How do I remove a no-sew snap? Depending on the exact type of snap it is and how it was applied, it may or may not be possible to remove it without seriously damaging the fabric. If you do remove … [Read more...] about How to remove a no-sew snap
Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Tips & Techniques
Reinforcing Seams and Repairing Knee Holes in Kid’s Clothing
How do I reinforce seams in my children's play clothes to keep them from tearing? Anywhere you need extra durability--like in the crotch seam of pants for active children--sew two lines of … [Read more...] about Reinforcing Seams and Repairing Knee Holes in Kid’s Clothing
What’s the difference between interfacing, lining, interlining and underlining?
Building structure and support into a garment can be confusing and a recent query brought this to light. The question -- What's the difference between interfacing, lining, interlining and … [Read more...] about What’s the difference between interfacing, lining, interlining and underlining?
Sewing Clothes Kids Love and even learn how to make a child’s dressform
Admittedly I'm not a mom, except of three canine fur children, but I love looking at children's clothing and some of the whimsical touches it offers. Nancy Langdon and Sabine Pollehn's Sewing Clothes … [Read more...] about Sewing Clothes Kids Love and even learn how to make a child’s dressform
Convert a Sweatshirt into a Cardigan Jacket
Many of us like to wear sweatshirts--they're comfy and cozy for winter days at home. It's easy to convert a sweatshirt to a cardigan and use it as a basic canvas for embellishing. Just follow … [Read more...] about Convert a Sweatshirt into a Cardigan Jacket
How to Sew a Reversible Garment
How do you make a garment reversible? Can any pattern be done this way? Not all garments can be made reversible, but most with simple design lines are naturals for getting a two-fer-one. Reversible … [Read more...] about How to Sew a Reversible Garment
Stitch a Rolled Hem Using a Sewing Machine or Serger
How do I make a narrow rolled hem using my serger? When using a serger, consult your owner's manual for the setting changes needed for rolled hemming. You'll be changing the stitch length and also … [Read more...] about Stitch a Rolled Hem Using a Sewing Machine or Serger
Shortening T sleeves, Smart selvages, Rolled hems
How do I shorten sleeves on a T-shirt? T-shirts are made from knit fabric and thus no edge finishing is required. Simply determine the desired sleeve length, allow at least 1" for the new hem, and … [Read more...] about Shortening T sleeves, Smart selvages, Rolled hems
Sewing fleece, lining pants, shortening a zipper
Sewing dilemmas usually have simple answers. How do I finish fleece edges, both on clothing and on a double-layer blanket? Fleece is one of the easiest fabrics to work with, as it doesn't ravel. … [Read more...] about Sewing fleece, lining pants, shortening a zipper
Elastic thread, Spanish patterns, Charity sewing
How do I use elastic thread? Elastic thread can be used in the bobbin of most machines, either with a zigzag stitch or straight stitch. It's perfect for yokes, cuffs, necklines and other places … [Read more...] about Elastic thread, Spanish patterns, Charity sewing
Sewing Wood
Surprisingly, a reader sent in a question about sewing on wood--I thought I was the only person who liked to sew on weird things, but it's comforting to know that's not the case. When I worked for a … [Read more...] about Sewing Wood
Swimwear Sewing, Wide Home Dec Fabrics
How do I sew swimwear fabric? Swim fabrics are made with Lycra--a VERY stretchable knit that allows for form fitting styles, and that holds its shape when wet, so you don't end up with a sagging … [Read more...] about Swimwear Sewing, Wide Home Dec Fabrics