The success or failure of your sewing project relies only in part on your skill - if you choose the wrong fabric, it won't matter how good you are. But picking the right fabric will forgive many small errors you might make. Also, learn the difference between woven and knit fabrics.
These wrist stretches have been cribbed from aikido, but they can be used as sewing stretches as well. Avoid cramps while sewing by using these three wrist stretches. Whenever you feel like your wrist is starting to ache, just use one of these stretches.
Thankfully for sewing and embroidery beginners, the ladder stitch is one little animal that is completely guileless and straight to the point. Composed of vertical rows of neat horizontal stripes, the ladder stitch creates - you guessed it - a ladder shape.
In this video you will learn the basics of starting a beginner sewing project. The project featured in this video is an eye pillow. Eye pillows are filled with flax seed and essential dried herbs like lavender, spearmint, chamomile, etc.They are easy and fun to make and they make great gifts! You will learn how to piece the front of your eye pillow using strips of three different fabrics and how to choose the silky backing of your eye pillow so it goes on smooth and relaxing over your eyelids...
These are some easy-to-follow directions on a sewing technique fore sewing lapped zippers on garments and clothing. You'll use a basting stitch to close the zipper seam from the hip to the waist, then you'll serge the center back seam edges separately. To see the rest of the sewing process, watch the video!
This video is a demonstration of how to sew elastic into an All In One (AIO) cloth diaper. The same method can be used to sew fitted diapers. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to sew an elastic into an all in one or fitted cloth diaper. Start saving the environment, one unused diaper at a time.
In this video series, our expert Terri Turco will teach you all about sewing patterns. She will teach you how to read the pattern, wheres to find them, and how to navigate them.
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a Domo plushie. First, cut out the shape of Domo on a piece of brown fabric. Cut this out twice to make the front and the back. After this, sew both of the sides together with a sewing machine. Make sure to place pins in it to keep the fabric in while you are sewing. When finished, turn the plushie over and stick some stuffing inside of it. Now, sew the section where you placed the stuffing in. Then, you can sew on the face of the character and you will ...
Bleach is one of the most popular manga and anime series of recent years, and the cast of teenage characters make great cosplay fodder. Watch this video to learn how to sew DIY Hakama pants for your next cosplay convention.
In this tutorial, we learn how to edge finish with lingerie elastic. First, grab your elastic and place it onto your fabric. Line up the elastic so it matches in perfectly with the fabric. Use a sewing machine to sew the elastic onto the fabric. Go slowly while you are doing this and lift the elastic in your hand as you continue to sew it on the fabric. When you get to the end of the fabric, the elastic will be sewn on, and you will be able to wear it! This only takes a few minutes, just make...
In this video we learn how to sew on a shade ring with a sewing machine. First, lay your roman shade wrong side up. Next, place a pin inside of it and then fold the shade fabric where it is down. Next, set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch with a width that is on the wider side. Now, slide your fabric underneath the needle so it just catches the needle on the side. Start to stitch the side of the fabric, removing the pins as you go. Make sure to sew the shade rings on as you go, then you...
Sewing patterns are a godsend if you're a beginner at sewing who's trying to get into making clothes and accessories like scarves and bags. A pre-drawn pattern helps you learn proportions, measurements, and drafting techniques you'll need later on when you design your own clothing.
In this tutorial, we learn three different ways to sew ruffles. The first way, you will put your sewing machine setting on the highest, then take your fabric and place it underneath the needle. Let the fabric go through the machine and ruffles will start to create when it's ran through a couple of times! The next way is to scrunch the fabric together while it's underneath the needle on the machine, and sew the fabric completely together. Be careful not to hurt your fingers during this! the la...
Cloth diapers are ecological and can be reused, without the endless waste of the disposable kind. Learn how to sew FOE (fold over elastic) onto a diaper cover. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to make cloth diapers at home.
Infinity scarves are ridiculously easy to make at home. All you need is a long strip of thick fabric in a print you enjoy and some basis sewing utensils.
Don't be intimidated by this couture technique - it's actually quite easy! Sew a silk ribbon binding to your project as a way to stabilize it. All you need is the ribbon, your fabric and a few extra sewing notions.
A clear complete demonstration of three basic hand Stitches used when making a garment. This video sewing tutorial demonstrates and explains the basting stitch, catch stitch, and thread tracing. Watch this instructional tutorial and learn how to sew three basic stitches for garment making.
This video sewing tutorial shows a clear and complete demonstration of how to correctly sew a lap zipper. Included are tips and materials needed. Watch and learn how to attach a lap zipper with the help of the Fashion Design department at OTIS College of Art and Design.
