Tutorial: Two ways to line a tote bag
Linings are not required for a tote bag, but they sure give it a nicer finish and make it sturdier. Plus, you can use the lining to add a surprise bit of color or pattern to your bag. Sara from… Read more ...
Heather’s tips for pressing your sewing projects
I’ve always thought it amusing that I hate to iron my clothes, but I don’t hesitate a second before whipping out my iron to press as seam. My laundry room ironing board never sees the light of day, but my… Read more ... Sewing pattern: How to sew a cuff on pants or shorts
Heather from Feather’s Flights shows how to put a cuff on a pair of pants or shorts. Her tutorial is part of a Sewing 101 series on her blog where she answers questions submitted by her readers. Go to her … Read more ... Read all about it: Another reason for skipped stitches
If your machine is skipping stitches, the problem may end up being something other than tension, needle, thread, or presser foot. It may, in fact, be the placement of the needle within the opening of the throat plate. That’s what … Read more ...
Tutorial: Use a serger to help make a French seam
A serger does not typically come to mind when you think about finer seam finishes. But Sarai from Colette Patterns shows how you can use a serger to help make a French seam. The overlocking keeps the raw edges from… Read more ... Tutorial: How to use a binding foot on your sewing machine
Kate from See Kate Sew shows how to use a binding foot to attach bias tape and binding around the edges of a piece of fabric. The handy little foot holds the binding strip in place around your fabric while… Read more ... Tutorial: Easy gathers on your sewing machine, no special foot required
Ruffles sure look pretty, but all that basting and pulling and pinning can take a lot of time. Debbie from Squiggly Twigs Designs shows how you can let your sewing machine do most of the work for you, no special… Read more ... Sewing Tutorial: How to sew down a button
If you sew, sooner or later you’re going to have to stitch down a button. Tracey Toole shares a tutorial over at the Etsy New York Team blog showing how to do it. Get the tute.
[photo from Tracey… Read more ... Tutorial: Use your serger to create thread chains for belt loops
You know those thin little thread belt loops you see at the sides of dresses? They’re nearly invisible but they keep the belt from sliding up or down. They’re usually made with a crochet chain stitch. But you can make… Read more ... Tips for sewing on PUL fabric
People who make or use cloth diapers know what PUL is. Short for Polyurethane Laminated fabric, it’s a soft, pliable, waterproof fabric that can stand up to repeated washings. (Did you see that Michael Miller Fabrics has released its first… Read more ... Tutorial: Stitching smooth curves on a scalloped hem
Sherry from Pattern Scissors Cloth shows how she created perfectly smooth curves on a scalloped hem. If you think she notched the curves, you’re wrong. Go to her post to see how she did it, notch-free.
[photo from Pattern… Read more ... Tutorial: Use your sewing machine to stitch your buttons down
Tricia from Made By Me & Shared With You shares a tutorial on her blog showing how you can use a sewing machine to stitch your buttons down. Her post includes the scoop on stitching down two-hole and four-hole… Read more ... Video tutorial: Sewing snaps, hooks, and eyes securely
Susan Khalje, contributing editor to Threads magazine, shares a video tutorial at the Threads site showing her technique for sewing snaps, hooks, and eyes securely to a garment. It’s a couture sewing technique, but don’t let that intimidate you. … Read more ... Read all about it: Tips for sewing with minky
A friend of mine recently made a baby blanket for her soon-to-arrive baby boy, and called me up mid-project to vent her frustration working with minky fabric. The fabric is soooo soft and snuggly, but it can stretch out of… Read more ... Tutorial: Use lace trim to hem lingerie fabric
Sally Ann hares a tutorial on her blog showing how to sew lace trim on to the edge of lingerie fabric. The lace trim looks pretty and finishes the edge without adding bulk. Even better, you can avoid the headache… Read more ...