Sewing

Sewing without preparing the fabric ends in disappointment, so if you want to be a good seamstress, prepare the fabric before you sew for best results. Preparing the fabric will help assure that...

If you sew and wear blouses or shirts, you can sew a few simple seams in a blouse for less ironing. Why do we need to iron a shirt or blouse? Many are a permanent press fabric or require very...

Q: I have a quilt that I want to make into something different. How do I take sections of blocks out of the quilt without ruining the fabric? A: There are several steps in this process, and if...

Calico fabric comes in many colors and designs. Usually the print is small and it's often a floral or animal design. Because calico has such a soft feel, it's an ideal choice to sew for a little...

In this age of green living, recycling everyday objects into something useful prevents waste and keeps objects out of our landfills. Here's how to turn an old tank top into a useful tote bag.

Dressmaking for dolls is a craft that's centuries-old. The lined bodice for a sleeveless doll dress uses both machine and hand stitching. Use a 12-inch stitch on the machine. Use small needlepoint...

If you’re experienced with sewing clothing, you can use an old, worn-out shirt to make a pattern for a brand new shirt. Since it’s not very practical to remove every seam of an old...

You usually see flat-felled seams on jeans, totes, backpacks and tents because of their durability. There are several steps involved to secure and encase the seam, and some machines may not be...

If you know how to sew with a sewing machine, you can easily make a pair of pajamas. Just find a comfortable old pair of pajamas to use as a guide or buy a pattern. Either way, you can be lounging...

You see the swimsuit on the mannequin and it looks gorgeous, but you put it on yourself and it just doesn't fit the same. So, you put it back and keep looking. You can search for the perfect beach...

The time comes you realize your favorite sweater is experiencing some wear or been out grown. So here is a great way to recycle it. We can continue to enjoy this sweater in another creative...

Any horse enthusiast knows what a pair of jodhpurs looks like. Traditionally, jodhpurs are white or cream colored. They are tight through the calf area but full in the thighs and seat. Jodhpurs...

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...

Recycling your old jeans into something new is completely possible even for the non-seamstress. Making a skirt out of jeans is a great way to re-use jeans that don't fit so well anymore, are a bit...

You may have found an amazing dress but it doesn't fit perfectly. Or, you may have lost or gained some weight but don't want to purchase a new dress. Either way, it's easy to alter a dress to...

Though no one will see them, finished seams will give your garment a professional look.