Dive into the world of sewing machine needles. Understand the various types available and their specific uses, from denim to stretch, twin to sharps.
In this guide, I am focusing on different types of threads for sewing. There are many types of sewing thread.
Project Vault -
This sewing 101 article will help point you in the right direction and get you sewing with ease in no time.
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.
"Every child who sews with a will should have a wee birdie to help with his bill."I have long been fascinated with some of the clever inventions of the past, the sewing bird being one of them. The sewing bird, also known as a sewing clamp, hemming clamp, or third hand, was used in the 18th and early 19th centuries to attach one end of a piece of cloth firmly to a table to enable the seamstress to hold her sewing taut with one hand while stitching with the other.(Image Source) Commonly used in the Victorian home, this third hand clamps to a table while the beak holds the fabric to be sewn. Depressing the tail releases the beak enabling the fabric to be repositioned or removed. Before the invention of the sewing machine, clothing, sheets, and other household items were sewn by hand, this handy little clamp was often used for hemming. (Reproduction Sewing Bird for sale at Victorian Trading Company) Early clamps can be traced to the late 17th century. The "sewing bird" came into fashion early in the 18th century. Invented in the Georgian period in England, it was the first device that allowed the material to be moved without having to loosen the clamp. Many were made for the travel trade and were used for advertisements. Most were made of polished and turned wood or iron. Victorian clamps were made of brass, iron, steel and painted wood. (Image Source) In America the first sewing birds were called "grippers." Not used widely until mid-19th century, they became popular as a luxury item, which a young man would present to his intended bride months before the wedding. These were made in many varieties; birds with or without a pin cushion, on a spindle or not, deer, dogs, fish, frogs, snakes, dolphins, cherubs and people. Small thread winders, spool holders, netting hooks and rug braiders were also common. (Antique Sewing Bird) After the invention of the sewing machine the need for grippers was diminished but they were still manufactured as novelties. The Singer Sewing Machine Company produced a few as late as 1980. These original inexpensive novelties of yesteryear are expensive antique collectibles today. (Reproduction Sewing Birds sold at My Secret Shelf) I have seen these marvels in antique stores but don't actually own one, however, I had a need for making my own version of a "sewing bird". I found myself frustrated at always have to run to my sewing basket while crafting when I needed a handy pin, needle, or thread. I began my solution with a faded pale blue feed sack, an old cork/metal bottle stopper, and a vintage iron receipt holder found at a flea market... I sketched a little bird body, tail, and wings onto the feed sack with a Mark-B-Gone marker adding detail lines to the body, tail, and wings, which I then stitched over in brown embroidery floss... After the pieces were stitched together and stuffed, I removed the marker lines with a damp cloth and then used Fabri-tac to attach the tail and wings... I used a strong glue (E-6000) to glue the bottle stopper to the bottom of a small purchased twig and moss nest... And then I glued the bird into the nest, tacking the wings to the sides of the nest... I slipped spools of thread onto the receipt holder and pushed the cork bottle stopper down onto the sharp tip of the holder, then filling my sewing birds nest with needful supplies, like a mini scissor tucked under one wing (These were a gift from my sweet friend Pam and they are so sturdy and cut so well)... A large needle and thimble under the other wing... Pins and needles perch on the back of the bird... A little surprise pocket in the tail conceals a needle threader (I hate to admit that my eyes are just not what they used to the and I actually need one of these now!)... Here is my new sewing bird sitting on the worktable and all ready for service with no more running to the sewing basket! (For more great sewing ideas visit http://topreveal.com/diy-sewing-craft-ideas) They say that necessity is the mother of invention. I truly believe that and I am very happy with how my little version of a handy and helpful "sewing bird" turned out. "Sew", if you could create a needful invention to solve one of your problems, what would it be? ""Blessings, Miss Sandy
By Stefanie of Girl. Inspired. for I Heart Nap Time. Hi again! If you've spent much time on my blog, you know I like to get a lot of projects done in as little time as possible.
It's been a while since we've had a 'Sewing 201' post! I've been sewing with my rolled hem foot quite a bit lately, so I snapped a few photos. In this blog post I'm going to share some tips and tricks
04.20.2016 0845 Although I do enjoy using a sewing machine to stitch together projects, I initially learned how to hand sew as a child. Hand sewing isn’t as daunting as it sounds, alth…
Embroidery Hoop storage - Use an embroidery hoop to make a storage pocket for your sewing kit
Take your sewing projects to the next level using these sewing tips and tricks.
