10 Sewing Tips to Take You to the NEXT LEVEL!!
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- čas přidán 20. 07. 2024
- Let me share with you my top 10 tips for taking your sewing skills from the beginner or intermediate stages to a more professional level. Some of these you may have heard before, but I hope my little demonstrations help you understand the WHY as well as the HOW. From getting a good fit, to trimming curves and clipping corners, understitching, topstitching, pressing, serging, and easing, and even what to do when you don’t know what to do!
Here are my first 10 tips, for beginners: • 10 Essential Sewing Sk...
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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#diyfashion #sewingtips #sewing
Music: Lawrence by TrackTribe from the CZcams Audio Library
EMAIL: contactcatherinesews@gmail.com
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Until next time, take care!
~Catherine
0:00 Intro
0:38 Get a Good Fit
2:53 Trimming and Clipping
4:14 Understitching
6:16 Topstitching
8:32 Press as you go
11:21 Keep seams as you pressed
12:08 Serge Front up, Good side up
13:02 Understanding Ease
15:42 Avoid Roping
17:23 When you don’t know what to do… - Jak na to + styl
Great tips. I’ve been sewing for 60 years and never knew many of the things you teach in your videos. You have a good balance of logic and creativity in your teaching style. Your students must love your classes.😊
I am a better sewer then I thought. Thank you for giving me conficence.
Great tips, as always! I did want to add one note: that the amount of ease we need in various areas depends on our unique body shape and measurements (as well as the style). I would just take a tape measure and check your measurements standing vs sitting. For example, I have a short torso with a larger waist, and when I sit, my waist measuremt increases 2"....which affects not just the amt of ease needed, but sometimes the style of waistband or closure. I have to carefully evaluate zippers, ties, belts, and elastic usage and/or locations.
I just found you yesterday and I can't stop watching. Your tips are awesome. I have been sewing for more than 40 years and wish I new these tips and knowhow back then. I started with clothes and now I have been quilting. I can use so many of them with my quilting too. I have wanted to take in or let out many of my clothes due to weight loss and gaining again now I know how and have confidence in myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I love your channel so very much. 😊
Wow, Jamie, thanks so much! So glad to have you on board!
Hi, Catherine! I jusr found your channel at CZcams and started immediately to adjusr my t-shirts so they fit better. That is, adjusting the collarband by cutting the neckline a little lower. To avoid that choking-feeling, that is. A big compliment to you for your sewing and teching skills here from a dark and gloomy Finland.
That’s so great to hear, Kerstin! So happy to have you aboard!
I was up-cycling something the other day and found myself saying, "Now what would Catherine do?" It worked out fine. Thank you for all you share with us. ❤
See, thank you! That is super sweet to hear!
@@CatherineSews❤❤❤❤❤😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂❤😂❤❤🎉❤😊😊😊😊 0:24
I have a tip. It includes making the same garment more than once and by doing so you are familiar with the techniques and practice makes perfect. I make a mock-up of the garment but sometimes I make a garment that is suitable for a summer fabric as well as a winter fabric. Love your podcast❤️🇨🇦
That’s a good one! Thanks!
Your comments are extremely helpful. Actually your whole channel is very straightforward n easy to understand. Keep up the good work
Back "in the day" (I started sewing in Jr High school in the early 60s) we were taught to use the term "stitching to the under". Same as what is now called "Understitching", which always gives me pause. Concerning serging- when I bring fabric home, it goes to the serger first before washing (IF it may fray during washing). So when I serge it the first time, THAT is the time to decide which is the right side of the fabric.....then I'll always know later which is the right and wrong side of the fabric. It helps me.
Unfortunately, we all see "roping" in store bought clothing, especially in hems. Not all, but most have it.
Thank you, Catherine, for giving others this info and reminding me of a few things. I do a lot of custom sewing, of non-clothing items and I ALWAYS have to think and rethink the process of combining pieces together, to get my finished product I want. I love all your videos!
