Even though it may seem inconvenient and a waste of time, preparing your fabric before sewing ensures that your finished garment will look, hang, and wear well. Laundering: Many fabrics will shrink or pucker along the seams the first time they’re laundered, so it’s a good idea to wash or dry-clean it before you cut […]
How to use the Piping Foot (video)
Watch this 60 second video on how to use a piping foot.
Learn to Sew: Knit Binding Tutorial
This 1-minute video from the American Sewing Guild will show you how to apply knit binding. Sew easy!
Pressing Tools—Clapper and Sleeve Board
It doesn’t matter whether you tailor fine wool jackets or make casual everyday wear, or if you’re a quilter—getting a good press is of the utmost importance for a professional-looking project. There are tools to help with that process. Let’s take a look at two tools that work for all sewers and quilters—a clapper and […]
Matching Fabric Patterns Across Seams
Ever wondered how to line-up/match the pattern of your fabric across seams? This 1-minute tutorial is a sure fire way to get it right!
Sewing Basics: Sewing Machine Terms
It’s National Sewing Machine Day! Spend 17 minutes with us in this video and learn about 6 different parts of your sewing machine. Want to learn more? If you aren’t a member already, we hope you’ll consider joining ASG — we would love to meet and sew with you! ~Sheryl Belson
Selvages: On the Edge
What is the selvage? Selvages are the edges of woven fabrics—the place where the weft (crosswise) threads turn around to form the next row during the weaving process. Some selvages are thicker than the fabric itself, as often there are more threads per inch at the edges to help keep the edges straight during the […]
Rockin’ those Ruffles
If you dig deep into the drawers in your sewing cabinet, you might find a rather strange looking attachment called a ruffler. This funny looking attachment hasn’t changed much in the decades since its invention—perhaps yours is generic or maybe brand specific. If you’re not a fan of pulling up basting threads to gather, the […]
Slick Tricks: Working with Laminated Fabrics
If you’re looking to make that perfect raincoat, try one of the great laminated fabrics on the market today. Colorful cottons with a clear coating are ideal for rainy weather attire, and a host of other projects from cosmetic bags to totes and aprons. And you have options—laminated cottons come with either a matte finish […]
Sewing Basics: General Sewing Terms, Part 2
The projects we want to sew can range from quilts to embroidery, handbags to pillows, and everything in between. This article focuses on sewing terms that are most often associated with garment sewing, but may be used or called for in other projects as well. Note: This is Part 2 of our General Sewing Terms […]
Hemming Knits
Hemming knit garments can sometimes be a challenge, especially on lightweight fabrics that tend to ripple or stretch out, and who needs ripples around a hipline?
Sewing Basics: General Sewing Terms, Part 1
Whether it’s traveling in a foreign country or knowing the terminology for a project you are working on, being able to speak the language is important. Today’s article reviews some basic sewing language that will be helpful to new sewists while still being a great refresher and idea generator for those who are more experienced. […]
Fast and Easy Fringed Edge Finishes
If you’re looking for a fast and easy edge finish, there’s nothing easier than fringe! It works on single-layer placemats, scarves, patches and pockets, or with a little more effort, you can insert fringe into a seam or hem. The results of fringing are not always what you expect, as some fabrics are woven with […]
Sewing Basics: Fabric Terms
What is the one item that you absolutely must have for every sewing project you will ever do? It’s fabric, of course! Since the fabric you choose will have a significant impact on how your finished project turns out, it can help to have an understanding of how fabric is woven so that you can […]
Sewing Basics: Snips, Rippers, Turners, and Stilettos
In this article, we review a catch-all “Other” category of basic sewing tools that includes thread snips, seam rippers, point turners and stilettos: Thread Snips Thread snips, also called thread nippers, thread clippers, and thread cutters—are small, often spring-loaded, scissors used for trimming threads and are easy to keep close to your sewing machine for […]
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