Hot Sewing & Embroidery Posts
How To: Use the tension knob on a Kenmore sewing machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to the tension knob properly. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to properly adjust the tension knob on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. The tension knob is located near the front of the sewing machine. It has a dial numbered from 1 to 9. The larger the number, the tighter the tension.
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: Sew an empire waist summer dress
Empire waists go all the way back to Napoleon and the Regency period, when women thought it becoming to wear classically inspired, almost Grecian goddess-like gowns. They'd pin their curly locks up into coy yet alluring buns to complete the look.
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: 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: Create cute underwear from old t-shirts
You've probably seen old t-shirts being turned into dresses, miniskirts, and if you're a fan of Gianny L, even two-piece bikinis, but you've probably never even thought about it transforming them into underwear. It may seem a bit odd at first, but making these intimate pieces from t-shirts means you can customize the pattern as well as the type of cut (cheeky, granny top, or thong?).
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: Make a DIY chic tube dress with Gianny L
Nothing says chic like DIY. With spring and summer just around the corner, this breezy and elegant tube dress is all you need to stay cool. See how to make a DIY chic tube dress in this video from GiannyL.
How To: Tie the Trilobite decorative knot
Learn the right way of tying the ‘Decorative Trilobite Knot’, by watching this video. Take a rope and form two bends, as shown. Now pass each bend over a hook to form two loops at the center, resembling number eight. The free end of the rope on the right side is then passed over the lower loop of the eight, to the left. The free end of the rope on the left side is then passed under the rope, just passed from the right. Thereafter, it is passed under the lower loop of the eight, and pulled thr...
How To: Make a Bed for Your Pet Out of an Old Blanket
Hello! Today I would like to write a few lines about making a simple bed for your pet, for example, your cat or a bunny, using your old fabric. All interested can stir up a bit in the closet. I am sure there's an old towel or a blanket just waiting to be reused. Or some old clothes, made out of fleece, etc...
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: Do Indian embroidery (Zari)
Expert Ruchi will show you how to create your very own Zari work from start to finish. Part 1 of 17 - How to Do Indian embroidery (Zari).
How To: Sew a ballgown using a dressmaker
Are you going to the prom and nothing hanging in your retail stores is making the grade? Why not make your own prom ball gown at home? With some sewing skills, you might just top the best dressed list! In this two-part sewing tutorial, learn how to sew a ball gown using a dressmaker.
How To: Master the art of fringe embroidery
Add dimension and excitement to your embroidery collection! Fringe embroidery is not only fun, but the added texture and three-dimensional quality of fringe makes these specially-digitized designs look as if they could literally jump off the fabric! Watch this exciting embroidery tutorial video and start embroidering some fringe today!
How To: Sew a cute and chic layered skirt without a pattern
A layered skirt can add either elegance or a bit of funkiness to your wardrobe, depending on your choice of fabric. This video shows you a quick and easy way to sew your own, perfectly fitted layered skirt out of whatever fabric you want.
How To: Sew a knife edge pillow with a zipper
This is a great project for beginners - sew your own knife edge pillow with a zipper. If you can, use a rotary cutter instead of scissors to get better, cleaner lines for your project. Also get a sturdy zipper.
How To: Make a Lady Gaga inspired disco ball bra
Ladies, it doesn't have to be Halloween or a special dress-up party for you to wear this fabulous, diva-esque bra. In fact, we'd wear it under our "normal people" clothes while getting coffee just because it makes us feel fierce.
How To: Sew a simple sexy strapless evening gown with Gianny L
Valentine's Day is coming up within the matter of a week, so make sure you look nothing less than drop dead gorgeous by wearing this sexy strapless evening gown. The best part? You won't be spending more than a few bucks on it, because you'll be making it yourself.
How To: Sew a dart
Kate Hemmings & Vicki Taylor from Sew magazine show you how to properly sew a "dart" (a.k.a. taking in fabric to make it fit the contours of your body). Just follow these easy steps in the video:
How To: Tie a Maedate knot
In this video, we learn how to tie a maedate knot. Start off by making a loop in the middle of the string followed by another loop placed next to it. Now, wrap these together in the middle and pull them out on the side. You will now have a shape that looks like a bow. Pull on both sides of the bow, where there will be two loops. You can pull on each of the loops if you want to back them larger. When you pull on the bottom strings, the loops will become smaller. After you do this, you will be ...
