Sewing & Embroidery How-Tos
How To: Paint on a t-shirt
Learn how to ‘Paint onto your T-Shirt’ by watching this video. Materials required for this include the following:•Marabu Textil Plus Start Kit – 6 colors included with paint brush•Marabu Metallic Outliner Paints•Crocodile clips•Masking tape•Pencil•Design printed from the computer•Tracing paper•A large cardboard wrapped in cling film•A dark colored T- ShirtBegin by placing a tracing paper over the design and secure it to the table using masking tape. Next, use a pencil to trace the design on t...
How To: Cross stich with beads
Add a little flare to your creative sewing projects by adding beads! In this two-part video tutorial, learn how to cross stitch with beads to enhance your needlwork. Hosted by the Needlework Shoppe, tips are shared for cross-stitching with seed beads and petite seed beads.
How To: Sew a vintage smock
Get creative this weekend and start a new sewing project! In this five-part video tutorial, learn how to sew a stylish vintage frock! Why pay those ridiculous prices on eBay for vintage goods, when you can sew them yourself in the comfort of your own home? Learn all you need to know about sewing this adorable clothing piece in this series of five how-to videos.
How To: Sew a ballgown using a dressmaker
Are you going to the prom and nothing hanging in your retail stores is making the grade? Why not make your own prom ball gown at home? With some sewing skills, you might just top the best dressed list! In this two-part sewing tutorial, learn how to sew a ball gown using a dressmaker.
How To: Measure a female's hips for trousers
In this short video, learn how to measure a female's hips for a tailored suit or blouse. Aspiring tailors: With the slightest measurement off, a blouse or suit can be ruined so it is important to watch this guide closely! Good luck with your sewing project!
How To: Measure a woman's hip circumference for a suit
If you're interested in making a woman's tailored suit, chances are you will be taking some measurements beforehand.... and important ones. With the slightest centimeter or milimeter, a tailored suit can fit incredibly different than it's supposed to. In this video, learn how to properly measure a woman's hip circumference for a tailored suit.
How To: Measure male chest girth for suits
Are you an aspiring fashion designer? Or how about just someone who loves to sew and make clothes? If you're in the market to make male dress suits, it is a must that one learns how to properly measure a man's chest girth for the proper suit jacket fit. Learn how to take this imperative measurement in this video.
How To: Make a basic pant
In this three-part sewing tutorial, learn how to make a pair of pants that fit like a glove! In the first video, you will learn to take measurements and calculate measurements to plan out your pattern. In the second video, learn how to draw the pant pattern based on your measurement calculations, make a test pant and finalize your pattern design. Lastly, in the third installment of this series, learn how to sew on the zipper and button and stitch the legs of your pants.
How To: Tie a paracord river bar bracelet
Learn how to make a River Bar bracelet, which is also known as a Paracord bracelet, by following the steps outlined in this video tutorial. To start your bracelet, you will need to tie a reef knot. This is done by taking two loops (in two different color strings) and then placing one loop within the other, pulling this through the first loop to secure the two loops together. This knot creates the end of your bracelet. To actually make the River Bar design, bend the two colors of string so tha...
How To: Spice up your cross stitching with beads and charms
This video shows ways to spice up your stitching using beads and charms. It’s a great way to add 3D aspects without having to do complicated techniques. Examples of good places to add beads are eyes, punctuation marks, and similar things. They can be used instead of stitches such as French knots. Sometimes using embroidery needles can make it easier to add beads to the stitching. Since the beads don’t wash well, wash your design after the stitching but before adding the beads. You can also st...
How To: Whipstitch
In this Arts & Crafts video tutorial you will learn how to do Whipstitching. The video demonstrates how to stitch the bottom of a cloth basket to the sides of the basket. A whipstitch is a very basic stitch. Start at one end of the basket; attach the bottom to the sides with a pin. Pass the needle from the inside so that the knot is hidden. All you have to do is taking the thread and whipping it around the edge. At the beginning, give it a bit of binding stitch before stitching the rest of th...
How To: Finish garments with a serger or French seam
The video shows how to finish garments with serger or French seam. If you have a serger sewing machine then you can straight away place the seam along the seam and stitch on the machine. The advantage of this machine is that it gives 3 fledge serger stitch at one go. If do not have a serger machine then you can use the French seam. First the rough seam is stitched on the wrong side of the fabric and frayed edges are trimmed. Now the fabric is turned over and ironed over the stitch and a strai...
How To: Stitch a bland hem
This video demonstrates how to stitch a blind hem. A blind hem does not show stitching on the outer side of the garment, like a pair of pants or a shirt. If you turn the garment you do see the stitching. The reason you don't see the stitching on the outside of the garment is that it's not complete stitching. Depending on your machine it is actually a half of a zigzag stitch and then 3 or 4 strait stitches repeated down the seam. The only stitch that shows is the half a zigzag stitch. Before y...
