WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

SERGER 101: SERGER BASICS Serger 101: Serger Basics. Overcome your serging fears by learning all about your serger – how it works, simple threading techniques, and basic construction skills for successful serged projects. How To Choose A Serger. Serger 101 Online Course. Serger Care & Maintenance. How to Sew with Knit Fabrics. How To Adjust The Knife or Blade On A

Serger.

HOW TO DRAFT AND SEW THE BASIC T-SHIRT How to Draft and Sew the Basic T-Shirt. This online video workshop will get you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to draft and sew a t-shirt. Then we'll sew stretchy jersey fabric on a regular home sewing machine. I'll also share tips for sewing knits with your serger for those that want to use the serger instead of a traditional sewing HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

SERGER 101: SERGER BASICS Serger 101: Serger Basics. Overcome your serging fears by learning all about your serger – how it works, simple threading techniques, and basic construction skills for successful serged projects. How To Choose A Serger. Serger 101 Online Course. Serger Care & Maintenance. How to Sew with Knit Fabrics. How To Adjust The Knife or Blade On A

Serger.

HOW TO DRAFT AND SEW THE BASIC T-SHIRT How to Draft and Sew the Basic T-Shirt. This online video workshop will get you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to draft and sew a t-shirt. Then we'll sew stretchy jersey fabric on a regular home sewing machine. I'll also share tips for sewing knits with your serger for those that want to use the serger instead of a traditional sewing HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

HOW TO SHORTEN THE LENGTH OF ANY ZIPPER FOR THE PERFECT FIT Shorten Any Type of Zipper. By the end of our easy tutorial, you'll know how to shorten the length of the most common zipper types: a regular zipper with plastic teeth, an invisible zipper with plastic teeth, and a metal zipper with metal teeth.

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

View my top recommended sewing and pattern making tools and supplies! FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a SEAM ALLOWANCE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR PERFECT SEAMS A ⅝″ (1.5cm) seam allowance is also easier to work with when pressing a seam open or topstitching. Finally, it also provides a small amount of adjustment space if a garment needs to be let out just a bit for a looser fit. quilts are usually ¼". To get an accurate ¼"

seam allowance a

HOW AND WHEN TO USE INTERFACING ON YOUR SEWING PROJECTS First lay your fabric right side down on your ironing board. Step 2: Lay the interfacing fusible side down on top of the fabric. The fusible side will have a bumpiness to it, while the non-fusible side will be smooth. Step 3: Lay a damp pressing cloth on top of the interfacing. Press the iron down for 15 seconds (10 for lightweight

fabrics).

ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

MEASUREMENTS FOR DRAFTING A CUSTOM FIT BODICE I hope you enjoyed the skirt series and the knit t-shirt series and are ready to move on to something a little bit more challenging. The next series will cover shirts. We're going to draft a basic bodice from measurements and then move into how to adjust it for different types of shirts and blouses. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MORE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

SERGER 101: SERGER BASICS Serger 101: Serger Basics. Overcome your serging fears by learning all about your serger – how it works, simple threading techniques, and basic construction skills for successful serged projects. How To Choose A Serger. Serger 101 Online Course. Serger Care & Maintenance. How to Sew with Knit Fabrics. How To Adjust The Knife or Blade On A

Serger.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

View my top recommended sewing and pattern making tools and supplies! FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a SEWING MACHINE SAFETY: 10 SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID INJURY Sewing Machine Safety: 10 Safety Tips To Avoid Injury. 1. Learn the Distance. The most obvious risk when you are using a sewing machine is the moving needle that you are feeding your fabric through. The best thing you can do is the easiest step: keep your fingers a safe distance away from the needle. Generally speaking, this is considered

about

SEAM ALLOWANCE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR PERFECT SEAMS A ⅝″ (1.5cm) seam allowance is also easier to work with when pressing a seam open or topstitching. Finally, it also provides a small amount of adjustment space if a garment needs to be let out just a bit for a looser fit. quilts are usually ¼". To get an accurate ¼"

