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Sewing Tips & Tools for Sewists
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items Learning to sew doesn't have to be hard. I'm sharing some sewing tips and tools for you to jumpstart or restart your sewing journey. A lot has changed in sewing and there are better ways to develop your skills. Stop here on your sewing journey, you won't regret it.--- Disclosure: Some of th...
Sections
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Sewing Machines
Patterns
Sewing Tools/Notions
Sewing Resources
Fabric Resources
Fabrics
Sewing Machines
Only you will know the sewing machine that's right for you, but do your homework.
Hey friend! Just a heads up: sewing machine hiccups are bound to happen, no matter how pro you get. Knowing how to troubleshoot those aggravating problems is a lifesaver. And when in doubt, always check out these recommendations before you think abou...
17 Common Sewing Machine Problems and How To Solve ...
Hey friend! Quick tip: Before diving deep into sewing, make sure you've got threading your machine down pat. It's a game-changer and trust me, it'll save you loads of hassle later on. Happy sewing!
How to Thread a Sewing Machine
I believe a sewing machine for intermediate to advanced sewists should offer a blend of precision and versatility. Whether you're tailoring intricate garments or working with complex materials, I recommend the Brother machines. Dive into the advanced...
Computerized Sewing Machines
I believe your first sewing machine should possess features suitable for both beginner and intermediate levels. Whether you're sewing clothing as a beginner or crafting with heavier materials, I recommend the Brother machines. Check out their user-fr...
Home Sewing Machines - Brother
For those tackling demanding projects or thicker fabrics, a robust sewing machine is a must. I believe the heavy-duty Brother sewing machines rise to the challenge. From durable construction to powerful stitching, Brother's heavy-duty lineup is a gam...
Brother ST371HD Strong and Tough Sewing Machine
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One of my preferred resources for Ankara/African print fabrics
Akn Fabrics Inc
People are saying that the SINGER Professional 14T968DC is a great sewing machine. It's easy to use, has lots of great features, and is a good value for the money.
SINGER Professional 14T968DC Serger Overlock
The 1034D | HomeSewing machine is a great choice for home sewers. It's easy to use, has a wide range of features, and sews a variety of fabrics.
1034D | HomeSewingEmbroidery | By Brother
This is one of the more comprehensive instructions on how to take measurements
Measurements
If you know anything about your sellers friend or family member, you know they love being unique. Give them this & thank me later.
Ruler Bracelet™ for Quilters / Handyman / Gifts for mom / Knitting gifts / Portable Tape Measure / Mother's Day
Review:Customers like the comfort, look, and weight of the scissors. They mention that they feel very comfortable in their hands, are easy to hold and maneuver, and the weight adds to their sturdiness. Customers also say the scissors cut well and wor...
8 Inch Heavy Duty Tailor Scissors for Fabric
Brother sewing machines are popular with sewists because they offer a blend of precision and versatility. Whether you're tailoring intricate garments or working with complex materials, Brother machines are a great choice.
Home Sewing Machines: Easy-to-Use, Innovative, Versatile - Brother
Yes, give me a sewing machine that I can setup using my cell phone or my iPad. Yes indeed!
Juki DDL9000C-FMS Digital Tension Machine
Have you tried one of the Joann branded sewing machines? This one looks like the singer heavy duty.
JOANN 200HDT Heavy Duty Sewing Machine | JOANN
Patterns
We love free sewing patterns to practice with. Check out this collection of patterns.
So Sew Easy
Mood Sewciety has a ton of free patterns that you can access here. Check them out!
300+ Free Sewing Patterns | Mood Sewciety
Lekala.co offers fashion-forward PDF patterns that you can download and print at home. The patterns are easy to create and use, and the site provides helpful instructions and tips.
Lekala Sewing Patterns - Site
Create your own designs using the many pattern block designs on their site. They're easy to create and you can print PDF copies of your pattern at home.
Sewist - Online Sewing Pattern Designer - Sewist CAD Clothing Patterns
This is my number one selling pattern and it's very flattering and very simple to make.
Petal Ascot PDF Pattern (3 Sizes Included) by Susan UnSewlicited
Sewing Tools/Notions
This flexible ruler is my most frequently used tool, next to my scissors, when I hack patterns.
Flexible Ruler
Second to scissors, this is a much needed tool for cutting fabric.
Fiskars Classic 45mm Loop Rotary Cutter for ...
You have to have pattern weights this cute added to your toolkit.
Pattern Weights Set of 6 - (3 Gold and 3 Silver)
This is great for tacking & basting fabric in place. Also holding buttons in place before sewing. Love this!
Sewline Glue Pen
For rusching and gathering fabrics this ruffler foot is a must have. Be sure that it is compatible with your machine shank height (high or low).
