Hot Sewing & Embroidery Posts
How To: Sew piping
Making and sewing piping can be an easy and fun sewing project. Get tips from our expert on fabric piping in this free sewing video series.
How To: Sew handmade purses
Do you love purses and handbags but don't have the money to buy a new one? Why not make your own handmade purse with the expert tips and instructions in this free sewing video series.
How To: Make a pattern from a shirt
Save your favorite T-shirt by making a pattern; learn how to make a pattern from your favorite t-shirt in this free video on fashion design and sewing.
How To: Sew a makeshift pants button out of a soda can tab
In a pinch for a button? A soda or beer can tab will work just as well, and you're bound to have one of those in an easy to find place. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to make an emergency aluminum can pull tab button for your pants.
How To: Sew a cutwork applique quilted vest
Watch this instructional quilting video to learn how to sew a cutwork applique vest. You may want to work with a pattern in addition to watching this tutorial. Just trace, fuse, satin stitch, and trim to complete this festive vest.
How To: Hem a pair of suit pants
Hemming a pair of dress pants is no longer a mystery. Karen Schmidt demonstrates step-by-step what is needed to get professional looking results. Measure the length that you would like to trim and pin the new hemline in place. Use an iron to mark the new pant length with a crease. Then unfold and rip the seam out of the original hemline. Cut away excess fabric sew a protective zigzag seam along the trimmed fabric. Refold the new creased hemline. With a matching thread, sew a single line to ho...
How To: Hem your own pants
Here's how to hem up a pair of pants so they keep the original look but are the right length. By cutting the pant leg above the original hem line, you can keep the original hem of the jeans you bought. Measure carefullly to remove the excess length of pant that you will not need. This process will only work if you need to shorten your pants by at least one inch. You need one half inch seam allowance to re-attach the original hem onto your newly shortened pair of pants.
How To: Sew universal tempo tape onto a drapery panel
Create softly folded drapery panels with our universal tempo pleat tape. It's the perfect subtle look for flat panel drapes. Learn step by step how to sew on our universal tempo pleat tape to create soft folds by watching this video sewing tutorial series.
How To: Use a knit edge foot on a sewing machine
Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to use a knit edge foot on a sewing machine. A knit-edge foot is great for sewing sweater knits and imitation fur. Select an overlock stitch pattern appropriate for the fabric, right the sides together, place under the special knit edge foot and stitch. Use a knit edge foot on a sewing machine.
How To: Use a piping foot on a sewing machine
Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to use a piping foot on a sewing machine. A piping foot is used to stitch piping into the fabric of a seam. Use a piping foot on a sewing machine.
How To: Use a rolled hem foot on a sewing machine
Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to use a rolled hem foot on a sewing machine. A rolled hem makes a small, lightweight hem appropriate for thin fabrics and delicate projects. Use a rolled hem foot on a sewing machine.
How To: Use a ruffler attachment on a sewing machine
Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to use a ruffler attachment on a sewing machine. Use a ruffler attachment to sew small individually adjustable tucks.
How To: Use a sew on button foot on a sewing machine
Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to use a sew on button foot on a sewing machine. Mark where the button will be placed. Insert button between the black metal piece and the presser foot. Make sure that the two holes are positioned in the cut-out of the presser foot. Position the fabric and lower the presser foot. Select the button sew-on or zigzag stitch. If using the zigzag stitch, lower the feed dogs. Select the width to match the button holes. Manually turn the handwheel to ma...
How To: Use a circular embroidery guide on a sewing machine
To use a circular embroidery guide on a sewing machine, loosen screw at back of the presser foot ankle just enough to insert a circular embroidery guide from left. The radius of the circle is determined by placement of the guide in the holder. Secure the guide with a screw. Place the stabilizer under fabric. Mark the center point on fabric with marking pen. Align the center of the fabric with the rubber point of the circular embroidery guide. Put a flat tack under the fabric and up through th...
How To: Pleat a swag curtain
Swag curtains add great decorative touches to a bear window or room. Watch this sewing how-to video to learn how to pleat your swag curtain so that it hangs on your window beautifully. Once you learn how easy it is to pleat swag curtains you will be creating window treatments for every room in your house.
How To: Sew a French seam with a sewing machine
Sewing becomes more interesting when you know different seams. This instructional sewing how to video demonstrates how to sew a French seam. Watch and learn how easy it is to join two pieces of fabric together with a French seam.
How To: Make a laptop case from pants & plastic with Gianny L
You just bought a laptop, but how to do you protect it? Buy a laptop case! No wait... make your own laptop case out of household items. Watch this how-to video from Gianny L and learn how to make a simple laptop or notebook case out of old pants or jeans and a piece of plastic.
How To: Thread a sewing machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to thread it properly. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to insert thread into a sewing machine. Follow the users instruction to properly insert the thread into your sewing machine.
How To: Practice sewing on paper on a sewing machine
Learning how to use a sewing machine is easiest when you practice on paper. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to use a sewing machine by practicing first on a piece of paper. It is best to draw out some lines on paper as a guide to help you learn how to keep your stitches in line.
How To: Cut a button hole and insert a button footer
An important part of sewing involves knowing how to make button holes. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to cut a button hole and insert a button footer on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Watch and learn how easy it is use a Kenmore sewing machine to make button holes.
