Sewing a shirt with a back yoke can be a little perplexing! Because of the yoke and the yoke facing, there's the extra additional layer of fabric at the shoulders, and at the seam where the yoke meets the back. So there's some fiddling to get it all sewed together. But there's a couple of different ways to actually sew a shirt yoke! In my latest YouTube tutorial, I walk you through both how to sew a shirt yoke with the ... Read more »
Tutorials
Make your own sewing pattern: How I copied my favorite bolero
Have you ever had a garment that you loved so much, you thought "I wish I could copy this so I could make another one?" Maybe in a different color, or print, or fabric. Or maybe just because the original one is wearing out. Or you love the original one, but it's not your perfect style. Particularly if you love vintage clothing, you've probably had this thought before! I sure have, and I did something about it: in my ... Read more »
Level up your facings: interface & seam in one step!
I've got a great sewing technique for your facings to share with you in my latest YouTube video. And it might be something you've never heard of! Basically, you face your facing. Yes, it sounds a little strange, I know! But trust me, this simple trick will give your facings a beautiful finish, without any hemming required. How's that possible? You interface and seam your facing, all at the same time. This method ... Read more »
Understitching: a sewing secret weapon!
Ever get frustrated when your handmade clothes look great at first, but then your facing or lining is really hard to press back into submission after the wash? There's a simple secret weapon you might be missing: understitching! Understitching is a sewing technique that may sound intimidating if you've heard about it but never known what it was. Fear not, it's actually really easy to master! And let me tell you, it ... Read more »
How to insert a lapped zipper for skirts & pants
I've got a great sewing tutorial for you today! The first of several in a series, in fact. I know! Watch the video to learn my favorite method to insert a lapped zipper, for skirts and pants with a waistband. I've often been asked to do a tutorial for lapped zippers. They feature prominently in many of my handmade garments. In fact, I haven't done an invisible zipper in over a decade! Around the time I learned how ... Read more »
How to knit wrap & turn short rows (and pickup the wraps)
Today I have a knitting tutorial for you! What's a W&T? If you've ever wondered about short rows, specifically how to knit wrap and turn short rows, then my latest YouTube video is for you. Short rows can be used to create shaping in a piece of knitting, particularly (but not limited to) garments. They create a slope or a wedge shape of some sort. In the below two examples, the contrast color shows the short ... Read more »