Sewing is often a slow process. It is so easy to let your imagination wander when you are choosing a design for your new dress, or fabric and a pattern to use in your next project. It takes a lot of time also to prepare the pattern, to cut the fabric, to sew all seams and press them. And usually we can’t sew all day long. So I am always looking for ways to be more efficient and sew faster. I don’t want to stay with one project for a few weeks, I noticed actually that the less time it takes from an idea to the result the more I am enjoying the process and I am also more satisfied with my garment. Over the years I discovered many ways to sew faster and to get professional results. I am going to share them with you in this list.
ROUNDUP: 15 Fitting Techniques for a better sewing
Sewing is often a slow process. It is so easy to let your imagination wander when you are choosing a design for your new dress, or fabric and a pattern to use in your next project. It takes a lot of time also to prepare the pattern, to cut the fabric, to sew all seams and press them. And usually we can’t sew all day long. So I am always looking for ways to be more efficient and sew faster. I don’t want to stay with one project for a few weeks, I noticed actually that the less time it takes from an idea to the result the more I am enjoying the process and I am also more satisfied with my garment. Over the years I discovered many ways to sew faster and to get professional results. I am going to share them with you in this list.
You might be making one or more of these Sewing Mistakes. Learn how to fix them quickly and what to do instead.
On Friday I mentioned that sewing certain seams annoys me. I never wrote about it because I’m too picky but based on a vote (2 for, none opposed, that’s democracy for you), we’ll discus…
ROUNDUP: 15 Fitting Techniques for a better sewing
Need a refresher on the different types of seams at your disposal? Or maybe you’re starting out and doing research to better acquaint yourself with your
We all know that practice makes perfect and that's especially the case when it comes to hand sewing. Whether you want to get your kids into sewing, are a beginner yourself, or simply want to improve your stitching skills, you're in the right place. Instead of wasting fabric, using paper to practice is the best way to perfect your methods and movements. Our exclusive hand sewing practice sheets pdf pages provide excellent hand stitching practice for beginners. Or, perhaps there are certain types of stitching you have yet to tackle and want to practice that. There are different sewing lines on paper to download and print to appease every skill level. Use regular thread, embroidery floss, or even yarn to practice with. Most hand needle types and sizes can be used as well. No ruining or wasting fabric. These free three sheets have all sorts of lines and designs to help you. Print the full set or choose the individual page you want to work on next. There are beginner-friendly straight lines, curves, and angles along with more advanced lines and shapes for those who want a bit of a challenge. By the way, before getting started, you'll want to check out our guide: How to Start a Hand Stitch.
Today I want to share some ideas that might help beginner sewists along the way. These are 15 things I wish I knew when I started sewing.
Aurora Sisneros shows you a quick and easy way to take in a shirt by yourself without using a dress form.
When learning how to make a sewing pattern, there are several methods. This post walks you through using a woven garment to make a sewing pattern...
Sewing something by hand has been around since the beginning of time. For centuries, it was part of every-day life. With the invention of the American sewing machine in 1846, all that changed. "Ready made"...
Learn how to finish a seam and when to use it with one of these 9 seam finishes. There are different seam finishes for knit and woven fabric.
Ok, so you’re all in on this whole “sew my own stuff” thing that all the cool kids are doing, right? You get a machine, or maybe your mother-in-law offered you her old one because it’s been collecting dust since the late 50’s. You head to the store to pick up some fabric, thread and – “what the heck are all of these needles”!
Ever wonder how sewists get perfect topstitching. The secret is to use an Edge Stitch Foot. Learn the secrets to better sewing with this amazing presser foot.
Learn how to remove excess ease from sleeve caps-a great tips for sewing sleeves to help achieve a better fit and a smoother look.
A sewing room isn’t a sewing room without a place to do the sewing. After 3 months of active sewing in this space I am not yet convinced that I have designed the “perfect sewing station…
Sewing tricks from professional seamstresses. Your sewing is about to get easier and more efficient. Grab a project to test them out!
This tutorial will help you understand fourteen of the most common markings on sewing patterns. Fully photographed and illustrated, you'll feel a lot more confident about mastering patterns after reading this guide!
I am one of those people that likes to soak up knowledge like a sponge. And in this day and age, you can find out the answer to almost anything on the internet. That's especially exciting when it comes to fun things like sewing. We wrote several articles this year that you are going to want to put on your reading list
Learn how to Grading Altering Sewing Pattern Sizes. Modify your patterns to use the sizes that fit your body with this easy tutorial.
How to do a ladder stitch (also know as an invisible stitch or hidden stitch) step by step video tutorial. This tutorial is perfect for beginners!
Learn how to draft pattern blocks with Pattern Making Basics! A text course with one lesson per day you can start making your own pattern blocks or slopers!
Sewing something by hand has been around since the beginning of time. For centuries, it was part of every-day life. With the invention of the American sewing machine in 1846, all that changed. "Ready made"...
Learn how to engineer stability into all sorts of fitted garments with this couture technique.
A bible for anyone wanting to make their own sewing patterns and create better fitting garments.
I reogranized my sewing/craft/home office space using the furniture I already had as well as lots of repurposed and upcycled storage solutions. Check it out for some tips for your own space.
