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Sewing Skills
All Topics
Accessories
Bags
Bias Binding
Children
Christmas
Dresses
Dressmaking
Fabric focus
Home Furnishings
Pattern cutting
Sewing Skills
Sewing Space
Skirts
Tops
Trousers
The Difference Between Jersey and Stretch Needles
How to sew a simple patch pocket
The Sewing Kit You Actually need
Joining bias Binding
Learn how to join Bias Binding to give a clean and flat finish.
How To Sew a clean finish Bias binding
How To Sew a visible Bias binding
Learn how to get the perfect finish to a visible bias binding to finish off any exposed edges.
How to sew a French Seam
Learn how to sew a French Seam, perfect for lightweight fabrics, and it encloses all the raw edges too.
Cressida Dress
HACK ALERT! This is a fabulous pattern made even better by turning it into a dress!
Love Your Overlocker
Getting to know your overlocker and what it can do will help you take your sewing up to the next level.
Neatening Seams
Overlocking is just one way to neaten seams, here are a few more you may want to try
Flat Felled Seam
This is a wonderful seam, it's strong and encloses all the raw edges. It's most popularly used on shirts.
Making More of Your patterns – A Sleeveless kate Dress
KATE IS JUST THE MOST PERFECT DRESS FOR HOT WEATHER AS IT’S INFINITELY HACKABLE. THIS IS HOW YOU CAN ADAPT THE PATTERN TO MAKE A SLEEVELESS VERSION JUST RIGHT FOR THE LONG HOT SUMMER DAYS.
Circular patch Pocket
This is wonderful alternative to the usual shape of a patch pocket.
Cordelia Dress
Cordelia is an incredibly flattering shape for all sizes. The jersey knit fabric makes it very quick to make up and fit as well.
Hermione Wrap Top
This is an exclusive pattern just for our Members and is a really easy project to make.
Sir Toby Belch Bowtie
A lovely project, perfect for gifting or to wear yourself
Sir John Falstaff Tie
Embroidery Stitches
A Few Basic Stitches to help you embellish or create a beautiful decorative feature
Cargo Pocket
These are a brilliant and utilitarian addition to any project
Welt Pocket
Welt pockets look wonderful as a detail on a jacket and are very straightforward to sew.
Jetted Pocket
A professional looking pocket to add lovely details onto your garments.
In-seam pocket
This pocket can be inserted into most seams, both horizontal and vertical
Western-Style Pocket
A tutorial to help you create cut-away pockets in your new garment.
Sewing with Sequins
Sewing with Velvet
A wonderful guide to sewing with Velvet fabrics
Sequin Regan Top
It’s time for a bit of Sparkle and Glamour on the run up to Christmas!
Rosalind Pyjama Bottoms
Possibly the most comfortable pyjamas... in the world!
Peaseblossom top with Pocket
Our Peaseblossom top with a pocket
Getting Started
All the technical info
Digital Sewing Planner
Our lovely digital planner to help you plan all your new projects!
How to make a needle storage book
A lovely way to store your needles using up your left over fabric.
Make Your Own Make Up Remover Pads
How to make your own make up remover pads
How to make a simple drawstring bag
Lovely quick project to make a useful drawstring bag
How To Make a Simple Scrunchie
How to make your own hair scrunchie!
how to make a Twist Turban Headband
How to make your own headband!
How to Sew with Knit Fabrics
Everything you need to know to sew with Knit fabrics
Sewing Needle Storage Hanger
The perfect needle storage system to hang near your machine
How to Make Embroidered Lavender Hearts
How To Make A Throw It All In Bag
Perdita Pinafore Dress
learn how to make our wonderful new Perdita dress!
Half Square Triangle Quilted Cushion
An in-depth project to teach you how to make your own quilted cushion
How To Measure and Sew a Button Hole
How To Attach A Button
A quick tutorial to help you attach a button
Top Tips For Topstitching
How To Sew With Corduroy Fabric
Viola Reversible Skirt
A lovely spring project!
