Learn how to sew buttonholes 3 ways - with a one step stitch on a sewing machine, freehand on a sewing machine, or sewing by hand.
Summer's over and it's back to school time, which means it's also back to sewing school time! (Did you know that I have a FREE beginner's sewing course?) Last week I mentioned that I have a new free pattern for a pencil-shaped pencil case to share with you (update: here's the info on the pencil
I am short. There is no other way to put it. I’m barely 5′ tall. I think I’ve only bought two pairs of used jeans in my life that were already hemmed to my length…ever……
Sewing is often a slow process. It is so easy to let your imagination wander when you are choosing a design for your new dress, or fabric and a pattern to use in your next project. It takes a lot of time also to prepare the pattern, to cut the fabric, to sew all seams and press them. And usually we can’t sew all day long. So I am always looking for ways to be more efficient and sew faster. I don’t want to stay with one project for a few weeks, I noticed actually that the less time it takes from an idea to the result the more I am enjoying the process and I am also more satisfied with my garment. Over the years I discovered many ways to sew faster and to get professional results. I am going to share them with you in this list.
Learn how to choose sewing machine needles to sew denim. Whether you're sewing jeans or upcycling denim, these tips will help you.
Let's talk about topstitching! learning how to topstitch like a pro will allow you to make super professional and high-quality sewing projects.
I often get a question from my readers - how to sew straight? In this guide, I will show you how to easily keep stitching lines straight. I will talk about topstitching mostly because keeping seam allowances equal is a different topic. Have you ever had problems with crooked stitching lines? I bet you had. Even intermediate sewists are struggling sometimes to do it and had to rip and redo stitching. But sewing in a straight line is much simpler than you think. And I want to help you to sew straight every time.
You need to properly wind and thread the bobbin to sew beautifully. This step-by-step tutorial will show you exactly how to do that!
Read this article to learn how to fix the tension on a sewing machine. Your stitches will look absolutely perfect.
I'm sharing the tips and tricks I use for putting binding on a quilt by machine.
Tiny fibers and dust accumulate inside your machine. Learn how to keep everything running smooth and when to clean your sewing machine.
Using invisible thread can be tricky when working on a quilt project. This video gives a few helpful tips on when to use the thread and the type you should look for.
Learn to Sew: How to Sew Curves and Corners If you are a beginner sewer you will need to learn to sew curves and corners. This tutorial w
I often get a question from my readers - how to sew straight? In this guide, I will show you how to easily keep stitching lines straight. I will talk about topstitching mostly because keeping seam allowances equal is a different topic. Have you ever had problems with crooked stitching lines? I bet you had. Even intermediate sewists are struggling sometimes to do it and had to rip and redo stitching. But sewing in a straight line is much simpler than you think. And I want to help you to sew straight every time.
Bunching thread? Breaking needles? Skipping stitches? It happens to the best of us. We consulted Becky Hanson of Singer Sewing Company to keep your sewing experience positively seamless.
Here's what to do when your sewing machine thread bunches up. Sewing machine thread bunching up on the top or underside of fabric is a common problem & a frustrating one! But don't despair, there are lots of things you can check to solve this issue. Refer to this checklist before call a sewing machine repair man!
How to troubleshoot sewing machine tension! Loose, tangled stitches are a problem and there IS a solution. Use this thread tension checklist to fix it!
This video provides tips and techniques for drawing with your sewing machine. Watch and learn how to incorporate free motion drawing into your next project.
Looking for an easy way to finish raw fabric edges without a serger? In this presser foot guide you will find answers to these questions
Are you having trouble sewing straight lines on your sewing machine? Here are all the things I wish I'd known when I started learning to sew.
Someone requested that I write about sewing a dart. This is not a topic I think about writing, so I appreciate feedback from you all. I use this method *most* of the time. As you can see below, there’s some limitation. But we don’t have to go into all the other scenarios now. We will […]
You know how it’s always about the details. When sewing with knits, the details really matter. Learn about those details and why they they make a difference.
Learn 5 different ways to sew a knit hem in this tutorial with video and written instructions
YouTube sewing tutorial on how to sew straight using different seam guides for your sewing projects.