Everyone discovers quilting at different moments in their life, and over time it slowly becomes an important part of who we are.
Learn more about fabric types and how to use them for garments and upholstery through this guide. This will help you know your craft better.
You need to be careful when oiling your precious sewing machine because too much application could attract dust and lint, gumming up the machine and even rendering it dysfunctional. Get familiar with sewing machine oil ingredients, minerals, and lubricants with this post and keep your machine at its best level!
Find the best sewing gadgets and accessories to make your sewing projects easier. These are the weirdest and functional tools you can own.
In order to sew better fitting clothes, you need an understanding of your body proportions. This post - Understanding Body Proportions - will help! #sewing
Have you ever wondered how to sew like a pro? Get my top sewing tips that anyone can use when sewing home decor or personal items.
I long for an haute couture sleeve. That is, I crave a sleeve that is custom-fitted to my arm and shoulder and that works within the garment’s armscye. After years—or…
What would you say if I told you my best sewing tips are some of the simplest? Today I'm sharing five simple techniques and tricks that will immediately improve the quality of your sewing projects and help you take your sewing to the next level! A comment I have been asked many times by PS
Readers, I don't know how you feel about underarm gussets, but I am mad about them. (That's British for I love them.) I wanted to share a little tutorial based on a design of mine, a wiggle dress with fitted kimono sleeves and a super curvy body. To avoid any drapiness underneath the arm, I added an underarm gusset--a little triangular pattern piece that adds width in way that increases mobility but maintains a close fit. The vintage pattern above also utilizes a two-piece gusset. There are two types of gussets: one piece and two piece. I'm showing you a two-piece gusset, which is a bit easier to insert. It has a seam down the center of the gusset. Here's the gusset pattern piece. I know the pattern says "cut 2" but you actually need to cut 4. (Oops!) And here's the side front piece, where you can see the cut-on kimono sleeve. What you're looking for is the "gusset stitching line." There will usually be a large circle at the top of the stitching line and then a dashed "slash line" that goes down the middle of the stitching line. 1. To start, you need to cut and transfer these marks to the RIGHT side of the fabric. I usually forget and mark them on the wrong side, but it's no biggie to then transfer the marks you need to the right side. 2. Next, we'll reinforce the gusset. Gussets can get lots wear and start to rip at the inner point (ask me how I know). I've adapted this organza method from a segment of Kenneth King's article in Threads magazine. I love it! First, you'll cut four pieces of on-grain sheer silk organza (you'll need to see your pattern markings through the organza). They need to be big enough to completely cover the gusset stitching line. Pin a patch of organza over the gusset stitching line. 3. Using a regular stitch length, stitch along the gusset line. When you get to the point, take one stitch across the point. (Making a sharp pivot results in a less-crisp point.) 4. Slash down the middle of your stitching, cutting as close to your stitching as possible without cutting through it. 5. Turn the organza to the wrong side of the garment and press. Pull the organza to the inside as you press so that no organza shows on the right side of the fabric. 6. Okay, here's the part that's a little bit tricky. What you're going to be doing is sewing a triangular insert, which has a sharp pivot point. You want to keep the pivot point smooth and pucker-free. Start by matching the circle on the gusset pattern piece to the point of the gusset opening, right sides together. On the inside, pin along the gusset stitching line. The stitching line on the gusset matches up with the stitching you made in step 3. 7. Start by stitching along one side, with the garment side up. You'll be stitching just to the left of the stitching you made in step 3. When you get to the pivot point, stop with your needle down. Pivot the fabric to the left, getting all the excess fabric out of the way of the needle, and making sure that there are no puckers before you continue to sew. Stitch along the remaining side of the gusset. 9. Press the gusset flat. 10. From the right side, edgestitch around the gusset for added security. Repeat this whole process on the back piece of the garment. Trim away any excess organza from the gussets and pin the front and back garment pieces together, being sure to carefully match the gusset seams. Stitch the seam and press open. You now have a two-piece gusset! That wasn't so hard, was it? If you have a one piece gusset, you need to make your gusset openings with silk organza as above, and then stitch the side seams and underarm seams of the garment, which will leave you with an open triangle. Next you will insert the gusset into the triangle, which requires pinning it in and then pivoting at 4 points. Not impossible, but a little bit trickier. If you want to make a one-piece gusset into a two-piece gusset, just cut the pattern piece down the middle and add a seam allowance. There you have it: fun with gussets!
Ever wonder how sewists get perfect topstitching. The secret is to use an Edge Stitch Foot. Learn the secrets to better sewing with this amazing presser foot.
Sewing is often a slow process. It is so easy to let your imagination wander when you are choosing a design for your new dress, or fabric and a pattern to use in your next project. It takes a lot of time also to prepare the pattern, to cut the fabric, to sew all seams and press them. And usually we can’t sew all day long. So I am always looking for ways to be more efficient and sew faster. I don’t want to stay with one project for a few weeks, I noticed actually that the less time it takes from an idea to the result the more I am enjoying the process and I am also more satisfied with my garment. Over the years I discovered many ways to sew faster and to get professional results. I am going to share them with you in this list.
