Are you spending a little more time at your sewing machine at the moment? If you're new to sewing or are a frequent stitcher, you might find that new techniques pop up with your sewing projects that sometimes can be a little baffling the first time around.
We have a whole host of sewing tutorials on our YouTube channel, because sometimes you need to see a technique in action. Even if you don't have a project on the go, you might find 15 minutes here or there practising a technique really helps build your sewing skills so they are there when you need them!
We've pulled together ten videos that we think you might want to check out and bookmark. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a thing!
HOW TO STITCH IN THE DITCH
Do you ever find that your facings pop out of your clothes and you wished you knew of a way to keep them in place? "Stitching in the ditch" is a technique which involves sewing down the channel of an existing seam (the "ditch") to secure pieces of a garment in place without the stitches being seen on the outside.
The example in the video shows stitching in the ditch to secure a facing to a shoulder seam, however you can apply this method to any project which requires this technique.
HOW TO UNDERSTITCH
What is understitching and when do you do it? Understitching is a technique used to stop facings or linings from peeking out from the inside of garments. If you attach a facing to a neckline or armhole for example, you can stitch the seam allowances to the facing, close to the seam line, and this will help keep it stay on the inside where it belongs.
Understitching is one of those nifty sewing techniques that may seem minor but makes all the difference to your me-made garments. This is definitely a video to bookmark!
HOW TO SEW GATHERS
Want some top tips on how to sew beautiful, even gathers? Well, look no further, we've got you covered. Gathering is a sewing technique that pops up in loads of different sewing projects. Put simply, gathering involves reducing the width of one piece of fabric so it can be joined to another piece. You'll often see this in skirts and dresses where flowy skirts are gathered to join a waistband or bodice. A similar technique can be used to ease sleeves into an armhole, whether it has visible gathers or not.
HOW TO SEW A SMOOTH DART
Show of hands - who's sewn a dart before? Whether you've sewn loads or are about to take that first step, there's always a new hint or tip to learn. This handy video will help you get a perfectly smooth dart every time.
TEN TOPSTITCHING TIPS
Have you ever struggled with topstitching? It's the row of stitches that shows on the right side (outside) of your clothes which sounds simple, but can be fiddly to get looking neat. If you're using dedicated topstitch thread, you may have experienced skipped stitches, unbalanced thread tension and clumpy thread knots. Our most popular video tutorial to date showcases ten tips that will make this a smooth process.
HOW TO SEW ONE-STEP OR FOUR-STEP BUTTONHOLES
Scared of sewing buttonholes? They’re pretty straightforward once you know how :)
We have two video tutorials that will walk you through how to sew one-step automatic or four-step manual buttonholes, with troubleshooting tips for a stress-free button stitching experience. Getting to grips with buttonholes will open up a whole world of lovely sewing projects!
HOW TO SEW A ZIP FLY
Want to learn a great method for sewing a zip fly? Zip flies on trousers and skirts can be a little fiddly, but this video shows you a method which is relatively easy to do and creates a neat finish. You'll want to refer to this video every time you come to do one!
HOW TO BAG OUT A COAT LINING
If you're sewing a lined coat or jacket, such as the Eden pattern, the instructions will often tell you to "bag out the lining". If you're new to coat making this may seem a bit perplexing but it's not as mystical as it sounds and it's quite possibly one of the most satisfying processes you can do in sewing... It's like magic!
And don't forget the tool that none of our wonderful creations would exist without out... the humble sewing machine! We've got a couple of videos that will help you take care of your machine and save frustrations when it's not playing ball...
SEVEN STEPS TO PERFECT THREAD TENSION
Thread tension giving you neck tension? Loopy stitches driving you loopy? Thread tension troubles on your sewing machine can plague beginners and experienced stitchers alike.
The good news is that it’s usually a simple fix to get your stitching back on track. And very often it doesn’t even involve adjusting the tension dials! So before you spend this month’s fabric budget on getting your machine serviced, work your way through these seven steps – some of which may surprise you.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR MACHINE
When was the last time you cleaned your sewing machine? Regularly giving it a good clean will help keep it in tip-top condition and functioning smoothly. Follow these steps to keep your machine happy and your sewing projects stress-free! Tag us in your cleaning with before and after shots using the hashtag #FluffiestBobbin.
So, now you are ready to up your sewing skills and show your sewing machine some love! Tag us on Instagram @TillyButtons and use #TillyAndTheButtons so we can see what you get up to : )
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Author: Louise Carmichael
Videos: Jenny Lingham-Doe
Photos: Jane Looker
