This easy to sew fascinator will set you in the mood for Spring Racing. Add some pearls, feathers or other items to give your fascinator your own Spring Racing appeal. Why not try dressing them on a hat instead of a headband?Shopping
Strip of fabric 70cm x 10cmRibbons (approx. 1 m total)HeadbandCottonScissorsIronHot glue gun & gluePiece of FeltCardboard to match feltTemplate for CardboardPreparation
Cut out the sha
1st Nov 2016
A dart adds dimension and shape to a flat piece of fabric, allowing the piece to mold to the body at the bust, waist, hips, or elbows. Different styles of darts are positioned in different areas of the garment, depending on the shaping needed. The single-pointed waist dart is the most common style.Mark a single-pointed dart using your pattern as a guide. Fold the dart down the center, right sides together, matching t
24th Oct 2016
There are many types of seams you can use to join two pieces of fabric. Your choice depends on the fabric characteristics, the construction requirements, and the finished effect you would like to achieve.Plain seam:This is the type of seam you'll use the most often. With the right sides together, stitch 5/8" (1.6cm) from the edge. Backstitch two or three stitches at the beginning and end of the seam. Press the seam f
21st Oct 2016
This colourful rainbow cape was made with ease in an afternoon. It can easily be made longer for a taller child. You could try adding some applique for some extra pizazz.Shopping List
5 different coloured fabrics for the cape (Fat Quarters are perfect)Dark fabric for the backPaper, pen and scissorsThreadsRibbon, approx. cut into 2 x 50cm lengthsMake a Pattern:
On a piece of paper, measure out the pentagon shap
14th Oct 2016
Seams are the basic construction elements that hold the fabric pieces together. Most often, you wills sew a straight-stitch seam with a stitch length of 8 to 12 stitches per inch (2.5cm). If the fabric is heavy, set the machine for a longer stitch length - 6 to 10 stitches per inch (2.5cm)If the fabric is lightweight, set the stitch length to a shorter length - about 12 to 14 stitches per inch (2.5cm). The seam allow
11th Oct 2016
Hello Sewists, I’m Melissa and I’m excited to be writing my first post for Singer Australia/New Zealand. Let's start with a quick introduction: I live in Wellington, New Zealand and when I’m not writing here you can find me over on my blog with my furry "helper", Harriet. I’m self taught but full credit goes to my Mum who encouraged both myself and my younger sister to try sewing from a very young age, teac
8th Oct 2016
Pattern sizing is different from ready-to-wear sizing. Compare your actual body measurements to the fitting/measurement chart at the back of the catalogue. Choose the pattern size that most closely matches your body measurements. If all your measurements don't match up with one size, choose a pattern that matches your bust size when making dresses, blouses, and jackets. Choose a pattern that matches your hip size whe
19th Sep 2016
Hi everyone….. So it’s almost School holidays and for my little family that means it’s almost time for our tropical adventure in ThailandBeing super excited I decided to get ready several months early and start packing my bag. But before I could do that I needed to try on my summer clothes and make sure they still fitted.SHOCK!! HORROR!!! They didn’t!! and I knew exactly why … I am laying all the blame with my 10 yr
19th Sep 2016
Zippers make it easy to put on and take off clothes. All Zippers open and close through the action of a self-locking slider and pull tab. There are three types of zippers, distinguished by their teeth: a polyester interlocking coil, molded plastic teeth, and stamped metal teeth. All of these teeth styles are attached to a fabric (usually polyester) tape.Shortening a zipperIf you can't find the right length zipper, bu
13th Sep 2016
This is a super easy project that is great for beginner sewers. This Drawstring Backpack will make an ideal day pack for busy mums, kids and those on the run! Shopping List
Two 13" x 18" (33 x 46cm) pieces of fabric for bagOne 6" x 9" (15 x 23xm) for pocketTwo 56" (142cm) pieces of cordingCoordinating threadRulerBodkin or Safety Pin (to thread the cording)PinsScissorsPen or chalk for markingBefore cutting out the tw
9th Sep 2016
Lining is most commonly used in tailored garments, such as jackets, coats, trousers, and skirts. A lining prolongs the life of the garment by enclosing and protecting the inner construction details and the interfacing. A commercial pattern will provide pattern pieces and sewing instructions for the garment should be lined.What is lining Fabric?Lining fabric is tightly woven and lightweight. It has a silky, slippery h
5th Sep 2016
Interfacing is sewn or fused to the wrong side of fabric to add body, stability, and shape to garment pieces. It is used within collars, cuffs, lapels, waistbands, and pockets, behind buttons and buttonholes, and around necklines to prevent stretching. Choose interfacing that is lighter weight than the fashion fabric. To make sure they are compatible, hold them together and make sure the interfacing supports the fabr
23rd Aug 2016