Sewing & Embroidery Features
How To: Sew an easy and quick bound buttonhole
A bound buttonhole doesn't have to be difficult. This video shows you several different techniques taught in various sewing books, and then shows you a synthesis of both methods. Don't worry about having to hand sew your buttons, you can do it all by machine.
How To: Tie the Rising Sun decorative knot
In this tutorial, we learn how to tie the rising sun decorative knot. First, loop your string on the left side, then pull the right side over the top. Now, bring the bottom of the right side over and place the end into the first loop going over the other string. Next, remove the string from the last loop it was in, then bring the right over to the right loop and push through to the bottom. Next, bring the right string over to the left side and thread through the left loop closest to it. Next,...
How To: Wind thread on a bobbin on a Signer sewing machine
Get started on sewing projects today! Winding thread onto a bobbin will be second nature very soon. Watch this video sewing tutorial and be on the way to smooth bobbin winding.
How To: Do Buttonhole Wheels
Once you know how to do the buttonhole stitch, it's just a matter of "working it" a bit to master variations of the stitch. In this video from Needle 'n Thread, you'll learn how to work a buttonhole wheel, which can be effectively used in all kinds of embroidery - especially flower-like accents and for adding texture to designs.
How To: Do the Seed Stitch
Here's a video tutorial for the seed stitch used in hand embroidery. This is a very simple filling technique! Seed stitch looks great when it's worked either in a uniform pattern (as it is in the video) or when it's worked randomly. Watch this video from Needle 'n Thread to see how it's done.
How To: Make a key fob from scratch
If you need to add some decoration to your keys, a key fob is the way to go. Key fobs are decorative items that many people carry with their keys. There are many different ways to go when creating a key fob, but one of the best ways is to make your own using fabric from the store.
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: Embroider the French knot
Make It Mine Magazine editor Linda Augsburg shows you how to make French knots. A French knot takes the place of a dot in embroidery. Watch this video embroidery tutorial and learn how to make a French knot.
How To: Make a tablecloth
Learn how to make a tablecloth with expert tips on sewing, pinning, and trimming in this free home decoration video series on making a tablecloth.
How To: Sew a cute and romantic halter dress
This shows you how to make a beautiful and simple halter dress. You will need at least one scarf (more if they are sheer), a few yards of your favorite fabric, scissors, a needle and thread, and a measuring tape.
How To: Thread a sewing machine
Crafts are easily completed once you learn how to quickly thread a sewing machine. You Will Need
How To: Sew elastic (polybraid & Lastin)
This video is a tutorial on sewing both polybraid elastic and lastin elastic. Polybraid is a very sturdy fabric elastic, while lastin is a thin, clear, very stretchy elastic, good for use in diapers. It is important to buy name brand lastin elastic to ensure good quality.
How To: Make a pattern from a shirt
Save your favorite T-shirt by making a pattern; learn how to make a pattern from your favorite t-shirt in this free video on fashion design and sewing.
How To: Make a kawaii donut pillow with strawberry frosting and sprinkles
Homer Simpson would have an absolute fit over this delicious-looking kawaii donut pillow. Embellished with a thick layer of strawberry frosting and then topped lightly with candy-colored sprinkles, this pretty donut looks almost good enough to eat.
How To: Sew a classic leather seam
Sewing with leather is not as difficult as you might think, especially when you know the tricks of the trade. Watch this video and learn how to make a classic leather seam. Sew a classic leather seam.
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: Cut a button hole and insert a button footer
An important part of sewing involves knowing how to make button holes. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to cut a button hole and insert a button footer on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. Watch and learn how easy it is use a Kenmore sewing machine to make button holes.
How To: Tat a split ring
This tutorial video will show you how to tat a split ring. Tatting is a technique used to make doilies. The Split ring is really quite easy once you try it. It is invaluable for branching out from one round of a doily to the next, and a chain of split rings make a pretty necklace as well.
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: Do applique projects
Interested in applique craft projects? Learn how to use applique patterns, including sewing applique and iron on applique in this free craft project video series.
How To: Embroider your own t-shirts
Tshirts are a warm weather favorite and are available in a variety of colors and styles. This instructional embroidery video demonstrates tips and tricks for getting great results when embroidering on thin and stretchy knits. Partake in this embroidery project - makes for fantastic gifts.
How To: Make a rattlesnake key fob
Looking for a stylish, slightly menacing way to store your keys? The "rattlesnake tie" is in actuality Clifford W. Ashley's Over-And-Under Heaving Line Knot or ABOK #541. That said, the rattlesnake tie is a whole lot easier to say and remember, so that name is used here.
