This post is one in a series about getting a better fit from your patterns through simple pattern adjustments. The Full Bust Adjustment, aka FBA, is one of the most common adjustments women need to make to their sewing pattern. (Did you know the average bra size in America is a 34DD?) Luckily, it’s also […] Read more…
Get the Right Fit
It is said that 25% of your sewing time (or more) should be spent on fitting. Well, let’s keep it to 25% and no more by starting with the size that will give you fewer problems, checking the fit and making some common pattern adjustments before any fabric is even brought out. If you want […] Read more…
Fabric Foundations; A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fabric for Your Project
There are a lot of steps to sewing a garment and one of the biggest steps is choosing fabric for your garment. It’s a big step because the type of fabric you choose to use is critical to the look of the finished garment. What with the price of fabric and the time it takes […] Read more…
Learn to How to Sew With These Four Projects
Do you want to learn how to sew but are unsure where or how to start? While you could start by sewing rows of stitches on a scrap of fabric to learn you could be making something you can use. When I teach sewing all my students sew a project even those who have never […] Read more…
How to Sew a Bandana; Two Ways to Finish the Edge
When you think bandana you probably think of a black and white printed paisley design with a border. Classic choice. But bandanas come in all sorts of fabric designs and as far as projects go, they may be one of the easiest things to sew. So why not sew your own, in your choice of […] Read more…
How to Sew a Drawstring Backpack
This simple drawstring backpack is similar to the type companies give away as a promotional gift. The swag versions are usually made from a nonwoven fabric with a silkscreened name or logo, big eyelets in the corners and shoestring cords for the straps. This is the same basic style I super upgraded for my Super […] Read more…
How to Repair Your Backpack: Broken Zippers, Holes, Rips and Busted Buckles
Backpacks don’t last forever but they can last longer with your help. It’s easier than you might think to replace a buckle, attach a zipper, or replace it, mend a rip, and patch a hole. Three very different packs with different needs were saved in the making of this video and post. While your pack […] Read more…
What to Look for When Buying a Sewing Machine
Recently I received this question via email: Hello, I want to buy a new sewing machine. I have my mom’s Singer- which is a really good machine, but may be on it’s last days. Do you have a process or review system when looking for machines? I’m not necessarily looking for a brand endorsement as much […] Read more…
How to Sew a Blind Stitch Hem by Machine
A few months ago I made a video How to Hem Dress Pants in which I sewed the hem, as I always do, by hand, because that’s how I learned to sew an invisible hem. But then a lot of people asked, “Ok, but can I do that with my sewing machine?” Ahhh, yes, but I […] Read more…
How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine Needle
Let’s talk about sewing machine needles. As far as sewing tools go they aren’t trending or cute. They’re probably more of an afterthought – meaning you’ve selected the pattern, fabric, thread, and buttons, and didn’t even think about a needle. People, the needle is one of the most important parts of a sewing machine. Without […] Read more…