Hot Sewing & Embroidery Posts
How To: Embroider a stretchy or knit fabric
The problem with stretchy fabrics is that stretching it out in am embroidery hoop will distort the look of the finished project. This tip shows you how to prepare your fabric by using a non stretchy stabilizer, which you can buy at any fabric store.
How To: Make a Basic Skirt Pattern
Written instructions on how to draft a basic skirt pattern with accompanying video. Take your correct measurements before you begin.
How To: Thread a vintage Kenmore sewing machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to thread it properly. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to insert thread on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Follow the user's instruction below to properly thread your sewing machine.
How To: Sew a buttonhole in 4 steps on a Singer sewing machine
Making a buttonhole is easy to sew using the buttonhole presser foot and the four step buttonhole function on a Singer sewing machine. This video sewing tutorial guides through the simple step by step process of making a professionally finished buttonhole. Watch and learn how.
How To: Make a Macrame Belt
This is a trouser belt, but can also be applied as a bag strap, maybe used as a camera strap, etc. To make a macrame belt, measure the cords to your desired length. Tie using square knots.
How To: Quickly hem the edge for any garment without a sewing machine
So you don't have a sewing machine, but your favorite pair of jeans or shirt has a hem that is coming undone. You can use a liquid fabric glue, like Perky Bond, Stitch Witch or Steam A Seam, to quickly fix any hem.
How To: Make a hair bonnet or night cap
Nightcaps are something that will never get old and have been around for years and years. Originally, nightcaps were invented around the Middle Ages and were used as a way to help prevent head lice. As the years passed by they became more useful in other ways, especially when it came to keeping ones head warm. For women, they were also used to keep not only their head warm, but also to protect the hair from any kind of damage. This video tutorial will show you ladies how to make a hair bonnet...
How To: Tie the Spinal Sinnet decorative knot
To tie the spinal sinnet, take the thread folded from left to right and hold it at the cross. Now insert the right thread in to the hole and pull the left thread to make it tight. Take the end of the thread and insert it and pull the thread which is close to the knot, you will get another hole. Now cross the hole and then insert the right side of the thread and pull down the thread close to the knot. Repeat the same till the end of the thread. Now the spinal sinnet is ready to use.
How To: Use bent handled trimmers
Learn how to use bent handled trimmers: Kenneth D. King of ThreadBanger Quickies and NextNewNetworks explain how to use bent handled trimmers for working with fabric projects. Bent handled trimmers are great for cutting out fabric patterns and designs. The scissor itself slides along the smooth plane of the cutting table and it lifts the fabric just enough to successfully cut the pattern out. Bent handled trimmers make a very accurate cut. Never ever use your fabric scissors for cutting paper.
How To: Sew an all in one elastic into a cloth diaper
This video is a demonstration of how to sew elastic into an All In One (AIO) cloth diaper. The same method can be used to sew fitted diapers. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to sew an elastic into an all in one or fitted cloth diaper. Start saving the environment, one unused diaper at a time.
How To: Do the Fishbone Stitch
As you'll see in this video tutorial (from Needle 'n Thread), the fishbone stitch is an easy embroidery stitch to use for filling in leaves (and other shapes, too). The stitch is a good stepping-stone to satin stitch, as it requires you to keep a neat edge on the outside of your design.
How To: Use a sewing machine to make a miniature rug
This series shows how to make a miniature rug on the sewing machine with thread painting which mimics Russian needlepunch. Variegated threads give a lovely blended look similar to wool hooked rugs. The threads used are YLI cotton machine quilting threads.
How To: Cut tulle or a similar fabric easily
Tulle is often used to make tutus, but the nature of it's composition might make it hard to cut cleanly. This is a very quick video tutorial showing you a few useful tips on the most efficient way to cut tulle fabric.
How To: Apply fabric paint using the dry brush method
This tutorial uses a flower being painted on a piece of white fabric to show you how to use the dry brush technique to paint your fabric. Dress it up with beads, sequins or embroidery when you're done painting your design!