How To: Cut felt with the Big Shot
First cut out card stock using the Big Shot Dye. This card stock is great as a template to make sure you are getting the most out of your felt. Cut out pieces of your felt around your card stock template trying to get as close as you can to the border of the card stock. Next take your Big Shot machine and place your cutting plates on the bottom, as well as your dye. Then layer your cut out felt pieces on top of your dye. Start rolling your felt through by cranking the handle on your Big Shot....
How To: Stitch a EZ cross stitch frame
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use the Stitch EZ Cross Stitch and Needlework Frame. This frame is designed to provide hours of stitching enjoyment without pain to the hands or damage to the fabric. It simply is held under the edge of your leg. It allows users to work with both hands, allowing users to stitch much faster. It has a magnetic needle holder and it can flip over. The panel is also removable and has 3 adjustments for the height. This video will benefit those viewers wh...
How To: Sew an arm/leg warmer for a baby or toddler
Vanessa is teaching you how to make arm and leg warmers for babies or toddlers. She is simply using some socks that she got by going to the dollar store and buying them. They only need one seam. You need to cut off the top of the sock first. Then you cut the heel and toe off the remaining sock piece. You need to fold the bottom part of the sock in half and make it into a loop. Put the loop over the raw end of the top of the sock. This will make it so all of the round edges are together. Stitc...
How To: Do a blanket stitch
In this video tutorial, viewers will learn how to do a blanket stitch. Begin by threading your needle. Then put the needle through only one side. Now run the needle through the other side, at the same place. Run another one through the same place to bind the edge. Now run the needle through the top bound stitches. Now run the needle from behind and go through. Put the needle through the loop of the thread and pull it tight. Continue this for this rest of the stitching. This video will benefit...
How To: Transform a hoodie into a strap bag
This video visually explains how to convert your hoodie into a strapped bag. First lay the hoodie face-up onto a table or other flat surface. Then you take a normal belt and, holding it in one hand, feed it in from one sleeve all the way through to the opposite side. Once the belt is peeking out through both sleeves, buckle it together. You can then place the items of your choosing inside the hood, tying it shut, while using the belt as a strap that you can hang around your shoulder like any ...
How To: Stitch a full length wedding veil
In this two-part easy-to-follow tutorial Corinne Bradd shows Kate Hemmings how to stitch a full length, two tiered wedding veil for just a small amount. Budget busting brides will love the stylish veil for the big day. It'll be perfect for any bride and mean that much more if sewn it yourself.
How To: Tie the Hunter's Bend decorative knot
In this video you will learn how to tie a knot known as the "Hunter's Bend". A "bend" is a type of knot used to join two ends of a rope together. Generally, it should be possible to untie this type of knot, once it's usefulness has passed. This knot was originally created by a man named Phil D. Smith during WWII, at which time he dubbed it the "Rigger's Bend". An English physicist, by the name of Edward Hunter, rediscovered the knot in 1978, and popularized it's use, leading to it's current n...
How To: Make a purple felt flower
This video is going to show you how to create purple felt flowers for your children or a nice little gift. The items you will need are an 18in piece of tread doubled knotted at the end, hot glue gun, a needle, a pom pom, and felt cut into the shapes you want to make your flowers out of. You want to begin by take the thread attached to the needle and doing a running stitch through the felt. Pull the thread as much as possible and then take the two ends and do a whip stitch to connect the two e...
How To: Make a tied fleece blankie
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a tied fleece blankie. Select any colored fleece and a coordinated patterned fleece. Purchase one yard of each fleece. Cut the fleece so that you have two pieces of 36 x 30. You will need a pair of scissors and a ruler. Sandwich your fleece together and lay it on a flat surface. Make your first cut at the 4 inch mark. Continue to cut in on strips until you reach the end of the fabric. Then turn the corner and cut a 4 inch square out of the fab...
How To: Turn an old towel into shorts
To recycle an old towel into shorts, fold the towel and cut it into a short leg's length worth of fabric. Cut another piece into a short leg's length worth of fabric. Draw a curved seam on one edge. Stack the towels and pin them to hold the fabric in place. Cut out the seam on both of the towels. Separate the towels and sew up the seams on both of the fabric pieces. Do not sew the top seam and front side seam of the shorts. Instead, sew the front and back side seams together. Thread and sew a...
How To: Make a cross stitch ornament with Needlework finisher
Beth Johnson explains how to use Needlework Finisher to turn cross stitched pieces into ornaments. Needlework Finisher comes out of the bottle as a thick, white liquid, but turns into a clear plastic coating when dry. No special equipment is required, and Beth demonstrates how to daub the Needlework Finisher onto the cross stitched items with a finger tip. She allows one side to dry before coating the other side. The "wrong" side of the cross stitch can be covered with plain fabric, by using ...
How To: Make a felt strawberry
Felt food is a great substitute for unsafe toys for children. A real life mom gives tips in this video on how to create great felt food that her children absolutely love playing with! The instructions are easy: Use wool or wool-blend felt instead of craft felt; it feels nicer. The first thing you need to do is cut out the felt patters provided on the website. You will need a red half circle, and a four pointed star. Seeds can be added by tying French knots using white thread. The next step is...
