Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Christine from From an Igloo shows how to make a pair of knit pants for girls. It’s actually very easy and doesn’t require a pattern, so long as you have a pair of pants that fit that you can trace. Go to the tutorial.
[Thank you to Ady for sending me a link to this project!]
[photo from From an Igloo]
[tags]sewing, tutorial, girl, knit, yoga, pants[/tags]
I’m always tempted by the pretty velvets at the fabric store. So much texture! And the way the fibers catch the light! But sewing on velvet is trickier than you’d think. That nap that lends beautiful texture also likes to slip and crawl. That nap can also spell disaster if you cut a piece the wrong direction. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t use buy that velvet and sew it into something gorgeous, you just need to go into your velvet sewing project prepared. And Melissa at Melly Sews has a post that takes you step by step through sewing on velvet.
Velvet is such a luscious fabric, especially for winter sewing projects. Of course there are velvet Christmas sewing projects – stockings, tree skirts, santa hats – but velvet is beautiful for all winter. Think of all the gorgeous velvet dresses, evening bags, hair accessories, even pillows and other home décor that you see all winter long.
Melly Sews’ post gives you the tips and tricks you need to know in order for your velvet sewing project to end up a success. There are types of projects better suited for velvets, and kinds of projects to avoid. She describes the different types of velvet available. And she also tells the best way to lay out and cut your pattern pieces from velvet fabric. Her tutorial also covers marking, pressing, and of course sewing that beautiful fabric. There’s also a video included in case that’s your preferred method for learning.
Head over to Melly Sews to learn how to sew on velvet fabric.
And if you want to learn more about that lovely blue velvet dress shown, she has a post that tells more about it including 2 ways to style it depending on if you want to be more dressy or more casual.
[photo credit: Melly Sews]
Thank you! No one ever explained how to make the pattern quite the way you did, and it FINALLY makes good sense to me! All the pants I’ve tried before have been so wonky. I think this one will work!
Great tutorial – thank you sew much for sharing!
Quick question, would you please share retailers that sell quality cotton lycra knits? I find it frustrating to locate a store that sells decent knits.
Thank!
Denise, I share your frustration with finding quality knit fabrics. My local stores are hit or miss, and I haven’t gotten brave enough to order any online b/c it’s hard to know about the quality without being able to feel. If I find a good source, I’ll be sure to pass on the information. — Anne
Anne:
Thanks for the prompt reply. I share in your frustration shopping for knits at local retailers; their supply pales in creative designs and construction. Last night, however, after researching more links on sewing.craftgossip (I love your site) I came across one knit source: http://www.chezami.com/exp.ja6?file=clearance&pathcode=fabricshop&sessionid=30U1C09TT06828. Chez Ami sells beautiful knits: interlock, jersey, swimwear, cotton lycra, and woven. I discovered Patsy Aiken’s knits on Chez Ami from another reader. Numerous comments highly recommended this site for knits. So, I have not personally ordered knits on-line but I plan to soon. Chez Ami is offering some wonderful looking knits on sale. I am eager to sew knit yoga style pants for my daughters.
Any other knit sources please share!
Thanks sew much.