Hot Sewing & Embroidery Posts
How To: Wind a bobbin
Your sewing machine needs bobbin thread to create overlock stitches, so keep your machine going by learning to fill your bobbin.
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 cord lock
In this tutorial, we learn how to thread a cord lock. First, tilt the cord lock up and find the two different wheels on the inside of it. Now, push your lift cord up through the two wheels that are on the inside of the lock. After this, pull the thread up through the top and then slide the thread through the smaller hole on the lock. Now, you will repeat this again for another piece of string, but thread it through the larger hole once you reach the top. After this, thread another cord throug...
How To: Tie a Military Bugle cord decorative knot
Bugle cords are used as elaborate ornamental leashes on bugles and trumpets. These cords are used for making for snazzy ornamentation on uniforms worn by military bands. Although the technique for making a bugle cord is really very simple, it is quite difficult to find instructions on how to go about doing it. In this really short video you will find out how simple it is to make a bugle cord. There are no voice instructions. This is only very simple video which shows exactly how to start the ...
How To: Sew a blind hem stitch with a Viking hem foot
Watch this how-to video and learn how to sew a blind hem stitch step by step. A blind hem stitch is the perfect stitch to use when hemming your draperies. Blind hem stitches are perfect when you don't want to see the stitches on the front side of your fabric.
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: Do a chain stitch
Getting started in the world of sewing & embroidery? The chain stitch is a popular stitch in which a series of looped stitches form a chain-like pattern. Get started doing the chain stitch with help from this great tutorial provided by Stampin Mama.
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: Embroider shirt pockets
This video shows you how to use the magna-hoop to embroider shirt pockets.
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 & measure elastic
In this tutorial, we learn how to sew and measure elastic. First, place the elastic over your waist and think about what you are making. Decide if you want it to be comfortable or if you want it to be tighter if you are wearing it out during the day. Also take into account what type of fabric you are going to be using so you know how much elastic is needed. Fold the elastic and mark the inside and outside of the fold, now do the same thing with your fabric. Now you will know if you need to ea...
How To: Deal with persistent thread breaking while sewing
Solve your persistent thread breaking problems by watching this video and getting advice from fashion designer Natalie.
How To: Sew a flirty, fluttery tank top without a pattern
This is a great project to make a fun and feminine shirt. All you need is one piece of fabric cut in a circle, a few basic notions and a sewing machine. No pattern required, just make sure you have your measurements at hand!
How To: Transfer an embroidery pattern onto your fabric
There are several different techniques you can use to transfer a pattern onto the fabric you want to embroider, depending on the color and type of the fabric you want to embellish. This video shows you three separate techniques, such as chalk pencils or tracing paper.
How To: Turn an old t-shirt into a sexy one-shoulder top
You know that pile of old t-shirts that you've accumulated over the years that you've never gotten around to wearing? Sure you could toss them over to the Salvation Army and call it a day, but why throw something away that you can turn into a wearable work of art?
How To: Pick a sewing machine and thread a sewing machine and serger
Did you think sewing was complicated? Then don't even get us started on threading a sewing machine. Each sewing machine is slightly different in the way it's constructed, which makes threading a puzzle (read: pain in the butt).
How To: Create a floral $2 reversible wrap skirt
Making your own dress saves you enough money as it is, and you'll be double the frugalista if you make that dress reversible. Though creating a two-sided reversible dress sounds hard to do, by adding a few tie straps it's about as easy as sewing an apron.
How To: Recycle & reconstruct your denim jeans
Learn how to recycle and reconstruct your denim jeans: Craft side Look, Learn and Create with Stefanie Girard and Jean Therapy with Scathe G. Allison demonstrate how to recycle and reconstruct your denim jeans. You can make a bag out of your jeans by using the leg as the strap. Customize jeans by adding patches to the legs and ruffles to the bottom. All the projects use simple sewing machines and stitches and don't require extra tools. A skirt can also be made by sewing together 14 pairs of d...
How To: Make a unitard
Unitards are tight-fitting costumes worn by superheroes, ice skaters, athletes, and other performers for style and function. In this free video series you will learn how to make a unitard from scratch.
How To: Use your sewing machine as a beginner
Have a sewing machine and want to learn how to use it? If so, this ten-minute tutorial, which presents a general orientation to using an electric sewing machine, may be just what you need. For more information, and to get started using your own machine, watch this easy-to-follow video guide.
How To: Measure a woman's hip circumference for a suit
If you're interested in making a woman's tailored suit, chances are you will be taking some measurements beforehand.... and important ones. With the slightest centimeter or milimeter, a tailored suit can fit incredibly different than it's supposed to. In this video, learn how to properly measure a woman's hip circumference for a tailored suit.
