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
Have you seen an instruction to “gather fabric” recently but have no idea how to do it? Here are step-by-step tutorials with pictures for different methods of gathering. Plus guidance on how to choose the right method for your project. For most projects, the machine basting and u-turn basting methods with 2 rows of stitching … Read more
The best needles for hand sewing: “Sharps” are sharp, medium-length needles that are suitable for most hand sewing tasks. If you can only get one type of needle I recommend getting a variety pack of Sharps. If you want to build a small collection of needles, get some Ballpoint needles for working with knits, some … Read more
Silk fabrics can be broken down into 3 main categories: by silkworm, by processing method, and look-a-likes that aren’t made from silk fibers. First, silk is produced by several species of silk worms and all in slightly different ways. These are outlined below, but the key difference is whether the silkworm is allowed to emerge … Read more
If you want to remember what’s in your fabric stash, here’s a free swatch book template for you to print at home! This template includes: Fabric name Fiber composition Fabric length x width Care instructions Notes (for things like fabric weight, pattern repeat measurements, supplier, price) “Pre-washed?” tickbox “No longer in stash?” tickbox Printer settings: … Read more