seam allowance a

MEASUREMENTS FOR DRAFTING A CUSTOM FIT BODICE I hope you enjoyed the skirt series and the knit t-shirt series and are ready to move on to something a little bit more challenging. The next series will cover shirts. We're going to draft a basic bodice from measurements and then move into how to adjust it for different types of shirts and blouses. HOW TO CARE FOR A ROTARY SELF-HEALING CUTTING MAT Prepare the Cleaning Solutions: Mix a little mild dishwashing liquid with cool water. Gently wipe the mat clean using a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Rinse the Mat: Be sure to rinse it well and only use cool water to clean and rinse it. You don’t want to use any chemicals on the mat because these can damage the markings. ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: DRAFTING A STRAIGHT WAISTBAND Determine the height of your waistband. A 1" waistband is usually a good place to start for a straight skirt as we drafted. Draw a perpendicular line from either end of your original line, the height of your waistband. Complete the rectangle by connecting the endpoints of the lines drawn in the previous step. You should now have a basic

rectangle.

HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MORE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

View my top recommended sewing and pattern making tools and supplies! FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a SEWING MACHINE SAFETY: 10 SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID INJURY Sewing Machine Safety: 10 Safety Tips To Avoid Injury. 1. Learn the Distance. The most obvious risk when you are using a sewing machine is the moving needle that you are feeding your fabric through. The best thing you can do is the easiest step: keep your fingers a safe distance away from the needle. Generally speaking, this is considered

about

SEAM ALLOWANCE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR PERFECT SEAMS A ⅝″ (1.5cm) seam allowance is also easier to work with when pressing a seam open or topstitching. Finally, it also provides a small amount of adjustment space if a garment needs to be let out just a bit for a looser fit. quilts are usually ¼". To get an accurate ¼"

seam allowance a

MEASUREMENTS FOR DRAFTING A CUSTOM FIT BODICE I hope you enjoyed the skirt series and the knit t-shirt series and are ready to move on to something a little bit more challenging. The next series will cover shirts. We're going to draft a basic bodice from measurements and then move into how to adjust it for different types of shirts and blouses. HOW TO CARE FOR A ROTARY SELF-HEALING CUTTING MAT Prepare the Cleaning Solutions: Mix a little mild dishwashing liquid with cool water. Gently wipe the mat clean using a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Rinse the Mat: Be sure to rinse it well and only use cool water to clean and rinse it. You don’t want to use any chemicals on the mat because these can damage the markings. ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: DRAFTING A STRAIGHT WAISTBAND Determine the height of your waistband. A 1" waistband is usually a good place to start for a straight skirt as we drafted. Draw a perpendicular line from either end of your original line, the height of your waistband. Complete the rectangle by connecting the endpoints of the lines drawn in the previous step. You should now have a basic

rectangle.

HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MORE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

View my top recommended sewing and pattern making tools and supplies! FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a SEWING MACHINE SAFETY: 10 SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID INJURY Sewing Machine Safety: 10 Safety Tips To Avoid Injury. 1. Learn the Distance. The most obvious risk when you are using a sewing machine is the moving needle that you are feeding your fabric through. The best thing you can do is the easiest step: keep your fingers a safe distance away from the needle. Generally speaking, this is considered

about

SEAM ALLOWANCE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR PERFECT SEAMS A ⅝″ (1.5cm) seam allowance is also easier to work with when pressing a seam open or topstitching. Finally, it also provides a small amount of adjustment space if a garment needs to be let out just a bit for a looser fit. quilts are usually ¼". To get an accurate ¼"

seam allowance a

MEASUREMENTS FOR DRAFTING A CUSTOM FIT BODICE I hope you enjoyed the skirt series and the knit t-shirt series and are ready to move on to something a little bit more challenging. The next series will cover shirts. We're going to draft a basic bodice from measurements and then move into how to adjust it for different types of shirts and blouses. HOW TO CARE FOR A ROTARY SELF-HEALING CUTTING MAT Prepare the Cleaning Solutions: Mix a little mild dishwashing liquid with cool water. Gently wipe the mat clean using a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Rinse the Mat: Be sure to rinse it well and only use cool water to clean and rinse it. You don’t want to use any chemicals on the mat because these can damage the markings. ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: DRAFTING A STRAIGHT WAISTBAND Determine the height of your waistband. A 1" waistband is usually a good place to start for a straight skirt as we drafted. Draw a perpendicular line from either end of your original line, the height of your waistband. Complete the rectangle by connecting the endpoints of the lines drawn in the previous step. You should now have a basic

rectangle.

HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MORE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEWING WITH DENIM: MAKE A DENIM HEADBAND Margaret Smith is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity!Margaret has dedicated her life to sewing clothing and WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MORE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEWING WITH DENIM: MAKE A DENIM HEADBAND Margaret Smith is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity!Margaret has dedicated her life to sewing clothing and WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MORE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

View my top recommended sewing and pattern making tools and supplies! THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

THE BASIC SEWING SEAMS Types Of Seams. All basics seams used in clothing construction are variants on four basic types of seams: Plain seams. French seams. Flat-fell seams. Lapped seams. The plain seam is the most common type of seam. It joins two pieces of fabric right sides together by sewing through both pieces. The seam allowance with raw edges is on the

inside.

FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: DRAFTING A STRAIGHT WAISTBAND Determine the height of your waistband. A 1" waistband is usually a good place to start for a straight skirt as we drafted. Draw a perpendicular line from either end of your original line, the height of your waistband. Complete the rectangle by connecting the endpoints of the lines drawn in the previous step. You should now have a basic

rectangle.

TYPES OF SEWING SCISSORS USED IN SEWING AND CRAFTING Types of Sewing Scissors. DRESSMAKER’S SHEARS. Dressmaker’s shears have a long blade, making them ideal for cutting out fabric. These scissors have tapered blades with one pointed and one rounded tip; the blunt tip prevents fabric from snagging on seams and threads. It also has a handy point for clipping and notching curves. ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEAM ALLOWANCE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR PERFECT SEAMS A ⅝″ (1.5cm) seam allowance is also easier to work with when pressing a seam open or topstitching. Finally, it also provides a small amount of adjustment space if a garment needs to be let out just a bit for a looser fit. quilts are usually ¼". To get an accurate ¼"

seam allowance a

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEWING WITH DENIM: MAKE A DENIM HEADBAND Margaret Smith is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity!Margaret has dedicated her life to sewing clothing and WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MORE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEWING WITH DENIM: MAKE A DENIM HEADBAND Margaret Smith is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity!Margaret has dedicated her life to sewing clothing and WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MORE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

View my top recommended sewing and pattern making tools and supplies! THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

THE BASIC SEWING SEAMS Types Of Seams. All basics seams used in clothing construction are variants on four basic types of seams: Plain seams. French seams. Flat-fell seams. Lapped seams. The plain seam is the most common type of seam. It joins two pieces of fabric right sides together by sewing through both pieces. The seam allowance with raw edges is on the

inside.

FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: DRAFTING A STRAIGHT WAISTBAND Determine the height of your waistband. A 1" waistband is usually a good place to start for a straight skirt as we drafted. Draw a perpendicular line from either end of your original line, the height of your waistband. Complete the rectangle by connecting the endpoints of the lines drawn in the previous step. You should now have a basic

rectangle.

TYPES OF SEWING SCISSORS USED IN SEWING AND CRAFTING Types of Sewing Scissors. DRESSMAKER’S SHEARS. Dressmaker’s shears have a long blade, making them ideal for cutting out fabric. These scissors have tapered blades with one pointed and one rounded tip; the blunt tip prevents fabric from snagging on seams and threads. It also has a handy point for clipping and notching curves. ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEAM ALLOWANCE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR PERFECT SEAMS A ⅝″ (1.5cm) seam allowance is also easier to work with when pressing a seam open or topstitching. Finally, it also provides a small amount of adjustment space if a garment needs to be let out just a bit for a looser fit. quilts are usually ¼". To get an accurate ¼"