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a hedgehog plushy. First, choose a fabric to use, then cut out the shape of it. Once you have done this, cut it out again and pin the two pieces of fabric together. After this, use a sewing machine to sew all of the sides together, leaving a hole in the bottom. Now, turn the hedgehog inside out and then iron him flat. Place some stuffy cotton into the plushy until it is as full as you would like it. Then, sew the hole together so none of the stuffing can...
To us, old T-shirts are just space clutterers, with too much history for my of us to throw away but taking up too much space in our closets to want to keep. But for crafters they're the Holy Grail of crafting supplies.
Kate Hemmings & Vicki Taylor from Sew magazine show you how to properly sew a "dart" (a.k.a. taking in fabric to make it fit the contours of your body). Just follow these easy steps in the video:
It's pretty much common knowledge that a successful sewing kit requires several different sizes of needles as well as differently colored thread. And if you're solely focused on patching up those favorite JBrand jeans of yours or a hole in a T-shirt, then that may be all you need.
This is very easy to follow project you can use to sew a cute, stylish pillbox style hat. All you need is some stiff fabric, a few sewing notions and then whatever embellishments (like ribbons, flowers or applique) you want to attach to the sides.
A bound buttonhole doesn't have to be difficult. This video shows you several different techniques taught in various sewing books, and then shows you a synthesis of both methods. Don't worry about having to hand sew your buttons, you can do it all by machine.
A corset is not necessarily a difficult thing to sew, but it does require a lot of precision. Here are a few good tips you'll want to learn and follow when you're trying to teach yourself sewing and corset making at home.
Depending on the fabric you choose, this could be part of your Lolita costume or a professional skirt. Sew a skirt with one inch box pleats, without needing a pattern. Get your fabric, measurements and some basic sewing supplies together, and you're ready to go!
The dirndl skirt is cut straight and gathered at the waist, and is a traditional style of German or Austrian skirts. Due to the cut and the flare, it's an ideal skirt for Lolita style costumes, and this tutorail shows you how to sew a dirndl without a pattern.
A great and simple way to add a little to your Renaissance Faire costume or costume closet - sew a peasant style top. All you need are a few yards of loose white fabric, your measurements and some basic sewing tools.
Start with two rectangles of fabric, both the same size. You will also need a short zipper and a few basic sewing supplies (pins and a sewing machine). Then just follow along with this video to make your own zippered change purse!
Get a sewing machine for the holidays? Buying one for yourself? Like any machine, a sewing machine needs some basic maintenance to keep running properly. Make sure lint doesn't build up around the feed dogs, and oil the parts once a year to keep things running smoothly.
Love the look of vintage? You don't have continuously prowl vintage stores - make your own inspired skirt! All you need is your favorite fabric and a few sewing notions (matching thread, scissors, pins, and of course, a sewing machine).
Now that winter has taken temperatures down below freezing, you're probably shivering in your pantaloons as you read this. Keep yourself warm by wiggling your fingers to craft this quilt, and then snuggle with it to keep yourself nice and toasty.
This tutorial shows you how to sew your own set of black out or Roman blinds. You will need some heavy fabric in your chosen colors, a large work table, a steam iron and a heavy duty sewing machine or serger.
When it comes to the holidays or times when your kids need a costume urgently for their dance recital or play fast, sewing projects take far too much time. When time is an issue, why not make these no-sew cute headbands with pom poms?
This shows you how to make a beautiful and simple halter dress. You will need at least one scarf (more if they are sheer), a few yards of your favorite fabric, scissors, a needle and thread, and a measuring tape.
If you have yourself a serger sewing machine, and you've already learned how to thread a Singer Finishing Touch serger sewing machine with differential feed, then you're eventually going to have to change the thread colors. This tutorial will show you how easy it is to rethread (without unthreading) the Singer serger (14SH654), which has 4/3 thread capability. Singer also has a PDF available with detailed threading instructions.
Using felt or another thick fabric for your current sewing project? Need to reinforce the edge of a thick material? You will then need the blanket stitch! In this tutorial, learn how to sew a blanket stitch the correct way.
Missing a button and in a hurry? Instead of waiting a couple days when dropping off your dress shirts at a seamstress, why not fix the problem yourself within an hour? In this video, learn how to hand sew a button on a shirt with "How To Sew with Jenny T".
Are you a collector of the amazing doll collection made by American Dolls? Want to make your own custom clothes for your American Doll? In this video, learn how to sew a simple skirt with guidance from this sewing expert.
The hair scrunchie in this how-to video is so easy to make, even a cat can sew it. You will need a felt sheet of 8" x 8", an elastic string, a cutting punch, a hammer, marking pins, scissors, two big beads, and a cutting mat. Follow along with the step by step instructions in this video sewing tutorial and learn how to make a felt hair scrunchie.