How To: Sew a straight stitch on a Kenmore sewing machine
This is the final step of learning how to sew on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Watch this how to video to learn how to sew a straight stitch on a this type of sewing machine. Run the motor as you press the reverse button, this locks up the thread.
How To: Fill a bobbin on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to fill a bobbin with thread properly. This sewing how to video will show you how to fill a bobbin on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Happy sewing!
How To: Use an adjustable overcast foot on a sewing machine
To use an adjustable overcast foot on a sewing machine, watch this video sewing tutorial. It is ideal for stitching and finishing stretch fabrics or fabrics that unravel easily. Prevents seam from puckering, even when stitching wider seams. Turning the screw, adjust wire to seam width so needle swings over wire on right side. Stitch slowly with edge of fabric even with red guide and stitch going over wire. Use an adjustable overcast foot on a sewing machine.
How To: Use an applique foot for a sewing machine
To use an applique foot for a sewing machine, select zigzag stitch with very short stitch length 0.30 to 1, width of 1.5 - 4.0. Loosen tension to about 3. Transfer pattern to paper side of fusible backing. Mirror all letters or numbers. Iron fusible backing onto applique material, cut out designs and remove paper. Position applique pieces and iron onto base fabric. Place stabilizer under applique area. Over stitch all edges to prevent fraying. Use
How To: Use a bias binder on a sewing machine
To use a bias binder on a sewing machine, cut end of bias tape at a diagonal. Feed tape into scroll of binder and pull out to back. Adjust binder and/or needle position so that needle pierces fabric approximately 1/16 inch from folded edge of bias tape. Stitch about 1 inch along bias tape. Insert edge of fabric to be bound between bias tape edges into slot of binder. Bias tape encloses raw edge during sewing. Use a bias binder on a sewing machine.
How To: Sew a shirt cut from a pattern
Always wondered how those store bought patterns are used? If so, then this is the how to video for you. In this instructional video learn to sew a shirt from a Vogue pattern. Watch as they demonstrate how to cut out the pieces and then sew them to make a beautiful shirt.
How To: Use eyelet pliers to attach grommets
Here's a quick video tutorial on using eyelet pliers. These work with the smaller eyelets by forcing the grommet through the fabric and curling it back on itself on the other side. Eyelet pliers are very quick and easy to use to attach grommets.
How To: Transfer pattern markings
In this how to video tutorial, learn how to transfer pattern markings. Get the basics on how to transfer sewing pattern markings. Different methods covered in the video include transfer paper, wheel and chalk, plus a couple of other sewing tricks.
How To: Straighten out wrinkled sewing patterns
Sometimes you find a pattern you really like, but it never folds up like it did when you first bought it! The result? A wrinkly messy pattern crammed in the envelope. This instructional how to video shows you how to straighten pattern pieces back out quickly and easily.
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: Sew a simple pillow or dog bed out of jeans
In this how to video tutorial learn to sew a simple pillow out of jeans. Make your own pattern and create a pillow using just about any piece of clothing you don't use. You can also use creation as a pillow or as a dog bed if you make it big enough.
How To: Sew a crazy quilt Christmas stocking
This is a great project if you want to make something one-of-a-kind! It's a great gift idea as well. The principles behind assembling the "crazy quilt" fabric is that it can be used to make anything. This how to video tutorial demonstrates how to make a Christmas stocking, but you can easily continue adding onto the quilted fabric to make something larger like a bed quilt, tote, pillows, clothing, almost anything. Watch and start sewing.
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: Sew fold over elastic onto a cloth diaper cover
Cloth diapers are ecological and can be reused, without the endless waste of the disposable kind. Learn how to sew FOE (fold over elastic) onto a diaper cover. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to make cloth diapers at home.
How To: Sew a packy holder for transgender underwear
This is a five part video on constructing packy underwear for FTM (female to male), transgendered people. A packy holder is essentially a prosthetic penis inserted into underwear. As this is a specialty item, it may be difficult for transgendered people to buy underwear with a packy holder ready made, thus requiring a little bit of home crafting. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to sew a packy holder for transgender underwear.
How To: Sew a pair of panties
This video sewing tutorial series shows how to make a pair of panties. While you could just go buy your own, hand-ensures an exact fit and custom colors. Besides, it's fun! Learn how to sew a pair of underwear by watching this instructional video.
How To: Make triple pinch pleated drapes with deep pleat tape
Add decorative touches to your home with customized window treatments. In this sewing how-to video Jennifer Thoden demonstrates how to use Deep Pleat Tape and 4 prong hooks to easily make professional pinch pleated drapes... without sewing the pleats. Don't leave your windows looking bare again, watch and learn how to make custom triple pinch pleated drapes.
How To: Sew custom welt cording
Add decorative touches to your home by learning how to sew. This sewing how-to video teaches you how to sew custom welt cord. You can use welt cording to decorate pillows, window treatments, or to decorate a seam. Watch and learn how easy it is to use around your home.
How To: Sew a blind hem stitch
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 your own bobby pin hair bow
This tutorial video will teach you how to make your very own cute hair accessory: a bobby pin hair bow. This hair bow is extremely cute and great for many occasions.