Ruffler Attachment Presser Foot, Spaced Pleats
This is all around household tool, but I find that it would be super useful for those nagging little screws that are on your sewing machine.
Fanttik X5 Max Precision Screwdriver Set, 50-in-1
I have this electric scissors & rotary cutter set (pic) and I love it. No more hand fatigue and It slices through fabrics with ease.
Pink Power Electric Fabric Scissors Box Cutter
Great stay tapes that keep your fabrics from buckling and stretching where you don't want it to. Especially greate when installing zippers.
Tapes
The perfect glue for bonding to fabric, among other things. Great for use with rope designs, applique, quilt tacking, etc...
Surebonder DT-100 Mini Glue Gun & Sticks Bundle
If you don't have this in your sewing kit, then what are you doing JK. This tape is a timesaver for a basting in for holding down those narrow seams or hems before Sewing. You will find many more uses for it as well, so just grab some.
Dritz 1/4" x 10yd Wash-A-Way Wonder Tape | JOANN
Super simple loop pressing bar and Loop Turner all in one
Clover Loop Pressing Bars
Get this before you get your 10th project under your belt. The best sewing bobbin storage solution I've Seen.
Stack 'N Store Bobbin Tower
If you have PTSD from having a sewing machine needle ram through your index finger, then this is for you. This is a "finger pusher". It'll keep your fingers at a distance and allow you to control your fabric or piece as it goes under the needle.
Sewing Finger Thing Pusher Finger Protector
Get your body double custom 3-D printed.
Custom 3D-Printed Dress Forms
I'm sure I can think of other things to use this for but the first thing that comes to mine is weatherproofing a tote bag or a bucket hat. You decide what you use liquid vinyl for.
Liquid Vinyl
The Singer bias binding foot is an essential tool for achieving precise and professional-looking bias binding on garments and projects. It simplifies the process by guiding the fabric evenly, ensuring consistent stitching and reducing the need for pi...
Bias Binder Foot
This is a multifunction hem allowance, guide tool. If your Sewing. machine has a metal plate then you could use this otherwise it's being marketed as a tool for industrial sewing machines. Check out how it works here.youtu.be/F423dgh3fmY?si=iW8RCoLwUIM94cF2
Buddy Sew Magnetic Seam Guide & Hem Ruler
Zipper Jig for attaching zipper pulls to zipper tape.
Zipper Jig
The Roller Foot is ideal for sewing fabrics with varying thicknesses, including leather, velvet, and materials with nap or loops. It excels at handling straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and other forward motion utility or decorative stitches. This ...
SINGER Roller Presser Foot for Low-Shank
"WHAT IS SERAFLEX THREAD, AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL? According to Mettler,Seraflex thread is groundbreaking because it can be sewn in a straight stitch and still be elastic"
Mettler Seraflex Elastic Thread 50wt
I wish I had invented fabric ID tape. It's perfect for organizing and labeling my fabrics.
Fabric ID Tape Roll by KATM (Kylie and the Machine)
Fabric Chalk Pencil
A tailor's board silhouette is a tool used for shaping and pressing different parts of a garment, such as sleeves, collars, and seams:
Tailor's board Silhouette
I haven't seen this design for same allowance guide before. I really like it and think it would be very useful for for any Sewing level.
Magnetic Seam Guide for Sewing Machine
This magnetic seam guide for sewing machines can be used for blocking edges, positioning, anti-curl, pressing bright threads and so on. Unlike regular magnetic guides, the guide stays aligned even when you're sewing thick fabrics, so you get stable a...
TOOVREN Magnetic Seam Guide for Sewing
This is one of the first books in my collection that taught me about creating sewing patterns. I got a lot of insight on how to redesign my existing sewing patterns. It's not very beginner friendly, but it is very googlable. 😉
Make Your Own Dress Patterns: A Primer
Stop putting those little pieces of fabric or muslin around the ends of your nylon boning. Silicone caps to the rescue! I discovered these while doing an alteration on a dress by Oh Polly. It is a high-end detail for sure but so worth it because who ...
144 pcs Silicone End Caps for Boning Clear
I would love to have this personalized seam ripper in my sewing toolbox. It is a very unique gift idea for the sewist in your life. #christmassewinggift
Personalized Seam Ripper for Sewing Craft
1pc Easy Piping Tool for Industrial Sewing Machine, Piping Bias Maker, Tube Puller
When cutting tulle with a soldering iron or heat wand, you will need a respirator or work in a well ventilated space. This is also needed when melting nylon boning with a lighter. Safety first!
Respirator Mask
If your sewing machine does not have an automatic needle threader this is what you need. It is a bit more advanced than the old school ways of threading a needle. And very affordable so grab some.