seam allowance a

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEWING WITH DENIM: MAKE A DENIM HEADBAND Margaret Smith is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity!Margaret has dedicated her life to sewing clothing and WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MOREDRITZ EASY HEMDRITZ EZY HEM GAUGEDRITZ EZY HEM GAUGEDRITZ HEM GAUGEDRITZ HEM MARKERDRITZ HEM TAPE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEWING WITH DENIM: MAKE A DENIM HEADBAND Margaret Smith is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity!Margaret has dedicated her life to sewing clothing and WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MOREDRITZ EASY HEMDRITZ EZY HEM GAUGEDRITZ EZY HEM GAUGEDRITZ HEM GAUGEDRITZ HEM MARKERDRITZ HEM TAPE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

View my top recommended sewing and pattern making tools and supplies! THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

THE BASIC SEWING SEAMS Types Of Seams. All basics seams used in clothing construction are variants on four basic types of seams: Plain seams. French seams. Flat-fell seams. Lapped seams. The plain seam is the most common type of seam. It joins two pieces of fabric right sides together by sewing through both pieces. The seam allowance with raw edges is on the

inside.

FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: DRAFTING A STRAIGHT WAISTBAND Determine the height of your waistband. A 1" waistband is usually a good place to start for a straight skirt as we drafted. Draw a perpendicular line from either end of your original line, the height of your waistband. Complete the rectangle by connecting the endpoints of the lines drawn in the previous step. You should now have a basic

rectangle.

TYPES OF SEWING SCISSORS USED IN SEWING AND CRAFTING Types of Sewing Scissors. DRESSMAKER’S SHEARS. Dressmaker’s shears have a long blade, making them ideal for cutting out fabric. These scissors have tapered blades with one pointed and one rounded tip; the blunt tip prevents fabric from snagging on seams and threads. It also has a handy point for clipping and notching curves. ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEAM ALLOWANCE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR PERFECT SEAMS A ⅝″ (1.5cm) seam allowance is also easier to work with when pressing a seam open or topstitching. Finally, it also provides a small amount of adjustment space if a garment needs to be let out just a bit for a looser fit. quilts are usually ¼". To get an accurate ¼"

seam allowance a

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEWING WITH DENIM: MAKE A DENIM HEADBAND Margaret Smith is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity!Margaret has dedicated her life to sewing clothing and WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MOREDRITZ EASY HEMDRITZ EZY HEM GAUGEDRITZ EZY HEM GAUGEDRITZ HEM GAUGEDRITZ HEM MARKERDRITZ HEM TAPE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

WELCOME TO LET'S LEARN TO SEW Margaret is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity! SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS SEWING 101: Sewing Basics. Before we get going I want to make a note. I'm going to show you the way I was taught. My mother, who was a professional tailor taught me. She taught me the way she was trained and then showed me all the little tricks she learned over the years. PATTERN MAKING BASICS: PATTERN MAKING 101 Then look no further. This is where you'll learn about the basic tools and techniques needed for successful pattern making as well as how to alter store bought patterns and draft patterns that are tailored to your body. To navigate to the desired article just click on the image. I'm updating the page daily so be sure to check back frequently. HOW TO SEW WITH KNIT FABRICS: TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS Tension: When using light to medium weight knit fabric you may need to adjust your tension u to 4-5. With more stable knits you'll find a tension around 3-4 works well. Stitch Length: A longer stitch length will cause less warp on a knit fabric with topstitching. For your zig-zag stitch, a 1.5-2 will help ensure that the fabric doesn't

pucker.