How To: Tie a single-strand Ringbolt hitch knot
In this video, JD, from Tying It All Together, demonstrates how to tie a knot known as a "Ringbolt Hitch". This is also known as "coxcombing". This type of knot was once a common tie used by sailors to dress-up items and parts of their ships. When tying a wheel, a "Turk's Head" knot was used to cover the part of the wheel where the two ends of the ring bolt met, which would firm up the hitch, and help to keep the tied ends from unraveling. It is a nautical tradition to use this type of knot t...
How To: Make a simple tote bag
This is a great tutorial for making a simple tote bag from household items. Pick a basic fabric and you're on your way with a lightweight and versatile catch all for books, groceries, etc.
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 a Military Bugle Cord Decorative Knot
Bugle cords are used as elaborate ornamental leashes on bugles and trumpets, but they are also used as snazzy ornamentation, called aiguillettes (a type of fourragère), on uniforms worn by certain members of the military. While you could buy one pre-made, you could also make one yourself. But this should not be confused with the infantry blue cord of the U.S. Army, which is another type of fourragère only with more elaborate knotting.
How To: Tie the Slatt's Rescue Belt knot design
In this video TIAT shows you how to make a rescue belt. Begin by making a basic knot in the center, holding that knot on the top of your ring finger and between your thumb begin making loops. To create these loops extend the strand to the right side of the knot straight out parallel to your thumb, with your right hand curl the yarn first up, than forward, than back down forming a circle that you slid over your thumb. Take the tail of the cord and pull it snug. Repeat these circular loops unti...
How To: Make fabric dolls
You start off with a printed design on your doll. Use regular paper, but you have to print the doll in individual pieces - body, hands, legs, head. You stick those on the front of hard materials like thick card stock or some thick fabric. Now you can putt the doll together and make adjustments. You put the doll together by using small thumb tacks. It's even better if you have ones that have a rhinestone on them. Once you've done the joints, you can also add a little tutu or some fairy wings. ...
How To: Tie the decorative Basket Knot
Black Widow Mask In this video, the talented Angie teaches us to apply a Black Widow Mask for Halloween using make-up products that most women will already have in their collection. She uses detailed explanations and shows us exactly what she is doing and why, such as explaining that she's applying black eyeliner to camouflage the false eyelashes she will later be applying. Her application is easy to follow and results in a stunning finishing effect. By following her advice, you too can have ...
How To: Tie the Trilobite decorative knot
Learn the right way of tying the ‘Decorative Trilobite Knot’, by watching this video. Take a rope and form two bends, as shown. Now pass each bend over a hook to form two loops at the center, resembling number eight. The free end of the rope on the right side is then passed over the lower loop of the eight, to the left. The free end of the rope on the left side is then passed under the rope, just passed from the right. Thereafter, it is passed under the lower loop of the eight, and pulled thr...
How To: Make an adorable hair bow for girls
CookiesHugs teaches you how to make an adorable hair bow for girls. For this, you will need a ribbon, scissors, glue gun, a hair clip, and a ruler. Cut 14-15 cm of the ribbon. Put clear nail polish on the ends of the ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half, width wise. Glue one side of the ribbon to the crease in the middle. Do the same on the other side as well. Place glue in the middle and fold the top and the bottom together. Wrap a piece of ribbon in on the outside, in the middle. On the back of ...
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 scene bow
This video teaches the viewer how to make a bow for your hair. You need a few materials to do this including 12 1/2 inches of ribbon that is approximately 1 inch wide, Two to three inches of contrasting ribbon for your center piece, a glue gun, 5 inches of craft wire and a hair clip. You can chose the colors or create several different ones to coordinate them with your wardrobe. They take only about 5 minutes to complete as long as you have all the materials on hand. Make sure to have a pair ...
How To: Tie a decorative snowflake knot
This video will show you how to tie a thick string or cord into a snowflake-like knot. Be sure to take your time, as there are a lot of loops to make. Also, you'll have to lightly pull the knots into shape a few times to retain the snowflake style. The instructor takes extended pauses to ensure that you can follow along easily. Near the end of the video, there is also a variation on the last few steps to make a slightly different knot. Whether you're a pro or novice at knot tying, you'll be m...
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: Hem a skirt
Most of us aren’t lucky enough to get clothes tailored for our bodies so to get your skirts just the right length you may need to change the hemline yourself. In one evening you can change a mediocre skirt into your favorite piece of clothing.
How To: Tie the decorative Panel Knot
The Panel Knot can be used for a number of different occasions. These knots are a great decoration piece and can be done with different styles and colors of rope to get a splash of life in your home. These knots can also be used as an accessory to any outfit. All you need is a piece of sturdy rope, your hand, and about 3 minutes to learn this great trade. This can also be a great activity for your family to enjoy making together.