Sewing Tutorials

WHAT Stay stitching is an important preliminary step to constructing your garment. A stay stitch is stitching along a raw edge of a single pattern piece in order to prevent stretching or neckline or armhole. WHY It ins't uncommon to skip this step when you are more experienced with a particular textile or garment, but it is definitely a good idea to stay stitch when you are constructing something for the first time, or are deciding to design/self draft your own pieces. This will allow you to critique your pattern without external factors such as fabric stretching affecting your future...

IMPORTANT TAKE-AWAYS There are a couple important things to know when you lay out your pattern. You will want to maximize your fabric usage (follow the recommended pattern layout below), as well as lay your pattern pieces on grain. These instructions are based on fabric folded in half, selvages pinned together. *Sewing selvages together also works too!   MAXIMIZE FABRIC USAGE   PLACE PATTERN PIECES ON GRAIN   When you lay out your pattern it is very important that you lay it on your fabric "on grain". The most helpful tool you can use to do this is a clear...

Print Headband pattern 100% to scale. Before cutting out pattern measure "measuring square to make sure it is printed to scale accurately. PDF patterns are available as US Letter sized PDF and A4 Paper sizes. Cut out pattern pieces.  Match "target" symbol and tape to complete "twist panel" pattern pieces. If you plan to cut "on fold" only use one segment of twist panel. This will make more sense when you play around with all of your pattern pieces.  cut out about 7 inches of 1.25'' wide elastic.  Cut out fabric pieces. One elastic channel and two twist panels. These pieces can be...

SCRUNCHIE TUTORIAL Print Pattern 100% To Scale:  Measure Test Square to test printing accuracy: Cut out pieces. Note there are two pattern options, Scrunchie A if you want to cut your scrunchie on the fold, or scrunchie B for full lent. Two options are provided to allow you flexibility when arranging small pattern pieces into your excess fabric.  Match target and tape together: Place on fabric and cut out scrunchie panel: Pin along long edge as needed. Stitch 1/4 seam allowance: Pull one end of scrunchie up through channel. You should have raw edge facing out like pictured below. You...

There are two separate fundamentals of making sure your fabric is "on grain." First, your fabric needs to be cut or torn on grain, and two your fabric needs be oriented on grain, or "blocked" (read tutorial on "Blocking Your Fabric"). For all of this to really make sense, you will want to understand concepts of warp, weft, and selvage (for that go "becoming oriented with your fabric: warp, weft, and selvage).  The first step of the two to get your fabric "on grain" and ready to be cut into pattern pieces, is making sure you have a perfect rectangle in...