Posts

Bias Binding Tutorial

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This is a type of edge/hem finishing, this tutorial shows how to sew a bias binding. It can be used at the neck, hem, armholes etc or even to finish a seam where it is known as "Hong Kong" finish. Bias tapes can be brought ready-made or you can make your own. Today's sample is made using pre-made post. A bias binding that will finish 1/4" when bound will measure a total of 1" tape when unfolded (i.e 1/4"×4): in the same vein, a bias tape that will finish as 3/8" will measure 1.5" when unfolded. The most common bias tape in Nigerian markets measures 1" when unfolded and will finish 1/4" when used for binding. This type is actually called "1/2 inch single fold bias tape" because it measures 1/2" till when unfolded. It should be noted that an edge to be bound doesn’t require seam allowance, as sewing a binding merely wraps (or binds) around that particular edge and doesn’t take in any seam allowance. You can sew a bia

Pattern Tester Call

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Calling on interested sewers....... A pattern tester helps to check the quality of instruction and fit of a pattern before it is released by sewing a sample and sending us feedback. At the moment, we aren't able to offer testers compensation beyond the pre-tested pattern they will get. Would you like to test for us? Do you have access to a Computer and A4 printer? Can you commit to sewing a sample (including procuring your own fabric and supplies) and send us feedback within 10 days (May !8-28, 2016)? If Yes,

Sewing a French Seam

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A French seam is a self-finishing kind of seam whereby all the raw edges are totally enclosed within the seam. It is a seam that is hardly used in mass manufactured clothing but used in high end garments and it can be easily achieved. Maybe you have even used this technique before without knowing what it is called. It is often used in sheer fabrics and light weight fabrics such as chiffon. You don’t want to use this in a fabric such as denim because of how bulky it will be. Our soon to be released pattern makes use of this seaming and finishing technique and here is a tutorial on it.

Understanding Grainlines

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                                                         First, Happy new month to you. I hope to see more of you here thanks for dropping by. Now on to the post proper. It is important in sewing that you understand grain-lines. The fabric has grain-lines. sewing patterns including mine are annotated with a long arrow denoting  the direction in which you should place your fabric.

How to Sew Accurate Seam Allowances Part 2

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In continuation of the previous post , I will be sharing my method of making a seam guide on the popular " black-head" sewing machines. What you need: 1.        A pair of divider (from your maths set) 2.        Removable ink marker 3.        Steel/plastic ruler

Sewing Accurate Seam Allowances

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So a pattern calls for 1/2" sewing allowance, how do you ensure your seams are exactly 1/2"? Eyeball? Use chalk to mark all the way down? Simple, use seam guides located on your sewing machines. The presser foot: you know this can be used as a guide right? The distance from the needle to the edge of the presser foot is a specific amount. For instance

How to Sew an Invisible Zip and make it truly Invisible

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How do you sew and make an invisible zip truly invisible?  the best way to truly make it invisible is to use a zipper foot. There is a presser foot specifically  designed for inserting invisible zips but the one that I have used is an ordinary  zipper foot. While searching for images, my search revealed that what I have is actually a piping foot or is it an elastic foot?