How To Make A Linen Apron
Learn how to make our lovely linen apron
Pattern Cutting Series: Part 1 – Taking Body Measurements
Taking your own body measurements
How To Make A Trivet Mitt
Make yourself a lovely bespoke pan holder which doubles as a oven mitt!
How To Make a Tea Cosy
Make your own lovely tea cosy
How To Sew a T Shirt
Learn how to make a wardrobe staple!
Fabric Focus: Cotton Poplin
Learn all you need to know about Cotton Poplin
Upcycled Picnic Blanket
A fun picnic rug, made by using your old jeans!
Angelica Dress
The perfect transitional dress to take you from Winter to Spring.
Fabric Focus – Double Gauze
Know your fabrics to help you make better choices
Essential Pattern Cutting Equipment
Do I really need a dress form?
How to Sew Gathers
Gathers are great and so easy to achieve
How to Make a Rope Bowl
Perfect storage solution for all your trinkets and treasures
Pattern Cutting Series: Part 2 – Drafting a Skirt Block
Learn how to draft your own skirt block using your body measurements
Father’s Day Embroidered Card
Treat the "Father" in your life with a beautiful handmade card
Pattern Cutting Series Part 3 – Two Dart Bodice Block
Learn to draft your own blocks from your personal measurements
Eleanor Shirt Course
Eleanor is the perfect addition to you handmade wardrobe
Fabric Focus – Single Jersey
This is one of those easy to work with fabrics
Why Grainlines are so important
Pattern Cutting Series – Part 4 – The one piece sleeve block
Now you have your bodice block we can create a sleeve to fit it.
Pattern Cutting Series – Part 5 – Trouser Block
Work on Getting Trousers to Work for you.
How to sew darts
Learn how to sew the perfect darts
How to sew Pintucks
Watch the video from the Helena Course to show you how to sew Pintucks.
Fabric Focus – Cotton Lawn
Cotton lawn is a beautiful fabric both to wear and work with.
Gertrude Jacket
The perfect jacket, your go-to layer between the seasons.
Pattern Cutting Series Part 6 – Dart Manipulation
Now you have your blocks, you can start using them to create different styles
So What’s Different
Getting To know your Overlocker
It really is worth taking the time to get to know your own overlocker and the types of needles and threads you can use.
Basic Seams
Here are some great tips for getting your seams just right
Clean finished Seam
This can look great on mid-weight fabric where the seams will be visible
Measuring
Measure the Polystyrene Balls
Fabric choices for Hermione
Hermione works best with lightweight woven fabrics
Cutting out
Sewing the tie pieces together
Making a pattern for Your Cargo Pocket
It's easy to create your own pattern to get your pocket just the right size.
Prepping the pocket
Getting Started
Getting started with your pocket
Getting started on your pocket
Types of sequin fabrics
Different types of velvet
Laying, Cutting and Marking the pattern
Fabric choices for Rosalind
Make the right fabric choice for your Rosalind Pyjama Bottoms
Getting started
All the technical info!
Make up remover pads – Sewing machine method
Make up remover pads using a sewing machine
Sewing the Outer Booklet
Scrunchie Project
Headband Project
Why Sewing With Knits Is Different
Knit fabric 101 with Jules
How to Make a Needle Storage Hanger
Lesson 1 – Making a Basic Heart
Sewing the Shell
Fabric Choices
Jules talks you through fabric options
A Bit of Prep
How to prep for this project
How To Measure and Sew a Button Hole
How To Attach A Button
Viola Skirt Fabric Choices
Have a look which fabrics Jules suggests using for this course.