Today I'll show you how to sew knit fabric with a regular sewing machine! I only have regular sewing machine, so can I still sew knit? The answer is YES!
I know everyone's eager to get on the machine - but sometimes you have to do a bit of handwork and this is the most basic hand sewing stitch there is. It's not tricky and it actually goes much faster than you'd expect. And once you get the hang of it you can sew ANYTHING
Sewing Machine Covers look super cute, but they also help protect your sewing machine from dust and pet hair getting into your sewing machine which will help prolong its life.
Teaching Kids To Sew, Part 5: Stitch types, sewing on curves, and seam allowances | via makeit-loveit.com
This sewn mitered corner technique is great for wider double fold hems 1cm / 3/8" and up. You can use it on napkins and garments, basically anywhere you have a corner on a double fold hem.
Check out this comprehensive guide to troubleshooting common sewing machine problems and find the solutions you need to keep your machine running smoothly.
I haven’t been sewing for too many years, but one thing I noticed when I first started was a movement to #topstitchallthethings. I’m telling you, it didn’t matter what group I was in, if you were sewing, you were topstitching. What I later discovered was the lost art and technique of understitching. Understitching is the […]
Whether you're an experienced sewist or a beginner just starting out, here are 15 sewing tips and tricks you need to have in your arsenal.
All your questions answered about sewing with knits, you know the perfect T-Shirt material! Learn tips and tricks about how to sew the perfect seams.
Today I'm excited to share a Mitered & Flanged Machine Binding Tutorial. *** It's fun, saves time and looks awesome!! *** Don't be overwhelmed by the number of steps -- after you do it once or twice it will become old hat... I know you'll love it. *** It works nicely for samples, baby blankets, and quilts that will be washed and worn!! (or if you're in a plain old hurry ;) It's the whopper of machine binding tutorials because I decided to include steps for a Mitered Finish as inspired by a YouTube video by Lisa Bongean (Primitive Gatherings) with Kimberly at The Fat Quarter Shop. ** I followed Lisa's steps to prepare the mitered finish -- AND included a link to their (most helpful) video in this tutorial. After watching the video be sure to leave a comment or give it a "thumbs up" -- it's an awesome learning tool! ** Note, the YouTube video does not include instructions for the Flange OR the Machine Finish - it explains nicely though, how to prepare mitered corners and a mitered finish -- it's a great tool and video and helped me tremendously with the mitered finish. Thanks so much ladies !! OK - Let's get started: We're going to make this sweet little flanged binding by machine with mitered corners, a mitered finish and with beautiful top-stitching to show off your pretty Aurifil threads! Begin by choosing a primary and an accent (flange) fabric. * Add in a complementary 50Wt thread for piecing and a 12Wt thread for top stitching. I chose from my #AuriStash -- #Aurifil thread is always my first choice {love}. Determine Length of Binding Needed: Calculate the total length of binding needed by adding the length of each of the 4 sides and adding an extra 10" to the number. * The sampler was 18" square. 18 + 18 + 18 + 18 + 10. = 82 inches. I assumed I could squeeze 41 usable inches per WOF strip, so I cut 2 strips of each the primary and the accent fabric. Cut the Primary and Accent fabric strips: Cut the primary fabric 1&7/16" wide. I did not have 16 of an inch marks on my ruler, so I split the width between 3/8 and 1/2 to achieve 7/16th of an inch. Now cut the accent fabric 1&3/4" wide (by the number of strips you need). Showing: Strips after cutting the correct number of Primary and Accent NOTE: When using solid colors, I sometimes place a pin in the right side of the fabric so I can tell the right side from the wrong side of the fabric. Piece Binding Strips to Achieve Necessary Length: Now you want to prepare the total length of binding. The sample required 82" so I pieced two WOF strips together at an angle (mitered seams). Be sure that your diagonal line is marked correctly before sewing and cutting. After testing the positioning of the fabric and diagonal line, stitch along the marked line with a straight stitch. (Excuse my wonky straight line - it was Free Motion Stitched ;). After stitching, remove the pins and check to ensure you have a continuous length before trimming. Now fold right sides together and trim the seam allowance to 1/4", trimming the tabs too and pressing open to reduce bulk. Repeat the above steps for the primary fabric. Now you've prepared the correct (total) length of each