HOW TO DRAFT A NECKBAND FOR A KNIT SHIRT Begin by drawing a line on your paper that is 1" longer than your neckband length measurement. That will give you ½" of seam allowance on each end. The finished band is going to be ½" wide so we want our width to be 1" plus ¼" on each side for the seam allowance. That makes the total width of the neckband 1 ½" wide. SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEWING WITH DENIM: MAKE A DENIM HEADBAND Margaret Smith is a professional seamstress and sewing instructor, who loves to teach others how to sew and improve their techniques. Margaret has worked with students from all over the world - students just like YOU who enjoy working with their hands and feel rejuvenated by a relaxing pastime that lets you really show off your creativity!Margaret has dedicated her life to sewing clothing and WHEN, WHY, AND HOW TO USE A MUSLIN WHEN SEWING A GARMENT When, Why, and How to Use a Muslin. When you’re experimenting with a new sewing pattern or you need to test one you've drafted you usually don't want anything extra to do. But trust me when I say that making a muslin is so worth the added time.Without it, your efforts are, at best, a gamble; with it, your sewing path is clear. HOW TO USE THE DRITZ EASY HEM: THE TOOL YOU NEED FOR MOREDRITZ EASY HEMDRITZ EZY HEM GAUGEDRITZ EZY HEM GAUGEDRITZ HEM GAUGEDRITZ HEM MARKERDRITZ HEM TAPE What Is The Ezy-Hem? The Dritz EZY-HEM is a measuring tool that is made of lightweight, durable metal that will not warp or rust. It is 8 �” long with hem depth measurements up to 4”. The hem markings are heat and moisture resistant and printed on both sides for straight

or curved hems.

SEWING THREAD 101 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT THREAD FOR SEWING How to Choose Thread Color. To pick the right color of thread, unravel the thread end off of the spool and place it across your fabric. You want the thread to blend/disappear into the fabric. If your fabric is multicolored or printed in a few different colors, you can choose the dominant color. You may want a contrast thread for edge stitching

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

View my top recommended sewing and pattern making tools and supplies! THE TOP 10 SEWING MACHINE STITCHES YOU NEED TO MASTER The First 3 Stitches You Need to Master For Basic Sewing. 1. Straight stitch: The straight stitch is the one you will use to make most of your seams and hems. Use a short stitch length for sewing on light weight fabrics, medium stitch length for general sewing and a long stitch length for heavy fabrics. 2. Backstitch: Backstitching is used

to

THE BASIC SEWING SEAMS Types Of Seams. All basics seams used in clothing construction are variants on four basic types of seams: Plain seams. French seams. Flat-fell seams. Lapped seams. The plain seam is the most common type of seam. It joins two pieces of fabric right sides together by sewing through both pieces. The seam allowance with raw edges is on the

inside.

FABRIC 101: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING FABRIC Choosing Your Fabric: Know your skill level. Some fabrics, like chiffons and satins, require more advanced sewing skills. If you are a beginner, I suggest starting out with light to medium-weight cotton. Cotton is a durable fabric that's inexpensive. If you make a HOW TO FINISH RAW EDGES ON SEWING PROJECTS Place the fabric with the wrong sides together and sew a ⅜" (1cm) seam. Trim both sides of the seam allowance back to ¼". Press the seam as sewn to set the stitches. Fold the fabric back on itself so that the right sides are together, enclosing the raw edges of the seam allowance. Crease along the seam line, press and if needed pin in

place.

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: DRAFTING A STRAIGHT WAISTBAND Determine the height of your waistband. A 1" waistband is usually a good place to start for a straight skirt as we drafted. Draw a perpendicular line from either end of your original line, the height of your waistband. Complete the rectangle by connecting the endpoints of the lines drawn in the previous step. You should now have a basic

rectangle.

