Hot Sewing & Embroidery How-Tos
How To: Make a miniature backpack out of old jeans
Recently gained some weight (or lost a few pounds after getting yourself hooked on an intense exercise routine)? We've all been there, and know that your clothes probably aren't fitting the way they used to. But don't just throw your outdated threads into a plastic bag and toss them to Goodwill.
How To: Make a sleeveless draped cardigan in 30 seconds with Gianny L
Do you remember how to work a pair of scissors from 5th grade art class? Then you can definitely make this unbelievably easy sleeveless draped cardigan. Taking less than 30 seconds to make, all you have to do is trace two circles the size of your upper arm onto a piece of fabric.
How To: Make a girly, dainty cocktail dress for cheap with Gianny L
Got about two to three yards of a slinky cloth? Then that's all you need to make yourself a flirty cocktail dress in time for your next big soiree!
How To: Make a jewelry organizer out of a scarf and hanger
It's a common snafu: You're running late to a date with this cute guy you met at your English class last week, and you just HAVE to put on earrings. But as soon as you pick one out of the landfill-like dump, the rest of the earrings fly up with your selection, tangled and impossible to separate.
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: Create a drawstring halter/dress out of old T-shirts
A drawstring halter dress is so perfect for summer. They're cute and breezy, allowing your skin to breathe, and aren't too boxy, so they don't visually add extra pounds to your silhouette.
How To: Repurpose an old T-shirt into a pillow
Due to the current bohemian/indie trend in music, film, and fashion, vintage and recycled wares are in high demand and sell like hotcakes in many stores. But don't waste your hard-earned money on overpriced vintage goods when you have the materials lying around the house to make them yourself.
How To: Turn T-shirts into cotton tube yarn
Yarn is certainly not the most expensive fabric-making material world, but why would you spend $5 for a roll when you can spin together yarn yourself?
How To: Dye fabric items with coffee or tea
We've all heard of dying paper with tea dye for an aged, vintage effect. But did you know you could use tea (and coffee) to dye other things as well, including T-shirts and yarn?
How To: Turn old jeans into a figure flattering pencil skirt
We all know we should dress for our body type, and that there are different cuts and fits of clothing specifically tailored to enhance our shapes, but there exists one universally flattering piece of clothing out there that we believe flatters all: the pencil skirt.
How To: Recycle old jeans into an embellished mini skirt
It's so easy to toss an old pair of jeans into the trash or to donate it to the Salvation Army, but if you put your mind to it you can still reuse your musty jeans, just not in the same way you used to use them.
How To: Make a bohemian apron for cooking
When cooking, it's always a good idea to wear an apron. They prevent any kind of spills from ruining your clothing and can be used as a shield to proetect you from hot liquids. So in this tutorial, you'll be finding ou thow to make an apron with a bohemian style look to it. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Make a pillowcase dress
In this video, learn how to make a little girl's dress out of a pillowcase. In this tutorial, learn how to take a unique vintage pillowcase and turn it into a stylish, cute dress that any little girl will love. This dress is pretty easy to make and your daughter will look great in it for years to come.
How To: Sew a blanket stitch
Using felt or another thick fabric for your current sewing project? Need to reinforce the edge of a thick material? You will then need the blanket stitch! In this tutorial, learn how to sew a blanket stitch the correct way.
How To: How Do You Embroider Wonder Bread? Very, Very Carefully
Or so says embroidery artist Catherine McEver. The quirky creator also says: "How long do they last? I have a couple of slices that are over four years old that look just like new."
How To: Make a surrounding loop for your hair bow
Steal Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf hair bow look by creating your own hair accessories! In this video from Hair Hardware, learn how to make a pretty surrounding loop to give your hair bow a finished look! Leave your house each morning feeling as if you left a stylist's wardrobe closet by creating these A+ accessories that will take your look from drab to fab!
How To: Apply a center knot to your hair bows
From Hair Hardware, learn how to apply a center knot to finish off your hair bow! Take your hairstyle to the next level and rock a stylin' do with help from this free video! Stop going the easy route: With a little time and effort, you'll walk out the door feeling like you just left a stylist!
How To: Make a bow using a fork
Need to wrap a present for an upcoming celebration but have no extra money to blow on pre-made ribbons and bows? Then check out this super quick tutorial on how to make a bow using a fork.
How To: Do a running stitch
Getting started in the world of sewing & embroidery? The running stitch is the most popular of stitches in which the needle is passed in and out of the fabric. Get started doing the running stitch (sometimes called the straight stitch) with help from this fantastic tutorial presented by Stampin Mama.
How To: Do a chain stitch
Getting started in the world of sewing & embroidery? The chain stitch is a popular stitch in which a series of looped stitches form a chain-like pattern. Get started doing the chain stitch with help from this great tutorial provided by Stampin Mama.
How To: Make a no sew tied fleece blanket
Want to get started in the world of blanket making but don't know how to sew? No sweat. There are ways to get around sewing to make a very cool no-sew fleece blanket through just knots and ties alone. Learn how to create an awesome gift for your loved ones this winter with help from this free tutorial.
