Hot Sewing & Embroidery How-Tos
How To: Make your own bias tape with a bias tape maker
The bias cut is when you cut a piece of fabric at a forty five degree angle from the direction it was woven on a loom. Bias tape, a strip of fabric cut on the bias, can be used to give any garment a professional looking finish, and here is how you can make your own.
How To: Break in or season your corset without damaging it
When you first buy a corset from a retailer, you will need to give the thread and fabric the chance to shape itself according to your own personal shape. Here is the best way to break in or season a new corset to make it last longer.
How To: Sew a corset boning channel with a pressing bar
This tutorial shows you two different techniques for creating a boning channel when you're making a corset. You will need the corset boning and a pressing bar, along with some bias tape (or the ability to make your own) and a few other sewing notions.
How To: Sew your own corset tank top at home
This is a great and attractive shirt - a corset tank top. You don't need a pattern to make this, just some fabric, lining and ribbon. You'll also need some basic sewing notions and access to a sewing machine to sew this very basic item.
How To: Make a reversible waist cincher for your Renaissance Faire outfit
This is an easy tutorial that will go well with any Renaissance Faire outfit or similar costume. By using two different types of fabric, you can even make it reversible and increase the number of costumes you can wear it with.
How To: Cut up an old t-shirt and turn it into a corset halter top
Repurpose your old T-shirts! Create a fun summer look by creating a halter top/corset style look out of an old T-shirt. All you need is a sharp pair of scissors and a few embellishements or accessories. You won't even need a sewing machine.
How To: Make a ruffled and gathered Lolita skirt
Lolita, hime or Little Bo Beep - this skirt will serve all those costume functions! Sew an easy ruffled skirt and then use elastic to gather the waistband and create the outer ruffle. You don't need a pattern, just your measurements and a sewing machine!
How To: Sew a box pleated skirt for a flared Lolita style skirt
Depending on the fabric you choose, this could be part of your Lolita costume or a professional skirt. Sew a skirt with one inch box pleats, without needing a pattern. Get your fabric, measurements and some basic sewing supplies together, and you're ready to go!
How To: Sew a dirndl style Austrian or German skirt
The dirndl skirt is cut straight and gathered at the waist, and is a traditional style of German or Austrian skirts. Due to the cut and the flare, it's an ideal skirt for Lolita style costumes, and this tutorail shows you how to sew a dirndl without a pattern.
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: 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: 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 a lined and zippered change purse or pouch
Start with two rectangles of fabric, both the same size. You will also need a short zipper and a few basic sewing supplies (pins and a sewing machine). Then just follow along with this video to make your own zippered change purse!
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: Sew your own Lolita or cosplay ruffles
Ruffles are incredibly easy to make, though they are time consuming. Get a length of your chosen fabric, and then follow along with this tutorial to make an elegant and fun ruffled ribbon that you can use as an embellishment, a headband or an accessory.
How To: Sew a simple adorable ruffled black strapless dress with Gianny L
A strapless dress is a smoldering, make-'em-weak-in-the-knees choice for any glamorous occasion. But getting both a beautiful dress and one that fits you to a tee is rather difficult.
How To: Craft a DIY cord basket adorned with ribbons
When it comes to quirky homemade DIY, cords - made from rope, twine, or other materials - aren't usually used in many projects. Other than tying nautical knots, it seems they're quite defunct.
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 a no sew apron out of your fabric scraps
Trying to figure out what to do with the scrap fabric in your stash? This tutorial shows you how you can make a no sew apron by raiding your stash. Dress it up by adding your own appliques, patches or embellishments.
How To: Sew a pair of frilly pyjama knickers
Make your own pyjama knickers! This is a great tutorial that a beginning sewer can use to hone their skills. You don't need very much fabric - just some elastic and a few basic sewing notions as well as your sewing machine.
How To: Embroider a simple shape using a chain stitch
Embroidery is a useful skill to develop so you can add your own embelllishemnts to favorite clothes, and it's not as difficult as it seems. This tutorial, perfect for beginners, shows you how to create a simple embroidery pattern using the basic chain stitch.
How To: Sew your own vintage inspired skirt
Love the look of vintage? You don't have continuously prowl vintage stores - make your own inspired skirt! All you need is your favorite fabric and a few sewing notions (matching thread, scissors, pins, and of course, a sewing machine).
