The Invisible Zipper Foot can be used for inserting an invisible zipper into a seam, creating a hidden seam.On most sewing machine models, the Invisible Zipper Foot can be attached to the presser foot holder. Depending on the machine you may have a shank attached to the foot or a detachable one. For more information on the correct Invisible Zipper Foot for your machine model, refer to your sewing machine manual.Place
4th Sep 2018
Plaids, stripes, and prints are strong visual patterns, so it is important to match them at prominent seams. If you are careful laying and cutting out the pattern, the seams will be almost invisible. You need to buy extra fabric, 1/4" to 1/2 yard (0.25 to 0.5cm), depending on the size of the pattern repeat (the distance from one bar of the plaid or stripe to the next identical bar or from one large motif to another).
15th Dec 2017
A ruffle is a strip of fabric that is gathered along one edge and attached to a flat piece of fabric - for example, on a skirt hem or the edge of a pillow. The visible edge is finished. The gathered raw edge is hidden in a seam or enclosed between two fabrics. Most ruffles are cut on the straight grain.For a Hem RuffleStitch the ruffle pieces together to form one long strip. Stitch a narrow hem on one long edge. Pres
15th Dec 2016
The term "stretch fabrics" refers to stretch-woven fabrics, single knits, some double knits, and bias-cut fabrics. The seams in these elastic fabrics need to stretch with the fabric, or they may pucker and the stitches might break, so they need to be sewn with stitches that stretch too. If you must sew stretch fabrics with a straight stitch, hold the fabric taut - don't pull it. Stop occasionally and with the needle
15th Dec 2016
Sheer fabrics can be a challenge to sew. They are transparent, somewhat fragile, and have a tendency to creep. They are also beautiful and elegant, so don't let the challenge hold you back! Crisp sheers - organza, voile, organdy, and handkerchief linen - are easier to cut and sew than soft sheers and are fine or tailored items such as shirts. Soft sheers - bastiste, eyelet, chiffron, and georgette - and open weaves,
15th Dec 2016
The key to sewing slippery fabrics - silk, polyester, rayon and acetate - is to avoid overhandling them. These delicate fabrics mar easily. Set the stitch length to between 10 and 15 stitches per inch (2.5cm) and hold the fabric taut while stitching. You might need to loosen the thread tension and lighten the presser foot pressure slightly. Make a practice seam with a scrap piece of your fabric. Stitch with a straigh
15th Dec 2016
You can sew lengths of elastic directly to the wrong side of the fabric to shape a garment at wrists, ankles, and waistlines. Choose woven or knitted elastic that is soft enough to wear close to your skin. Cut it slightly shorter than you need because it stretches during sewing. Sew with a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch, which will stretch along with the elastic.Finish the hem of the garment, if applicable. Mark t
10th Nov 2016
Gathers are a series of tiny, soft folds of fabric that create shaping. Usually you'll add gathers to garments at waistlines, yokes, sleeve caps, cuffs, and necklines.Set your machine to its longest straight stitch (the basting stitch). Loosen the upper thread tension slightly. Thread the bobbin with a contrasting colour of thread for greater visibility.On the right side of the fabric, stitch two parallel lines in th
3rd Nov 2016
Mitering is a method of minimizing bulk - for example, in the corners of the patch pockets or on lengths of applied trim or ribbon. The two edges of fabric are joined diagonally to create a neat, flat miter.Mitering Corners of Patch PocketsPress all seam allowances to the inside of the pocket. Open the seam allowances and fold the corner diagonally so the crease marks line up at the seam line. Press the diagonal and
3rd 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
Why Pre-wash Fabric?Preshrinking fabrics removes excess dyes and chemical finishes used in the manufacturing process.Most cotton fabrics shrink 2-3% when washed and dried, so if they are not preshrunk, the fabric may pucker at the stitching lines the first time it is washed.Some dark or vivid colours need to be checked for colourfastness to determine whether the dye bleeds to light coloured fabrics or colours the wat
18th Jul 2016
Nap refers to the raised fibers on the surface of a fabric. These fibers naturally run one direction or the other. On pile fabrics, such as corduroy or velvet, you can feel the nap. Fleece, faux fur, suede, leather, brushed cotton, some knits, terry and velveteen are all napped fabrics.Rub your hand along the surface of the fabric. If the fabric feels rough, the nap is running in the opposite direction - you are rubb
15th Dec 2015