How To: Recycle old fabric into a fashionable banded off-shoulder top with Gianny L
There's no need to drop mad stacks at a department store in order to wear clothing that looks fashionable. In fact, you may not know it yet, but you probably have a few gems waiting to shroud your figure in your garage.
How To: Embroider with thick thread
Thick, wool, 12 weight embroidery thread makes any embroidery project soft and lush. The results are similar to centuries-old hand crewel embroidery. This instructional embroider video will provide some handy tips for this technique.
How To: Sew your own cute circle skirt without a pattern
You don't need a pattern to make cute clothes! All you need for this tutorial is to take your measurements and then turn that into your own free pattern! Then get a length of fabric, cut, sew and you have a new circle skirt!
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: Tie the Tea Cup decorative knot
If you're into arts and crafts then you know that there is more that you can do with a long piece of string than just tie your shoes. On this TyingitAllTogether video you have the opportunity to tie the teacup decorative knot using one long piece of string folded in half. The author of the video first shows you what the end product will look like then methodically begins to walk you through setting up the string in Y-configuration to "crossing each bights crook" which involves overlapping and...
How To: Use zig-zag stitch as an overlocking stitch
In this tutorial, we learn how to use a zigzag stitch as an overlocking stitch. First, put your fabric under the sewing machine and place the edge close to the needle. Sew the side of the fabric and when you are done, you will have the overlocking stitch. This will stop your edge from being raw and there won't be any frays on the side, which will reduce unraveling. This is very easy to do and just takes a few minutes. Make sure you prepare your fabric before you do this stitch and you will be...
How To: Tie a Padlock style decorative Knot
In this Arts & Crafts video tutorial you will learn how to tie a Padlock style decorative knot. Padlock knot is a clever way to achieve the look and function of a padlock without having to bother about the key. Take a piece of rope, bend it in the center and make two loops on either side of the rope. Ensure the working end is over the rope in the left side loop and under the rope in the right side loop. Now overlap both the loops so that the left side loop is over the other loop. Now pass the...
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: Use a fold over elastic
Watch this sewing tutorial to use the fold over elastic for sewing dance clothing or any garment with a stretchy component. Simply fold the elastic over the seam or edge of the fabric and sew it on with a zig zag stitch to create a stretchy hem.
How To: Shorten jeans length by cutting, measuring and using a sewing machine
Are your jeans to long? How about your khakis? Corduroys? No matter what kind of pants you have, if they're too long, you can easily shorten the length with a few snips, a few marks and a basic sewing machine. The Brother LX-3125 compact sewing machine is used in this video, but any will do. See how to take a pair of jeans, cut and resew them like new again!
How To: Make stacked hair bows
In this tutorial, we learn how to make stacked hair bows. Start off with three separate bows: red, white, and blue. Make sure there is a string still hanging from the red one, but the strings on the white and blue are cut off. Now, put glue from a hot glue gun and place it on the middle/side of the blue ribbon, the glue the white one where the glue is and hold together. Next, take the red bow and glue it to the center of the blue and white bow. Hold the red bow in place until it's completely ...
How To: Sew a simple fashionable purple infinity scarf
Infinity scarves are ridiculously easy to make at home. All you need is a long strip of thick fabric in a print you enjoy and some basis sewing utensils.
How To: Sew a DIY ribbon flower embellishment
Never sewed before? Not a problem. This DIY ribbon flower, which can be made in any color of your choosing, is incredibly easy and only requires a few basic stitches to complete.
How To: Make a flapper coin purse
Need a new purse but no money in the budget to go out and by one? Missa from fashionclub.com will show you a do-it-yourself option. In this instructional video, you will learn how to make a flapper 1920's style purse. Step by step instructions take you through the materials you will need, how to make a pattern for the purse and how to construct the purse. You will need a basic sewing machine and sewing skills to complete this design.
How To: Tie a Zigzag braid knot design
The video is about tying a Zigzag braid knot design. At first, make the tag or rope into two by folding it. Take one end and make a small knot at the folded junction. Then take the second and pass it through the first made loop. Then take the other end and pass it through the loop made by second end. Continue the hitches to end the rope. Finish the knot by tightening the rope. Then rearrange the position of the hitches. This is done with care. The knot is made beautiful and prettier by making...
How To: Make a basic tassel
Make It Mine associate editor Tea Benduhn shows you how to make a basic tassel.
How To: Sew your own dream catcher baby blanket
Don't overpay for a marked up baby blanket at a department store or fancy boutique? You can make a beautiful blanket for your newborn and future family heirloom right at home. All you need are some basic sewing materials and your imagination. This video will show you how to sew a dream catcher baby blanket.
How To: Start using the sewing machine for beginners
Are you picking up sewing for the first time, or simply looking to brush up on your sewing machine skills? This video covers all the basics of how to sew with a sewing machine.