Sewing & Embroidery Features
How To: Make a jumpsuit with a basic torso and pant pattern
In honor of the recent proposed ban in Italy on miniskirts, this tutorial shows you instead how to make a fun, basic jumpsuit! All you'll need is a basic torso pattern and a pant pattern without any pockets. And voila, your own sexy jumpsuit!
How To: Sew a one hour flapper style dress
This video sewing tutorial series shows how to make a flapper style dress in under an hour, from start to finish. Learn the basic steps to stitch together this simple and beautiful dress. Watch and follow along to make your own today!
How To: Create a cheap "Alice in Wonderland" costume
The alluring and stylish GiannyL is the DIY fashion design guru of the web. Do-it-yourself has never been so sexy before. Her fashion design video tutorials make new outfits not only hot, but cheap and easy. And recycling and reusing old clothing is not only practical, but eco-friendly.
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: Tie off when sewing by hand
In this video, we learn how to tie off when sewing by hand. First you want to sew your fabric and complete your desired project. Next, you will push the needle into the bottom of the fabric where you won't be able to see the tie off from the front. Now, loop the thread and push the needle with thread through it, before you finish, push the needle through one more loop. Now, pull tightly until there is a tight knot at the bottom of the thread. Now, take your scissors and cut tightly next to th...
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: Thread a Brother sewing machine
Thread cassettes on a sewing machine allow you to advance prepare desired threads. This how-to video provides a video guide for using a Brother sewing machine, how to read indicator lights, and how to set the machine up for sewing. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to thread the cassette on a Brother sewing machine.
How To: Turn an old dress into a fashionable romper
Some dresses we just never get around to wearing. Like that hideous one our mom gave us with a decent tropical print but hemlines that go down to our ankles. Cute...if you live in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. We're sure you probably have an ever accumulating stash of similar dresses that you know you'll never wear but don't want to toss either.
How To: Make a shoe lace key ring
Always losing your keys? A big bulky key chain might feel annoying in your pocket, but it's not likely to get lost in your purse or in all that trash you carry around. This video tutorial shows a real simple key chain ring you can make and keep those keys easy to find. All you need is the key ring, two shoelaces, a pair of scissors, and a lighter.
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: Make a yarn pom pom ball
Add even more personal touches to your crocheted items. This how to video is a tutorial on how to make pom pom balls out of yarn. These pom pom balls are super easy to make and are a great way to decorate scarves and hats.
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: 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: Make a rag doll
Rag doll making is a fun and creative project that incorporates basic sewing and other craft techniques. Learn how to create handmade rag dolls with tips from a seamstress and craft expert in this free doll making video series.
How To: Sew a felt geisha flower embellishment
Cat Morley and her adorable Scottish accent show you how to make a decorative square geisha flower that can be made into a pin or sewn onto clothes or accessories for extra embellishment. For this crafting project, you will need some felt, a square template of paper, a pencil, embroidery thread, normal thread, a needle, a yarn needle, sharp scissors, beads, and a button. Watch this video sewing tutorial and learn how to stitch a pretty felt geisha flower.
How To: Sew basket liners without a pattern
Check out this DIY video tutorial from Curbly, the best place to share pictures of your home, find design ideas, and get expert home-improvement advice.
How To: Thread a Singer sewing machine
Learn how to thread a Singer sewing machine. Most of the classic mechanical machines by Singer thread almost exactly the same way.
How To: Turn an old, loose fitting T-shirt into a cute off the shoulder shirt
All you need for this project is just a loose fitting shirt and some trim. Cut away the collar, as much as you want (but keep trying on the shirt so you get just the right amount of drape). Then attach your trim, and you've got a new wardrobe addition!
How To: Embroider a Rose Bud Out of Bullion Knots
Here's a video tutorial from Needle 'n Thread for a rose bud made out of bullion knots. The bullion knot can be used to make beautiful roses and rose buds, and, believe it or not, they're actually really simple to make once you get the hang of it!
How To: Fix a broken skirt or trouser zipper
Are you in a hurry and just found out that your zipper is broker? This how to video offers a quick fix to almost any broken zipper that will save you lots of money. All you need to fix a zipper is a screwdriver, pliers, and candle wax.
How To: Make your own underwear
In this how to video, Allyce and Melissa entice you to throw a Panty Party, arming you with a few simple techniques to whip up lots of these sexy undies with your girlfriends. You will see this DIY project 3 minutes in to the video, after the hosts take you to a quilting market.
