a basting method for plaids, consider the complexity of the plaid, the texture of the fabric, and the garment design, as well as your sewing skills. Here are a few basting methods that can help you achieve precise plaid matching: First Step For best results, baste with the right sides up. It’s also helpful […]
Facing Facts
Facings are a great way to finish edges—whether it’s down the front of a garment, around the neckline, or on armholes. By definition, a facing is simply a narrow fabric piece cut to the shape of the opening to encase the garment raw edges. However, you don’t normally leave the edge of a facing without […]
Working with Petersham Ribbon
Petersham ribbon, also known as Petersham grosgrain, Petersham facing, or simply Petersham, is a versatile and pliable type of ribbon known for its ability to shape around curves and maintain a smooth appearance. Petersham is often used in millinery to create hat bands or hat trimmings, especially for wide-brimmed hats because it provides structure and […]
Bottoms Up: Bags and Totes
Making bags and totes is a ton of fun and making them look professionally finished is easy as pie. Bags have not only height and width, but many also have depth, giving you room to put things inside. But, to get that depth, you need to create some shaping in the lower portion of the […]
Stitch ‘N Weave
Stitch ‘n weave embellishment techniques refer to a variety of decorative techniques that involve combining stitching and weaving methods to create unique textures, intricate patterns, or unusual designs on fabric. Decorative yarns, threads, cords or ribbons are woven through pre-sewn machine stitching, twisting, turning, looping or knotting if desired. Stitch ‘n weave could include couching, […]
Sewing Q&A: Cutting Mats, Chain Sewing, & Elastic Thread
Rotary Cutting Mat Q: What’s the easiest way to clean my rotary cutting mat? A: Cutting mats harbor lint as you cut various fabrics and some fabrics are worse than others for their shedding capabilities. If you’re cutting something linty, like fleece or fur, be sure to use a soft brush and clean the mat […]
Custom Decorative Pillows (preview)
When it comes to pillows, if you follow the “rules,” bed pillow sizes are as follows: Standard bed pillow: 20″ x 26″ Queen bed pillow: 20″ x 30″ King bed pillow: 20″ x 36″ Euro square: 26″ x 26″ However, rules are made to be broken! Custom Size Pillows It can sometimes be a challenge […]
Sew Unusual: Make Your Own Shoes or DIY an Umbrella
Chances are good that if you’ve sewn for years, there have been a few unconventional projects emerge from your sewing room—things that onlookers (and even fellow sewers) are amazed that you tackled. Maybe it was a behemoth sized project like a tent or sail, or perhaps an uncommon material for the sewing world like metal […]
Embroidery on Specialty Fabrics (Preview)
One of the most common questions that comes up in the embroidery process, next to which stabilizer to use, is how to embroider specialty fabrics. While most embroidery designs will sew out easily on a smooth fabric, if you’re sewing on a fabric that has a little texture or special features, there are several things […]
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