Category: Sewing How-To’s and Videos
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
How To Simplify Sewing Pattern Directions
I give you permission - to Simplify Sewing Pattern Directions! It constantly amazes me - how DIFFICULT most 'Big 4' pattern make it to sew even a simple garment. Here's my steps to simplifying - and improving - a basic design. Many of these steps can be applied to ALL sewing. Read and be empowered to CHANGE 'the directions'! Here's an example: I've selected McCall's 7114, a simple, yetRead More
Bias Fabric Fur Embellishment
Next to couching (see recent post HERE), embellishing with bias cut Fabric Fur is one of the very most fun, easy sewn trims you can create! See below some of my garments trimmed with Fabric Fur. [caption id="attachment_4536" align="aligncenter" width="300"] All heaviest trim edges are Fabric Fur Trim.[/caption] The Secret: Bias grain 'furs'up. Bias cut woven fabrics cannot ravel (as straight grain will do), but rather 'ruffles' or 'furs'. EspeciallyRead More
Embellishment Favorite: Free Motion Quilting with Monofilament Thread
Free Motion Stitching around motifs in fabric is FUN! Especially when using Monofilament Thread. Check out the photos below to see what neat 'trapunto' look this achieves. Free Motion Technique Drop feed dogs Monofilament Thread in the needle (I use a 75 stretch needle). Read about the 3 monofilament threads I use and recommend at my last Blog Post HERE. Regular thread in the bottom. Install free motion darning foot.Read More
Embellishment Favorites: Couching with Monofilament Thread
Couching with monofilament thread is something I do over and over as I create with sweatshirts, sweaters, up-cycling and other sewing. I find there are certain embellishment techniques and tools that I developed in my design work that I use over and over. My next few blog posts will share my favorites, starting with 'Couching'..... COUCHING YARN OR TRIM To make an embellishment yarn look like it is 'floating', justRead More
EZ Tiered Skirt To Sew
Tiered skirts will never go out of style. At least that's my opinion. Here is one I made long ago: L-O-N-G, but with these directions you can configure your skirt exactly as you desire! Number of Tiers - Depth of each Tier... Quite 'Bohemian' in current fashion lingo. Print off the directions and give it a whirl! [caption id="attachment_4481" align="aligncenter" width="165"] 5 Tiers - each progressively deeper[/caption] 1. Determine theRead More
Natural Fibers Explained: Cotton, Silk, Wool, Linen