Tutorials
Tutorial: how to sew on a button FAST
Here’s the fastest way I know to sew on a button by hand. The key is to use four threads instead of two. But how do you thread a needle with four threads without getting in a terrible tangle? Here’s how: With four threads you can sew a two-hole button with three passes through the…
Read MoreHow to take good photos of yourself wearing clothes you’ve made
Sometimes I read comments on Instagram posts like I’m not good at taking pictures or Sorry about the photo, this is the best I can do. I know this feeling; it’s how I felt when I first started taking blog photos of myself wearing things I’d made. It was really hard to get a good…
Read MoreAn un-holey tutorial
Unpicking. We’ve all done it. After you’ve unpicked, sometimes you need to remove the holes and restore the fabric to its pristine state…before sighing deeply and restitching. Here’s a technique from the workrooms of Caroline Charles, which is described in The Dressmaker’s Companion, along with other handy stuff. You’ll need some water and a steam…
Read MoreMaking origami ribbon trim
While flipping through my sketch book looking for something, I found a page with notes for making a ribbon trim where the ribbon is folded origami-style. I’d folded some paper to work out how to do it. Luckily, I write the source of inspiration on all drawings, and it seems I saw a video of…
Read MoreHow to sew a zip without using pins
Or: Sewing outside of your comfort zone. Like a sewing challenge? Yes, it’s possible to sew a zip without using any pins, just using your hands, technique and some practice. It’s a massive time saver (factory machinists do it) and it will generally boost your sewing speed and confidence. Our sewing teacher at TAFE taught…
Read MoreMaking buttons from milk plastic
During the week I happened to see a homeschooling family’s experiments making buttons from milk. Since my children are still at home, we gave it a try. It was a big hit! Milk plastic, or casein plastic, is something I’ve vaguely heard of, but it was very common from about 1900 to WW2 and was…
Read MoreSewing a perfect bias binding facing (a tutorial)
One of the techniques I used in Zero Waste Sewing was facing an edge using bias binding. Specifically, I used it for necklines, but it also works well for other edges such as armholes and pocket openings. The edge can be straight or curved. The finished edge looks clean with a single line of visible…
Read More3 useful tips for cutting out
Do you enjoy cutting fabric, or do you find it anxiety-producing? I know not everyone enjoys cutting out; I quite like it though. Although I trained as a patternmaker, I started my career as a junior cutter, and worked as a cutter on and off for about 9 years. The most expensive fabric I ever…
Read MoreRe-creating Thayaht’s Tuta: mission complete
Folks, I’m happy to report that I’ve finished the Tuta and it’s an outstanding success. Read the previous posts here: Part 1 introduction, Part 2 the toile and Part 3 work in progress. I love the utility feel of it…..the pockets, the way the top blouses, the leg cut, all those opportunities for topstitching… The…
Read MoreIntroducing the Double Fold Waistband
Hello sewing tech enthusiasts, Introducing the double fold waistband, one of the sewing techniques I’m using in my next sewing book (does that make it sound dry and boring? I hope not!) Undoubtedly this is no new idea; I make no bold claims to be the inventor. Although I’ve never seen this type of waistband…
Read More