the primary and accent fabrics. Sew Primary and Accent Fabrics Together Lengthwise & Press: Next you'll layer the primary and accent strips right sides together, aligning one raw edge. Sew along the edge with a 1/4" seam allowance Showing the sewn raw edge Position binding on an ironing surface with the Primary fabric on top. Press flat to set the seam Next open the fabric and press the seam toward the Primary fabric. Showing after binding is pressed open toward the Primary fabric Showing back after pressing toward the Primary Fabric Next you'll fold the wrong sides together, aligning the raw edges and gently press the length of binding. I press gently so the fold IS NOT Crisp or Flattened. *** Attach prepared binding to Quilt Back: This section of the tutorial was inspired by a YouTube tutorial prepared by Lisa Bongean (Primitive Gatherings) with Kimberly of the Fat Quarter Shop. You can view that YouTube tutorial here: "How to Add a Double Fold Binding to Quilts" The section applicable to this tutorial starts around the 2:00 minute mark and continues to the 3:40 minute mark. *** Keep in mind Lisa is attaching to the front of her quilt and finishing by hand (on back) -- we will attach to the back of the quilt and finish with machine on the front. *** Continuing... attach binding quilt back: Working on the BACK of the quilt, position the binding right side down with the Primary fabric to the right (aligning raw edge of Primary fabric with raw edge of quilt back). Next fold the top right corner to the left, wrong sides together, to make a 45 degree angle and press. Now fold the binding wrong sides together so both of the binding raw edges are aligned with the raw edges of the quilt back. *** Position the binding about 1/2 way down the side of the quilt. *** You'll need space above the binding to complete the mitered finish. *** You will begin stitching the binding about 6" from the point shown below. Leave at least 5" of the binding un-stitched (pin but don't stitch) and begin stitching with a 1/4" seam allowance. *** Stop a 1/4" from the quilt corner (I marked my 1/4" with a pin - see below). *** When you stop at the 1/4" mark, be sure your needle is in the down position. Showing, stop stitching 1/4" from the quilt corner. Now lift the presser foot and pivot the quilt layers so you can stitch off the edge of the quilt at a 45 degree angle. Showing: After stitching up to corner and with a 45 degree angle to the corner of the quilt Next, trim threads and rotate the quilt counter-clockwise and prepare for the mitered fold. The fold (below) is required to make a mitered corner. *** After trimming threads and rotating the quilt so the stitched binding is running perpendicular to the foot, fold the binding strip straight up. *** When you do this you'll see a 45 degree angle from the corner of the quilt to the folded corner of the binding. Keeping the top fold steady, lay the binding down over itself, so the 45 degree angle is preserved under the top layer and the straight fold is along the top edge of the quilt. Begin stitching a 1/4" seam allowance at the top fold. Stitch to within 1/4" of the next quilt corner and repeat the process. Repeat the folding and stitching process at the next corner. After you've mitered all 4 corners you'll be headed down the last side of the quilt (The side where you started the binding). *** Stop stitching at least 6" (longer if you can) from the Beginning Tail of the quilt. *** You'll now have a beginning tail that is un-stitched and an end tail that is un-stitched. Remove quilt from the machine bed and trim threads. *** Lift the beginning tail up and fold it out of the way. *** Smooth the "End tail" down along the raw edge. Be sure there are no puckers or folds and that it rests flat against the quilt. Now unfold the "Beginning Tail" and position it over top of the "End Tail" -- making sure that both tails are smooth and are without puckers and are flat against the quilt back. Now you'll place a pin in the "End Tail" just a couple of threads away from the Point of the "Beginning Tail". *** Mark this position with a Pin through the top layer of fabric only (only through the accent fabric on the End Tail, do not pin the primary). Another image after putting a pin through the top layer only of the "End Tail" right at the point (pointed fold) of the "Beginning Tail". Now, I use my left hand to unfold the End Tail. Keep the right side of the fabric facing up The Pin should remain on your right and the primary fabric will unfold to the left. Next you'll unfold the Beginning Tail so that the right side is facing DOWN and wrong side is facing you. 2nd image of the Beginning Tail unfolded with wrong side of fabric facing up. The tricky part is positioning the Beginning Tail so it is perpendicular to the End Tail *** Align the Beginning Tail "Point" at the End Tail "Pin" and secure with pins (Thanks Lisa!) Here is where the crease from the fold comes into play -- you're going to stitch on the fold making the finished mitered seam. (Be sure NOT to stitch through the quilt -- only stitch the binding) After Stitching on the Fold Before cutting excess fabric, fold the binding closed again (wrong sides together) and check to ensure that the binding is right sized and not twisted. *** This is a very important step -- do NOT Skip ;) *** Once you've double checked the length and positioning (no twists) of the binding you can trim the mitered finish to a 1/4" seam allowance. Finger Press or Iron Press the seam open Lay the binding along the raw edge and finish sewing it to the back of the quilt with a 1/4" seam allowance being sure to pickup a few stitches into where you stopped and started. You're almost to the FUN PART!!! Roll the Binding from Back to Front of Quilt & Prepare to Machine Stitch: Yippee!! Once you've finished securing the mitered finish on the back of the quilt, you get to roll the binding around to the front of the quilt and admire the beautiful flange... *** I just LOVE the look of the flange added to this binding... Prepare the front of the quilt for machine stitching Prepare each corner by tucking the bottom of the binding fabric into the corner and folding the top of the binding to make a 45 degree angle (or mitered corner). *** Secure with Wonder Clips (love those little clips). After the tuck and fold you should see a perfectly mitered corner -- ready for stitching Secure that corner with another Wonder Clip Next... Top stitch the Flange Binding Use a 90/14 top stitch needle in your machine Choose thread colors that complement your fabric. *** Both the Top and Bobbin thread will be completely visible when you're done stitching. *** Use Aurifil 50Wt or 40Wt thread in your Bobbin Use Aurifil 12Wt thread on Top (my favorite) Set a straight stitch length to 3.0 or higher (a nice "top stitch" length). You may have to adjust your top tension down a bit (try it on a test swatch first). *** Start stitching near a corner, taking smaller stitches to secure the start. *** Note: No need to stitch in the ditch. Show off that awesome Aurifil 12Wt thread by stitching well on the flange You may have to fuss when you get into a corner so there is a stitch just before the miter and one just after you turn the quilt top Slowly stitch all the way around the quilt top to secure the binding and finish with smaller stitches to secure your threads. Doesn't it look just beautiful ? Here is an image of the front (left) and the back (right)... Love, love, love! I hope you found this tutorial helpful. Thanks again to Lisa Bongean (Primitive Gatherings) and Kimberly from the Fat Quarter Shop for sharing the steps for the mitered finish. See links above. *** This binding and the awesome Auriful thread adds great dimension to a quilt top and is admired by all who see it! *** I especially love it because I can do the work by machine and save a little time preparing samples. It's also great if your gifting the quilt to a little person, where a hand-sewn binding might not hold up under wear and tear and tugs... * Thanks for stopping by today -- leave me a comment and let me know what you think Also -- I would love if you share this tutorial on social media AND if you send me pictures of any work you create with it. *** Be sure to follow me on social media (below) for fun and inspiring posts!. See My Tutorials (tab on top of blog) for more detailed and free tutorials and patterns. Is your Shop, Group or Guild preparing for upcoming Programs? I'm offering In-Person and ZOOM based programs. Click HERE to learn more about my featured programs. You can write me anytime: [email protected] or [email protected] Upcoming Retreats!! Did you know? I've teamed up with Wendy Sheppard to share the CraZy Quilting Girls Free Motion Quilting Retreats. Join us June 2023 for the Piecing and Quilting Retreat Click here for more information on the 2023 Piecing and Quilting Retreat. *** Follow Me *** Did you know you can visit me on Facebook at Redbird Quilt Co and/or Follow Redbird Quilt Co on Instagram I post all sorts of fun things there!! ** If you love to Free Motion Quilt consider joining my Facebook Community Group Free Motion Quilting Frenzy group * Plus I share quilting related videos on my YouTube Channel * I'm also on Pinterest and I share other tutorials and patterns on My Tutorials on my blog Thanks for stopping by today... ~ Blessings ~ Karen Note: This post may contain Affiliate Links. If you purchase anything through these links I may be compensated for the purchase. I promise to only recommend those products I know and love -- especially those with fantastic prices!
