Hot Sewing & Embroidery Posts
How To: Do the Outline Stitch
Here's a couple video tutorials from Needle 'n Thread for a basic hand embroidery stitch - the outline stitch. It's another versatile, easy stitch!
How To: Do the Ladder Stitch
Ladder stitch in hand embroidery can be one of two stitches. There's the surface embroidery technique that creates a decorative band that looks a lot like a ladder, with edges that look like a chain stitch. There's also a drawn thread technique called ladder stitch that produces a ladder-like strip of remaining threads in the design area. The ladder stitch in this video tutorial is the former - the decorative band used in surface embroidery. Watch this video from Needle 'n Thread to see how i...
How To: Draft/Make Patterns in Different Sizes (Pattern Making of a Basic Dress with Waistline)
If you want to learn patterns drafting/making in different sizes (EXTRA SMALL, SMALL, MEDIUM, MEDIUM-LARGE, LARGE, EXTRA LARGE), now it becomes easy with these great videos that make patterns drafting easier and clearer.
How To: Take proper care and perform basic maintenance on a sewing machine
Get a sewing machine for the holidays? Buying one for yourself? Like any machine, a sewing machine needs some basic maintenance to keep running properly. Make sure lint doesn't build up around the feed dogs, and oil the parts once a year to keep things running smoothly.
How To: Make Kitana's sexy fighter costume from "Mortal Kombat" for Halloween
Kitana from "Mortal Kombat" was the original gal whos looks literally could kill. Killer curves plus killer butt-whooping skills? The girl knew how to work it.
How To: Upcycle an old t-shirt into a sexy halter top
We can bet you have at least a few old t-shirts lying around that you know you're never going to wear but can't seem to throw away for sentimental reasons. Well, rather than simply letting your clothing collect dust, we've got a genius idea for you: Why not turn that old t-shirt into something sexy? Yeah, we know you're probably going "yeah, right," as there seems little potential in your three sizes too big "Go Bruins" shirt, but stop thinking within the box.
How To: Repurpose plastic shopping bags into weavable plarn
Plastic bags on their own aren't quite strong enough to hold anything too heavy (at least not for an extended period of time), but when broken down into "plarn" - plastic yarn - they can be woven into some very sturdy fabric.
How To: Get a loose drawstring back into clothing
If you're drawstring fell out, it may seem like the end of the world, but take a deep breath -- it's possible to put back in!
How To: Sew an elastic into a cloth diaper by the blind method
Cloth diapers are ecological and save from waste. They can also be sewn easily at home. This method of sewing elastic should only be used on fitted diapers that will be serged. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to sew an elastic into a cloth diaper by using the blind sewing method.
How To: Sew a peasant blouse for a Renaissance costume
A great and simple way to add a little to your Renaissance Faire costume or costume closet - sew a peasant style top. All you need are a few yards of loose white fabric, your measurements and some basic sewing tools.
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: 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: Do the Split Stitch
The split stitch is another easy hand embroidery stitch, perfect for beginners and used often by advanced embroiderers. Here's a tutorial from Needle 'n Thread that will teach you two methods of using the split stitch.
How To: Sew bias tape binding on a curved edge
Bias tape can add a professional, classy edge or finish to any project. Working with bias tape on a straight edge certainly isn't hard, but the curves can sometimes be a bit tricky. However, they're not impossible, and you can pick up the technique in just a few minutes! This video shows you how to work with single fold bias tape and sew it evenly and professionally around curved edges.
How To: Sew a blouse to match an Indian sari
The sari is a beautiful dress, traditionally worn by East Indian women, involving a length of fabric draped over an under blouse. This tutorial shows you how to draft your own pattern for a sari blouse and then sew it together yourself. Always iron your fabric before you start working with it!
How To: Make your own Native American princess costume
Be an Indian Princess this Halloween! You can make a fun and sexy Native American costume out of just a few yards of suedecloth (faux suede), along with some beads, feathers and other Native American flavored accessories. Go barefoot, or make your own moccasins!
How To: Turn an old zipper into a flower decoration
Turn some old sewing basket leftovers into some fun and crafty creations! This tutorial shows you how to turn an old zipper into a trendy little flower. All you need, besides the zipper, is some needle and thread and some felt or heavy fabric to use as the base.
How To: Do the Roumanian Couching Stitch
Here's another video tutorial from Needle 'n Thread for a hand embroidery stitch called Roumanian couching, which is used primarily as a filling stitch.
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: Sew your own retro chic circle skirt
Circle skirts are easy, and look good on nearly any figure. You can sew your own without needing a pattern at all - just pick your under fabric and over fabric, then follow along with this tutorial for a retro chic addition to your wardrobe.
How To: Create a sexy tube top and jumper shorts with Gianny L
Spare scraps at the fabric store (leftover from other customers, or just the remainders of the fabric bolt) are great for DIY projects because they're cheap and there's a great variety to choose from.
How To: Sew with bar-tack stitching
Embellish sewing projects using various bar-tack stitching techniques on your sewing machine.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.
How To: Drape the front and back bodice on a dress
For beginners, sewing can be a confusing a difficult hobby that requires patience and the right tools. Whether you're adding a button on a shirt or creating a dress from scratch, being detailed and precise is important.
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: Draft your own darts when making a skirt without a pattern
Darts add shape and a more fitted line to garments that use them. While many patterns come with the darts pre-printed, how do you add darts when you're sewing without a pattern? This tutorial shows you how to add your own darts by hand.
How To: Draft a pattern for a bodice at home for free
Instead of paying for expensive patterns that might not even fit you perfectly, create your own! This tutorial shows you how to take your own measurements and then draft a bodice pattern. It's very easy, and a great way to get lots of free patterns!
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: Do the Whipped Running Stitch
Another hand embroidery stitch that's great for beginning embroidery - the whipped running stitch. It's a simple, quick stitch to work. This stitch is one of many line stitches that can be used for bold or delicate outlines, depending on your choice of thread. Watch this video from Needle 'n Thread to see how it's done.
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: 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 fashionable harem pants with Gianny L
Fashion doesn't have to be restrictive or uncomfortable, we swear. Thanks to the recent high fashion runway trend of harem pants seen at multiple shows in Paris, Milan, and New York, we now have a fashionable clothing item that doesn't (literally) take our breath away or suffocate our baby toe.
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: Thread an industrial sewing machine
This quick tutorial video will show you how to thread an industrial sewing machine. Follow these quick steps to thread an industrial sewing machine: Wind the bobbin thread and pace the bobbin in the bobbin case. Pull out 4" of thread and place the bobbin case in the hook. Now feed the top thread right to left through the eyelet bar and feed through the thread holes around the tension discs and upward through the take up. Go down through the thread guides and through the needle bar thread guid...
How To: Craft a beautiful empire waist multi-wrap dress with Gianny L
Convertible dresses are the best, especially when you like the color and general form of a dress but you'd like to give it new life by enhancing your waist rather than your bust line, for instance.