Don't be afraid of sewing in a zipper. One of the easiest methods is putting one in the center of the seam. Sew around the zipper sides, remove the seam stitches, and voila! A working zipper. Watch this video for a demonstration.
Centered Zipper
Author Archives: professorpincushion
Shifting a Dart
Want to move the dart on your sewing pattern to a different spot? You can and it's actually very easy to do. Grab your pattern, some tracing paper, and a pencil and let's move a dart together.
Drawstring Elastic Waistband
Want to take your waistband game up a notch on your pajama bottoms or workout pants? Try adding a drawstring to your elastic waistband in order to tighten this area even more. You can use this method for most patterns that have an elastic waistband and give an extra little touch to your garments.
Hook and Eye
Usually found above zippers in your more lightweight projects, hooks and eyes are a great way to add a delicate clasp to your projects. They need to be hand sewn though, so be sure to watch this demo to see how to sew in hooks and eyes into your project.
Button Loop
If you're adding buttons to your project, consider using button loops instead of buttonholes. It's an easy way to keep things closed and can be done using cording.
Double Dart
If you want your garments to look like they fit you well, then you'll definitely want to sew darts. This is the best way to contour fabric to fit your curves. This video focuses specifically on the double dart.
Shank Button
The shank button is a button in which the button sits on top of a metal shank the process to sew them on is a little different than your usual flat button. But you'll want to make sure you sew them on right so they don't pop off your clothes. Watch this detailed demonstration to see how.
Sew on Velcro
Velcro is a good alternative to doing a clasp for your project. Its easy, fast, and works great. Watch this video to find out what you need to learn about velcro and how to go about to applying it to your project.
Petticoat Assembly
This step by step tutorial shows you how to sew a retro style petticoat.
Petticoat Pattern
Want a fuller look for your full circle skirts? Learn to draft a pattern for a retro petticoat using your own measurements.