I’ll be back later today with a post on “How To Hem Without Puckers“, but for now I have a quick mending tip. Our oldest daughter was home last weekend and she had a hole in her workout pants near the seam. She hadn’t done this alteration before, but she knew what to do. So, I thought you’d…
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Spaghetti Straps…Let’s make some!
Alot of what we do as seamstresses, is construct items that enhance a garment or upholstery project. Making spaghetti straps (or straps of any width) or fabric covered tubes falls into that category. It’s an easy process how to make spaghetti straps, so let’s make some like this one in the photo below: I borrowed this great…
Read MoreFray Block…What is that?
Have you ever tried sewing on fabric that frays and ravels on you? There’s usually a big mess of tangled threads that get in your way. Many store bought garments pop out at the seams because the seam allowance was very narrow to begin with and the fabric started fraying. This may sound weird, but you might want to check the…
Read MoreHemming Stretch Knits
Do you have trouble hemming stretchy knits? They can be tricky. Let’s look at the various ways to hem knits so that they don’t stretch out. Then, we’ll look at some alternatives and see if they work as well. This dress is a customer’s. Her dog chewed the hemline and she brought it to me…
Read MoreHow To Thread a Serger Quickly
You may have a serger or overlock machine that doesn’t have automatic threading capability. I don’t either. But I’ve found a way that makes a nice shortcut, so I wanted to show you how to thread a serger quickly. Until I learned this threading shortcut myself, it took so long for me to thread a…
Read MoreSergers…Do You Need One?
For many years I lived without a serger (also called an overlocker). First of all, they weren’t even invented when I started to sew. But even years after they were available, I still hadn’t forked over the money to buy one. I hemmed (no pun intended) and hawed about the cost and wondered if I’d ever…
Read MoreCover a Foam Pad..Bench Seat…Final Steps
This is Part 3 in a series on how to cover a foam pad for a bench seat or cushion, the final steps. Note: If you missed Part 1, click here to find the instructions for How to Cover a Foam Pad Bench Seat Cover. If you missed Part 2, that was the How To…
Read MoreHow To Make Piping!
Update: April, 2023 Let’s look at some examples of piping, I’ll teach you how to make piping, and then show you how to install it in your project! If you’re not familiar with it, piping is a decorative edging that gives definition to pillows, cushions and all sorts of home decor items. Sometimes, you’ll find…
Read MoreCover a Foam Pad…Bench Seat Cover…Part One
Today, I am going to show you how to cover a foam pad to make a bench seat cover. This process can be applied to covering any sized foam pad (cushions for a couch, chair, boat seat, outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, etc.) All you need to know is how to sew a straight line and…
Read MoreHow To Choose a Sewing Machine
Update: February 15, 2021 This is my baby. It is 37 years old this week. My Dad, who taught me how to sew, got it for me for my college graduation gift and it has never let me down. The only thing it has needed in 37 years is one new light bulb, a new…
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The Sewing Garden 