Sewing & Embroidery Features — Page 6 of 26 « Sewing & Embroidery

How To: Make a reversible purse out of old clothes

Thread Heads Quickie: take some old clothes and using a basic pattern from the internet, construct a new reversible handbag for yourself.

How To: Do the Outline Stitch

Here's a couple video tutorials from Needle 'n Thread for a basic hand embroidery stitch - the outline stitch. It's another versatile, easy stitch!

How To: Make an awesome birds nest Easter hat for a boy

Why should women get all the pretty hats at Easter time? You can make a fun and seasonal Easter hat for a boy quite easily! This video shows you how to take a plain hat and turn it into a birds nest hat. You will need: a hat (a plastic party fedora will work just fine), a wide strip of ribbon for the brim, a pair of scissors, some raffia, artificial leaves, a stuffed or toy bird and some craft glue.

How To: Sew a drape neck halter top with Whitney Sews

To us, old T-shirts are just space clutterers, with too much history for my of us to throw away but taking up too much space in our closets to want to keep. But for crafters they're the Holy Grail of crafting supplies.

How To: Sew a cute fleece beret for winter

Berets are as much of a staple as thick wool trenchcoats during the winter: they're soft, cozy, and look great no matter what you wear with them. And throwing one on your noggin' instantly injects you with a bit of French flavor.

How To: Sew a perfect jet pocket on a jacket or dress

A welted pocket (also called a jetted pocket or piped pocket) is a pocket where it appears just to be a thin slit in the fabric of the garment. Ideal for when you are making something you want to have pockets, but don't want to necessarily draw much attention to them - such as tailored suit jackets or streamlined dresses. All you need to learn this technique are some basic sewing notions (scissors, pins, etc) and either bias tape or the ability to cut your own bias tape from your fashion fabric.

How To: Make quick, no sew fabric flowers

Do you have extra scrap fabric hanging around your craft room? Why not make something fun with it instead of tossing it? In this tutorial, learn how to take that extra fabric and turn it into cute, no-sew flowers in no time! Use the flowers for appliques, hair decoration, clothing design, pins, anything! These flowers are so easy to make you can put them together in two minutes.

How To: Draft a Basic Pant Pattern Automated

You have read How to Draft a Basic Pant Pattern. It's a most useful guide, but the image is hard to read and the steps many and complex. That's why I wrote a little software program to do the hard work for you.

How To: Sew & measure elastic

In this tutorial, we learn how to sew and measure elastic. First, place the elastic over your waist and think about what you are making. Decide if you want it to be comfortable or if you want it to be tighter if you are wearing it out during the day. Also take into account what type of fabric you are going to be using so you know how much elastic is needed. Fold the elastic and mark the inside and outside of the fold, now do the same thing with your fabric. Now you will know if you need to ea...

How To: Embroider with beads and sequins

In this video, we learn how to embroider with beads and sequins. First, push the needle through the bottom of the cloth into the top where the sequin is at. After this, continue to thread in beads and more sequins. Make sure you are pulling through on the bottom so you attach the beads to the thread and they don't fall off. When you are done with this, you will push the needle through the top of the cloth, then tie it at the bottom and cut off the excess thread. When done, you will have a bea...

How To: Sew a felt hair scrunchie

The hair scrunchie in this how-to video is so easy to make, even a cat can sew it. You will need a felt sheet of 8" x 8", an elastic string, a cutting punch, a hammer, marking pins, scissors, two big beads, and a cutting mat. Follow along with the step by step instructions in this video sewing tutorial and learn how to make a felt hair scrunchie.

How To: Embroider on Fleece Like an Expert

Fleece is an interesting and versatile fabric -- but what kind of stabilizer should you use? What kind of needle, and what type of embroidery design? All the mysteries of fleece are revealed in this embroidery video tutorial! Learn how to embroider on fleece like an expert with these helpful tips.

How To: Create a drawstring halter/dress out of old T-shirts

A drawstring halter dress is so perfect for summer. They're cute and breezy, allowing your skin to breathe, and aren't too boxy, so they don't visually add extra pounds to your silhouette.

How To: Make your own long sleeved draped cardigan

This look goes perfectly with jeans, and is ideally suited for cold weather. All you need is to find a length of your favorite knit cloth and then follow along with the demonstrations here in the tutorial for your own comfy cardigan.

How To: Make a pillowcase dress

In this video, learn how to make a little girl's dress out of a pillowcase. In this tutorial, learn how to take a unique vintage pillowcase and turn it into a stylish, cute dress that any little girl will love. This dress is pretty easy to make and your daughter will look great in it for years to come.

How To: Sew an invisible zipper onto a garment with OTIS

This video sewing tutorial gives a clear and complete demonstration of how to correctly sew an invisible zipper. Included are tips and materials needed. Learn how to sew with the help of this instructional video and OTIS College of Art and Design.

How To: Sew a pair of panties

This video sewing tutorial series shows how to make a pair of panties. While you could just go buy your own, hand-ensures an exact fit and custom colors. Besides, it's fun! Learn how to sew a pair of underwear by watching this instructional video.