How To: Sew a zipper
Zipper packages come with instructions, but without a visual guide they can be a challenge to attach. Learn how to sew a zipper by watching this video crafting tutorial.
How To: Sew a handmade apron
Sewing an apron is a simple and easy sewing project that anyone can do. Learn how to sew a handmade apron with tips on apron patterns and materials from a seamstress in this free sewing video.
How To: Make your own fabric appliques or patches
Applique is fabric cut in a fun shape that is applied like a patch, directly onto the fabric. This tutorial shows you how you can use fun woven print fabrics and fusible interfacing to create your own appliques and patches for your projects.
How To: Draft a free pattern for a custom sewn shirt
Drafting your own patterns isn't difficult - and it's a great way to get not only a free pattern, but to make sure that your pattern is custom fit to your own measurements. This video shows you how to draft a basic shirt pattern from scratch.
How To: Make a bohemian loose sleeve maxi dress with Gianny L
A maxi dress, or a loose dress with an empire waistline, is not only a summer staple. If you add some length to the bottom hemline then you can easily wear a maxi dress during the fall that'll keep you warm, comfortable, and gorgeous looking.
How To: Make a tube scarf
Once you know the difference between knit & woven fabrics, you can make the easiest project on the planet: a lightweight, trendy tube scarf. Melissa shows you how to wear it and how to make it with this how to video. Watch this sewing tutorial and you will be sporting a new tube scarf in no time.
How To: Make round box pillows
Square edges on a round box pillow are easy if you follow the steps. Learn the more obvious, but often overlooked, techniques for laundering buttoned pillow covers. This video goes over it all, just make sure to click the Real Player or Quicktime link to start the actual video.
How To: Transform an old T-shirt into a cool formfitting tank top with Gianny L
T-shirts are practical and unfailingly comfortable, but not particularly known for looking either sexy or fashionable (they're more, shall we say, frumpy, than anything else). But did you know that within the ugly duckling that is your blank gray T-shirt is a beautiful swan of a tank top just waiting to get out?
How To: Make a cheap Tinkerbell costume from a T-shirt
The alluring and stylish GiannyL is the DIY fashion design guru of the web. Do-it-yourself has never been so sexy before. Her fashion design video tutorials make new outfits not only hot, but cheap and easy. And recycling and reusing old clothing is not only practical, but eco-friendly.
How To: Sew piping
Making and sewing piping can be an easy and fun sewing project. Get tips from our expert on fabric piping in this free sewing video series.
How To: Sew on bias tape all by machine
Check out this how-to video from wonderhowto.com to learn how to sew on bias tape all by machine but without the swearing! This bias tape sewing video was filmed all in one take--wow!
How To: Do the Couching Stitch
Couching is another easy embroidery stitch in hand embroidery, and a great way to create decorative line stitches that scroll and twirl about. It's also widely used for filling areas, and historically was used to great effect during the Middle Ages and Renaissance in a technique called Or Nue. Here's a video from Needle 'n Thread that demonstrates couching a single thread for an outline.
How To: Use the tension knob on a Kenmore sewing machine
Using a sewing machine entails knowing how to the tension knob properly. This sewing how-to video demonstrates how to properly adjust the tension knob on a vintage Kenmore sewing machine. The tension knob is located near the front of the sewing machine. It has a dial numbered from 1 to 9. The larger the number, the tighter the tension.
How To: Sew a classic high waisted skirt without a pattern
This skirt will take only about an hour to make. You don't need a pattern, just your measurements! Pick a fabric that has only a little bit of stretch, and then follow this tutorial for your own high waisted skirt.
How To: Sew bias tape binding on a curved edge
Bias tape can add a professional, classy edge or finish to any project. Working with bias tape on a straight edge certainly isn't hard, but the curves can sometimes be a bit tricky. However, they're not impossible, and you can pick up the technique in just a few minutes! This video shows you how to work with single fold bias tape and sew it evenly and professionally around curved edges.
How To: Cut tulle or a similar fabric easily
Tulle is often used to make tutus, but the nature of it's composition might make it hard to cut cleanly. This is a very quick video tutorial showing you a few useful tips on the most efficient way to cut tulle fabric.
How To: Sew a round pillow with piping
Sewing a round pillow with piping is a fun challenge for a beginning seamstress. Learn to sew a round throw pillow with this free sewing video series.
How To: Sew a man's shirt
Stephany is going to take you through the process of sewing a mens shirt. She is going to use a pattern and talk to you first about choosing a pattern and knowing what the package means before you start. This is a very long video series, but sewing a shirt has many components to it, so be patient you'll finish the shirt eventually!
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!