Hot Sewing & Embroidery How-Tos
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: Create a cute off the shoulder sweatshirt by cutting off the collar
Got a bunch of old, chunky sweaters accumulating in your closet? Of course you can donate them to Goodwill, but we're betting that you can get a lot more mileage out of those babies than you think.
How To: Tailor your own too large pants so they fit perfectly
Tailors can be expensive, but you can be your own tailor! This tutorial shows you how to take a pair of pants that might be a bit too big around the waist and take them in using professional tailoring techniques.
How To: Draft a Basic Pant Pattern
Written Instructions with accompanying video for anyone who wants to make a basic pant exactly to your measurements! Please get your correct measurements before you begin from How to Take Your Measurements.
How To: Sew quickly by hand without using a sewing machine
Sewing by hand can actually go quite quickly if you don't have access to your sewing machine or if it's broken. Hand sewing can also be useful if you're working with especially delicate fabrics, attaching an applique or making a small repair.
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?
How To: Disassemble your home sewing machine for routine maintenance
Many sewing machine repairs can be made at home, and most repairs can be completely avoided through routine sewing machine maintenance. This tutorial shows you how to carefully disassemble your machine to give it a round of maintenance. You will need a screwdriver - make sure not to lose any of the screws!
How To: Fix and clean the bobbin case area on your own sewing machine
Sewing is an expensive enough hobby without having to factor in repair costs, as well. You can save money (and have more cash to spend on fabric and notions!) by fixing your own machine at home. This video shows you how to clean and fix the bobbin case area, which can often get cluttered with lint and fuzz.
How To: Draft a Basic Bodice Pattern
Unlock the secret to clothing design. If you can draft and sew a basic bodice you can design virtually any kind of t-shirt, blouse or other top! Attach a skirt and you now have a dress! Take your measurements by using the guide in the " How to Take Your Measurements" section and let´s get started! If you would rather just whip up an easier beginners t-shirt go to How to Design a Quick T-Shirt.
How To: Transform ankle boots into sexy thigh-high footwear with Gianny L
Don't want to spend all of that money on a pair of thigh highs? The answer lies in the exact opposite… low ankle boots. Using your low ankle boots, you can maniple your way to thigh high boots. See how to sexy thigh high boots in this video from GiannyL.
How To: Embroider a keychain as an easy gift
Fun, creative, and functional, these embroidered keychains are a snap to sew and make fast, easy gifts
How To: Create a chic tatter skirt from fabric scraps
Just because your skirt is in tatters doesn't mean you look like a homeless hobo. In fact, when the tatters that comprise your skirt come from old but beautiful fabrics (instead of, well, just old and overused fabrics), you'll look both chic and money smart.
How To: Apply applique's and iron-on transfers
It's time to take control of your wardrobe. This week the Threadheads show you some quick and easy ways to apply applique's and iron on transfers.
How To: Embellish your clothes and accessories with buttons
Minimalist accessories are quite in right now, with interest being added by textures, cuts, and sleek designs. But sometimes a girl just wants to have fun with her clothing and accessories! In this episode of "Whitney Sews," Whitney will teach you how she embelishes wallets and other goodies with tiny buttons.
How To: Make your own customizable tank top pattern for beginners
What's the most efficient way to become a fashion designer? By challenging yourself to creating your own clothes from the ground up. And while you probably already know this means cuting, sewing, and embroidering your fabrics, it also means making your own patterns.
How To: Sew an easy centered zipper onto clothing with a sewing machine
If you already know how to sew a lapped zipper, than it's time to move onto the centered zipper, and that's exactly what you'll learn in this sewing tutorial. There's easy-to-follow directions for sewing lapped zippers using a basic sewing machine. If you don't have a sewing machine, check out all of the other zipper sewing tutorials. A center zipper is easy on any type of clothing fabric!
How To: Tie a Japanese bow knot
If you're looking to tie something that is elegant and beautiful, then this next tutorial has something for you. This video is going to show you step-by-step on how to tie a Japanese bow knot.
How To: Create a black off the shoulder batwing top in less than five minutes
Dressing up like Batman is way not cool. But dressing up in a Batman-inspired batwing sleeve top? Totally hot. Check out this fashion DIY tutorial to learn how to create an easy batwing top that's easy and breezy for fall.
