Sewing

Sewing requires a pattern for almost anything you want to sew, and the easiest way to sew is to use a pattern that is purchased. Finding a pattern you like and want to work with is only half the...

Children love to have their own things, and an apron is perfect to protect their clothing. They may wear an apron for painting or crafts or for cooking with Mom. This child-size apron is easy to...

There are numerous ways to stretch your wedding budget dollars. For example, you might wear a family heirloom wedding dress, or get a discount for buying all the bridal party dresses at the same...

So, you've made your first outfit from a pattern. It went together without a hitch...until you put it on and stepped in front of a mirror. "Wait a minute!" you exclaimed. "This...

So, you've made your first outfit from a pattern. It went together without a hitch...until you put it on and stepped in front of a mirror. "Wait a minute!" you exclaimed. "This...

Whether you need fabric for a home decoration project or an item of clothing, it can be hard to find the right fabric online without seeing it in person. But, buying fabric online is convenient...

When designing a slipcover that you will be making yourself, you might want to consider using a sheet instead of buying fabric. Depending on the size of the furniture you're covering, a sheet may...

There are plenty of occasions that call for a fancy dress. But you don't always have to buy a prom dress or evening gown. You can make fancy dresses, too. Sewing a dress yourself will mean you get...

A popular choice in costume and dress-up fun, princess dresses come in many styles and designs. While the more complex, time-consuming styles are often relegated to Renaissance fairs and costume...

Making stuffed toys for your baby or toddler is not difficult. You can either purchase material from a fabric store or use fabric you already have around the house. Stuffed toys can be any shape...

Corset patterns are a great way to begin making your very own corset. They are a great option for a waist cincher as they can be worn by themselves or over/beneath another article of clothing....

Sewing a paisley necktie can be surprisingly complicated even though they seem like simple garments. With the right supplies and a little instruction an experienced sewer, however, can make a...

The French curve, or designer’s curve, can be used to customize commercial garment patterns, which are based on standardized sizes intended to fit what’s considered to be average...

Velour is a knit fabric, usually cotton or polyester, with a dense, soft nap that makes it perfect for a cozy robe. Velour has a lot of "give," is exceptionally comfortable, affordable, easy to...

Gingham fabric has the traditional checked pattern. You can find gingham in all colors and sizes of checks. While you don't see many gingham dresses today, you can still sew a gingham dress for...

The tree of life quilt is an heirloom quilt pattern common among Amish quilts and others in the American quilting tradition. If you enjoy quilting, the tree of life quilt can be a suitable project...

Vests come in a wide variety of styles, from casual cover-ups to fitted sleeveless jackets to formal wear for men’s suits. Vests can be loose and open or closely fitted with princess seams....

By making a reversible vest, you can choose two different fabrics for the same vest, and wear either one depending on your outfit or the style you want that day. Choose fabrics that are the same...

Vests are fairly simple, sleeveless garments. You can make a basic pattern for yourself. Once you have a basic pattern, you can make a plain and simple or elegant vest, or add extra touches (such...

A christening gown can add a beautiful touch to a very special ceremony. Although christening gowns take time to sew, having a christening gown that’s handmade by a loved one can make it...

Flower girls can add a sweet touch to a wedding ceremony, especially if the bride has nieces or family friends that would love to be in the wedding. Part of the fun of having flower girls is...

Bridesmaids’ dresses come in a wide variety of styles and colors. The bride may choose to have all the bridesmaids wear exactly the same type of dress, or wear slightly different styles all...

In traditional wedding etiquette, the mother of the bride picks out her dress first, and the mother of the groom picks a dress that coordinates with it. Some brides prefer that the mother’s...

Boleros are short, cropped jackets that are often worn with evening dresses. Most boleros have short sleeves, but you can make one with three-quarter or long sleeves if you prefer. The bolero...

Sewing is a great way to show your own personality through what you wear. By shopping the fabric store sales you save money, along with having fun. Studies have shown sewing lowers stress levels....