How To: Make a gay pride flag
this tutorial video from Threadbanger will teach you how to do a little DIY exercise to get ready for Gay Pride in New York City. This video will teach you how to make a DIY flag and hit the Gay Pride parade in Manhattan. You can now bring your pride home with your own flag.
How To: Turn old jeans into a skirt
Summer is just around the corner and those jeans that seemed perfect for winter aren't looking so hot. Put those jeans to use, and make your very own jean skirt. Grab a pair of scissors and a sewing machine and get started.
How To: Sew a man's shirt
Stephany is going to take you through the process of sewing a mens shirt. She is going to use a pattern and talk to you first about choosing a pattern and knowing what the package means before you start. This is a very long video series, but sewing a shirt has many components to it, so be patient you'll finish the shirt eventually!
How To: Maintain your sewing machine after it's been in storage or unused for awhile
Whether you have a Singer sewing machine, a Janome or a Brother, this video is good advice. If your sewing machine has been sitting in storage or has been unused for a long time, you'll need to do a little bit of maintenance before you start it up again.
How To: Cut out perfect men's trousers patterns
You know how often times you'll find almost perfect jeans at the store, with the perfect faded wash, boot cut, and dark navy color, but they're just a wee bit too tight and a wee bit too long? Have you ever wished that the jeans company tailored those pants to you?
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: Sew basket liners without a pattern
Check out this DIY video tutorial from Curbly, the best place to share pictures of your home, find design ideas, and get expert home-improvement advice.
How To: Make a Perfect Fitting Pants Pattern for Yourself
Pants are here to stay. Women of all ages love wearing pants. Jeans, trousers, slacks, corduroys… whatever. Everyone wants them to look and fit great, while being comfortable.
How To: Use buttonhole scissors
Couture designer Kenneth D. King is an expert in what you would need to fill up your sewing box. Here, he discusses buttonhole scissors. Buttonhole scissors are made for making buttonholes without stretching or damaging the fabric. By watching this video you can learn how to adjust your buttonhole scissors so that you can make different size holes. Make sure to never to use these scissors to cut through paper as it will make the scissors dull and make it a lot harder to cut through fabric.
How To: Turn an old dress into a fashionable romper
Some dresses we just never get around to wearing. Like that hideous one our mom gave us with a decent tropical print but hemlines that go down to our ankles. Cute...if you live in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. We're sure you probably have an ever accumulating stash of similar dresses that you know you'll never wear but don't want to toss either.
How To: Thread a Singer sewing machine
Learn how to thread a Singer sewing machine. Most of the classic mechanical machines by Singer thread almost exactly the same way.
How To: Make Homemade Microwaveable Foot Warmers
Well, Ol' Man Winter is upon us yet again, blasting us with his icy breath. When I was a kid, I loved wintertime because it meant the prospect of sledding, snowball fights & missed school days in which to enjoy both. Now that I'm 45, however, my attitude toward the season has taken a complete 180-degree turn: I find myself dreading it because of the likelihood of being snowed-in for days on end, and the certainty of being forced to endure the frigid temperatures.
How To: Thread a sewing machine and start sewing
Before you can mend or create garments with your sewing machine, you'll need to thread it. This video guide will walk you through each of the necessary steps, from winding a bobbin to threading the top of the machine itself. For more information, and to get started threading your own electric sewing machine, watch this free video guide.
How To: Cut a hooded sweatshirt
You love your hooded sweatshirt but starting to feel like a weak person is strangling you all day long? With a quick snip with the scissors you can have a perfectly fitting sweatshirt and never have to worry about unnecessary discomfort again.
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: Turn T-shirts into cotton tube yarn
Yarn is certainly not the most expensive fabric-making material world, but why would you spend $5 for a roll when you can spin together yarn yourself?
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: Make a jumpsuit with a basic torso and pant pattern
In honor of the recent proposed ban in Italy on miniskirts, this tutorial shows you instead how to make a fun, basic jumpsuit! All you'll need is a basic torso pattern and a pant pattern without any pockets. And voila, your own sexy jumpsuit!
How To: Turn a skirt into a long, breezy summer dress
Like billowy, bohemian tops or billowy dresses that go aflutter in the wind? Then this is the perfect DIY fashion tutorial for you. Using a long old skirt you can probably find by digging through your own closet or your stylish mother's treasure trove, you will learn how to refashion the skirt into a full-body dress by simply adding some spaghetti straps.