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Learn To Sew
Like a Pro
with these expert resources.
Secrets
Of Sewing
is a comprehensive
sewing instruction program with over 300 pages
of vital sewing information. To help you
maximize your learning, it comes with a helpful
work book designed to guide you step by step to
learn to sew.
In addition to the core
textbook and work book, there are several very
useful bonuses that you will treasure for years
as you learn to sew.
My
Sewing Dictionary
is a vital tool for you as
you learn to sew. There are many specialty
terms used in sewing, quilting, and crafting
that have special meanings. My Sewing
Dictionary provides both a PDF ebook format and
an easy to use sofware that makes it easy to
acces the definition and explanation of each
sewing term.
The Rotary Cutting
Guidebook
Many beginning sewers
overlook the special skills and details
involved in laying out patterns as well as
cutting out patterns and fabrics. The Rotary
Cutting Guidebook reveals the vital secrets you
need to learn how to sew and cut out your
projects.
To learn more about this
special instruction course CLICK
HERE.
For more learning
opportunities explore the complete sewing
education package.
CLICK
HERE.
To Learn about hand sewing
and needle arts CLICK HERE.
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How To Sew
Your Easter Project
10 Tips To Make Your Sewing
Projects Easier
1. Use weights to hold
down your pattern when cutting ...I often use
heavy small saucers, or used D-cell batteries,
or even old heavy butter knives. This tip alone
will save you hours of pinning and marking.
2. Mark darts simply by
snipping ¼" at theedge of the fabric where each
dart goes. Mark the dart tip with a pin that
you gently pull through the paper pattern and
mark the opposite or reverse pattern piece at
the same time.
Once you have done this fold
the dart and iron the line of the dart from
both points as a guide until you sew.
3. Once you have
cut your pattern leave paper pattern pieces on
cut fabric.
4. Tape or pin your
sewing instructions above your sewing machine
for quick reference. Seems like a no brainer,
but I can't stress how much time this one act
will save you when assembling your pattern.
5.
Always iron your facings after assembling and
clip all facings at an angle not straight.
6. Clip all sewn
corners at 90-degree angles this is usually two
cuts rather then one.
7. (I have not used a
gather stitch in 30 years because this
technique makes more sense). Pin each end of
the fabric to the adjoining piece, i.e. a
ruffle to a skirt is therefore pinned at each
end. Find the center of the fabric of the
ruffle and pin to the center of the skirt. (If
it is a large ruffle repeat the process with
each half section until you are comfortable
with the remaining sections as workable.) I
then take an old sewing machine needle and
gently push the fabric towards the "feed dogs"
while sewing slowly. You create the
pleats/ruffles as you go and as you get better
at this you can go pretty fast. This technique
will eliminate the double gather stitches and
gathering and broken threads, etc.
8. Zippers are not hard
even with the simplest sewing machine. Iron the
seam down to reflect the way the finished seam
with the zipper will look. Place the top right
open zipper under the fabric in the correct
orientation and then sew it under the fabric
1/4".
When you get to the bottom
leave the needle in the fabric raise the zipper
foot and turn 90-degrees and sew across to the
opposite side and repeat the process going back
up with the zipper open. Wherever you meet
zipper head lift your sewing foot and move
zipper position and go around. This is so much
easier than basting, then sewing, and cutting
apart basting stitches. With practice it will
take minutes. The key here is to iron the
fabric first.
9. Cuffs and other
edgings sew right side to wrong side on the
inside then turn iron and top stitch. This
leaves a beautiful finished edge with no inside
seams. Don't forget at this point (top
stitching) you can add piping or lace and have
it look perfect.
10. Collars are a snap
when you remember to leave a substantial seam
before clipping and turning. This will give you
the opportunity to fit the collar in place and
make sure it fits. Those tricky fabric naps
tend to move so once you are sure you have a
perfect fit, then clip, turn, iron and sew. If
for some reason the collar is still slightly
off and on the small size you can use my time
honored cheat. I do a gather stitch, which
pulls the fabric evenly, and this usually will
bring a slinky or stretchy fabric in line
without leaving any noticeable tucks or puckers
on the finished product. Be sure to ease the
excess in evenly.
These tips are an
accumulation of 40 years of professional sewing
and meant for knowledgeable seamstress as well
as beginners. Happy sewing.
About the author:
Deb Painchaud has been designing clothes since
the 60's for boutiques and small fashion houses
both in Hawaii and on the mainland, she was the
designer and owner of her own swimwear company
in the 80's and is excited by her new venture
creating those unique items know as wearable
art. She has exhibited her work on Oahu,
Firstfridayhawaii.com, Maui, and California.
She has a graphics degree and studied art at
Portland State.
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