My favourite tool for hemming is the walking foot, which is an extra presser foot applying pressure from the top. It is a miracle to just let it ease the hem together. No matter thick or thin fabric, stretch or not, it works for all.
#5 best tip ever! My home ec teacher taught us that when I was in 9th grade. I do know all these tips, Kathryn, but guess I should as I’ve been sewing since I was 13 and I’ll be 70 next Feb. I have to show much I love watching you! Love your recycling clothing tips! Love listening to your nice voice. So glad I found your channel!🥰
Excellent reminders and Tips Catherine!! You always explain it so well! Your students must just LOVE your class!
Thanks so much! I hope my students love my class. Most do, but it’s a bit much for some, lol.
More please. This was great. When I learned to sew in 1961, we were taught to measure the pattern rather than believe what’s on the envelope. That never fails me. Your tip #7 was new to me and so obvious once you said it! Thanks.
I've been garment sewing since i was about 9 (just shorts & simple tops). Now I'm teaching my granddaughters. I love the way you explain each technique in an easily understandable way. It's so nice to know the why of what we're doing. Thank you!
I, too, teach sewing, and I must say your explanations are excellent. I think understitching is my all time favorite sewing technique. The effect is nothing short of miraculous. I grew up simply underpressing necklines and that is SO much harder to get smooth and SO much less likely to stay put.
These are so, so good! Been watching you for awhile now, and you're incredibly creative and brilliant!!!
Hi Catherine. I absolutely love your videos. I wish i could be a student of yours. You are so calm and its so easy to learn from you.
That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you!
I wish she would create some online sewing school classes! From beginner to expert...
@@robinbyrd1961 Hmmmm, that’s an interesting idea. What would that look like to you?
agree!!@@robinbyrd1961
@@robinbyrd1961
Excellent idea!!!
I’d include “stay-stitching” as a tip that can really elevate your sewing like nothing else: necklines, armholes, rounded hems, gussets… anything where the fabric might wobble or stretch when bringing the pieces together. It is particularly important with slippery fabrics!
Aside from improving every result, I love that it minimises my stress. Once I’ve stay-sttiched the pieces I always feel like the fear of sewing them together just melts away.
I'm going to replay your video to jot down all the directions you press seams. I love the organization of that. Thank you!
While I hate pressing as I go, I do it because it really makes a difference. I set up my iron board as close to my sewing machine as possible.
I have an edge stitching foot to use when topstitching. I love specialty sewing feet, the trick is learning to use them. I think they are under used by most people.
You’re probably right about that. I learned most of my skills on an industrial machine. We didn’t get any of the specialized feet! I should probably try out some of them. It might make a good video!
I love all the different feet, too. The ruffler, lol! I collected a bunch through the years, but i don’t use them nearly enough.
My ruffler gets used a lot because I do historical costuming. I have a pleater foot too!
I put my pressing mat just a little distance away so I have to stand up and I find it good exercise and it stops me getting stiff. Sometimes I do groan and sigh though.
Great tips! I thought I was the only one that cared about the "good" and "bad" side of a serged hem showing on top. 😂
Haha, I’m glad I’m not the only one! ❤️
I’ve been a professional tailor for years and every thing is on point! I love your videos and learn new things all the time. As far as the Italian ladies, I’ve worked with many over the years and that made me laugh ❤😂🤣🧵
You are a fantastic teacher! You explain things so clearly. I especially appreciate the tips on ease and roping. Thank you! (Your students are lucky to have you!)
These made SO much sense to me! The roping of hems is a big problem for me. I think by the time I get to the hem… I just want to get it done and I rush it. The tips you gave make it seem so much more “doable!” As always your such a wonderful teacher and I appreciate the time you out into all your content. ❤
Thank you for answering my question on my polo shirt …On this video I learned about easing techniques and specially on a heat and the idea of using double needle for a heat is great option since I just bought several double needles…very appreciative of your tips. 😀
I just want to thank you for making your videos. You give me the courage to just try. I am a self-taught sewist, with my main objective being able to alter or repair clothing. You give such clear and consistent instruction that I feel very confident in attempting the skills and techniques needed to make a well-made garment. Please keep making your videos. I love seeing your creative process. You are such a delight to watch.