TYPES OF SEWING SCISSORS USED IN SEWING AND CRAFTING Types of Sewing Scissors. DRESSMAKER’S SHEARS. Dressmaker’s shears have a long blade, making them ideal for cutting out fabric. These scissors have tapered blades with one pointed and one rounded tip; the blunt tip prevents fabric from snagging on seams and threads. It also has a handy point for clipping and notching curves. ATTACHING A WAISTBAND AND FACING TO AN A-LINE SKIRT Starting at one of the side edges match the waistband to the waistband facing right sides together. Use a straight pin every few inches to secure. Sew the waistband and facing together at a ⅝" seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance down by ⅜". this will help remove bulk. Fold the waistband facing to the inside of the skirt and press

with

SEAM ALLOWANCE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR PERFECT SEAMS A ⅝″ (1.5cm) seam allowance is also easier to work with when pressing a seam open or topstitching. Finally, it also provides a small amount of adjustment space if a garment needs to be let out just a bit for a looser fit. quilts are usually ¼". To get an accurate ¼"

seam allowance a

* Bloglovin

* Facebook

* Instagram

* Pinterest

* YouTube

LET'S LEARN TO SEW

Building a strong sewing foundation

* Start Here

* Sewing Basics

* Pattern Making Basics

* Online Workshops

* Free Sewing Machine Boot Camp

* Sewing 101

* Sewing 101 For Kids

* Serger 101

* Sewing Patterns & Supplies

* Sew Alongs

* Resources

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: DART MANIPULATION AND PIVOT POINTS

Written By Margaret

Filed Under: Advanced Pattern Making

,

Pattern Drafting

, Pattern

Making Fundamentals

,

Sew Your Own Wardrobe

Leave a

Comment

Pattern Making Foundation: Dart Manipulation and Pivot Points Dart manipulation is the act of transferring a dart to a new position within a pattern piece, to provide the same amount of suppression and

shaping.

SaveShare

HOW TO ALTER A SKIRT PATTERN FOR A PERFECT FIT

Written By Margaret

Filed Under: Pattern Drafting

, Pattern

Making Fundamentals

,

Sewing Leave a Comment WHY YOU NEED TO ALTER COMMERCIAL PATTERNS Commercial patterns are based on standard measurements, but very few people fit those measurements exactly. That’s why despite sewing your own wardrobe you sometimes end up with a garment that doesn’t fit the way you expect. It is usually necessary to make small alterations to improve the fit. Let me show you how to Alter a Skirt Pattern for a Perfect Fit.

SaveShare4

HOW TO SEW A DART QUICKLY AND EASILY

Written By Margaret

Filed Under: Clothing , Sew Your Own Wardrobe

, Sewing

Basics , Tips &

Techniques ,

Videos Leave a Comment For beginners, sewing darts can feel like a complicated step. When I first began sewing darts I know that I was worried about getting a straight line and stopping right at the point.  With a little practice, I was able to master the art of the dart. I feel confident after watching these videos and practicing a couple of times you’ll feel confident about your dart sewing abilities too.

SaveShare1

PATTERN MAKING FOUNDATION: UNDERSTANDING & WORKING WITH DARTS

Written By Margaret

Filed Under: Pattern Drafting

, Pattern

Making Fundamentals

,

Patterns , Sewing

Leave a Comment

Darts are one of the items that you will eventually have to master rather you want to sew your own clothing, alter store-bought patterns or create your own patterns. In this post I’m going to cover: Pattern Making Foundation Understanding Darts. WHY DARTS ARE IMPORTANT Darts turn two-dimensional shapes into three-dimensional shapes that allow for great fitting clothes close to the body. There are two main components of a dart. The point, also known as the apex, and the legs, which start at the widest part of the dart. The dart legs are two lines that are brought together to create the fold of the fabric. The dart legs work as stitching lines to follow when

sewing.

SaveShare

* 1

* 2

* 3

* …

* 22

* Next Page »

Start Here Sewing Basics

Serger Basics

Resources

Pattern Testers

Online Workshops

Pattern Making

Basics

YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON by

SKIPSER

RECENT POSTS

* Pattern Making Foundation: Dart Manipulation and Pivot Points * How to Alter a Skirt Pattern for a Perfect Fit * How to Sew a Dart Quickly and Easily * Pattern Making Foundation: Understanding & Working with Darts * Pattern Making Foundation: Terms to Know

* Bloglovin

* Facebook

* Instagram

* Pinterest

* YouTube

* About

* Affiliate Program

* Copyright, Disclaimer, and Disclosure � 2019 Let's Learn to Sew· Log in