Hello! Today, I am getting some much needed girl time with my Mom and my sister. :) So so so happy about that. It's not often that we are together, since my mom lives on the other side of the continent from me...and my sis is 100 miles away from me. Yay! Anywho... I have wanted to share this little trick that my mother-in-law showed me awhile back. I found myself using it quite a bit while making the quilt of a bazillion knots. It seriously changed my life when it came to hand stitching anything. My mother-in-law is an amazingly talented seamstress. She makes these gorgeous smocked dresses for the little girls. She's the real deal. Here's a shot of some she made for Easter one year. my girls All of the girls.....she made all of these dresses :) You all may know this tip, and I might be the last person on earth to figure this out, but I figured I would share anyways, for those of us like me that are ignorant to these sort of things. I have always seen my mother in law thread a needle, smooth her hands down over the string and poof, it's tied in a knot at the end. I have always wondered how in the heck she does that. I would always take the time to make a loop, go through the loop with my needle and then make a little knot....one so tiny that it would slip through most fabrics anyways. So then I would try to knot it again at the same spot and I would always be off....so then I'd have two tiny knots right next to each other, so then I'd try to knot it a third time and try to incorporate both knots into a big knot....sometimes it worked....every time, it took forever and made me feel completely inept at sewing anything. It's a dumb thing to get frustrated over....but it is seriously annoying....especially when you look over and see a master seamstress like my lovely mother in law whip out a big fat knot in a matter of seconds with what seems like a magician swipe over the string. Do I have any ladies out there who are nodding their heads right now? I think I do. One day I was like....how in the world did you do that, and she looked at me like she couldn't believe I didn't know how to make a knot....and then took the time to teach me how. I really have the best mother in law in the world. I can't say enough good about her, really :) Here's how you do it. you start with a thread on a needle as usual. (forgive my busted up looking table that needs refinishing and my ratty looking fingernails. It was not a good day for photographing my mess). Gather both ends of the thread, so they are the same length and hold them together in your hand. You will have to lick or wet your fingers before you put the thread in between your fingers. Then pinch them like this between your thumb and forefinger with the end pointing down. Take the loose end of the string and wrap it over the top of your forefinger, around and under both your forefinger and then the thumb and then back to the top. Basically, you are wrapping a circle around your fingers. After you've wrapped the circle around your fingers, take the loose end and bring it down between your thumb and forefinger as you see below. Here's the tricky part. While pushing your thumb forward and pulling your index finger back, roll the string in between your fingers. While you are doing this, hold the long end of the string in your other hand and pull it tight as you allow the string to pull off from around your fingers and to tighten into a knot in between them. Here's what you will get when you are done! It takes a little bit of practice to master, but it's pretty easy. Once you have this down, it makes things go sooooo much more smoothly when you are tying things off or knotting something. I made a little video of me doing this for clarity. It's not the best, and my fingers go off screen for a second, but you can see what I'm doing for the most part. My 11 year old was my camera man. Hope it helps. Have a great weekend! xoxoxo! Anna Shared with: ny melrose family free pretty things for you someday crafts lady behind the curtain seven thirty three craftie alley ginger snap crafts just a girl and her blog happy housie remodelaholic jennifer rizzo the idea room my repurposed life the shabby nest craft dictator chic on a shoestring liz marie nancherrow city of creative dreams too much time on my hands one more time events just us four six sisters stuff sits girls reasons to skip the housework 2IY the girl creative vmg206 under the table and dreaming momnivores dilemma flamingo toes titi crafty mango seed designs the chicken chick it's overflowing uss crafty diy showoff thrifty decor chick skip to my lou C.R.A.F.T. making the world cuter the silly pearl twelve o eight carrie this home domestically speaking vmg206 tiny sidekick home stories a to z home work not just a housewife sugar bee crafts our delightful home home coming house on the way kathe with an e confessions of a plate addict mabey she made it yesterfood crafts on sea diy dreamer clean and scentsable ivy and elephants thrifty decor chick