How To: Make your own fabric appliques or patches
Applique is fabric cut in a fun shape that is applied like a patch, directly onto the fabric. This tutorial shows you how you can use fun woven print fabrics and fusible interfacing to create your own appliques and patches for your projects.
How To: Thread a Singer Finishing Touch serger sewing machine with differential feed
Sewing with a serger sewing machine can be quite difficult, if you're lucky enough to own one. Even threading the beastly sewing machine can be pretty tricky. But this two-part video tutorial should help you to properly thread one. This covers the threading of a Singer Differential-Feed Finishing Touch serger sewing machine (14SH654), which has 4/3 thread capability. Singer also has a PDF available with detailed threading instructions.
How To: Stitch a 32-panel footbag using a Hacky Sack pattern
If you're tired of buying your footbags, aka Hacky Sacks, and you want to create your own awesomely designed footbag, this video will walk you through the steps of doing it. First, you're going to want to get a footbag pattern to follow, which can be found at the Online Footbag Pattern Generator. In this video, you learn how to stitch a 32-panel footbag together. See the whole process and follow along!
How To: Cross stich with beads
Add a little flare to your creative sewing projects by adding beads! In this two-part video tutorial, learn how to cross stitch with beads to enhance your needlwork. Hosted by the Needlework Shoppe, tips are shared for cross-stitching with seed beads and petite seed beads.
How To: Tie a Zigzag braid knot design
The video is about tying a Zigzag braid knot design. At first, make the tag or rope into two by folding it. Take one end and make a small knot at the folded junction. Then take the second and pass it through the first made loop. Then take the other end and pass it through the loop made by second end. Continue the hitches to end the rope. Finish the knot by tightening the rope. Then rearrange the position of the hitches. This is done with care. The knot is made beautiful and prettier by making...
How To: Tie Pendant knots
In this tutorial from the TyingItAllTogether Channel, you can learn how to make double and quadruple looped pendent knots. These knots are commonly found in Celtic designs. Once you learn how to create these knots, you can use them in arts and crafts projects for necklaces or bracelets. To begin, the double looped knot is done by taking a piece of rope and folding it in half, allowing the two sides to be next to each other. With one side of the rope, loop it around the other side of the rope,...
How To: Embroider on thick or thin terrycloth towels
From thick-and-thirsty bath towels, to thin and lightweight kitchen towels, your embroidery will look beautiful, wash after wash, by following these easy embroidery techniques. This helpful instructional video will take you through the necessary steps to master the art of terrycloth embroidery. Enjoy!
How To: Make a shoe lace key ring
Always losing your keys? A big bulky key chain might feel annoying in your pocket, but it's not likely to get lost in your purse or in all that trash you carry around. This video tutorial shows a real simple key chain ring you can make and keep those keys easy to find. All you need is the key ring, two shoelaces, a pair of scissors, and a lighter.
How To: Use the Singer Futura computerized embroidery machine
Embroidery by hand is really a thing of the past. This tutorial video will give you a crash course in how to use the Singer Futura computerized embroidery machines. This sewing machine will change the face of embroidery as we know it.
How To: Make a Tailored Coat for Your Pet
As the cooler weather starts rolling in your pet will need more than just his natural coat to keep the shivers away. Take him out in style by designing a simple yet elegant tailored coat that will fit him perfectly. Here is an easy lined tailored coat with a nice thick comfort strap to keep him snug. Watch this video and follow the accompanying written instructions.
How To: Make a Voodoo Pincushion Doll for Valentine's Day Angst
Searching for a Valentine's Day gift? Great. That means you have someone to share V-Day with this coming Monday. And you want to get the best gift to show your love. But c'mon—no matter what you get, it's probably enough to woo your lover over, even if it's as simple as a battery and magnet.
How To: Transfer an image onto fabric using cross hatching or straight stitching
Want to tranfer a pretty image, logo or design onto some fabric, but can't find the right applique? You can use some wash away foundation paper and a few basic hand stitching techniques instead! Sew any sort of image you want!
How To: Draft a basic block pattern for pants
A basic block is the simplest, most fitted style for a garment. This tutorial shows you how to draft a basic block pattern for a pair of pants. Once you get this down, you can start adding flared legs and belt loops and other embellishments.