How To: Do the Double Chain Stitch
Here's a video tutorial from Needle 'n Thread for the double chain stitch used in hand embroidery. This is a quick, easy stitch which creates a wide decorative band. It looks somewhat similar to the closed herringbone stitch, but it's created with the same (few) easy steps used in the chain stitch.
How To: Sew three basic stitches while garment making
A clear complete demonstration of three basic hand Stitches used when making a garment. This video sewing tutorial demonstrates and explains the basting stitch, catch stitch, and thread tracing. Watch this instructional tutorial and learn how to sew three basic stitches for garment making.
How To: Upcycle a glass jar by redecorating the top
Take one plain Mason jar or glass jar. Add your favorite scraps of fabric, ribbon and other embellishments. Decoraate with lace, beads, sequins and applique. You now have a lovely upcycled glass jar, perfect to give as a gift or favor.
How To: Sew a perfect jet pocket on a jacket or dress
A welted pocket (also called a jetted pocket or piped pocket) is a pocket where it appears just to be a thin slit in the fabric of the garment. Ideal for when you are making something you want to have pockets, but don't want to necessarily draw much attention to them - such as tailored suit jackets or streamlined dresses. All you need to learn this technique are some basic sewing notions (scissors, pins, etc) and either bias tape or the ability to cut your own bias tape from your fashion fabric.
How To: Sew a sleeveless cardigan from an old t-shirt
Cardigans are pieces you can throw on with just about any outfit, from a cute miniskirt and tank top to long skinny jeans paired with a bohemian-style top. And with this episode of "Whitney Sews," you'll learn how to create a brand new hot pink cardigan...from an old t-shirt!
How To: Make a pattern to sew your own custom made corset
You can buy a pre made corset pattern from a manufacturer, or, if you really want to start from scratch, you can draft your own pattern. This tutorial shows you how to take your measurements and translate that into a custom fit corset pattern.
How To: Wind a sewing machine bobbin right every time
Ruth demonstrates how to wind a bobbin successfully every time you attempt. Place the spool of thread on the machine and wind the thread between the two disks on the spindle (found in all machines). It is better to wind the thread twice to avoid the thread come off the spindle. This does not damage the machine in any way. Pull the thread towards the bobbin and pull it through the hole in thy bobbin inside-out. Place the threaded bobbin into the winder making sure the extra thread is on top an...
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: Recycle an old T-shirt into a 2-piece bikini
Fashion a bikini absolutely no one else at the beach this summer will have by watching this sewing tutorial by GiannyL. Using only an old T-shirt, you'll learn how to cut the T-shirt into pieces and refashion it into a two-piece bikini.
How To: Finish garments with a serger or French seam
The video shows how to finish garments with serger or French seam. If you have a serger sewing machine then you can straight away place the seam along the seam and stitch on the machine. The advantage of this machine is that it gives 3 fledge serger stitch at one go. If do not have a serger machine then you can use the French seam. First the rough seam is stitched on the wrong side of the fabric and frayed edges are trimmed. Now the fabric is turned over and ironed over the stitch and a strai...
How To: Sew together a simple ribbon rose for Valentine's Day
We know that the Christmas rush has just past and you're probably still reeling from the eggnog and jet lag. But now that it's January, it's time to start thinking about the next holiday our our list: Valentine's Day.
How To: Sew a pillow case cover
Looking for an easy sewing project? Learn how to make a flanged pillow case in this free video series from a professional seamstress.
How To: Make a rag blanket
Sew yourself a rag blanket from fabric scraps; learn how to make a rag blanket in this free video on sewing and making blankets.
How To: Do cording application on an Omni Stitch 1000 machine
This video shows you how to use the Omni Stitch 1000 machine for cording application.
How To: Needle felt to a base
Make It Mine associate editor Tea Benduhn shows you how to needle felt to a base. This will let you put a design on the front of your purse or hat or mittens or any other felted base.
How To: Make a fringed blanket for Project Linus
This video will show you how you can make a blanket out of fleece with no sewing required. All you need for this blanket project is some fleece and scissors.
How To: Draft a Sleeve Pattern
A well designed sleeve is very important to creating a top or jacket that fits comfortably. Get your correct measurements before you begin. Please view the following step-by-step instructions and accompanying video and diagram to create the basic sleeve.
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: 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: Sew you own pair of easy, Victorian style bloomers
The perfect undergarment for your Victorian costume re-creation. You don't need any pattern, just take your measurements and get a yard or so of thin, lightweight fabric. Then cut, pin, sew and finish. Your own pair of Victorian inspired bloomer pants!