Fish Mouth Sewing Machine Needle Threader
Sewing Resources
Here are some sewing resources that may be helpful. I hope they help you advance your sewing skills. Here's a few sewing resources that will help you advance your skills.
Fit is the number one thing you need to address as you're learning to sew. I have this book and it's well illustrated and I do think that it's a great tool for sewist's who are going to always have to alter their patterns to fit.
The Fitting Book: Make Sewing Pattern Alterations
Database of stitches for all sorts of fashion, applications, and utilitarian applications for crafting and DIY
RSN Stitchbank
If you’re a sewing enthusiast who loves creating fabulous outfits for dolls, “Doll Couture” by Kenneth D. King is the book you’ve been waiting for. Explore the world of high-fashion doll clothing, inspired by King’s popular social media tales of Craz...
For many of us in the sewing community, doll fashion was our kickstart into the world of clothing construction. Who doesn’t remember making outfits for their favorite dolls as a kid? This beloved craft is not only nostalgic but also a wonderful way...
Kenneth D. King, a couture sewing expert, will guide you through the process, blending the technical aspects of garment making with the fun of working with luxurious fabrics and stunning designs. This book is a delightful and inspiring project for ...
For many of us in the sewing community, doll fashion was our kickstart into the world of clothing construction. Who doesn’t remember making outfits for their favorite dolls as a kid? This beloved craft is not only nostalgic but also a wonderful way...
Kenneth D. King, a couture sewing expert, will guide you through the process, blending the technical aspects of garment making with the fun of working with luxurious fabrics and stunning designs. This book is a delightful and inspiring project for ...
Doll Couture
Help for better sewing.
Stress-Free Sewing Solutions: A No-Fail Guide
Chanel's iconic tweed jacket is known for its luxurious fabric and impeccable construction.
Couture Sewing: Making Designer Trims
If you're looking for sewing machine parts, accessories etc. I reccome d you check out this site.
Sewing Parts Online
This book intimidates me to this day, but the information is invaluable to the home sewist who wants to level up their fashion design knowledge
Garment Design Textbook: Fundamentals
I have Sandra Betzina's "Fast Fit" book is a great resource for sewists who are just starting out and learning to fit their patterns. It's full of tips and techniques that can help you achieve a perfect fit every time.
Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations Guide
I have the book "How to Make Sewing Patterns" by Donald McCunn. I like it for some of the illustrations that show how to make alterations to sewing pattern designs.
Book Review: “How To Make Sewing Patterns”, by Donald H. McCunn
I love "Make Your Own Patterns" by Rene Bergh. It includes a set of 1/4 scale patterns that you can print off and practice the exercises with.
Make Your Own Patterns
Procreate is a versatile digital illustration app that can be used for fashion design. While it's not specifically designed for fashion design, its powerful features make it a popular choice among designers for creating sketches, illustrations, and e...
Procreate for fashion design?
Fabric Resources
Let's go to Jojo's!
Official JOANN™ Fabric and Craft Stores Online
One of my favorite go to online fabric stores. Great fabrics at affordable prices.
Online Fabric Store by the yard | Discount Wholesale Fabric: 40% off! | Big Z Fabric
Anothe of my favorite fabric stores
Fabric Wholesale Direct: Wholesale Fabric Suppliers Online
TessWorld store has been around for a long time and they have a nice selection of quality african print fabrics. Very good service as well.
TessWorldDesigns - Etsy
Fabrics
Fabric for sale
Perfect grid fabric for a DIY cutting table or mat.
White / Lake 1-Inch Grid Fabric | Spoonflower
Crinoline is a stiff fabric or structured petticoat that provides shape, support, and volume to skirts and dresses. This type of crinoline is what was used to create the tulip shape of this Oh Polly dress
crinoline fabric polyester crinoline fabric pure white and off white bridal crinoline
This ribbed velvet knit is everything!. I saw this fabric in a dress by Torn by Ronny Kobo, and I loved it. Here's to hoping it's the same type of Velvet. tornbyronnykobo.com/collections/dresses-skirts/products/gigidress?variant=49234810634551
Ribbed Velvet Knit Fabric - Etsy
Sewing Room Must Haves
We live for a fashion design competition. Here's a new one on Hulu!
Watch Dress My Tour Streaming Online | Hulu (Free Trial)
This machine offered something your cricket or silhouette cameo does not which is coloring included with a laser option as well as a cutting blade. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this. I need to go and see where I can test this one out near...
xTool M1 Ultra: The World's First 4-in-1 Craft Machine
This is amazing. This one not only engraves and carves into just about any product, I saw a demo where it lasered jeans here it is:fb.watch/w9HcORPhiM?
xTool F1 Ultra 20W Fiber & Diode Dual Laser Engraver