Want to sew your own elastic waist, drawstring, wide leg or cargo pants? Check out this list of free sewing patterns that you can use to do just that.
Read MoreSerger Lower Looper Problems
Having problems with your serger? More often than not, the source of the problem is the lower looper. Learn how to fix common lower looper problems in this blog post.
Read MoreFree Sewing Patterns: Jackets and Blazers
Looking for free sewing patterns for sophisticated-looking jackets and blazers? Look no further: here’s a roundup of the best free sewing patterns available on the internet for tailored jackets/blazers and casual jackets.
Read MoreWhat A Serger Does
Have you ever wondered what exactly a serger does, and whether you need one in addition to your regular sewing machine? The answer is: quite a lot! It can quickly sew a seam, trim the seam allowance and overcast the edge, all in one step. It can also be used to make rolled hems, do flatlock stitching, make mock band hems, make blind hems and gather fabric, among other things. Learn more about these functions in this post.
Read MoreHow to Sew a Leather Tote Bag: Finishing the Edges
We’re finally down to the last step in making our leather tote bag: finishing the edges! Read this post to learn how to give the edges of your tote bag a nice, smooth finish using edge paint.
Read MoreHow to Sew a Leather Tote Bag: Constructing the Bag
Finally, after spending ages cutting and prepping our pieces, it’s finally time to sew the tote bag together! The actual construction is pretty simple; just follow the step-by-step instructions in this post.
Read MoreHow to Sew a Leather Tote Bag: Cutting and Prepping the Pieces
Now that we have gathered our materials and equipment, the next step is cutting out the pieces and prepping them for sewing. Check out this post to learn how.
Read MoreHow to Sew a Leather Tote Bag: Collecting Equipment
The next step in sewing a leather tote bag? Gathering your equipment. Contrary to popular belief, you can sew leather on a regular sewing machine; you’ll just need a few additional tools to supplement your machine. Learn more about the equipment you’ll need in this post.
Read MoreHow to Sew a Leather Tote Bag: Choosing Your Materials
Ever wanted to sew sleek, stylish leather bags to go with your handmade wardrobe? Learn how in this series on how to sew a leather tote bag. First up? Choosing your materials for the bag. Click here to learn more about how to select the perfect leather or faux leather for your tote bag.
Read MoreFree Pattern: Large Leather Tote Bag
Want to take your sewing obsession to the next level? Learn to sew bags out of genuine or faux leather. Make this sleek, roomy leather tote bag with my free downloadable pattern.
Read MoreHow to Make a Wrap Dress Out of a Sheet
Turn a tired old bed sheet into a vibrant, summery wrap dress. All it takes is some dye and Mood Fabrics’ free wrap dress pattern. Click here to learn more.
Read MoreMaking Curtains From Muslin
Want to dress up your space without spending much money? Make some fresh white curtains using some inexpensive cotton muslin. Check out my tutorial to learn how.
Read MorePattern Review: McCall's 5752
I made up McCall’s 5752, a.k.a. “The Perfect Knit Dress.” Does it live up to its billing? Find out in this post.
Read MoreHow to Sew Knit Fabric Without Puckering
I love the comfort of a knit garment, but let’s be honest, knit fabric can be a real pain to sew because it is often hard to sew knit fabric without creating wavy seams. Over the years I learned to take three simple steps to sew knit fabrics without puckering: (1) use a walking foot to help ease the fabric into the sewing machine, (2) stabilize the fabric with tissue paper, and (3) press the seam after stitching. Read on to learn more about each step.
Read MoreSeam Ripper Uses
One of my biggest sewing pet peeves used to be unpicking my stitches whenever I made a mistake. Luckily, I have learned ways to quickly and easily unpick stitches, and along the way I’ve also learned some other uses for my trusty little seam ripper. Check out this post to learn more about both.
Read MoreHow To Make A Robe Out Of A Sheet
Do you have an old sheet that you don’t know what to do with? Learn how to make a robe out of a sheet using my step-by-step video tutorial and a free sewing pattern from Mood Fabrics.
Read MoreAll About Backstitching
Most sewists have been taught to backstitch, but is backstitching necessary all the time, and is it always the best method of stopping stitches from unravelling? The answer is no — backstitching is not always necessary and there are other more polished alternatives. Read this post to learn all about backstitching and the alternatives.
Read MoreHow to Cut Fabric On the Bias
Want to make dresses that are effortlessly elegant and figure-flattering? Try cutting the dress on the bias. Read this post to learn how to adapt a sewing pattern designed to be cut on the straight grain and use it to cut a garment on the bias.
Read MoreTranslating the Trends: Cutout Dresses
Sexy cutouts are all the rage on the catwalk these past few seasons, and there are now more options than ever to bare your toned abs or lateral obliques. Make your own cutout dresses with McCall’s 8175 or McCall’s 8152. Read on for more about these patterns and recommended fabrics.
Read MorePattern Review: Vogue 9032
After a decade of leggings and skinny jeans, the wide legged/bootcut pant is finally coming back into style! After searching fruitlessly for the perfect pair of ready-to-wear bootcut pants, I decided to make my own from Vogue 9032, a pattern for a classic bootcut pant with fly front closure and slanted side pockets.
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