Firming Things Up If you own an embroidery machine, chances are good you have a drawer full of various types of stabilizers needed for your embellishing. However, if you don’t have an embroidery machine, you may not think you need stabilizers—but think again! What is stabilizer? Simple answer—something to put behind or over fabric temporarily […]
Pin Weaving (preview)
Pin weaving is a form of small-scale weaving traditionally done on a frame made of pins with the warp and weft wrapping around the pins. Pin-woven textiles have a selvage edge all the way around. The equipment needed for pin weaving is minimal, consisting of straight pins; a padded, pinnable board; a rectangle of fusible […]
Project: Doris’s Adult Bib
Is there ever a day that goes by that you aren’t thankful for your sewing skills? Not here. When I first moved to my small coastal town, I discovered that the post office does not deliver mail to the town’s residents. “What?” But the more I thought about it, there was an opportunity for exercise […]
The Italian Flap (preview)
Known for their high-priced ready-to-wear and timeless tailored designs, Armani, Gucci, and Valentino frequently accent their impeccable jackets with this decorative flap. The flap is easy-to-sew and since all the raw edges are completely enclosed at the top, it is also very neat. It’s used on fine wools, silks, and linens in medium and light […]
Meant-to-be-Seen Seams
Most of our sewing positions seams on the inside of a garment or project, but there are times when you may want to showcase a seam on the outside of your creation. Why, you ask? Seams can be fun! Inside Out Traditional seams are sewn right sides together and the resulting seam allowances are on […]
The Heart of the Sewing Room
For most of us, the sewing machine is one of our most important possessions. And it’s no secret that the space we use to pursue our passion for sewing plays an important part in the ultimate enjoyment that we receive. The following suggestions are offered knowing that not everyone who sews has unlimited space, but […]
Tote Tactics
Totes are one of the easiest projects sewers can make and are often a first project for beginners. They can be lined, unlined, open-top, zipper-top or even closed with a magnetic fastener, and some offer inside and/or outside pockets as an extra convenience. Tote bags generally have flat bottoms and corner shaping, though they can […]
Wearable Art with Asian Flair (preview)
Creating wearable art satisfies the desire for something special to wear, the craving you feel to express yourself, and a reason to use the luscious fabrics and threads you just bought. Now, what to make? Why not create a garment that takes you to a land far away… to an exotic place of serenity and […]
Sticking to It: Glue in Your Sewing Projects
OMG—for some of you, the very thought of using glue with any sewing project probably makes your inner home economics teacher cringe! But take a deep breath and consider that it could be a helpful tool when used properly. Check Points There are a number of types of glues on the market, and they’re used […]
Front Fly Zipper in Slacks or Jeans
The traditional fly zipper you see on a commercially made pair of jeans or slacks works well in a manufacturing environment because special machines can make them very quickly, even though it is not necessarily the best technique or finished product. A mock fly is a great option for home sewers and is a good […]
Patch as Patch Can: Hole-y Jeans
We all have our favorite garments to wear and sometimes we just wear them too long and they show the signs of their preferred status. Jeans are one of those garments in most wardrobes. But don’t give up and toss them—instead get creative to patch them so you can keep them longer. Of course, there’s […]
Fiber Fun Scarves
If you love fabric, there’s also a good chance that you love fibers of all kinds—yarns, novelty threads, ribbons, trims, cords, etc. Assuming that’s the case and perhaps you have some of those things in your stash, making your own scarves is a fun way to showcase a medley of those fun fibers. Here’s what […]
Basting Methods for Plaids
When selecting a basting method for plaids, consider the complexity of the plaid, the texture of the fabric, and the garment design, as well as your sewing skills. Here are a few basting methods that can help you achieve precise plaid matching: First Step For best results, baste with the right sides up. It’s also helpful […]
Facing Facts
Facings are a great way to finish edges—whether it’s down the front of a garment, around the neckline, or on armholes. By definition, a facing is simply a narrow fabric piece cut to the shape of the opening to encase the garment raw edges. However, you don’t normally leave the edge of a facing without […]
Working with Petersham Ribbon
Petersham ribbon, also known as Petersham grosgrain, Petersham facing, or simply Petersham, is a versatile and pliable type of ribbon known for its ability to shape around curves and maintain a smooth appearance. Petersham is often used in millinery to create hat bands or hat trimmings, especially for wide-brimmed hats because it provides structure and […]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- …
- 26
- Next Page »