How To Cut Out Your Apron
Making Your Mitt
Making Your Pattern
Fabrics and Supplies For Your T Shirt
Jules talks you through what fabrics and supplies you will need for this course
How To Make A Denim Picnic Blanket
Suitable Fabrics
How to Make a Rope Bowl
Marking out the template
The Measurements you need for the 2 Dart Bodice Block
Follow the list of measurements you need for this block
Sleeve Block Prep
A bit of background and prep before you draft your sleeve
Trouser Block Measurements
Make sure you all the measurements you need to hand
How to sew a Basic Dart
Basic Darts are the simplest to sew.
Fabric Choices
Chosing the right fabric can make all the difference to your project
Sewing Corners
Sewing around corners can be tricky, but here are some fabulous tips to help you get it right.
Zig Zag finished seam
Nearly all sewing machines will have a zigzag option and this is just one way you can use to neaten seams.
Notions
Make sure you have everything you need to hand to make up your Cordelia Dress
Cutting Fabric strips
Cutting Multiple layers to make more necklaces
Getting started and a bit of prep
Cutting and prepping the fabric pieces
Sewing together
Completing the tie tips
Making up the cargo pocket
Creating the three dimensional Cargo Pocket
Attaching the Welt
Sewing pocket bags together
Creating a nice curve
Sewing with sequins – Do’s
Nap Direction
Sewing the Shoulders
Cutting Out
Understanding the pattern layout and accurately cutting out the fabric. Transferring all the patter information you need onto the fabric.
Cutting and making the pocket
Make up remover pads – Overlocker method
Make up remover pads using a sewing machine
Adding the Inner
How to Use an Overlocker
Simple finishes using your overlocker
Lesson 2 – Applique Heart
Sewing the Lining
What You Need For This Project
Making your Triangles
What You Need To Make The Viola Skirt
Equipment and trims you may need!
Making The Straps
Making Your Cosy
Top Tips On Working With Knit Fabrics
Jule's top tips to working with knits and jerseys
Supplies Needed to Make Angelica Dress
Jules will talk you through the supplies needed to make this style
Prep your needle and thread
Checking Your Cup Size
This will be your pattern cutting cup size!
Supplies for the Eleanor Shirt
Everything you need to make you Eleanor Shirt
Sleeve Block Meaurements
Taking the measurements you need for the sleeve block
Drafting the Front Trouser Block
Build the foundations and draft the front
How to Sew a Fishtail Dart
Fishtail darts give shape through a garment
Supplies Needed
Everything you need to make your Gertrude Jacket
Notions
These are all the other things you'll need to make your dress
Basic four thread overlocking
This is your go-to, or default setting for your overlocker, and probably the most used setting too.
Trimming a Stitched Corner
You need to be able to trim back the corners you've sewn to get a better finish.
Pinking finished Seam
This is a method that can work work well on very fine fabrics
Machine Options for Making Cordelia
There are different machines you can use to make up your Cordelia Dress. Have a look at an overview.
Sewing the Strips together
Joining the shorter strips to create a long bias strip
Sewing the darts
Make sure to press the darts downwards
Clipping edges
Finishing the central seam
Attaching the cargo pocket
Keep your pocket square as you sew it to the main fabric
Cutting the opening
Adding Pocket bag
Finishing the pocket
Sewing with sequins – Don’ts
Laying and cutting out the pattern
Sewing the Neckband
Sewing the crotch
Sewing the fronts and backs together.
Attaching the pocket to your garment
How to use a Coverstitch Machine
Simple finishes using your Coverstitch Machine
Lesson 3 – Embroidered Hearts
How to embroider your heart
Finishing the bag
Pattern Alterations
How to make some small alterations
Making The Front Main Panel
Pattern Alterations For Viola Skirt
Learn how to alter your pattern in this lesson
Sewing The Back Panels
Stabilising and Sewing The shoulder Seams
Pattern Alterations
Jules will talk you through some simple pattern alterations for Angelica
Stitching the Letters
Drafting the Front Bodice
Let's start with the Front
a little bit of prep
A bit of prep before we start the Eleanor Shirt
Drafting the Sleeve block
Drafting the sleeve step by step
Drafting the Back Trouser Block
Now we can draft the back directly on top of the front
Pressing Darts
Pressing darts properly will make such a difference
Rotating or Moving Darts
There are a couple of different ways of moving or rotating darts
Fabric Quantities
The fabric quantities for the Cressida Dress are on page 1 of the Cressida Dress PDF Instructions
Neatening ends
Most of the time your overlocking ends will be included in another seam or hem. But sometimes it's nice just to tidy it up a bit.
