Besides the love of sewing itself, there’s another thing that sewists the world over have in common: the excitement we share for free sewing patterns. It’s not just about the zero cost, although that’s certainly a perk—it’s about the thrill of finding new designs, the joy of sharing those patterns with fellow sewists, and the…
Category Archives: TUTORIALS
Four years ago, I found an old brick house that had been a rental property for years. The realtor wasn’t convinced this was a good house for me because it needed so much work. It was a winter day when we first visited, but the yellow sunshine streaming in the big windows made the house…
If you’d like a little extra puff in your sleeve, it just takes a few extra minutes and steps to make it happen. This tutorial uses the lovely free Eva pattern from Fabrics-Store with the 3/4 sleeve option with an extended hem. Let’s jump in! Steps 1. Make a copy of the sleeve pattern out…
I love sewing with linen, but it often comes in solid colors and every once in a while, I want a fun print to shake things up. Enter: BLEACH! I love playing with bleach, printing on fabrics that I might not otherwise reach for and when I saw this gorgeous IL020 Gouache Linen, I knew…
The walking foot is an additional presser foot typically purchased separately from the presser foot options that come with your machine. This part is brand or model specific, so you need that information when you shop for one. This special foot helps move both layers of fabric at the same time as you sew. For…
Backstitch Backstitch is a short reversal in the direction of stitching used at the beginning and end of each line of stitching to keep the threads from unravelling. Bartack A bartack is a line of tightly stitched, tiny zigzag stitches. It’s used to reinforce seams in strategic places where there is going to be extra…
Our family loves to welcome friends into our homes. With all three of our “kids” being grown and in their own houses, it’s so enjoyable seeing them carry on this tradition. Between the three of them (plus our son in law, so four), they have a Supper Club group that meets bi-weekly, kitchen dance parties…
New to sewing or pattern making and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the terminology? From draping to selvedges, this mini glossary has got you covered! Armscye: The armhole opening in a garment where the sleeve is attached. Basting (or tacking): Temporary stitching, either done by hand or machine, that is used to hold pieces…
A few years ago I made a digital sewing course to help people gain the confidence to start sewing garments at home. In this course I stressed the value of customization for sewing your own garments. I am 5’8” tall, my daughter Amanda is 6’1” tall and our friend Angela is possibly under 5’ tall….
I’ll admit it—I’m guilty of not changing my sewing machine needles as often as I should, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this! However, I have gotten better over time, recognising just how much these small tools can impact the outcome of a sewing project. Picking the right needle can improve stitch quality, make…
Good morning from my sewing studio here in Florida. Today we are possibly learning something new and definitely celebrating that the sun is shining through the window and onto my projects after several days affected by the tropical storm that just went through. If you’d like to add a slit to your sleeve cuff or…
When you open a sewing pattern for the first time, the different lines, symbols, and shapes can seem a little overwhelming, especially if you’re new to sewing. However, they typically follow a similar format no matter which pattern company you’re using. As you become familiar with them, understanding these markings will eventually become second nature,…
Have you ever experienced the discomfort of wearing a garment that hangs awkwardly or twists unexpectedly? Or, have you had the frustration of laundering a particular garment only to find that it has shrunk or grown unevenly? These annoying problems often come from the fabric’s grain alignment. This little detail has a big impact on…
Taking body measurements always felt daunting, so I often avoided it. Even with a fashion design degree, our curriculum only skimmed the surface on this crucial skill, focusing instead on creating patterns for a “standard” size 10. However, a recent digital pattern-making course helped me overcome this. I had to take my full body measurements…
I have made shorts, towels/washcloths and the coziest robe out of this waffle texture fabric. Robe and shorts shown here.We’ve been pleased with every one of these garments so far but if trying this delicious waffle fabric with clothing is intimidating to you or not to your taste, I’m happy to suggest another fun and…
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