Sewing Techniques – Page 29

Pin your oilcloth without making holes

March 15, 2009 by Anne Weaver

If you’ve ever sewn on oilcloth or vinyl, then you’ve most likely wrestled with the problem of holding the fabrics in place while you sew. You can’t use a traditional pinning method, as that would put holes in your fabric. … Read more ...

Tutorial: Spring clean your sewing machine

March 11, 2009 by Anne Weaver

As spring arrives, our thoughts turn to cleaning. We spruce up our houses, thin out our closets, sweep the dust off of the porch. But what about your sewing machine? This trusty partner of yours needs a spring cleaning, too. … Read more ...

Tutorial: Handsewn buttonhole

March 3, 2009 by Anne Weaver

If the prospect of using the buttonhole feature of your machine gives you a nervious tic and makes your palms a little sweaty, then this tutorial is for you. CraftStylish shows how to make a handsewn buttonhole. Get the tutorial… Read more ...

Tutorial: Use a coverstitch to help sew a narrow hem

March 2, 2009 by Anne Weaver

When hem a curve, I use a narrow hem. Even with the narrow hem, a tight curve can make it difficult to keep the edge smooth as you turn under the fabric. Pranamama posts an instructable that shows how she… Read more ...

Tutorial: Super simple fabric appliques

March 2, 2009 by Anne Weaver

Kathy Cano-Murillo, AKA The Crafty Chica, shows her quick and dirty method for creating DIY fabric appliques. Get the tutorial. [tags]DIY, applique, tutorial, sewing[/tags]… Read more ...

Technique: Use paper to figure out pattern problems

February 28, 2009 by Anne Weaver

When the going gets tough, the tough get… out the paper? That’s what Jennifer Stern at CraftStylish suggests doing when trying to get the kinks out of a pattern, whether it’s a pattern that you’re designing or a commercial pattern… Read more ...

Tutorial: Mend a broken belt loop on your jeans

February 22, 2009 by Anne Weaver

CraftStylish posts a very useful tutorial showing how to repair a broken belt loop on your jeans. This isn’t exactly fine textile art, but it’s an important sewing technique nonetheless. And think of all the fabric you can buy with… Read more ...

Tutorial: Pretty seam finishes

February 20, 2009 by Anne Weaver

Flat fells, pinked seams, French seams, Hong Kong seams… CraftStylish tells how to achieve these different seam finishes. Get the tutorial. How to Trim and Grade Seams – Sewing Tutorial Easy Tote Bag with French Seams – DIY Sewing … Read more ...

How to Sew Pretty patches on your jeans

February 18, 2009 by Anne Weaver

Koala Brains shows how to turn a simple patch job on a pair of jeans into a fashion statement! Instead of trying to camouflage the patch, cut the hole into a pretty shape and place decorative fabric behind. Get the … Read more ...

Tutorial: Sew a perfect curved patch pocket

February 17, 2009 by Anne Weaver

Debbie’s Sewing Projects has a technique to take the frustration out of turning under the edges of a curved patch pocket. She uses fusible interfacing. Now isn’t that smart?? Get the tutorial.… Read more ...

Tips for sewing faux fur

February 16, 2009 by Anne Weaver

Sewing faux fur can be a real challenge. I’ve only attempted it once, and let’s just say it was less than spectacular. BurdaStyle has some tips to help make it a little easier. Get the tips!… Read more ...

Tutorial: Sew and turn straps

February 15, 2009 by Anne Weaver

Whether it’s for a purse or for a shirt, chances are that sooner or later you’ll be sewing straps for a project. Melissa at Melissa Sews has a great tutorial showing how to sew and turn straps. This is great… Read more ...

Tutorial: Use snow to dye your fabrics

February 12, 2009 by Anne Weaver

If you’re lucky enough to live in a part of the world that gets snow in the winter, try using the “white stuff” that falls on the ground to dye your fabrics. Gayle from Gayle’s Gallery has a tutorial to … Read more ...

Technique: Adding an adjustable waist to kids’ pants

February 12, 2009 by Anne Weaver

As the parent of a slender child, I’m head over heels in love with the adjustable elastic waistband found in many kids’ clothes. Now, Just Deanna shows how to make one yourself in her tutorial, DIY Adjustable Waist.… Read more ...

Sewing Technique: How to Hem tapered pants

February 12, 2009 by Anne Weaver

Hemming tapered pants may seem daunting, but with a little patience and the right technique, it’s a challenge you can definitely overcome. The method shared by My Secret Pocket offers a clear and simple approach to keeping your hem smooth… Read more ...