Sewing Tips and Techniques

Understitching is a basic sewing technique that is crucial in achieving a professional finish to your handmade garments and is actually quite enjoyable too (IMHO). Find out what an understitch is, why it is so important plus step by step photos and a video of how to complete this essential sewing task. Continue reading →

Most modern sewing machines come with the option for sewing a one step buttonhole. This means the machine will create the right sized buttonhole for your button in, you guessed it, one step. In this tutorial we'll show you step by step how to sew it. Continue reading →

I know we all love pockets, but sometimes on tight fitting jeans, jeggings or skirts I want the design feature, but not the bulk of a real pocket bag. If you look on your ready to wear garments they will often feature a false pocket for this very reason. Here's how to create your own and bust some scraps at the same time. Continue reading →

Unpicking overlocker and coverstitch stitches isn't fun, but it's a lot easier and quicker if you know how. Having said that, no matter how many times I do it I always have to remind myself how to do it so I thought I'd write it down and share it with you lovely folk. Maybe that way it will stick?! Continue reading →

Although some sewers find them a daunting prospect, knit and jersey fabrics are great to sew with, even if you don't have an overlocker. They are comfortable to wear, more forgiving on fit and they don't fray plus there are so many knit and jersey fabrics and sewing patterns to choose from these days too. Here are our top tips for getting professional results every time. Continue reading →

Let's cut straight to the chase - my biggest tip for sewing with sequins is to just go for it! Every girl needs a little sparkle in her wardrobe and it isn't anywhere near as difficult as you might imagine. Follow our top tips and you will be taking the world by storm in your dazzling handmade outfit in no time. Continue reading →

If you're going to the trouble of making a garment it's worth taking the time to achieve a good fit from your sewing pattern. One of the key areas of focus is the bust and by learning a few simple sewing pattern adjustments it is easier than you might think. In this week's video I show you how to raise or lower a bust dart and explain why you might want to do this. Continue reading →

This week I'll show you how to make a small bust adjustment to your sewing patterns. The basic principles are the same for a full bust adjustment so it is useful for anyone with those issues too. Continue reading →

If you have protruding shoulder blades or a rounded back you may find that garments never fit properly in these areas. They can feel tight across the back and you also may notice that the armholes gape at the back. Our simple tutorial for adding a shoulder dart to your sewing patterns can make the world of difference, giving you a more comfortable and flattering fit in this area and eliminate those gaping back armholes too. Continue reading →

One of the most common fitting problems in sewing is a high round back. Apparently it is another phenomena we can blame on frequent computer and desk based work. It is certainly a key fitting issue for me and I thought it might be useful to share how I tackle it. In this article I'll show you step by step how to alter your sewing patterns to fit and I've even included a handy video too. Continue reading →

  Depending on who you are and how busy your social calendar is, party season is either already upon you or fast approaching. So what are you making? Probably something shiny, glitzy or all of the above. Slippery fabrics like crepe de chine, silk and satin make dreamy party attire, but they can be a nightmare to sew. Not if you follow our top tips for sewing with slippery fabrics. They'll make all your party dress dreams can come true. Continue reading →

Bias binding is a quick, easy and neat way to finish raw edges in areas such as necklines, armholes or sleeves. In this article we share five (yes five) ways you can finish a raw edge with a binding depending on your preference. Continue reading →