Category Archives: SEWING ESSENTIALS

A Mandarin collar is a type of stand-up collar with Asian influence that is often used in shirt or dress making. This simple patternmaking staple can add a completely different, more sophisticated look to your outfits. With this tutorial, we are going to show you how to draft and sew a Mandarin collar to your…

  Have you ever wanted to apply a bias tape to a V-neck and did not know how? Or to bind a narrow slit and just couldn’t figure out what to do with the excess bias tape at the corner? In this last tutorial of our bias tape series, we will show you two easy…

In our previous tutorials we have shown you how to cut and make your own bias tape and how to attach it to curvy and straight edges of your projects. In this post we are going to explain to you how to bind mitered corners with single-fold and double-fold bias tape. Materials & Tools For…

In our previous tutorials we have shown you two ways to cut and make your own bias tape: the traditional method (ideal for making small amounts of bias tape) and the continuous method (perfect for large amounts of bias tape). So now is the time to talk about two different ways to attach your bias…

Last week we showed you how to make your own bias tape the traditional way. Whereas this method is great for making short amounts of bias tape for binding a neckline or a couple of armholes, sometimes the project your are working on might require larger amount of bias tape. To save yourself some time…

Bias tape is something that is often used in sewing for binding necklines and armholes or finishing raw edges. As its name suggests, bias tape is a long strip of fabric that’s been cut on the bias of fabric (diagonally across the grain of the fabric). Because it is cut on the bias, it’s stretchier…

Inseam pockets are the type of pockets that are hidden in a seam of your garment and are entirely enclosed by the outer layers, leaving no visible edges, stitching lines etc. They are primarily, though not exclusively, used on dresses, skirts and some pants. Inseam pockets add so much functionality and comfort to any garment…

In this easy tutorial we are going to show you how to sew a back slit and add a fabric button loop for closure. It is a really simple way to add a little interest to a closed up back of a top or a dress. Materials Fabric of your choice (we are using our…

This week we’re back with a little tutorial on how to alter your pattern sleeves to create natural looking cuffs. A cuff can add a lot of character to a simple short sleeve and spice up the whole look of a finished garment. However, sewing a cuff doesn’t necessarily mean attaching a folded cuff band….

One of the most beautiful and feminine accents that you can add to a sewing project is a ruffle. Ruffles can give a lot of personality to any simple garment: from tops and dresses to home decor and craft projects. Being armed with a basic technique for ruffle making will allow you to dress up…

A baby hem, as its name suggests, is just a tiny narrow rolled hem that is only 1/8” or 1/4” wide. The fabric is double turned to enclose the raw edge within a small fold. This technique is used on sheer or lightweight fabrics to create a neat and delicate finish. A baby hem is…

There are many ways to add original details to your simple garments, and a side slit is one of them! It can really change the feel and mood of any skirt, top or dress and make it more feminine or plainly practical. Even if the pattern you are using doesn’t call for a slit, it…

There are many ways to embellish a simple garment and a back tie is one of them. It gives a touch of originality and femininity to any top or dress and is very easy to make in just a few simple steps. In this tutorial we are going to show you how to sew a…

There are several ways to finish a neckline: you can either use a bias tape, invisible (or visible) binding or opt for a facing. But we decided to share with you this very simple band binding method which is a great (and quick) alternative to the traditional techniques. It consists in folding a band of…

Pintucks are a decorative element that can be added to your garments: tops, dresses, skirts etc. They look fabulous on linen and can bring a touch of fantasy and sophistication to a simple garment. They are formed by folding and stitching the fabric on the right side (much like a pleat) and are typically created…