How To: Properly attach grommets and eyelets to your handmade corset
Grommets and eyelets are the metal rings that reinforce the holes in your corset, through which you thread the cording. This tutorial gives you some good advice on choosing, placing and attaching grommets and eyelets to your own hand sewn corsets.
How To: Cut up an old t-shirt and turn it into a corset halter top
Repurpose your old T-shirts! Create a fun summer look by creating a halter top/corset style look out of an old T-shirt. All you need is a sharp pair of scissors and a few embellishements or accessories. You won't even need a sewing machine.
How To: Sew a peasant blouse for a Renaissance costume
A great and simple way to add a little to your Renaissance Faire costume or costume closet - sew a peasant style top. All you need are a few yards of loose white fabric, your measurements and some basic sewing tools.
How To: Use a sewing machine to sew on paper or cardstock
This video represents a union between two spheres of crafting - sewing and cardmaking. You can create some decorative stitching on your handmade greeting cards by using your sewing machine. Here's how you can sew on paper without ruining the paper or cardstock.
How To: Turn your old jeans into a rag rug
Collect all your old and worn jeans, then cut off the hems, cuffs and seams. Sew them all together onto a piece of backing fabric, and you have your own floor mat or rag rug. A great way to recycle old clothes.
How To: Make a hoop shirt and arm warmers out of a pair of tights
All you need for this tutorial is a pair of tights (the stretchier, the better) and a pair of scissors! Take your tights and cut them in a few places to turn them into a top! Or, cut them a different way to turn them into arm warmers!
How To: Create Christmas tree napkins using a serger
You can make a lovely napkin shaped like a Christmas tree using just two fabric circles and a sewing serger. With a little folding, you can even make these napkins reversible! Great for a beginner to intermediate seamstress or sewer.
How To: Make Naruto gloves
In this video, we learn how to make Naruto gloves. First, you will need to take an old black sock, thread, needle, and scissors. After this, you will cut the top off the sock and then put it on your hand. After this, you will need to use the needle and thread to sew in between the fingers on the sock. When all of these are patched, up you will add a fake metal plate to the top of it. You can glue this on with a hot glue gun. When finished drying, you will be able to wear this out, enjoy!
How To: Turn an old zipper into a flower decoration
Turn some old sewing basket leftovers into some fun and crafty creations! This tutorial shows you how to turn an old zipper into a trendy little flower. All you need, besides the zipper, is some needle and thread and some felt or heavy fabric to use as the base.
How To: Dye your clothes red or pink with dye made from strawberries
Make your own environmentally friendly dye at home, out of strawberries! You'll also need some vinegar, salt and old nylon stockings. Mash up your strawberries, strain them in the nylon and then boil your strawberry puree with salt, vinegar and your fabric.
How To: Add a zipper to a latex garmet
In this video, we learn how to add a zipper to a latex garment. First, apply glue to the zipper, using an ammonia based adhesive in one coat. Next, take a small paint brush from any store and apply a thin layer of adhesive to the zipper. The top will take about 45 minutes to dry, then turn it over and apply another layer of glue to the back. After this, cut two 1/2" strips of latex a little bit longer than the zippers. Also cut a 1/4" wide and 1" long piece of latex as well. Now, apply these ...
How To: Shorten jeans length by cutting, measuring and using a sewing machine
Are your jeans to long? How about your khakis? Corduroys? No matter what kind of pants you have, if they're too long, you can easily shorten the length with a few snips, a few marks and a basic sewing machine. The Brother LX-3125 compact sewing machine is used in this video, but any will do. See how to take a pair of jeans, cut and resew them like new again!
How To: Tie off when sewing by hand
In this video, we learn how to tie off when sewing by hand. First you want to sew your fabric and complete your desired project. Next, you will push the needle into the bottom of the fabric where you won't be able to see the tie off from the front. Now, loop the thread and push the needle with thread through it, before you finish, push the needle through one more loop. Now, pull tightly until there is a tight knot at the bottom of the thread. Now, take your scissors and cut tightly next to th...