This sewing tutorial is focusing on how to choose the best pins for sewing and how to use sewing pins. You’ll find sewing pins that come in different thicknesses and lengths, pins that have different tips, or pinheads or are made of different materials.
… I began my adventures in blogland with a very nervous first post from my sewing room. To tell you the truth, I was not at all convinced that anyone would be the slightest bit interested in …
Take your sewing projects to the next level using these sewing tips and tricks.
Updated. Bobbin thread tension is important to check when sewing on a machine, let's take a look at how to fix any tension issues you come across.
In this hook and eye sewing tutorial, you will learn how to attach these timeless closures and how to sew a self loop option to match.
Take your sewing projects to the next level using these sewing tips and tricks.
This project has been on my Must Make list for a while now. Scrap Happy Sewing by Kim Kruzich (also known as Retro Mama) is full of adorable projects to make with your leftover bits of fabric happiness. You know that I can never refuse another sewing kit, and the Simply Strippy version is adorable. Most of the patchwork pieces for this kit came from my scrap bins, though I tossed in a few pieces of Foxglove by Aneela Hoey which came in my last fabric package -- such a beautiful collection. I added some Art Gallery Fabric denim in Adobe Clay for the inner pockets as well as an extra pocket using more Foxglove. This little kit was so fun to make and a really fast sew -- about two hours of sewing in between afternoon errands and dinner with the family. The next big project on my list is setting up a sewing station for my three daughters who are finally getting their own machine. It's exciting and yes, just a little bit scary to think about how quickly they're growing up. My oldest turned 9 in February, and she's been begging for this privilege for at least a year. I'm taking a deep breath, stocking up on band-aids, and getting ready to become Sewing Teacher Extraordinaire this summer. Because as I spent a bit of time thinking about this whole motherhood thing during the big day yesterday, I realized that doing all that we do to take care of our kids -- while exhausting and overwhelming -- is really not the hardest part of our job. The hardest part is teaching them to be independent enough not to need us so much anymore. This stage has been quietly creeping up on me this year, and though I've never considered myself a control freak, I'm learning that it's not easy to let go. No, my girls aren't headed off to college for almost a decade yet, but now is the time to teach them that there are already things they can do for themselves. Things like folding their own laundry and helping with dinner, studying for tests and sewing birthday gifts for friends, knowing what they believe and standing up for what's right. If they can tuck these things away now, I know they'll be habits by the time they're ready to fly off on their own wings. So yes, it's time to let my girls learn how to use a sewing machine all by themselves. And I'm excited and nervous and a just a wee bit emotional. And so proud I can hardly stand it.
In today’s video, I’ll be showing you how to sew piping into a seam. Piping is a great way to add an extra bit of detail to your garments or home decor items. Plus, it’s fairly easy to do. In this video, I’ll be showing you how to sew piping using a zipper foot to a flat piece of fabric and one that
In this sewing video Ellen March gives you a rundown of some must have marking tools and pressing tools for sewing.
Here are more than a hundred of cute ideas and projects on what to do with the leftover scrap fabric you have at home.
Take your sewing projects to the next level using these sewing tips and tricks.
Thinking of learning how to sew? Pick up these 15 affordable items and you''ll have the must haves for sewing beginners! Click to see the list!
U-Create has assembled a lovely group of sewing cheat sheets to help make our sewing life a little bit easier. -Sewtorial
Choosing hand sewing needles sizes and finding the right type of needle is made easy in this article. Learn the different sizes & types.
Learn the different types of elastic for sewing and know how to choose the best elastic for your sewing project from braided, woven, or knit.
This is the Rosie Sewing Case pdf sewing pattern from the designer Rosie Taylor Crafts.
Learn how to Grading Altering Sewing Pattern Sizes. Modify your patterns to use the sizes that fit your body with this easy tutorial.
This adorable glasses case sewing kit tutorial is a super quick, easy make for a fun addition to your sewing supplies. Great gift idea!
Sew on snaps are an easy way to fasten garments & sewing projects. See how to sew on snaps easily & quickly with this step by step tutorial for beginners.
Tutorial on how to make sewing machine bobbin and wooden spool ornaments for your Christmas Tree. Part of our Christmas in July series.
Sewing machine accessories are a matter of personal taste. Your ultimate choice depends on trial and errors. Keep reading for my favorites!
