10 EASY tips for better sewing you can do today!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Obviously, there are many more SUPER SPECIFIC steps that you can take to make a better garment, but this is a good set to get started with! I get asked this question a lot - so I hope that this helps! What are some steps that you use?

[@esperanzaochoa1296]

0 6

[@angelsalemanypeiro9314]

No se entiende nada

[@patriciahenderson6404]

love this woman, no chatter just gets right to the point

[@jenniferwood8944]

You are an inspiration! I'll say it again and again!

[@angelinahunter182]

I've been sewing since I'm 12 and I'm now 76. But there were years when I didn't sew at all because I wasn't fond of the process. But in 2016 I moved to a western town from Manhattan where I met a younger woman who ran a vintage clothing store. One day when we had just met she showed me a garment that was unsaleable due to damage (it might have been over 100 years old.) I responded that I wanted to take it home and see if I could do something with it -- and I did!!! It sold shortly thereafter. So for the past few years, daily, I check in with my friend who's store is around two blocks from where I live to see if she has any "issues" with clothing that had recently come into the shop. I am amazed with what I've been able to do such as recreating a 3" section of heavy lace on a Gibson Girl skirt and many other repairs and recreations that are generally not required with modern-day garments. I mention all this because I do not charge for this work. At times it is so tedious that when I get exasperated with a project, I "hold it up" and say a little prayer to the "Angels of Sewing" that I will put grace into this garment and that the person who purchases it will be blessed to wear it -- and then, the project moves right along and turns out well. Now, this may all seem like so much nonsense but it works for me in adding a sanctity to the projects I am working on. And my young shopkeeper friend is so blown away with the number of garments that I have returned to salable that we have a barter arrangement whereby I either get great discounts on the items I like that come into her shop or she outright gives them to me -- a win/win all around.

[@wendyfay16]

I bought a flat iron on special years ago and I've been using it to press narrow seams, eg bias binding, hems & ribbons. It was a 'on special' when I purchased another product, and it's been one of my favourite sewing tools! This has been sooo handy over the years and I've shared it with other sewers who love this tip!

[@allsquaredup9717]

I think it’s adorable that you imagine accidentally falling in the street and worrying about people seeing the insides of your clothing. That is a true artist. 😜

[@KSMP]

Fabric clips! Love those when I don't want to put needle holes in my fabric :-)

[@PearlBurrows]

These are great tips. One more that a lot of people don't think about is pressing the actual pattern, especially the big four tissue patterns. They are often creased and folded in such a way that you cannot accurately cut your fabric.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Brilliant tip!!! I haven't sewn with big four in a while, so this skipped my list! Thank You so much for sharing - brilliant, you are so right!

[@kimberleyjane2338]

Hi Pearl, and do you have to put a towel over the paper pattern or can you just iron it on low?

[@christinebean7932]

@@kimberleyjane2338 lower iron, I've even use steam and starch for some, starch can help some from not sliding around, just don't slide iron back and forth until then higher parts are pressed. Pick up the iron set it down (press) in beginning, smooth(slide d slide)next, stay in one spot . Then when you advance to next spot press press then slide d slide. And go relaxingly intentionally slow. The younger a sewer the faster they go. And "all the world loves a happy ripper", a home economics teacher taught my class that, at the time it was sooo annoying 😆. Though she did mess me up on zippers, my Japanese grandmother taught me to install a zipper it was such an easy way but my teacher insisted I do it her way😑😪 Sewing is done more beautifully when we remember to breathe , relax and enjoy. Love your tips most are better than the new time saving gadgets . Good job thank you 😊

[@kimberleyjane2338]

@@christinebean7932 Thank you very much ❣🇨🇦

[@olgamiller9969]

What a useful tips!!! Thank you so much! I love your videos how you explain sewing processes. I learn a lot watching your videos Thank you again.

[@annettefitzgerald1379]

There is one principle which made all the difference for me: ENJOY THE PROCESS. I don't just only sew now to have a handmade garment but also take my time and enjoy every single step of the process. Sometimes even sew something by hand, only for fun. And because I take the time it needs, in the end it really looks pretty.

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

100 % agreed.

[@basimarazak4954]

One day I went to Newman Marcus just looking for finishing touches on blouses. One thing that drew my attention is top stitching very close to the edge. Like really close to the edge! It looks absolutely beautiful. Now, since I could not do it with a regular foot, I went ahead and splurged on a special foot (there are several kinds actually, you can pick and choose according to your machine) and that did wonders for me.

[@denisedorsey2889]

Yes! I bought an edge stitch foot and that has helped tremendously in my finishes.

[@srinivasanp2015]

@@denisedorsey2889 do it.,

[@MsSherrydarling]

My machine has the ability to adjust the needle to the left or right in small increments. This way you can get closer to the edge but the presser foot is still on most of the fabric.

[@jmdenison]

Excellent job. I learned a long time ago that top stitching can look absolutely beautiful You can make it same color matching color or a contrast color but it just adds something extra special to the garments. And I have never used a special foot although I'm sure it will make it easier especially for novice sowers so thanks for letting us know that there is a special foot for that. I don't think I'm going to go out and buy one but maybe I will You never know

[@alexandradombrowski4915]

Yes, you have just described edge-stitching, for which there is an edge-stitching foot. Top stitching, by contrast, is further in from the edge, and can be done without a special foot--you just need a straight eye, haha. Then there's the Left-edge top-stitching foot. And that's a story for another day!

[@rosemariequilessimon4163]

Doing almost anything in a rush nearly always leads to disaster . . . car accidents, work errors, poor cooking . . . so many things. So true!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

100% agree!

