Sewing Basics

Presented by Daniel King

The basics of sewing include learning foundational stitches, such as the whip stitch, the blind stitch and the slip stitch. Discover how easy stitching and hemming can be with this free video series on sewing.

Series Summary

Sewing is an ancient craft that still has remarkable relevance in today's modern world. The art of stitching and assembling pieces of fabric together, either by hand or with the use of a modern sewing machine, is still a valuable skill. It is the backbone of the textile industry, it comes in handy for clothing repair, and homemade clothing wouldn’t exist without it. Whether using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, the techniques involved in constructing a well-fitting garment are very specific and involved. Becoming skilled at the craft is a lifelong pursuit. In this free video series on sewing, a fashion designer discusses a few simple sewing tips. Learn the whip stitch, which is great to sew on patches, and see a demonstration of the blind stitch, which is perfect for closing up a pillow. Get ideas for repairing clothing using creative sewing techniques, and learn the basics to start any simple sewing project.

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How to Sew a Blind Stitch

Sewing a blind stitch requires folding a hem in, sewing on the inside of the fold and catching very small pieces of each side with the needle for an invisible seam. Sew a blind stitch, using a matching colored thread, with a demonstration from a fashion designer in this free video on sewing.

About Sewing Appliques

Sewing appliques to a garment adds additional decoration, and it is easy to do by gluing it in place with fabric glue, stitching around the edges by hand or using a machine to tack it down. Sew appliques onto a piece of clothing, which adds a bit of personality and flare, with information from a fashion designer in this free video on sewing.

How to Sew a Slip Stitch

Sewing a slip stitch requires placing the fabric together, pulling the needle up from underneath, pushing the needle back down halfway and then pulling it out through the top again. Practice this fundamental stitch, keeping the stitches evenly separated, with a demonstration from a fashion designer in this free video on sewing.

How to Sew a Curved Hem

To sew a curved hem, cut tiny slits into the curve of the fabric to avoid bunching or sew a loose seam and gently gather the fabric to create a smooth and flat hem. Discover ways to flawlessly sew a curved hem with a demonstration from a fashion designer in this free video on sewing.

How To Sew a Seam

Sewing a seam requires placing the fabric with right sides together, leaving about a half an inch of seam allowance and pushing the needle into the fabric and back out the other side. Continue stitching a seam, drawing a straight line with tailor's chalk for precision, with a demonstration from a fashion designer in this free video on sewing.

How to Sew On a Patch

To sew on a patch to a garment, iron out the patch or fabric, pull the needle up from underneath and do a whip stitch around the edges to tack it down. Stitch a patch to jeans, decorative pillows or bags with a demonstration from a fashion designer in this free video on sewing.

Sewing Repair Tips

Sewing is a great way to repair clothing, whether adding extra fabric onto jeans to conceal fraying or covering up a rip with a patch. Discover ways to repair torn clothing, using a whip stitch to sew patches and hems, with information from a fashion designer in this free video on sewing.

How to Sew a Pillow Closed

Sewing a pillow closed is as simple as turning in the ends and doing a whip stitch across the seam, using matching colored thread for a seamless look. Sew a pillow closed, keeping the stitches consistent sizes, with a demonstration from a fashion designer in this free video on sewing.

Sewing Basics

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