How To: Use a computerized sewing machine
In this tutorial, Sherry shows you how easy it is to use a computerized sewing machine, the Singer 7466. Computerized sewing machines are a relatively new invention. They work just like traditional machines but cut out a few steps in between for a more perfect stitch.
How To: Do a cross stitch French knot
Even some experienced cross stitchers find the French knot difficult to make, and beginning stitchers are often afraid to choose patterns containing them. Luckily, the technique you will learn in this tutorial will make it easier to learn and to execute. In this video clip, your instructor will do several in a row just so you can get the hang of it. Once you decide to take the leap and try this cross stitch knot, use this video to help you along. So grab a piece of fabric, thread your needle ...
How To: Do a simple cross stitch design
In this tutorial, Emily Dawe, assistant home and crafts editor for Woman's Weekly, demonstrates a simple cross stitch design. Cross stitching is a fun hobby and really helps fill any empty time you may have. If you are looking to start cross stitching, have a look at this video and begin with the basics.
How To: Make a no sew fleece blanket for Project Linus
In this tutorial, run by Project Linus, learn how to make a no sew fleece blanket for kids in need. This video will show you how to make a warm, comforting cover that any child would love.
How To: Sew a button onto any garment
Need to replace a button on a shirt? How about sewing something new with buttons? Learning to sew is a great way to get creative and to customize clothes you love by either tailoring them to fit your body better or embellishing designs by adding extra buttons or fabric. In this tutorial, learn how to hand sew a button onto a garment.
How To: Hand sew a button on a shirt
Missing a button and in a hurry? Instead of waiting a couple days when dropping off your dress shirts at a seamstress, why not fix the problem yourself within an hour? In this video, learn how to hand sew a button on a shirt with "How To Sew with Jenny T".
How To: Make a flower loop bow to decorate gifts
Leah for May Arts Ribbon shows how to make a flower loop bow. The following items are needed for it: Needle and thread, scissors, May Art Ribbons and a ruler. Buttons or flowers may also be needed to put on top of your bow as per your selection.
How To: Sew a baby bib
There's nothing greater than giving a baby a handmade gift that they will treasure. In this tutorial, learn how to sew a simple double sided baby bib. This bib is adorable and durable and will last long enough to pass down from kid to kid.
How To: Make a cool ribbon tree
This video shows how to make a beautiful little ribbon tree. This project is a great way to use up your leftover ribbon.
How To: Make ribbon blower
This is a great instructional video on how to make ribbon flower. First you have to take 12" long pink color ribbon. Now you have to use a needle with a linen thread.You have to stitch in the edge of the ribbon. Now fold the ribbon to look like petals of flower.Now add one small stitch to join the ends together. Then knot off the thread. Now add crystal effects along the flower edges. You can then use chunky glitter. You can also use power pals. You can now use the circle punch now. You can u...
How To: Hem a pair of skinny jeans
Are your new skinny jeans dragging on the ground? That's no good. Keep those bottom seams clean by hemming up your pants! In this sewing tutorial, learn how to hem a pair of skinny jeans and make them look as if they were taken straight to a professional seamstress.
How To: Sew easy darts
Inserting darts can instantly make a baggy piece of clothing fit like a glove. Dart placement, in all cases, depends on your body - you only use darts where you need "shaping" or when a garment needs "curves". In this video, learn how to sew easy darts into a garment that needs adjusting.
How To: Sew a skirt for an American Girl doll
Are you a collector of the amazing doll collection made by American Dolls? Want to make your own custom clothes for your American Doll? In this video, learn how to sew a simple skirt with guidance from this sewing expert.
How To: Decorate cushion covers
Leona from Artists Resource shows us how to decorate cushion covers with a beautiful multi-colored leaf design. You will need textile paint, metallic pens, scissors, glue, paintbrushes, masking tape, a marker pen, cardboard, scrap paper, and some cling film.
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: Do whipstitch applique
Want to attach an appliqué with a whipstitch? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this guide can present a complete and thorough overview of the stitching process in just over two minutes' time. For more information, as well as to get started applying your own appliqués by whipstitch, watch this free video guide.
How To: Make a felt flower pin
Looking for your next craft project? Look no further. This crafty person's guide will walk you through the process of making a custom felt flower pin with supplies from your local craft store and about 45 minutes of labor. For more information, including a list of necessary materials and step-by-step instructions for making your own floral pin, watch this free video tutorial.
How To: Make reversible placemats
Placemats are an important piece when it comes to setting the table. Not only can it add a certain sense of style to the table, but it can help keep your table top nice and clean! Usually placemats have only one particluar side where it is going to be used the most. In this video tutorial, you'll find out how to make reversible placemats so you have another option to choose from. Enjoy!
How To: Sew on a shank button
In this tutorial, follow along as Jenny T shows you how to sew on a shank button. In this video, you will learn how to sew a shank button onto anything - fabric, jeans, blankets, jackets - anywhere you may need a fix.