Fabric grain refers to the direction in which the threads run. It’s important for the lengthwise and crosswise threads to meet at right angles, or the project will twist or hang crooked. Do you understand fabric grain, why it is important and how to work with it? This video will tell you everything you need […]
Meet Pamela Leggett of Pamela’s Patterns
Always a favorite at ASG conferences and other sewing events around the country is this month’s independent designer, Pamela Leggett, owner of Pamela’s Patterns. Pamela’s tag line is “Designed to fit and flatter women with REAL figures.” Her patterns are designed for women with curves and fluff and scallops, not the slender 14 year old […]
How to Sew Bias Strips Together
Our short video on using the Bias Tape Tool will show you how to make your own bias tape, but do you know how to join your fabric to create the bias strips? This video will show you how. ~© ASG; Sheryl Belson, Plano Chapter
Tailoring Tricks, Part 1
So, you want to tailor a coat or jacket, but you’re not sure what that involves, but willing to take the leap. There are basically two types of tailoring: traditional work with tedious hand stitching or fusible tailoring where you let technology do the “stitching” for you. While the former is worthy of the effort, […]
Cozying up to Cotton
Cotton is the natural fiber from the seedpod of the cotton plants. This versatile fiber is used to make well over 90 different fabrics from calico to canvas, charmeuse to denim, velveteen, poplin, cotton jersey and much more. Cotton fabrics can be silky or rough, smooth or textured, thick or sheer, completely indestructible or lavishly […]
Stash Busting: Take UFO’s Off the Radar
We all have a stash of projects in drawers, on shelves and in containers that have been started but never quite crossed the finish line. ASG member, Hope Wright, had a stash of UFO’s and a plan and now she’s sharing her tips and hints on how an online challenge in 2011 inspired her to […]
Spreading the Skill of Sewing in Kansas City
We love sharing stories from ASG chapters! This wonderful article came to us from the Kansas City chapter. It offers inspiration and shows, once again, how generous ASG members are with their knowledge and time. The Kansas City North Neighborhood group found a great audience for teaching sewing at the North Kansas City library. With […]
Easy Embellishments Collar
Adding a bit of detail to a collar can add flair and interest on a plain shirt, jacket or dress. This short video will show you how to use bias tape to embellish your next collar. ~© ASG: Thank you to Sheryl Belson, ASG Plano Chapter
Creative Fixes
OOOPS! Much as we love sewing, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes an accident happens in the process from cutting to finishing, or even at the first wearing. Rather than using any of ‘those’ words, it’s a lot more fun to try to figure out a creative solution to the problem that looks like […]
Pedal to the Metal, Sewing is Like Driving
This story is by Hope Wright from ASG Springfield Lincolnland Chapter I taught a Summer Sewing Camp this year and when I went to the school for start of sign up, one teacher’s aide expressed some regrets that she never learned to sew. I told her that if she could drive, she could learn. That […]
Serger Rolled Hem
Perhaps you use your serger only for making neatly finished seams—but there’s so many other things you can do with it. One of my favorites is a rolled hem. Whether you’re creating beautiful edges on napkins or silk scarves, or delicate hems on lingerie, the rolled hem is perfect to hide any “pokies” of thread […]
Sewing Tip: Knowing the Nap
Napped fabrics are normally cut so that the nap runs down the garment, from the top down toward the lower hem. This feels softer, and the fabric tends to pill less and wear better. However, when the nap runs up, the color is richer. Short-nap fabrics, such as corduroy and velour, can be cut with […]
Not Your Typical Pattern
You’ve seen set in sleeves, dolmans, dropped shoulders, and raglans, but in 2011 a new design hit the market with the Tabula Rasa Jacket from Fit for Art Patterns by Rae Cumbie and Carrie Emerson. Their unique pattern gives the maker not only an easy, unusual sleeve insertion, but also a pattern that provides a […]
How to make your own bias tape
Bias tape is most often used to finish the edges of garments, especially along curved edges like armholes and necklines. But it can also be used as a decorative element on garments (think pockets and hems for example) or on other projects, like handbags, quilts, table runners and Christmas stockings. You can purchase packaged bias […]
Button and Buttonhole Positioning
Button and buttonhole placements can sometimes be confusing. If the button and buttonhole are placed incorrectly, the garment may be too tight, too loose, or create gaping. The number of buttons on the garment is suggested on your pattern envelope, but it’s up to your personal preference or need. A good guide to start placing […]
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