What’s the best way to clean my iron? If you’re using fusible sewing products like webs, interfacings and stabilizers, there’s always that errant portion that finds its way to the soleplate of the iron. If you don’t take care of it right away, the fusible goo can transfer to the next thing you’re pressing and […]
Using a Wing Needle
Do you know how to use a wing needle? This 1 minute video gives you a sneak peak on using this specialty needle
Matching Fabric Patterns Across Seams
Ever wondered how to line-up/match the pattern of your fabric across seams? This 1-minute tutorial is a sure fire way to get it right!
Beyond the Basics: Serger Accessory Feet
If you use your serger only for finishing seams and you never change the foot, you could be missing a world of opportunities for other fun sewing adventures. Like your conventional machine, many sergers have accessory, or special-function feet available for a variety of stitching tasks. It’s important to know what feet you might have […]
Matching Points
Nothing causes quilters more angst than getting perfect points on their blocks. With multiple small pieces often combined into a single block, keeping points and seams aligned can be tricky, but there are a few tricks that help with the task. If you’re not a quilter, never fear, these same principles can apply to garment […]
Sewing Basics: Sewing Machine Terms
It’s National Sewing Machine Day! Spend 17 minutes with us in this video and learn about 6 different parts of your sewing machine. Want to learn more? If you aren’t a member already, we hope you’ll consider joining ASG — we would love to meet and sew with you! ~Sheryl Belson
Buttonhole Basics
Buttonholes may be one of the most feared sewing techniques—after all, it’s one of the last things you do and any slip-ups could ruin the entire project. But, alas, there’s no need to have trepidation. Let’s answer some common buttonhole making questions. Why does my machine have multiple types of buttonholes? Buttonholes fall into two […]
A Sticky Situation: All About Glue Sticks
There are times when it’s hard to keep something in place until you get it sewn. Of course, you can always hand-baste, but that’s tedious and time consuming. But, there’s a more slightly less conventional solution—a glue stick! Now, it you’re a sewing purist, you may be saying to yourself—WHAT? How could someone recommend gluing […]
Sewing Q&A
Maybe you’ve wondered about something related to sewing, but couldn’t find an answer elsewhere. We’re here to help! Bias Binding Q. If I want to cut my own bias binding, how do I do that? A. True bias is a 45° angle to the selvage edge of the fabric. It’s stretchier than either the lengthwise […]
Corner Cues: Mitered Binding Corners
If binding a quilt is one of your least favorite tasks, and that simple directive in the instructions that says “Miter the corners as you bind the edges” leaves you bewildered, read on. A mitered binding corner is simply a clever way to make a neat flat corner. It creates a fold at 45° to […]
Slick Tricks: Working with Laminated Fabrics
If you’re looking to make that perfect raincoat, try one of the great laminated fabrics on the market today. Colorful cottons with a clear coating are ideal for rainy weather attire, and a host of other projects from cosmetic bags to totes and aprons. And you have options—laminated cottons come with either a matte finish […]
Border Prints 101
When shopping for fabric, we’re accustomed to seeing rows of bolts with an allover print. But look a little deeper and you’ll find some with unique features—border prints! Border prints are fun to work with and allow you to showcase this print feature in creative ways. What is a border print? Instead of a fabric […]
Fast and Easy Fringed Edge Finishes
If you’re looking for a fast and easy edge finish, there’s nothing easier than fringe! It works on single-layer placemats, scarves, patches and pockets, or with a little more effort, you can insert fringe into a seam or hem. The results of fringing are not always what you expect, as some fabrics are woven with […]
Sewing with Multi-Color Threads
The sewist’s crayons! Not really designed for construction, variegated threads are multiple colors within a single strand. When you look at a spool, you may see distinct color patterns or simply a blending of similar colors, depending on the brand, how the thread is dyed and how it’s wound on the spool or cone. Stitching […]
Pearl Cotton… in Your Sewing Machine?
You’re probably familiar with pearl cotton for hand stitching efforts like cross-stitch, embroidery, smocking, threadwork and also for crocheting, but did you know that you can also use it in your sewing machine? Pearl cotton is a two-ply, twisted thread with a high sheen and it comes in a multitude of colors and some variegations. […]
