Zippers come in a wide variety of designs and sizes for different uses. The most common types are nylon all-purpose, molded plastic VISLON, metal, invisible, closed-end, open-end, waterproof, reversible, locking, continuous, and 2-way zippers. This guide will help you find the right zip for your next sewing project. Contents list: Different zipper types & their … Read more
Buttons differ in design, material, and uses. There are 5 main designs: 2 and 4-hole flat buttons, shank buttons, stud buttons, and toggles. These are available in a wide variety of materials including wood, metal, pearl, horn, plastic, etc. In this article, I’ll walk you through the most popular types of buttons so you can … Read more
Contents list: Thread Supplies Preparation Rectangle buttonhole Round end buttonhole Keyhole buttonhole Troubleshooting Hand sewn vs machine sewn buttonholes What thread do you use for hand sewing buttonholes? Traditionally, silk buttonhole twist thread (for example [1], [2], or [3]) is used for hand working buttonholes. It’s a thicker silk thread that’s very strong, and it … Read more
What is overdyed fabric? “Overdye” is the word dyers use to describe layering dye baths on top of each other. This could mean that you use multiple dye baths one after another to build a depth of color, but it could also mean dying an existing non-white garment to a new color. Aside from adding … Read more
You can use a standard presser foot to sew most types of hems. If you want a little help with getting a neat finish on single / double turned hems or faced hems, use an edge stitching foot. If you’re sewing a blind hem by machine, you’ll want to use a blind hem foot. If … Read more
Tea dyeing is often someone’s very first introduction to dyeing – it’s a fun and easy weekend project that requires no special equipment. It’s useful for ‘antiquing’ a bright white garment, aging fabrics for costumes and theater productions, dipping your toe into the world of natural dyeing, and giving new quilt fabrics a vintage look. … Read more
If you’ve never used a sewing machine before, understanding all the parts and what they do can be overwhelming. I’ve explained all the important features on your sewing machine with pictures, when to use them, and my top tips for complete beginners. Here are the sewing machine parts we’ll cover: Stitch selector Tension selector Stitch … Read more
I’ve made a number of trousers in the past using different types of denim. It’s a versatile fabric that can be turned into shirts, dresses, skirts, jeans, jackets, overalls, aprons, and various accessories like bags and hats. It’s also a great option for home textiles like upholstery projects, curtains, and pillows. In this article, I’ll … Read more
If you’re new to quilting, you may be confused by what tools you need to get started. Here are the most common feet used for machine quilting. I’ll explain what to buy, why, and when you would use each foot. I also have a list of quilting tools for beginners that you can check out. … Read more
If you’re new to making bags and zipper pouches, you’ll need to learn how to make 3D shapes by “boxing” the corners. Here are 2 ways to sew neat boxed corners, 3 ways to finish the raw edges if your bag is unlined, and how to calculate the corner sizes. This guide includes step-by-step video … Read more