Very good tips. Yes! Your iron is your best friend 🧵🪡👍🏻
I have been watching your videos for about 5 months now. Yesterday I cut my first good fabric. I did the stay stitching and today am doing all the finishing of seams that I can while they are flat.
All I can say is "Wow!!!!!", you are brilliant! Thanks so very much---some of the last tips are a tad over my head but I am gonna keep plugging along and using your channel for lots of knowledge. Thanks again!
I'm glad you mentioned the pressing ham, but was surprised you didn't mention using a Taylor's clapper. A Taylor's clapper is soooo necessary for a nice flat crease. 💖🌞🌵😷
Definitely makes sense, the roping, easing are all ones I need to keep in mind. Not to mention checking the heat of the iron on scrap material. Also, checking your stitches on a scrap piece to make sure the machine has proper stitch length and tension.
No brand new tips for me here, but I very much appreciate this video. Your detailed explanation of WHY we do what we do is very helpful and gives me more motivation to stop cutting corners (except for when I need to eliminate bulk 😉). Thank you!
Thanks Catherine. These were all good reminders. I've been sewing for 50+ years. Tip #7 is a new idea for me. You did an excellent job demonstrating both the problem and the solution.
Very nicely done. Thanks. Roping, didn't know what it was but have had it happen and no idea why!!! Perfect explanation.
Wonderful to hear! I hope that tip helps you!
Really like your videos. I have been sewing for about 70 years but I always enjoy watching them. Thank you .
Great tips on ease and the good and bad side of the serger!
Hi! I always watch "tips" for sewing. Cuz Ya never know what you don't know! But I'm always happy when I know all the stuff. Dont get Me wrong I have learned some good tips! Its just reassuring to me that
This is a great video and great channel! I remembered most of it, but easing to prevent roping was new to me! Thanks! (I learned sewing in high school in 1966!)
All of these tips were very, very helpful! I normally don't work with garment sewing but occasionally do make dresses, tops and pants for myself. I am an intermediate to advanced quilter and often do fabric craft projects and some bag making Thank you very much for these tips.
I’ve always clipped the curves but I had forgotten about the triangle cuts on the outside curve. Thank you.
LOVED THIS!!! Roping…guilty as charged! Clipping curves…definitely need to utilize more! Loved the subtle.. ”If it doesn’t look right…don’t sew it.” Take a deep breath and re-strategize. Yet another great video!!!
The 10 steps were a good review.. I am just starting to do more sewing after a long intervale of not sewing. Your videos are always helpful and I formative.
I love your videos and appreciate how you really explain things-It’s so helpful! I’m a beginner sewist and most videos say press the seam but do not explain exactly how. A lot of videos mention “ease” but do not explain exactly what that is. Thank you for taking the time to do this and share your expertise. I also really like your Upcycle videos.
Thank you Catherine 😊
Sew many Americans will be learning from you because our public schools cut "homec" classes sometime back. In 1955 I loved my 7th grade sewing -- the laundry bag, then the gathered skirt seaming three lengths of 35" cotton print, the waistband 3 inches longer than the waist measurement -- and these days they have a pattern for that!!! I watched my mom in the 40's make ruffled sheer curtains for the living and dining room, my Easter dresses, a gorgeous lined red wool coat for me, a hibiscus print circle skirt edged with brush fringe, and matching trunks with the same fringe on the patch pocket -- for my little brother. I sewed for my dolls and still do! I enjoy the videos of a couple of less accomplished but joyful seamstresses; however, you are one of the only ones I can learn from. Yes, the serger tips. I have a serger, but the lady at the store made me cry repeatedly threading the thing! I still have it -- waiting to try again.