How To: Make a miniature backpack out of old jeans

Recently gained some weight (or lost a few pounds after getting yourself hooked on an intense exercise routine)? We've all been there, and know that your clothes probably aren't fitting the way they used to. But don't just throw your outdated threads into a plastic bag and toss them to Goodwill.

How To: Make tab top curtains

Learn how to make tab top curtains with expert sewing tips about all you need to know in this free home decorating video series on making tab top curtains.

How To: Create comfortable and cheap pajama tops with Gianny L

One of the most important things in a person's life is sleep (some of us don't get enough of it, and some of us get too much). Why not make it one of the most comfortable things, too? Having the right sleeping attire is great for comfort, especially when you make them custom yourself. See how to make pajama tank top in this video from GiannyL.

How To: Sew a Euro hem

Sewing a Euro hem on blue jeans makes them look professionally tailored. Learn to sew a Euro hem with this free sewing video series.

How To: Sew a great DIY cosplay costume

Sewing your own cosplay costume requires a massive investment of time, energy, and sewing skills. Before you get started, you should watch all of this three-part video tutorial on sewing cosplay costumes. It covers everything from buying fabric to the actual sewing and everything in between, and should have you ready for you next anime convention in no time.

How To: Draft a free pattern for an A-line skirt easily and by hand

What's better than free pattern? A free pattern that fits you perfectly! This tutorial shows you how to draft the pattern for a basic A-line skirt completely by hand, and custom fit to your own measurements. All you need is some pattern paper, a pencil and a ruler.

How To: Make a ball gown out of trash bags and newspapers

The newest trend in couture? It's called 'trashion' - high fashion using trashy things. And we mean trashy! This tutorial shows you how to make a ball gown using trash bags, duct tape and newspapers. You'll also want a dressmaker's dummy to construct your dress around - or at least a model who's okay with standing still for a long period of time. Use the trash bags to form the dress, and then attack the newspapers over it layer by layer. You're ready for your debut!

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: Sew a basic skirt and pencil skirt without a pattern

This tutorial starts off by showing you how to sew a basic skirt by using just your measurements - no pattern needed. Then, once you've mastered that, turn your basic skirt into a classy pencil skirt with just a few modifications.

How To: Draft a pants sloper

In this tutorial, Don McCunn teaches us how to draft a pants sloper. First, measure out the center line of the leg and then draw the center line onto a piece of paper. Now, measure from the waist and mark the measurements along with where you drew the center line. Now, measure down to the hip level and mark this as well, making sure to use the fullest area of the hips. Next, you will need to determine the crotch from the waist to the area where the subject is sitting, then mark it. Use a stan...

How To: Sew an empire waist summer dress

Empire waists go all the way back to Napoleon and the Regency period, when women thought it becoming to wear classically inspired, almost Grecian goddess-like gowns. They'd pin their curly locks up into coy yet alluring buns to complete the look.

How To: Decorate and personalize the cover for your cell phone

This tutorial shows you a few cute ideas to decorate a cell phone cover. iPhones all look the same, but you can take a basic cover and then add beads, faux gems, rhinestones and other embellishments to personalize your cell phone case.

How To: Quickly hem the edge for any garment without a sewing machine

So you don't have a sewing machine, but your favorite pair of jeans or shirt has a hem that is coming undone. You can use a liquid fabric glue, like Perky Bond, Stitch Witch or Steam A Seam, to quickly fix any hem.

How To: Do the Stem Stitch

The stem stitch is a versatile embroidery stitch. It can be used to outline or to fill an area. Learn how to do it yourself with this video from Needle 'n Thread.

How To: Create a Halloween flapper costume from an old t-shirt

Halloween is such a fun time of year. Whether you're dressed up as a classic hook-nosed witch, slutty Playboy bunny, or Jessica Rabbit, the spooky holiday allows you to indulge in your wildest fantasies and look hot while you're at it.

How To: Make a mermaid wedding dress out of newspapers

Looking for something unique to do for your wedding? Hate the idea of going from store to store, looking for the perfect bridal dress? What if you could make your own wedding dress... out of newspapers? This tutorial shows you how to make a bridal gown with a mermaid silhouette (fitted bodice and upper skirt, flaring out at the bottom) using nothing more than a few stacks of newspapers and some clear tape. You'll need a few bridesmaids to help you out, but it's guaranteed to fit!

HowTo: Lady Gaga Telephone Bra

Damn, I wanted to learn how to make those cigarette smoking glasses in Lady Gaga's Telephone music video, but the sparkly silver and black bra is fun, too (and perhaps a bit more practical). Previously, HowTo: Lady Gaga Video Glasses.

How To: Sew a pillow case cover

Looking for an easy sewing project? Learn how to make a flanged pillow case in this free video series from a professional seamstress.

How To: Tie a celtic triangle knot easily

If you are interested in tying knots just for show and are looking for a challenge, this next tutorial might be what you need.

How To: Do the Back Stitch

Another simple hand-embroidery stitch, the backstitch is useful in many applications. It's commonly seen in counted-thread embroidery, like counted cross stitch, but it's also used often in free-style surface embroidery. Watch this video from Needle 'n Thread to see how it's done.