Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Threads magazine shares some quick tips for using your serger for more than just a standard straight seam. Their article explains how to use a serger to gather fabric, how to create a lettuce edge, how to serge around corners (both inside and outside corners), and how to serve around curves. Go to the article to read about these techniques.
[photo from Threads]
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]
For anyone considering purchasing a serger….please take the time to test drive a Babylock. When you see the jet-air threading and the stitch quality, you will be sold. I bought my Evolve 11 years ago, and recently attended a 3 day Serger Workshop where we used the new Evolution. Once you use a Babylock, none of the others will do.
My choice is the 1300 BERNINA serger! It is as easy as it comes to thread, use and experience many different techniques a serger can do! 🙂
Chain stitching and the coverstitch are included with this model.
Definitely a must have!