Catherine, thank you for your great tips. I have an idea I've wanted to share, you probably already know it. Robyn's parchment paper ideas . When I want to put a zip in a bag pocket, to get it centered. I put a piece of thin (wondaweb.. heat activated) webbing along the sides where the zip will go and use Parchment to iron it into place. Then the parchment easily peels off leaving the web. Then I turn over my work and position the zip under it with the alignment as I want and Press it. This holds the zip in place, so I can sew in perfectly. I use this same technique for positioning things like shirt pockets before sewing them, then I never need to use pins. You're welcome 😁 xx
That’s so smart! I have a small pouch idea that I’ll get to o e of these days, and your tip might make it so much easier!
THANK YOU! I’ve got to save this video. Lots of good tips!
Thank you for the refresher and a couple new tips!
This was a great video!
The only thing I will add is that often people are different sizes on different parts of the body. Modern patterns make this easy because they have all of the sizes on the same pattern. Before I cut out the pattern piece, I mark the correct size for the key body locations and then draw lines from location to location.
I did learn all of the ironing techniques because my husband wanted me to sew for him. I said tailoring is really really hard. But then I took a tailoring class - and the results were awesome. Now I use tailoring techniques on my clothes.
I love your 10 tips . I learned a lot.
You're the best. That's all. Awesome video again! :)
I've been sewing since dinosaurs roamed the earth and I still have learned new things; because of you!! Serging on the front for one, clipping notches on an outside curve (why didn't they teach this in school?) as opposed to clipping on the inside curve, easing with the sleeve on the top (I'd forgotten this one!) and several others.
Great tips, lovely presentation!
Using a 3/8” will eliminate 99% of clipping. This is what is used in the factories. Also, a 5/8” strip of bias cut interfacing baste stitched between the points and pulled slightly as you stitch will create a beautiful cap on the sleeve and make it easy to fit into the armscye, sleeve on the bottom. Thanks for the sizing info now being provided on commercial patterns. I use Silhouette Patterns and the sizing numbers include to ease. However that is the designers’ choice of ease. You should always know what amount of ease you like in a garment. It makes a difference in the fit.for you. So nice to see someone providing proper sewing instruction for people who want to learn.❤
Thanks for your kind words. I’ll add your bias interfacing tip to my list for the next video like this! 😍
Thanks for this post. Several great reminders and a few new ideas!
I appreciate your wonderful 10 tips, thank you ❤❤
Good info and very clearly explained! Thank you for sharing!😊
Thank you so much for your tips. So glad I found your channel. 🌻
I can’t believe that I actually understood what you were saying! It made sense! 🤯
Great tips! thanks so much.
Loved this video! I haven’t sewed in a couple of years due to some mobility issues! I ready to get back into it and this was a wonderful reminder that I may/probably will come across some of these issues, and now they don’t seem like such a big issue! I love all your videos and tips and reminders!
Great tips. I have been doing a bit of up-cycling. I find it's helpful to find a pattern. I find a lot of ready to wear don't do a good job of cutting on grain. So I am just harvesting the fabric.
"Too easy" I like that little pun. Instead of saying I don't like strong tea, I say I don't like my tea too steep ;-)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've never heard such a great explanation of why we press. And all of the tips about serging were new to me too. I probably needed to hear, or at least be reminded of, all of these tips and I've been sewing for decades!
Thank you.😃❤❤❤
I love your channel and appreciate all your videos. I have finally starting upcycling again after 30 years!
Good for you! That’s wonderful to hear!
Thanks for the reminders. As for additional tips after 50 plus years of sewing, I wouldn't be without my walking foot.
What a great video! Thank you!
This is fantastic, thank you.
Thank you! You are so skilles. Do charming and down to earth, it is always a pleasure watching you.
I think I am familiar with all you talked about. I am a self taught sewer, and I know practice makes perfect. But these days we are blessed having sewing communities online for tips and advices.
This encourages me to go back to doing some sewing because you make it enjoyable!
Thank you, very informative 🙏☘️☘️
Thank you!! Very helpful.
Love watching your videos. Have learned some new things plus refreshed things that I had forgotten. Haven't done dressmaking for a long time as I got into quilting for the last 25 yrs 😅
Great video Catherine. I still remember my HS sewing teacher wobbling around the classroom on high heels saying "Press as you go. PRESS as you go." Brought a smile to me. What /who do you teach? Love your upcycles.
