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 […]
Sewing Basics: Measuring Tools
Measure Twice, Cut Once We’ve all done it. You cut that precious fabric, and you cut it wrong. Once you’ve made that cut, you can’t undo it. And now you don’t have enough to recover from your mistake. ARGH! Whether taking body measurements, marking seam allowances, or cutting quilt squares, when we sew, we need […]
Pearl Cotton… in Your Sewing Machine?
You’re probably familiar with pearl cotton for hand stitching efforts like cross-stitch, embroidery, smocking, threadwork and also for crocheting, but did you know that you can also use it in your sewing machine? Pearl cotton is a two-ply, twisted thread with a high sheen and it comes in a multitude of colors and some variegations. […]
Choosing a Fusible
When fusible products first arrived into the home sewing marketplace, they were stiff and frequently made the fabric bubble or wrinkle due to adhesion issues. Today, these new and improved heat-activated adhesive products are a boon to our sewing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of what you’ll find to expedite your sewing adventures. […]
Sewing Basics: Hand Sewing Needles
Hand Sewing: Needle Knowledge Although some sewists will do just about anything to avoid sewing something by hand, most will inevitably face times when hand sewing will be necessary to complete a project. Knowing which needle to choose for the project makes the task of hand sewing much easier. In this article, we look at […]
Buttons: Attachment Antics
Button, Button Whether you use them functionally to close a garment, tote or other project, or you line them up as a border or trim or even string them together for a bracelet, buttons are definitely a fun sewing notion. You can find buttons made from plastic, metal, bone, rhinestones, wood and a host of […]
Working with Snaps
Snap to it! Snaps, the handy two-part fasteners that we often don’t think much about, offer a multitude of options for garment closures. Look for them in metal finishes (silver, gold, black or some colors) and in a multitude of plastic hues. There are also clear snaps available for greater invisibility and they’re ideal for […]
Sewing Basics: Getting to the Point of Pins
Do you know the different types of pins? Pins may not be the most exciting item in your sewing box, but they are a vital tool to anchor your fabric when you are sewing. When choosing the type of pin to use, there are several elements that should be considered as each type of pin […]
Using Striped Fabric to Bind an Edge
It’s Stripe Hype! Whether you’re binding a jacket front, collar or a quilt, using a striped fabric for the binding is a great way to accent the edge. Stripes come in varying forms—from simple two-color versions to multi-color patterning, wide to narrow—but one thing’s for sure: they’re fun! Stripes can be used three different ways […]
Serger Piping
Pipe it Right Perhaps you’ve never looked beyond the standard foot on your serger to see the other possibilities of this mighty little overlocker. Did you know you can actually make and install foolproof piping? Check your instruction manual or with your dealer to see about getting a piping or cording foot for your model […]
Quilting Quandary
You’ve spent hours, days or weeks (OK, maybe years) tediously piecing your quilt top. It’s layered, basted and ready to go. It doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional look or totally mod, the next step toward the finish line—how to quilt it. You can, of course, hire a longarm quilter to do it for you. […]
Sewing Basics: Scissors vs. Rotary Cutters
The great cutting debate When it comes time to cut out your project, which do you choose, scissors or rotary cutters? Ask this question in any online forum or neighborhood group meeting and you will hear strong opinions on both sides. And those opinions often line up by what they sew: quilts or garments. My […]
Tackling Tulle
Whether you’re making a flirty tutu, a long flowing wedding veil or decorating for a bridal shower, it’s likely some tulle will be involved in the process. Like its netting cousin, tulle is an openwork fabric sporting allover holes for a transparent look. Netting has larger holes than tulle and it’s usually stiffer. Both are […]
Tailoring Tricks Part 3: Hong Kong Seam Finish
Not all tailored garments are lined so that the interior seams are covered. Some are unlined, either because of the construction or style—think lightweight wool jacket or loosely woven wool wrap coat for spring. Without a full lining to cover the interior seams, they’re subject to abrasion and potential fraying, depending on the fabric weave. […]
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