Category: Sewing How-To’s and Videos
Solutions for Sergers Not Cutting Fabric
When your serger starts 'knawing' or chewing the fabric instead of making a clean cut, it is time to pay attention to your BLADES. While there are decorative stitches where you disengage the knife, sergers are happiest when they are cutting. Cutting Happens When... The cutting action on sergers is accomplished by a pair of blades. The Upper or 'Moving Blade' is a softer metal than the Fixed Blade, andRead More
T with Flounce Additions = Amazing Tunic Top
[caption id="attachment_4946" align="aligncenter" width="143"] T Transformed to Tunic[/caption] Flounces dress up most anything! See how flounces added to the hemline and sleeves transform this T-Shirt? It was a wonderful T for my sewing buddy at Christmas, but I knew I wanted to 'take it up a notch'. She found this GREAT plaid printed knit fabric and bought a yard. I finally got it done for her for Mother's Day! Here'sRead More
Transform a T-Shirt into a Cascade Vest
[caption id="attachment_4926" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Inspiration-Improvement-End Result[/caption] OK - Transforming a T into this cascading vest tickled my brain! Cruising on Pinterest for up-cycle fashion ideas for my upcoming Kids Fashion Sewing Camp, I came upon the photo seen at the left in the image above. Since I lost a night's sleep on this, let me explain... HOW THIS WORKS The Neck Hole (see my improved shaping) turns into the backRead More
THREAD NESTS – The WHY and HOW to Fix on your Sewing Machine
[caption id="attachment_4881" align="aligncenter" width="266"] Thread Nest aggravating MESS is due to...[/caption] THREAD NESTS...CURED! If your sewing machine occasionally creates these 'nests' of thread on the bottom, this is for YOU! I know for a fact that this 'machine operator error' is the KEY to understanding your sewing machine and enjoying sewing. And NO, it is NOT a bobbin tension issue! Personally, I know that I sewed for YEARS beforeRead More
How To Stitch Up an Opening Using a Slip Stitch or ‘Sidewalk Stitch’
How to Stitch AN Opening Closed Very often in sewing, after turning a project right side out, you need to close the opening by hand using the Slip Stitch. For example: pillows, ties, infinity scarves all need this skill. Teaching young people to sew caused me come up with a way to explain and teach this stitch. You'll find that in the video clip below, where I call it the 'SidewalkRead More
How To Alter Wide Leg Pant to a Skinny Capri Pant
Once again, I have narrowed some pants to be more 'in style'. [caption id="attachment_4840" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Leg silhouette change.[/caption] Before the HOW-TO's let me get on my Soap Box. I maintain my opinion that the 'Leggins' look must be VERY VERY carefully worn - by women in general. That being said - here is proof from a fashion show I recently attended. If your legs are toned and look likeRead More
Londa’s Tips for Hemming Knits
How to Stitch Knit Hems Below, you'll find ALL my techniques for hemming a knit garment. There are many ways to 'skin the cat', in this case the 'cat' being a knit hem. What I CAN tell you is that the 'way' instructed in most patterns will NOT work! Simply turning up a knit hem and stitching WILL yield a wobbly mess. Give this technique a try and I thinkRead More
How to Sew a French Bias Neckline Finish
Follow these directions to create a professional, French bias finish to your necklines and armholes instead of facings which are so, 'old' school sewing! Create a sample for yourself using the steps as outlined below. Notes are given at the end of my directions for actual implementation on the real 'in the round' situation of a neckline or armhole. Consider this First... If you use this technique on an edge thatRead More
Sew an EZ Coaster – Great Kid Sewing Project for Teacher Gift
These EZ Coasters are a great sewing project You can't beat these easy directions to stitch a coaster set! School will soon be out and trips to Grandma's house planned. This project is perfect to introduce your youngster to sewing. These coasters will make you think, yet they are really very easy to do. And, they teach some basic sewing skills. A set of 4 of these coasters makes a lovely year-endRead More
WARNING on T UP-Cycle Projects