Mock overlock finished seam
This is rather a fancy zigzag but can also be used instead of overlocking to create seams as well.
Using a Sewing Machine
It is possible to make the entire Cordelia Dress with just a sewing machine, even though its made with Jersey Knit fabric.
Creating the Tube
Finishing the leading edge
Neaten off the front curved edge first
Pulling Through
Final touches
Pocket Flap
Adding a pocket flap can really add to the finish of your cargo pocket
Finishing the Welt
Marking out Stabilising
Making and finishing the rest of the top
Adding the Pockets
Sewing the pocket bags onto the trouser fronts.
Sewing the Shoulders
How to Use a Sewing Machine
Simple finishes using your Sewing Machine
Cutting and Marking
How to cut and mark your pieces
Making The Bias Binding
Cutting Out Your Skirt
Top tips for cutting out your skirt
Making The Apron Pockets
Putting in The Sleeves and Sewing Up The Side Seams
Learn how to sew in the sleeves and finish the side seams
Full Bust Adjustment
How to make a full bust adjustment
Drafting the Back Bodice
Now we can look at the Back Bodice
Making up the Shirt Back
Putting together the back pieces for the shirt
Drawing in the Sleeve head
Trouser Back Crotch Ease
Adding in some Crotch ease
Darts into Seams
Rotating darts into a vertical seam
Pattern adjustments
Sometimes a small pattern adjustment can make a much better fit
Bound Edge seam
This is a beautiful couture method neatening off seams and can look amazing on unlined jackets if using a contrast binding.
Using an Overlocker
Using an overlocker will ensure your sewing is much more professionally finished, but it is not essential.
Creating the Necklace
Sewing the shoulders and back neck facing
This is a great way to neaten everything at the same time.
Adding the Clip and Slider
Sewing Velvet
Sewing the Pocket Bags together
Matching up the side seams.
Attaching the Neck Band
Laying Out Your Fabric
How to layout and prep your fabric
A Bit Of Prep
A little bit of prep to get you started
Finishing Edge Of Backing
Marking Your Viola Pattern Pieces
How to mark your pattern pieces
Making The Apron Side Panels
Making Up and Attaching The Neckband
How to make up and attach the neckband to the garment
A Little Bit of Prep
Prep to begin Angelica Dress
Tracing off the Pattern
Trace the pattern onto another sheet of paper
Making up the Front shirt
Attaching the front and yoke pieces
Transferring the balance marks
Trueing up the pattern
This is about making the pattern match up
Darts into Gathers
Darts can also be changed into other forms of suppression
Cutting out and marking up
The best ways to cut out and transfer pattern markings to your fabric
Stitch Length
The stitch length will be something that you can alter depending on the type of fabric you're working with.
neatening seams
These are just a few ways to neaten seams without using an overlocker
Using a Cover Stitch Machine
This will give your sewing a Super Professional finish. But you could use a normal twin needle if you prefer.
Sewing the Sleeves and side seams
Make sure to leave a gap in one of the side seams
Pressing Velvet
Sewing the Front and Backs together
Sewing the fronts and backs pieces together.
Finishing off the hems
Cutting out and Marking Fabric
How to mark and cut your knit fabric
Back Pockets
How to make and sew the back pockets
How To Make Up The Cushion
A Little Bit of Prep
Attaching The Front Panels To The Side Panels
Finishing The Hems and Cuffs
How to finish the hems and cuffs of your T Shirt
Sewing the Darts
How to sew the bust darts on Angelica
Trueing up the pattern
True up the pattern to make sure it works
Attaching the Front and Back
Now let's attach the front and back.