Bikinis are two-piece bathing suits that resemble a bra and panties. Many women must mix and match bikinis because their top is not the same size as the bottom. A great way to avoid spending hours...

Jeans are probably the most versatile item of clothing in your closet because you can dress them up or down. However, you may find it difficult to find jeans that fit perfectly. If you have sewing...

Sewing is a fun, lifelong hobby that offers great satisfaction. It can be a good option if you are on a budget and want to make stylish clothing for you and your family. You can also find it...

If you want to trace fabric pieces to make a paper pattern, you can hold the fabric in place with paperweights. This will help keep your fabric pins from getting dull. For example, you may want to...

Collar patterns are fairly simple to make, once you have a measurement for the neckband. You can make the collar any style you like, but no matter how it’s shaped, the edge of the collar...

Try a new kind of project! Sew a sweater from sweater knit fabric. Before starting to sew a sweater and by taking a few simple steps in preparation you will have a great looking, and unique...

Skirts are a versatile wardrobe essential that work with all kinds of outfits. Pattern catalogs offer a variety of skirts you can make at home, including mini skirts, skirts for the office, long,...

Hats can make practical and fashionable winter wear. They’re easy to sew, and they make great gifts for family and friends. When you sew hats by hand, you can work wherever you’re...

Pockets can be useful additions to many sewing projects. There are two main styles of pockets: side pockets, the kind you slide your hand into in the sides of skirts or pants; and front pockets,...

You can use an old shirt as a pattern by cutting it apart at the seams, or by folding it so that you can trace around each piece. You can place the shirt directly on the fabric and mark the...

If you have an old worn-out shirt with a collar that you really like, you can use the old collar to make a pattern for a new one. This works best for the collar of a button-down shirt or blouse,...

T-shirts are simple enough that you can trace an old T-shirt to make a pattern for a new one. You can make the T-shirt pattern by placing the T-shirt on a piece of paper and tracing around it with...

If you’re experienced with sewing, you can fold a shirt to make a quick pattern for a new shirt or a costume. This technique works best for simple shirts and projects where you only need a...

Baby bibs are fun and easy to sew, and a useful gift. You can use easy to clean vinyl fabric (often available in the home decor section of fabric stores) or absorbent terry cloth for practical...

There are many perks to making your own custom bikini bottom. It's less expensive and fits the shape of your body more precisely than the general sizes available through retailers. Plus, fabric...

The Irish Chain quilt pattern was developed in Ireland in the early 1800s. The earliest example of the pattern dates in America dates to 1807 and is stitched with linen thread typical of Irish...

Once you've purchased a sewing pattern, this is a step by step guide for cutting the pattern, the fabric, and accurate marking. It touches on the essentials you need to know about selvage edge,...

Understanding a sewing pattern envelope is vital to selecting the correct size, fabric and notions for your craft or clothing project. These are basic explanations of reading a pattern envelope.

As you shop for clothing it never fails to find one that you just love, but you can’t get it in all the colors you would like. Here is your chance to recreate that wonderful fitting garment in...

Prom is a great time to show off your own personal style. After all, it's probably the first time you'll get to wear a smoking hot dress to a social event! Even if you're on a tight budget, you...

If you discover your waistline creeping up in inches, there's no need to toss your favorite pants pattern in the donation bin. All you need to alter your pattern is a little sewing expertise and...

Jackets are one of the trickier garments to sew. If you have good sewing skills, you can make one without any trouble. The directions that follow are general guidelines for an unlined,...

Everyone loves to cozy up in a wrap around bathrobe. Even if you just have beginner skills, you can still make your own robe. Just pick a simple pattern and an easy-to-sew fabric. These directions...

For many people, constructing a pair of pants can be a daunting task. Although they are easy to sew, getting them to fit properly is the difficult part. One of the first steps to sewing a pair of...

Making doll clothes is a great way to add to any doll's wardrobe. Making doll clothes ensures the clothes will fit the doll and the doll owner's taste. Girls and their mothers or grandmothers...