Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Preethi from WIDI shows her favorite method for gathering fabric, which uses three rows of basting stitches. Two rows of basting stitches are in the seam allowance, and the third is just on the other side of the seam line. The third row of stitches helps keep the gathers from pushing flat while they’re being sewn. This extra row of basting stitches requires a little bit more effort, but the prettier gathers are worth it. Get the tutorial at WIDI.
[photo from WIDI]
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]
Another easy way to gather fabric is to cut a piece of clear swimsuit elastic to finished size, pin to garment at half way mark and again at quarters. Zigzag on elastic and fabric (clear swimsuit elastic is the only elastic you can sew through without damaging elasticity) and like magic your gathering is done without trying to gather evenly and dealing with the thread breaking.