Your Finished Sleeve Block
Making up the Back
Sewing up the back pieces
Darts onto Pleats
Darts can be used to create pleats as well
A Little bit of Prep
Attaching interfacing and stay stitching. Instead of the fly facing you'll be using the Skirt Front Facing so make sure to add interfacing to that.
Cutting width
The cutting width is another little feature that will really help to get your sewing perfect.
What Size to Make
Use the pattern information to help you decide which size to make up.
Finishing off the Hems
The bottom edge and the sleeves are finished in the same way
Finishing seams and hems
Making the Waistband
Constructing the waistband
working with Elastics and Stabilisers
Different types of elastics and stabilisers and how to sew with them
Making Up The Back
How to construct the back of the dress
Joining the Right Side Seams on Your Viola Skirt
Sewing up the side seam
Attaching Back Panels To The Side Panels
How to Sew a T Shirt Round Up
Attaching the Facings to the Bodice
How to attach the facings on the bodice
Adding a seam allowance
This is the cheats way to add seam allowance
Attaching the facing and inner yoke
We can neaten off the collar and yoke at the same time.
Joining the Shoulders
Joining the Fronts to the back
More to come. . .
There is so much more you can create with darts. . . .
Front Darts
Pinning , sewing and pressing the darts
Differential Feed
The differential feed is so important and will help no end in getting a better finish and results for your sewing
Pattern Alterations
These are just a few alterations you can try to help to get a better fit.
The finished top
Your finished Hermione
Attaching the Waistband
Attaching the waistband to the trousers.
How to Finish Neckline or Armhole
Simple ways to finish your necklines and armholes
Making Up The Front Darts
How to sew the front darts
How to Join Bias Strips
Learn how to sew the bias binding strips together
Attaching The Bib And The Straps
Marking and Sewing the Button Holes
How to mark and sew the button holes
finishing the yoke
Now we can neaten everything up.
Making and attaching the collar
Now let's make up the collar and get it attached
Making up the top
Sewing the top and creating the cuffs
Three Thread Ovelocking – Left needle
Just using three threads can be very effective in edging and neatening your sewing projects
Cutting Out
Now you have the pattern sorted, it's time to cut out the fabric.
Inserting the Drawcord
Optional - adding the drawcord into the waistband.
How to Finish Hem or Cuff
Simple ways to finish of your hems and cuffs
Making Up The Front Pockets
How to make up the front pockets
Joining The Waistband To The Shorter Skirt
How to join the waistband onto the shorter skirt
Sewing the Shoulders and Side Seams
Making up the bodice
Attaching the Sleeves
Sewing in the sleeves is very simple
Neatening the Neck and Front Edge
This is a neat way to finish the front edge as well as the insides too.
The Collar
Making up and attaching the collar
Marking up
It is VERY important that you transfer ALL the pattern information carefully to ensure the twist works correctly.
Hem the trouser legs
Finishing the trouser legs.
Course Round Up
Making Up The Front
How to construct the front of the dress
Making Up The Button Placket On Viola
How to make up and attach the button placket
Making the Sleeve – Version 2, Puff Sleeve
Version 2 puff sleeve instructions
Sewing up the side seams
Now we can turn it into a proper shirt
Side Seams and Hem
Time to sew up the side seams
Making up the Pockets
This is where it deviates slightly from the Jumpsuit, but the processes are exactly the same. Remember to use the pocket pieces for the dress as they are a different shape to the Jumpsuit pockets
Narrow hem
A lovely way to neaten lightweight fabrics
Making up the dress Back.
Sewing the back of the dress together first, makes it much easier to sew the rest of the dress together.
