Hot Sewing & Embroidery Posts
How To: Sew a zipper easily
Thread Heads travel to a craft fair and learn how to sew a zipper on to your homemade clothing.
How To: Make a new school backpack
The summer's fading fast and it's back to school time again. This week we're breaking you off some tips to help you become the most fashionable in your class, plus we show you how to transform last year's threads into this year's cool, new school gear. Class is now in session!
How To: Make a reversible purse out of old clothes
Thread Heads Quickie: take some old clothes and using a basic pattern from the internet, construct a new reversible handbag for yourself.
How To: Make a guitar strap
This video series from our expert Candi Cane-Canncel. Candi will guide you through the steps to create your own unique guitar strap.
How To: Make a table runner
In this video series, our expert Terri Turco will show you how to make and sew a table runner, and how to make a table runner without sewing. Terri will teach you how to iron the fabric, how to stitch the fabric, and how to use stitch witchery to fuse two pieces of fabric together.
How To: Make a sewing tote bag
In this video series our expert Terry Turco will show you how to make a sewing tote bag. She will show you how to make the pattern for the tote bag, mark the location of the handles, insert the handles, sew the bottom and the sides, and do a bit of slip stitching.
How To: Understand all about sewing patterns
In this video series, our expert Terri Turco will teach you all about sewing patterns. She will teach you how to read the pattern, wheres to find them, and how to navigate them.
How To: Make a flared skirt
This instructional video series with expert Candi Cane-Canncel will teach you how to make your own flared miniskirt from scratch. You will learn to measure your hips and waist for the perfect, sexy fit.
How To: Put in an easy, flat fly-front zipper
Ignore the instructions that came with your pattern. Most are so complicated, you'll give up and switch to a lapped zipper insertion. Learn detailed instructions for converting any zipper opening to a fly front. Click the Realplayer or Quicktime link to start the video. Put in an easy, flat fly-front zipper.
How To: Add piping to pockets
This video demonstrates the process utilized by seamstress Maria Perez to make piped pockets for the fashions in Manuel's Nashville, Tennessee, shop. It goes over how he makes the piping and then how it's added to the pockets. Make sure to click the RealPlayer or Quicktime link to start the video. Add piping to pockets.
How To: Do all-in-one piping and facing
For a neat, decorative edge finish, convert the piping flange to a self-finished facing, thereby eliminating the need for a separate facing or a lining. This video will show you just how to do all-in-one piping and facing with a thick and thin version. Make sure to click the RealPlayer or Quicktime link to start the video. Do all-in-one piping and facing.
How To: Sew a neckline binding for knits
The amount of stretch varies from knit to knit so it's important to learn how the different fabrics behave and then experiment with the various types of neckline finishes you'll be creating. This video takes you through the process of sewing neckline bindings for knits. Click the RealPlayer or Quicktime link to start the actual video.
How To: Conquer inset corners
Seamlines that incorporate sharp inside corners are cropping up in more and more patterns these days, including most designs with gussets, all shawl collars and some full-roll collars. Shirley Smith demonstrates her technique for creating a crisp, 90-degree corner, but it works for any angle. The only out-of-the-ordinary supply you'll need is a scrap of Swiss cotton organdy. So click the Real Player or Quicktime link and get started on learning how to conquer inset corners! Conquer inset corn...
How To: Make round box pillows
Square edges on a round box pillow are easy if you follow the steps. Learn the more obvious, but often overlooked, techniques for laundering buttoned pillow covers. This video goes over it all, just make sure to click the Real Player or Quicktime link to start the actual video.
How To: Sew silk
Shifting fabric, snags, and puckered seams are just a few of the pitfalls in working with silk. From choosing the right needle, thread, and stabilizer, to pre-shrinking and final pressing, learn how to simplify this intimidating process and correctly sew silk. Sew silk.
How To: Sew a classic leather seam
Sewing with leather is not as difficult as you might think, especially when you know the tricks of the trade. Watch this video and learn how to make a classic leather seam. Sew a classic leather seam.
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: Sew a zipper backpack
In this video series, learn how to make a zipper backpack. Our expert, Karen Weisman, shows you the step-by-step instructions to make this sewing project. Learn the materials you need.