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: Tie a celtic triangle knot easily
If you are interested in tying knots just for show and are looking for a challenge, this next tutorial might be what you need.
How To: Embroider a handmade potholder
In-the-Embroidery Hoop pot holders use a thermal lining and ironing board fabric to protect your hand from the heat. And, when you are not using the embroidered pot holders to handle warm dishes, they lay flat to become a hot pad or trivet! Watch this instructional embroidery video and obtain the skills needed to make your own beautifully embroidered potholder!
How To: Upcycle a tired old sofa, loveseat or overstuffed chair
Rescue a piece of roadside furniture, or give your own loveseat or couch a new look. This tutorial shows you how you can upcycle and add some new upholstery. Make sure you are careful to clean any furniture you find on the side of the road.
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: Take Your Measurements
These measurments should be taken and recorded before drawing up you clothing design pattern. Wear the bra and panties you will be wearing with the final garment. Another option, especially if you are going to be selling a series of the garments, is to follow a size chart. While sizing is not very standardized in the clothing industry, I like the charts on the Burdastyle website which are in both inches and centimeters. When measuring, the tape measure should be neither too tight nor too loos...
How To: Tie the Eternity knot to decorate a rope or string
In this video the host of "Tying It All Together" demonstrates how to create a "Eternity Knot". This type of knot is an attractive way to decorate a rope or string. Strung along one after another on a rope or string, it creates elongated bead-like knots at intervals of your choosing. The Eternity Knot is named for it's resemblance to the symbol of Buddha's all-knowing wisdom and the uncommon quality of his realizations. In this video the host will lead you through the entire process of creati...
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 hair bonnet or night cap
Nightcaps are something that will never get old and have been around for years and years. Originally, nightcaps were invented around the Middle Ages and were used as a way to help prevent head lice. As the years passed by they became more useful in other ways, especially when it came to keeping ones head warm. For women, they were also used to keep not only their head warm, but also to protect the hair from any kind of damage. This video tutorial will show you ladies how to make a hair bonnet...
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!
How To: Cut a hooded sweatshirt
You love your hooded sweatshirt but starting to feel like a weak person is strangling you all day long? With a quick snip with the scissors you can have a perfectly fitting sweatshirt and never have to worry about unnecessary discomfort again.
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: Make a Doo Rag Pattern
Video: . Whether you are gardening, cooking, riding a motorcycle or just want to cover up on a bad hair day, doo rags are easy to make and fun to personalize to suit to your style. If you would rather just download the durag pattern click here.
How To: Make your own handmade corset out of some old T-shirts
Upcycle your old T-shirts into a classy and fashionable corset top! All you need are some basic sewing notions, in addition to eyelets and eyelet pliers. Embellish your corset top with ribbon, appliques, rhinestones or any other accessory you fancy.
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: Make the Nutcracker's hat from "The Nutcracker"
If you've ever watched "The Nutcracker" before, then you know that one of the most whimsical and (physically) memorable characters of the ballet production is the King himself, the Nutcracker.
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: Do the Double Herringbone Stitch
Here's a video tutorial from Needle 'n Thread for the double herringbone stitch, which is a variation of the herringbone stitch. Just like the regular herringbone, this stitch can be used as a decorative band or edging.
How To: Tie the decorative Pipa Knot
In this Tying It All Together video tutorial, you will learn how to tie a decorative pipa knot. To begin, take a piece of rope and fold so that you have two strands. Create a loop and take the left strand and loop it around the original loop. Continue doing this until you have layers of loop-like structures, gradually getting smaller and folding into one another. The effect is a woven-like structure. To actually secure the knot, fold the end strand into the last loop and then pull this end st...
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: Embroider on Fleece Like an Expert
Fleece is an interesting and versatile fabric -- but what kind of stabilizer should you use? What kind of needle, and what type of embroidery design? All the mysteries of fleece are revealed in this embroidery video tutorial! Learn how to embroider on fleece like an expert with these helpful tips.
How To: Create a simple deconstructed sweater using only scissors
You don't need to be a Martha Stewart with the needle and thread to create cool, impressive clothing. In fact, you often don't need a needle and thread at all to upcycle your old, tired clothes.
Next Page
Prev Page