Hot Sewing & Embroidery Posts
How To: Hand sew using connective thread, a buzzer and an arduino
You have to be careful not to accidentally sew in a short circuit when you are working with connective thread. This tutorial shows you how to sew in a connection to an arduino, a buzzer and a battery on a glove.
How To: Sew an easy infinity scarf (wraparound scarf)
An infinity scarf is exactly what it sounds like: A scarf that goes on forever, not length-wise but rather in the fact that it's sewn together at the end. This makes for a nice wraparound shape that can be quickly thrown onto the neck without having to make any fancy knots to keep the scarf on.
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: Tie a compound double Coin knot
In this tutorial, we learn how to tie a compound double coin knot. First, take two strings and make a loop with the left one, then loop right right one into that. Tighten these together, then bring the end of the right working string over the loop and through the bottom of the shape, then continue to thread it through. Now, repeat this on the left side with the left string. Next, loop the right side of the string and push through the loop with the end of it. After this, tighten up the ends of...
How To: Use tailor point scissors
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use tailor point scissors. These scissors are short, have a broad spine on the blades and contains both a knife and bevel edge. The knife edge allows the scissors to go through the fabric and the bevel edge allows users to cut in layers without cutting what's underneath. The broad spine prevents the separation of the blade points. The short blades allow better control and easily movable. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy stitching and...
How To: Combine sewing pattern pieces for beginners
Sewing patterns are a godsend if you're a beginner at sewing who's trying to get into making clothes and accessories like scarves and bags. A pre-drawn pattern helps you learn proportions, measurements, and drafting techniques you'll need later on when you design your own clothing.
How To: Make a key fob from scratch
If you need to add some decoration to your keys, a key fob is the way to go. Key fobs are decorative items that many people carry with their keys. There are many different ways to go when creating a key fob, but one of the best ways is to make your own using fabric from the store.
How To: Create comfortable and cheap pajama tops with Gianny L
One of the most important things in a person's life is sleep (some of us don't get enough of it, and some of us get too much). Why not make it one of the most comfortable things, too? Having the right sleeping attire is great for comfort, especially when you make them custom yourself. See how to make pajama tank top in this video from GiannyL.
How To: Transform your hoodie into a backpack
It's not difficult to transform a hoodie into a quick little backpack, you just gotta think outside the (sweater) box! Follow the steps in this video and you'll be on your way in no time!
How To: Use thread snip scissors
Thread banger, Kenneth King shows you how to save your good fabric scissors by using thread snips, a simple but important tool you must always have in your sewing workshop. Thread snips are small pairs of scissors that are specifically used for trimming off any excess thread in your material. Kenneth explains that using fabric scissors to trim these excess threads eventually causes them to wear dull spots. Always keep your thread snips handy and do all your thread trimming at the machine.
How To: Sew by hand without making knots
Put needle in place anywhere you are starting a stitch. Pull the needle through, but leave a tail (with string).
How To: Tie a knot in thread for hand sewing or quilting
This instructional sewing video shows an easy way to tie a knot in your thread for hand sewing an quilting. This is a simple sewing trick, but it's worth taking the time to learn how to tie a failsafe knot. Don't let your sewing projects fall apart at the seams.
How To: Hand sew stitches
Hand sewing is an important skill for fashion designers to have when tailoring and customizing a garment. Learn to hand sew various stitches from a fashion designer in this free sewing video.
How To: Sew a straight stitch by hand
This how to video tutorial demonstrates how to sew a straight stitch by hand, just in case you don't have a sewing machine. The straight stitch is excellent for simple hems, decorative stitching and gathering fabric.
How To: Do the Oyster Stitch
The oyster stitch is an isolated stitch. It is a combination stitch using the twisted detached chain stitch which is "surrounded" by an "open" chain stitch, or even a fly stitch. The oyster stitch makes a filled oval shape, suitable for flower petals or individual buds and accents. Watch this video from Needle 'n Thread to see how it's done.