Super interesting ! 👍
Thank you so much for these amazing tips. Especially the roping. It’s always been a problem for me. 😊
I appreciated this video I have learn a lots I am taking notes as you go ,Thank You ❤❤
excellent content thank you.
Thank you!
Such a good video. Thank you!
I’d also recommend walking the seam allowance on waistlines with a tape measure and make sure it’s going to fit before cutting. I nearly made a big boo boo this weekend and my self drafted skirt would have been two-three inches too small - I forgot to allow for adding seam allowance when I cut the front panel into multiple pieces/panels for a side button front skirt. I finally just gave up and started over and the second go round came out fine!
Lots of good tips here. When I need to clip the type of curve that requires little V cuts I cut around the curve with a pinking shears. It is so much faster than cutting individual V cuts and I'm less likely to accidently snip my seam thread. Love your videos Catherine. They now only help me sew better, but help me "sew on a budget".
Awesome top 10 list! Understitching is my #1 takeaway. Also love how you articulated what pressing achieves and then compared pressing to ironing. Just love my tailor's clapper. My travel size is an upcycled short, unfinished, square table leg.
Pressing tip starts at minute 8:30.
I love your channel. You've inspired me to try new things. I just finished a jean top/flannel patch work on the bottom tiered long skirt inspired by your combo skirt. But how I wish I'd watched today's tips yesterday, when I failed miserably to try on again after gathering and HAND SEWING my waistband on a circle skirt. After putting it on for church this morning it was a good 2-3 inches too big! My lovely waistband is being ripped off now. I think my gathers must have slid off as I was basting on the waistband. 😢😢 Lesson learned, even by an old gal like me! Thanks for such great inspiration and tips!
You are such a great teacher. Thank you for making videos for us. God bless.
Oh, the tips on ease and preventing roping were so helpful; thank you!
Thanks for sharing
Wonderfully explained & your examples inserted made it so easy to understand! I didn’t know the sewing of the easement with the front side up & all the other helpful hints are gems! Thanks for sharing! I would like to see how you would add contrasting fabrics together with a flat-felled seam. I want to put some cotton knits together to upcycle some t-shirt material to add some ‘pizzazz’ to them. Thanks again! 🤗💕🇨🇦
Thank you for the tips! Although, I used to sew a lot, it's been a minute. I'm wanting to get back into sewing more. I really needed this refresher.
Thank you Catherine, wonderful tips. All of them! ❤
I love your videos! I am always learning something New!
So great to hear! Thanks!
Wirklich tolle, hilfreiche Tipps - vielen Dank! Und nebenbei: Als ich in der Schule nähen lernte (Mädchengymnnasium, 6. Klasse oder so) wurde uns beigebracht, alle zugeschnittenen Teile vor dem Zusammennähen mit einem Zickzack-Stich zu versäubern 😮
Your videos and tips are all spot on and make sense. What a great review of sewing techniques. I am so in love with your videos and the way you teach each step.
Love all these reminders...took sewing in school 3 years and tailoring as a senior in high school...loved my teachers...have you heard of "off grain stitching" to make the ease for a sleeve? It's wonderful to set in sleeves...🎉😂❤
I totally agree with uktree1 - ‘What would Catherine do?’ is something I ask myself often! Such helpful videos Catherine, thank you so much for taking the time❤
Haha, I love this so much!! Thank you!
Reassuring to me the things I do know. Thanks for All Your Tips!
That was helpful🎉
Great ideas and reminders.
All great tips. Pressing is my favourite it takes a project to the next level! I have an antique children’s ironing board beside me while sewing. So I don’t have to move to press. I press as I sewed then press open.
I’ve been sewing a while and I still get tripped up with order of operation when making patternless things. I will have to remember your hint for that.
Nice! My ironing board is right beside my machine too. It’s a full-sized board but I keep it set low, at chair height. Super convenient!