Making The Straps
How to make and attach the straps
Sewing Up Your Shorter Viola Skirt
How to Sew up the shorter part of the skirt
Making the Sleeve – Version 1, Straight edge
How to make version 1 straight sleeve
Making up and attaching the sleeves
Making up the two piece sleeve
Making up the Skirt
This is the same as the jumpsuit with sewing up the side seams, just miss out the inside leg seams
Picot edge
This is a very pretty, decorative edging stitch
Making up the Dress Front
This lesson is all about making the Twist work. So you can pause and rewind as many times as you need too.
Making Up The Front Facing
How to make the front facing and attach it to the dress
Attaching The Waistband To The Longer Skirt
How to attached the waistband onto the longer skirt
Inserting The Sleeve
How to insert the sleeve
Marking and sewing the buttons and buttonholes
We are on the home stretch now!
Finishing Your Gertrude Jacket
It's the finishing that can make all the difference
Joining the top to the Skirt
Again this follows exactly the same process for the Jumpsuit, you're just adding a skirt instead
Rolled Hem
This is one of the most useful stitches on your overlocker
shoulders & facing
Putting the shoulders together now gives you option of finishing off the facing at the same time. This is different to the PDF instructions so you can follow that method if you prefer.
Making Up The Back Facing and Button Stand
How to construct the back facing and attach it to the dress
Attaching The Facing Onto The Longer Skirt
How to attach the facing onto the longer skirt
Making Tier 1 of Skirt
Adding the In-seam pockets
Your finished Eleanor Shirt
Now you have completed your Eleanor Shirt you can wear it with pride!
Your finished Gertrude jacket
Now you can wear your jacket with pride
Sewing and attaching the facing
Exactly the same as the jumpsuit, but using the skirt front facings instead of the fly facing
Pintucks
Pintucks can be a very effective decorative addition
Sleeve options
Cordelia has three Sleeve or sleeveless options. So you can chose which one you prefer.
Button Holes
How to sew and cut the button holes
Attaching The Skirts Together
How to attach the skirts together
Making Tier 2 of the Skirt
Bonus lesson #3 – Alternative Hemline
Give your dress more or of a 'shirty' feel with a curved shirt-style hem.
Finishing the front opening
Top stitch in the same way as the jumpsuit but sew all the way down the skirt fronts to the hem
Gathering
This is a handy little function to use on your overlocker
Version 1 – sleeveless
This version shows you how to neaten off the armhole for a sleeveless option.
Finishing The Hem
How to press and finish the hem
Marking Out Button Holes and Sewing The Buttons
How to mark out and sew the button holes and then attach your buttons
Joining the Bodice and Skirt
Buttons and buttonholes
Marking and sewing buttonholes and sewing on the buttons. All the buttonhole positions are on the new skirt pattern pieces
Mock cuff finish
This is lovely way to finish the hem of a sweatshirt or woven top.
Version 2 – Straight 3/4 Length sleeve
This Version give you a straight 3/4 length sleeve option. But it is very easy to extend the sleeve to make it full length.
Perdita Round Up
We hope you enjoyed making it!
Bonus Lesson! How To Do a Zip Fastening
How to make the skirt with a zip fastening instead of buttons
Finishing the Hem
Finishing the hem
This is a quick and easy way to finish the hem of the dress
Adding Cuffs
This is actually pretty straightforward and gives a very professional result.
Version 3 – Butterfly sleeve
This version gives you a pretty flared butterfly sleeve option.
Angelica Outro
Angelica course summary
Making up the tie belt
The tie belt just finishes off the dress
The finished Cressida dress
It really is worth having a go at the hacked version of Cressida and turning it into a dress
Two Thread Flatlocking
Flatlocking provides a lovely decorative stitch that you can use as seams or for hemming.
Side Seams
Whatever version you choose for the sleeve you can pick up the lessons from here to finish your dress.
Care of your machine
It is really important to make sure you take care of your machine.
Finishing the Hem
Now its time to finish and press the hem - you're nearly there!
Conclusion
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