How To: Crush velvet
This crushing process brings out color variations by flattening the pile or nap of the velvet, and adds surface texture by pleating the fabric. One benefit to this method is that a simple wash and tumble dry will restore the fabric to its original condition, so watch this video and see just how to create crushed velvet.
How To: Make a hobby horse
Karen Weisman shows you how to make this terrific hobby horse. It is a traditional toy, it is a horse head on a broom stick. It is a refreshing break from the beeping flashing toys that are so prevalent today.
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: 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: 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: 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: Make a basic pant
In this three-part sewing tutorial, learn how to make a pair of pants that fit like a glove! In the first video, you will learn to take measurements and calculate measurements to plan out your pattern. In the second video, learn how to draw the pant pattern based on your measurement calculations, make a test pant and finalize your pattern design. Lastly, in the third installment of this series, learn how to sew on the zipper and button and stitch the legs of your pants.
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: Hem a sleeve
In this video, we learn how to hem a sleeve. First, turn your shirt inside out, then lay it flat. After this, grab the sleeve and fold it over to where you want it hemmed to. Next, place pins in the spots where you want your shirt hemmed, then go over the area with an iron. Next, go to your sewing machine and slip the sleeve around the platform arm. You will have to take the outer base off the machine to do this. Now, lower your needle and sew in the spots where the pins are, removing them as...
How To: Tie a Kinky Lover's knot
To make a Kinky Lover's knot, first hang or keep the tag on something. Then take the first end. Tie it by keeping a loop. Then take the second end and pass it through the loop by leaving a loop. Then take the second end, which was taken earlier , through the loop made by the first end. Then pass the second end through the loop, which was made by the second end. The knot is ready! All we have to do now is to tighten the knot by pulling the two ends. Make it beautiful by arranging the tag clearly.
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: Sew a Doorag Using the Tommy Sotomayor Durag Pattern
If you have already downloaded and printed the Tommy Sotomayor Designer Durag Pattern, here are the written instructions with accompanying video tutorial.
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: Transform a Bra into a Sexy Baby Doll
Start with one of your favorite bras, and then get some tricot or chiffon and thick elastic tape in a matching color, plus a contrasting ribbon. Then just follow the tutorial to make your own super sexy baby doll lingerie!
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: 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: Glue straight and curved latex seams
In this tutorial, we learn how to glue straight and curved latex seams. First, press each piece of latex down so it's just touching in the middle. After this, use your finger to press down on the middle, then take a roller and roll over the middle until it's perfectly straight. Now, stretch out the latex to make sure that both sides are stuck together. To glue curved latex seams, place the pieces together slowly, pushing your finger down in the center as you go to make a curved effect. Once y...
How To: Turn an old towel into shorts
To recycle an old towel into shorts, fold the towel and cut it into a short leg's length worth of fabric. Cut another piece into a short leg's length worth of fabric. Draw a curved seam on one edge. Stack the towels and pin them to hold the fabric in place. Cut out the seam on both of the towels. Separate the towels and sew up the seams on both of the fabric pieces. Do not sew the top seam and front side seam of the shorts. Instead, sew the front and back side seams together. Thread and sew a...
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: Tie the Celtic tree of life decorative knot
TyingItAllTogether presents this interesting video that shows you how to tie the Celtic tree of life decorative knot. To do this, you make a series of intertwining loops, until they form a circle. This wordless video is very easy to follow along. Watch, and master the art of knot-making with this great video. For more great videos on decorative knot-making, search on WonderHowTo.
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: 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: Machine baste on a Singer sewing machine
Machine basting is a common technique used in many patterns for garment construction. It's easy, and can help your garment look more professional when finished. This video tutorial shows you how to machine baste a seam.
How To: Thread a mechanical Singer sewing machine
The machine used in this video demonstration is a 3343c, but the threading is exactly the same as on a vintage Singer and other modern models. Learn how to thread the needle on a mechanical Singer sewing machine by watching this video sewing tutorial.
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?