SG Blog / How to

Here's a great tips for reducing tension and matching seams perfectly!

Here's a quick and simple pattern adjustment for a rounded back on a garment with straps. Effectively it means removing a dart in the problem area.

Here's a run down on using the Stitch Buzz sleeve placket template. A great way to get neatly sewn plackets, every time.

This is a great sewing tools for sewing a neat and accurate welt pocket. Read on for a step by step run down on using the quick pocket tool by Stitch Buzz.

Sewing A Balanced Dart

Balanced darts are used in garments to reduce a 'stepped' look when sewing darts in bulky fabrics. The additional fabric that is added actually creates a smoother silhouette and provides a good fit. 

Here's how:

1. Mark the dart on your garment.

2. Pin the dart then cut an extra rectangle of fabric that is bigger that the dart (longer and wider).

3. Re-pin the dart with the rectangle of fabric underneath.

4. Stitch the dart beginning and ending in the excess fabric.

5. Pull the excess fabric away from the stitching line. Cut the excess fabric to match the shape of the dart on the main garment.

6. Press the dart apart from the excess fabric so that the dart is 'balanced' and there is the same amount of fabric on both sides of the stitching line. 

 

I've been busy sewing a dress with sequins so thought I'd share my tops tips for working with this sometimes tricky fabric.

If you are wanting perfect pleats in your next garment read on to find out how. Tips include how to avoid unwanted ridges when pressing and creating a hem that behaves!

French Darts!! I remember sewing the Eve Dress by Sew Over it, quite a few years back. It's a shift dress and has French Darts, but I wasn't happy with the darts on the toile. After a bit of research this was how I managed to get smooth looking French darts (these steps are particularly important if you have a larger bust!). Happy sewing!

Here are a few tips for beautiful buttonholes! There are a few top tools that really help with this. Read on to find what we'd suggest.

Here are few gathering tips to help get your gathers just so!

A thread chain is a great option for belt or button loops. It's also a great way to create bra strap holders inside garments. One of my favourite things about thread chains is that they easily be easily added to the garment right at the end of sewing (so you don't have to worry about loops and things when you're in the middle of construction). 

Here's how to create a thread loop.

1. Cut two long pieces (approx. 70cm) of all purpose thread.

 

2. Pull both pieces of thread through a needle so it becomes 4 threads.

3. Tie a knot in the end of your threads.

4. Insert the needle where you require the thread chain to begin. You can sew another knot here for security if you would like (before you start sewing your thread chain).

5. Reinsert the needle in the same spot and pull through, but do not pull all the way. Keep that loop!

6. Hold the loop open with two fingers. Hold the thread with the needle in the other hand.

7. Pull the threads with the needle attached through the loop and pull to create a knot and another loop. (This is much more intuitive than it sounds, I promise! ). Effectively you are folding the threads with the needle attached in half to create the loop, which you then pull on.

8. Repeat this step over and over until the thread chain is long enough.

9. Finish by knotting at the end of the thread chain. Usually this means finishing the thread chain in the garment.

This week we have a quick run down on using Clover Loop Pressing Bars. Read on to find out what they are used for and how they work.