How To: Use a sewing machine to sew on paper or cardstock
This video represents a union between two spheres of crafting - sewing and cardmaking. You can create some decorative stitching on your handmade greeting cards by using your sewing machine. Here's how you can sew on paper without ruining the paper or cardstock.
How To: Sew a button onto your pants
Often times, when you buy ready to wear clothes, you'll get a garment where the buttons are sewn on very loosely. To keep the buttons from popping off, here is how you can reinforce the buttons on your pants or other garments.
How To: Give your jeans and other pants some stylish hems
If you are consistently finding that the cuffs of your jeans and pants are too long, you can use this tutorial series, which will show you how to professionally alter your pants. Cut off the excess, and then resew a stylish new hem.
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: Craft cute silicone cupcake charms for a bracelet
The trouble with jewelry that's been made by a mass retailer or even a hipster/indie artist is that it's made without any care to your wrist, neck, or finger size. Often this means that bracelets may sling too big, or necklaces wrap around your neck too tight.
How To: Make your own decorative pillowcase
This is a great home decor tip that will definitely save on your budget. You can use discontinued designer fabrics for this. Cut your swatches into strips and then sew to match your pillow. Then just add a sturdy zipper and you're done!
How To: Turn a pair of old jeans into some cute summer sandals
If your jeans have worn out from wearing them all winter, don't throw them out! You can easily recycle them into a cute pair of summer sandals! All you will need, apart from the jeans, are a few basic sewing notions.
How To: Make a Handbag Out of an Old Pair of Jeans & Some Scrap Fabric
Start with an old pair of jeans and some scrap fabric. Then, using a few small sewing notions (scissors, thread and a decorative button) and the pattern given in this video, transform this old fabric into a super cute and useful lined handbag.
How To: Turn your old jeans into a denim pouch
Don't throw out your old, worn out jeans - repurpose them! This video shows you how to take some of your old blue jeans and transform them into a useful, elegant and classy denim pouch. All you need are a few basic sewing supplies.
How To: Recycle your old and outdated clothes into updated new fashions
Sifting through your closet, you've found a bunch of clothes that are still wearable but hopelessly out of date. Instead of waiting for the fashions to cycle around again, here are a few tips on how you can update old clothes.
How To: Recycle an old wedding dress into a chic new dress
You don't have to use your own wedding dress - just use one you find at a thrift store! This tutorial shows you a great way to take an old and outdated wedding dress and turn it into a chic dress.
How To: Turn your old jeans into a rag rug
Collect all your old and worn jeans, then cut off the hems, cuffs and seams. Sew them all together onto a piece of backing fabric, and you have your own floor mat or rag rug. A great way to recycle old clothes.
How To: Upcycle an old and worn out pair of jeans
Sometimes jeans are just beyond repair, but it doesn't seem quite right to throw them away. This video gives you a few good ideas on how you can upcycle a worn out pair of jeans into a lampshade or notebook cover.
How To: Create an applique motif using a simulated needle turn technique
This is a quick and easy shortcut that shows you how to simulate the needle turn effect when you're attaching a fabric applique. This also helps you hide a raw edge, which gives your entire project a cleaner and more professional look.
How To: Sew a simple and easy drawstring bag
A drawstring bag has a thousand different uses, and it's a great way to use up some of the bigger scraps in your fabric stash. This tutorial shows you a quick and easy way to sew a lined drawstring bag.
How To: Sew a curved hem that won't bunch or gather
Sewing a curved hem, such as a cuff or sleeve, can sometimes be tricky. Frustrated because your curved hems never lay flat and smooth? This tutorial shows you a few good techniques you can use to easily sew a professional looking curved hem.
How To: Sew a correct and elegant French seam
This seam is ideal for use on garments that will be washed often, such as lingerie or children's wear. It also adds a professional, finished look to your final garment. Here's an easy and quick way to sew your own French seam.
How To: Add a silk ribbon binding to your sewing project
Don't be intimidated by this couture technique - it's actually quite easy! Sew a silk ribbon binding to your project as a way to stabilize it. All you need is the ribbon, your fabric and a few extra sewing notions.