How To: Make a reversible Teddy bear
In this video series, expert Karen Weissman will show you how to make your own stuffed animal, a reversible Teddy bear. This little toy has a long history in American homes, switching from a little bear in a dress to a sleeping bear under a blanket.
How To: Sew a baby blanket
In this video series, our expert mommy Karina Fraley, will demonstrate how you can sew your own baby blanket and burping cloth. If you have a new baby, you know how expenses can build up, but learning how to make easy sewing projects like this baby blanket is a cheap way to create a beautiful gift for your baby.
How To: Make a jean skirt out of jeans
Got a pair of old jeans lying around? Why not turn them into a new stylish skirt? It's really simple, just follow the directions in the video.
How To: Hem pants
In this video, Andrew explains the basics of what materials and supplies you need to get started in hemming your pants. Then he goes over choosing thread, the right size needle and finally hemming the pants.
How To: Needlepoint a tapestry
In this series of videos, you will be able to learn more about the art of needlepoint tapestry. Get equipped with the right threads, needles, patterns and other accessories needed for making your own tapestry.
How To: Make a vest out of a T-shirt
We're bringing back the Vest in a whole new way. Move over Ferris Bueller, this quick and easy t-shirt restyling will have you stylin' in no time.
How To: Make luggage tags & cell phone accessories
In this sewing video series, learn how to make your own cell phone case and luggage tags. Dressing up the most important of tools in your arsenal, whether it’s a Blackberry or an iPhone, can help you add a sense of style and personality to your everyday life.
How To: Make a paper bag waste skirt
Morgan Hungerford from Panda Head and Muss Clothing teaches us how to make a cool paper bag waist skirt out of an oversized skirt.
How To: Make a jean purse
If you have an old pair of jeans that are absolutely unwearable, don't worry there's still hope. Make those jeans into something really special like a jean purse!
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: Make a vintage inspired kitchen apron
In this clip you're going to see how to make a vintage inspired apron. The first step to making your apron is choosing your fabric, then determining what size you want your apron to be. See how to do these first steps in this part of the series.
How To: Make a decorative pillow
In this series you'll see how to make a decortive pillow with a geometric boarder and multiple pieces of material. You will need a sewing machine.
How To: Use a Serger sewing machine
In this video clip series full of instructions and advice for sewing and using a Serger, you will learn how to use the controls, the parts of the machine, threading techniques and much more.
How To: Thread a sewing machine
This series will teach you the basics of sewing machine operation. Our expert will identify the parts of the sewing machine for you, as well as explain some of the general functions and abilities of the machine. Tips include how to thread a sewing machine, winding and installing the bobbin, selecting the proper foot, and turning the fabric.
How To: Know materials and supplies needed for sewing
In this informative video clip series, our expert seamstress will show you everything you need to begin a sewing project either by machine or by hand. Learn how to measure fabric and what types of measuring devices are available, see the types of scissors, rulers, thimbles and pins are available to choose from, and get pointers on fray checkers and seam rippers. Everything you'll need to begin a sewing project is right here!
How To: Sew zig zag patterns
In this instructional video clip series, our seamstress and expert tailor will demonstrate the zigzag stitch with her sewing machine and teach you how to stitch patterns and elegant zigzags on your fabrics.
How To: Sew a waistband casing
In this series of how to videos you’ll learn how to sew waistband casings into a pair of pants, shorts, a dress and a skirt.
How To: Make a decorative pillow
In this video series, let Denise Robinson show you how to make a decorative pillow. Part 1 of 8 - How to Make a decorative pillow.
How To: Make needle felt animals
In this video Corinne Bradd shows Kristy Clark the technique of felting, by matting together the fibres of unspun of wool with a barbed needle to create a dense form that can be shaped.
How To: Make a fabric basket
Learn how to make a fabric tea basket including creating the pattern for the basket and assembling it.
How To: Choose thread and sewing machine settings
Sample different types of threads and sewing machine settings to learn the best combinations for varying sewing projects and effects.
How To: Sew with bar-tack stitching
Embellish sewing projects using various bar-tack stitching techniques on your sewing machine.