Here’s how to hand sew the strongest seams using a backstitch (full and half versions). I’ve included beginner-friendly instructions for the whole process: getting your supplies, preparation work, the sewing process, and how to finish your seam and secure it in two ways. Contents list: What’s the best hand stitch for seams? What supplies you … Read more
Sewing for the dogs in your life can be super fun! I looked all over the Internet and found 30 great sewing patterns for clothes and accessories for dogs of all shapes and sizes. There are even 11 free downloads included! In this article, I’ll cover all sorts of garments from t-shirts and jackets to … Read more
So many of us have fond memories of tie-dye parties at school, summer camp, or birthday parties! In addition to frequent dyeing myself, I’ve run several group tie-dye projects in the past (most recently at summer camp) and they’re always a hit. Here’s a list of everything you need to tie-dye with a group, with … Read more
Polyester can be stretchy or non-stretchy depending on how the fabric is made. As a general rule, knitted polyester fabrics are the most stretchy (eg. t-shirts), woven polyester fabrics basically have no stretch (eg. flowy blouses), and woven polyester fabrics with elastic fibers have some stretch (eg. work pants). I explain this further below with … Read more
Sewing corners is a skill you’ll use all the time. I’ve described how to sew the most common types of corners (outward right angles, inward corners, sharp corners, and collars). Plus 9 tips for getting sharp points. Hint: my favorite method for getting sharp corners is tip no. 5 (pull the corner out using a … Read more
When you think of dying fabric, you probably imagine solid colors or rainbow tie-dyed t-shirts. While both of these are excellent dyeing methods, there are many other techniques for you to try! To help you explore, I’ve shared 12 methods that create different colors and designs, described how to do them, and rated how beginner-friendly … Read more
If you’re a beginner, the best fabrics for dyeing are 100% cotton or viscose (including rayon and bamboo). These fabrics don’t require heat, so you can take your time without worrying about controlling this variable in the dyeing process. They also absorb colors beautifully and predictably, so you’re more likely to have a successful dye … Read more
What is a seam? And what’s a seam finish? A “seam” is formed whenever you join two pieces of fabric together. The raw edges of fabric need to be treated in some way so they don’t fray and come undone. “Seam finishes” are different ways to finish the raw edges, make them more durable, and … Read more
My earliest experience with a combo machine was in 2008, and I’ve been using my Bernette B79 sewing-embroidery machine for over a year now. A combination sewing-embroidery machine is exactly what it sounds like – these machines operate as a normal sewing machine, but they can also be converted to a mode that stitches out … Read more
A little bit of black dye can be a great way to change the style of your denim. Without disclosing too many embarrassing details, my own journey with dyeing black denim began in middle school, during a very intense but short-lived goth phase. My first black dye project was a pair of jeans – I … Read more