How to

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Tips and Tricks

Topstitching- Not so Scary!

Topstitching is simply stitching on the outside of a project, usually just in from the edge. It is not only decorative, but it helps create a flat, crisp edge. It can also be done on one or both sides of a seamline to help hold the seam allowances in place,...

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Tips and Tricks

Sew On a Button Quick - by Machine!

Sewing machines can do lots of things, but perhaps you haven’t exhausted all the possibilities yet. Attaching buttons by machine is not only fast, but secure as well. Any flat button with holes will work for this process.

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Tips and Tricks

Sewing Metallic Threads

Nothing adds a little shine to a project like metallic thread, whether you use it as an accent or as the primary embellishment. It’s great for decorative stitching, topstitching, serging, and even quilting, both on a regular machine and a longarm machine.

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Pattern Tutorials

Create Fabric Book Covers

Fabric book covers can serve a very functional purpose– protecting books from wear and tear, but they are also a lot of fu …

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Beyond Basics

Applique- More than Satin Stitching!

Appliqué can be done with most stitches in your sewing machine—straight, zigzag, blindhem, blanket stitch and most decorat …

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Pattern Tutorials

DIY Bow Belt Tutorial

Hi all! I’m Sunni Standing from A Fashionable Stitch. I’m dropping in with a quick tutorial on how to make a bow belt! Bel …

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Tips and Tricks

The Long & Short of Hemming Jeans

Who loves to hem blue jeans? Don’t everyone raise their hand at once! With kids, the question is “to hem or not to hem?” As sure as you do, the growth spurt will hit.

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Pattern Tutorials

Weave a Zipper Purse

By Stefanie Girard Have you seen the purses and tote bags– usually in airport gift shops– woven out of seat belts?

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Pattern Tutorials

Project 2 - Humbugs Sewing Corners

This is the 2nd project in our Teaching Tweens to Sew Series by Elizabeth Hill, Bucket of Humbugs …

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Basics

Tailor Tack Tutorial by Gertie

Tailor’s tacks are thread marks used to indicate a pattern’s markings on your fabric. It’s one of those skills you see all …

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Basics

Sewing a Lapped Zipper in a Skirt

A lapped zipper is a great technique for sewing in an all-purpose (not invisible) zipper. The finished zipper has an overlap on the left side of the opening that covers the zipper. On the right side of the opening, the fabric is stitched very close to the zipper teeth.

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Basics

Sewing Your First Zipper- The Centered Zipper

If you’ve never sewn a zipper before, you’ll want to start with the centered zipper. This is an application that puts the zipper teeth right in the middle of a seam line. The zipper opening is topstitched to secure the zipper teeth.

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