Basic Techniques
Learning the basics of sewing or brushing up on skills? The links below will lead you on the right path.
Applique (with a dryer sheet) - Tutorial  [offsite link]
Put those used dryer sheets to good use! They are great for light linings for applique shapes. Applying Bias Tape by Machine - Tutorial [offsite link]
A video showing how to apply double-fold bias tape by machine. Basic Sewing Machine Presser Feet
There are presser feet for basic stitching as well as specific techniques. Learn what the presser feet in your sewing kit do with this illustrated guide to basic sewing machine presser feet. Bias Tape, Double Fold - Applying [offsite link]
Learn how to apply double fold bias binding. Bias Tape, Single Fold - Applying [offsite link]
Learn how to use single fold bias tape for trim, facings or casings. Blanket Binding - Applying [offsite link]
Learn how to apply blanket binding. Care and Feeding of Your Serger
The serger is a fierce, but delicate, beast and requires special care to keep it purring. Cording Crash Course - Tutorial [offsite link]
Step-by-step instructions for making cording. From jcarolinecreative! Essential Sewing Tools and Notions
There are a number of sewing tools and sewing notions that are essential to have in your sewing inventory in addition to a sewing machine. Some items are more necessary while others just make sewing a bit easier (and quicker). What tools do you consider to be essential? Finished? It Seams Like It
Learn about the most commonly used seam finishes and how to create them. Hem Facing - Applying [offsite link]
Directions on how to apply hem facing from Wrights.com. Honeycomb Smocking - Tutorial [offsite link]
A different way to pleat and smock. How to Alter Pants
If you find a pair of pants that fit perfect in one spot, but not another, don't think that you have to put them them back on the rack. Some pant alterations are easy to do and can make all the difference in the world. How to Make a Pocket [offsite link]
Customize almost any sewing project by adding a patch pocket with this simple pattern. How to Sew - Extended Facings
Facings are pieces of fabric that are used to finish various types of openings. Extended facings are cut as part of the pattern rather than applied separately. How-To Make Yards and Yards of Bias Tape  [offsite link]
Easy to understand instructions for making continuous bias tape. Mending Pants
Save money by fixing damaged garments rather than discarding them. This article shows you an easy way to repair a broken waistband closure on a pair of men's dress pants. More Essential Sewing Tools and Notions
There are a number of sewing tools and sewing notions that are essential to have in your sewing inventory in addition to a sewing machine. Some items are more necessary while others just make sewing a bit easier (and quicker) - page two. Piping - Applying [offsite link]
Learn how to apply pre-made piping. Quilt Binding - Tutorial [offsite link]
Illustrated tutorial on applying quilt binding using white glue. Link opens a .pdf document. Reverse Applique Tutorial [offsite link]
Photographic demonstration of how to do the reverse applique technique. Rick-Rack - Applying [offsite link]
Rick-rack is an easy way to add punch to your projects. Ruching, Ruffles, and More
A brief introduction to some additional techniques for adding texture and depth to fabric including ruffles and smocking. Seam Finishes - Mock French and Flat Felled
Part two of the discussion about the most widely used seam finishes. This installment explains the Mock/False French Seam and the Flat-Felled Seam. Sewing for Prom
Have you ever been frustrated when shopping for a prom dress? Perhaps you find a style you love, but the color is all wrong? Well, you can solve this problem by sewing your own gown. The first step is selecting a pattern that best suits your body type; here are some tips to help with that. Sewing Machine Needle Types
There are many types of needles available for your sewing machine. Learn what they are used for. Sewing Machine Needles - How to Choose
When faced with the different types of needles available for your sewing machine, it can be hard to know which one to purchase and use. Here is an explanation of the different types and their uses in sewing. Sewing Satin
Satin fabric is glossy and luxurious and the perfect match for sewing garments for special occasions such as prom or a formal event. Satin does require some special handling though. Read more about satin and learn some tips for sewing satin.
Sewing Terms and Their Meanings
Familiarize yourself with sewing terminology with this handy glossary of sewing terms.
Sewing Vocabulary - Align to Asymmetrical
Learn your sewing terminology from align to asymmetry. Sewing Vocabulary - Backstitch to Binding
Familiarize yourself with sewing terminology with this handy glossary of sewing terms. Sewing Vocabulary - Blanket Stitch to Buttonhole
Familiarize yourself with sewing terminology with this handy glossary of sewing terms. Sewing Vocabulary - Casing to Cutting Line
Familiarize yourself with sewing terminology with this handy glossary of sewing terms. Sewing Vocabulary - Darn to Draping
Familiarize yourself with sewing terminology with this handy glossary of sewing terms. Sewing Vocabulary - Ease to Fusible
Another installment in the sewing glossary. Sewing Vocabulary - Gather to Gusset
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between Gather and Gusset. Sewing Vocabulary - Ham to Horsehair Braid
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between Ham and Horsehair Braid. Sewing Vocabulary - In-seam Pocket to Knife Pleat
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between In-seam pocket and Knife pleat. Sewing Vocabulary - Lapel to Muslin
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between Lapel and Muslin Sewing Vocabulary - Nap to Overlock
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between Nap and Overlock Sewing Vocabulary - Pad Stitch to Prick Stitch
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between Pad Stitch and Prick Stitch Sewing Vocabulary - Quilting to Running Stitch
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between Quilting and Running Stitch Sewing Vocabulary - Sample Size to Sep. Zipper
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between Sample Size and Separating Zipper Sewing Vocabulary - Serge to Sloper
This installment in the sewing glossary covers the meanings of the terms between Serge and Sloper Techniques for Adding Texture to Fabric
You can change the look of fabric by folding, twisting, and gathering it in different ways. In this article, I explore some of the various methods for adding texture to fabric. Tips for Sewing Satin
Tips and tricks for making garments out of satin. Part two of Sewing Satin article. Tips for Sewing Sheer Fabrics
Sheer fabrics are those that are classified by the fact that they are see-through or transparent. Used in both home decor and apparel, sheer fabrics can add a special look to your projects. Learn more about sheer fabrics and some tips for seaming them in this article. What to Do When Your Sewing Machine Thread Jams
Have you ever been sewing along and all of a sudden your machine makes a little clunk and jerks to a stop and then when you pull the fabric out and turn it over, there is a clump of knotted up thread on the bottom? If so, here are some tips for solving and preventing thread jams. Working With Sheer Fabrics
Sheer fabrics are beautiful to look at and add elegance to your look. Because they are see-through, they require some special treatment when being sewn so that seam show-through is minimized. Links marked with the [offsite link] designation point to websites not associated with BellaOnline.com. BellaOnline.com is not responsible for the material found there.
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