Sewing & Embroidery Features

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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!