Foot Fun You probably have lots of presser feet for your machine(s), but truth be told, we use only a few of them regularly: straight stitch foot, zigzag or satin stitch foot, and the zipper foot. What about all those others lingering in the accessory box? Let’s take a look at one rather funky one—the […]
Pin Weaving (preview)
Pin weaving is a form of small-scale weaving traditionally done on a frame made of pins with the warp and weft wrapping around the pins. Pin-woven textiles have a selvage edge all the way around. The equipment needed for pin weaving is minimal, consisting of straight pins; a padded, pinnable board; a rectangle of fusible […]
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 […]
Sewing Tools: What’s This?
We all know that sewing enthusiasts need certain tools to function—a sewing machine, scissors, thread, pins, etc.—but there are some other tools of the trade that might just be nice to have. Are they a necessity? No. Are they a convenience? Absolutely. Let’s take a look at some of those handy-to-have specialty items. This page […]
Designer Bias Trim (preview)
I occasionally head out to shop on what I call “snoop day.” Armed with a small tablet and pencil to be able to copy down ideas. I shop in the better departments of boutique and major stores (i.e. Ellen Tracy, Escada, Dana Buchman, Chanel, and Armani) and I’m usually looking for pocket, collar, trim and […]
Bag a Skirt in 10 Easy Steps (Preview)
Everyone knows that a lined skirt will look new longer, wrinkle less, hold its shape better, and be more comfortable to wear. But since it takes quite a bit longer to sew a lined skirt, it’s easy to succumb to temptation and simply make one sans the lining. The 10-step method described here is so […]
How Bad Is It To…
We all have our idiosyncrasies and shortcuts to help our sewing go faster and easier, but are some of those things harmful to the final product? How bad is it to sew over pins? Pretty Bad While technically you can sew over pins that are placed perpendicular to the seamline, it’s better not to as […]
Pattern Weights
What’s’ your preferred method for cutting out projects—pins or pattern weights? There are sewists who swear by one or the other, but most of us tend to love both, depending on the fabric being used. Pins hold pattern tissue firmly in place for cutting, but there are some fabrics where pins can leave permanent marks […]
Handy Notions: Tracing Wheels
The tracing wheel may be a sewing notion you were first introduced to when you began sewing, as it’s a handy way to transfer construction markings from the pattern to the fabric. Whether it’s patch pocket locations, a zipper opening, buttonholes, darts or pleats, using a tracing wheel is a quick way to get accurate […]
Triple Straight Stitch
Often overlooked because the machine icon doesn’t really look like the actual stitch, the triple straight stitch is a fun one, both for utility use and for embellishments. Depending on the machine brand, the stitch may also be called a straight stretch stitch or a backstitch. On the stitch screen or dial, it appears as […]
Sloper: Adding Darts to a Skirt (preview)
Secrets of Good Fit Making your own clothing is fun, but making your own pattern makes it much more fun! Why make your own sewing patterns? For the same reason you sew — to get what you want, to be unique, to save or make money, for the fun of fit, and to get a […]
Preparing Your Fabric
Even though it may seem inconvenient and a waste of time, preparing your fabric before sewing ensures that your finished garment will look, hang, and wear well. Laundering: Many fabrics will shrink or pucker along the seams the first time they’re laundered, so it’s a good idea to wash or dry-clean it before you cut […]
How to use the Piping Foot (video)
Watch this 60 second video on how to use a piping foot.
Learn to Sew: Knit Binding Tutorial
This 1-minute video from the American Sewing Guild will show you how to apply knit binding. Sew easy!
Pressing Tools—Clapper and Sleeve Board
It doesn’t matter whether you tailor fine wool jackets or make casual everyday wear, or if you’re a quilter—getting a good press is of the utmost importance for a professional-looking project. There are tools to help with that process. Let’s take a look at two tools that work for all sewers and quilters—a clapper and […]
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