[@Escape10mom]

Ironing is a must! Hand basting with bias tape is always worth every minute it takes. It really makes the difference!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

100% agree with you - a bit of hand basting can prevent hours of seam ripping, and... especially when you work with delicate fabric - every seam that has been taken out will leave a mark. Always super happy to see you here! :)

[@dcwatashi]

Just use Lite Steam a seam

[@colin101981]

Sage advice, thank you so much. A little tip to share - 'the right presser foot for the right job' does make a difference I've found. Thank you for generously sharing 😊. Greetings from North Wales UK

[@presheilaismail4563]

Wonderful stuff even for those of us who sew all the time. Good tip - Do not start a new project when the last one is incomplete. It plays on the mind and it is easy to lose focus on the new project, thereby it is very easy to make mistakes..

[@jesshothersall]

It can also mean the original one never gets finished (found it 30 years later, and did finish it then :))

[@jojosewist8921]

Preshiela, you are right, I once used wrong direction sheet, when a page accidently wasn't put aside with first project. What a disaster , kept thinking something wasn't right, but...

[@presheilaismail4563]

@@jesshothersall hi.. I know all about that... Some of my projects were goi g wrong.. So it got put safwly away... For to ve finished ONE DAY!!! Some are still waiting for that one day.. Lol👗👕🧥

[@greensilk58]

Omg…truth!

[@deboraballes9044]

Actually I used to do just the opposite. I had very little time to sew because of my full time business but I made all my clothes. I would use the same basic patterns.....pencil skirt, sleeveless top....I would make with varied material and made small variations. The day I cut out a skirt I would cut out three or four. If I had 15 minutes I would put in a zipper, and leave the zipperfoot on the machine to sew in several zippers .....I did a lot of sewing that way in those lost snips of time here and there, made me feel very productive😁

[@merrilybeck872]

regarding the washing of fabric I was told years ago to pre-treat your fabric in the same way you will clean the garment be sure to pop in the zippers too if you are using them!

[@julsbendandi9374]

Great advice aboutthe zippers!

[@greensilk58]

Thanks. Never thought about that.

[@AshleyRJones8]

Understitching facings and bias tape edge finishes, really makes a garment look professional. It makes those edges really crisp and tidy and prevents the underside from showing. This technique is done by pressing the garment piece and the facing/bias tape open with the seam allowances under the facing/bias tape. Next, stitch the facing/bias tape to the seam allowance. Thanks for the helpful tips!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love your videos.

[@jeankeith7309]

You were talking about basting in this video. I baste all my zippers in because when I do it makes for a great looking zipper & I have been sewing for 60 years! I love your videos! You make great professional looking garments! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@mandylavida]

My sewing teacher told me...if you want to cut corners, you need to know where the corners are. Such good advice here, thank you.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Mandy, that is so true, isn't it? I think this applies to everything, first you gotta learn to do things the right way (by the book) and then... with patience and practice you can start seeing where and what can be done differently.

[@janholman6192]

At a county fair, I saw a dress that had been entered and won a blue ribbon. That dress had never been pressed before or after it was finished. My Home-Ec teacher would have failed her. I bet the judge was was a friend or relative...

[@eileenhaskins2710]

I so enjoyed your tips. You reminded me of the good instructions I received back in high school, in the 60s!! I am one half of a set of twins. Our mom would cut out two dresses at the same time and be sewing late into the night when something special was coming up. Once she sewed the zipper into the wrong side of a dress, unpicked it, and sewed it in again in the wrong side again. pushing to finish something late into the night is counter productive.

[@kimromska1886]

Yes! Basting and steam pressing really uplevel the finished garment.😊

[@nspindlow5046]

Great tips and so true. The other thing I might add is that if you find you are making a lot of mistakes or your sewing machine is giving you fits ... take a break. When you come back a little more relaxed you can usually discover the real problem.

[@hugothebear]

My philosophy is that I want a better fit & finish than a store bought item, I like to take my time, enjoy the process. There’s no rush, preparation, hand basting etc all add to the final quality and even if it doesn’t always work out “perfect” at least you can be proud of doing the best you can, learn from mistakes and make the next one even better.

[@Mona-1]

I totally agree with handbasting. I find that regardless of how many pins I use, the fabric moves and puckers are created out of nowhere! It never happens when I handbaste. I also prepare a few projects (choose pattern, fabric, and notions) and put them in a plastic bin so i can move to the next project after one is finished. And I always work on one project at a time. Finish one completely and go on to the next. Excellent video as always :))

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

So very true, thank you Mary for a great suggestion!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Mona, great thoughts and tips in your comment! I do work on multiple projects at the same time (it's just me), BUT I don't multitask with anything else. If I am sewing - then I am sewing. You are right - focus is everything.

[@denisedorsey2889]

Mona, I would generally agree with you about only one project at a time. But...I had a terrible fail on a knit top a few months ago. I just put it away and started something else. I recently took it out and decided to fix it. This required taking the garment apart except for the shoulder seams. Now I’ve recut the sleeves and am ready to dive in again. I really had to wait until I was far enough away from the “fail” in order to put the effort into the save.

[@Mona-1]

@@denisedorsey2889 I know how that feels. It happened to me a few months ago when I was sewing my second winter coat. I made several terrible mistakes and then decided to put it away until I’m emotionally ready to deal with it.

[@Mona-1]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity I’m a natural born multitasker but when it comes to sewing, I get way too confused!! On a positive note, I’ve learned so much from your videos. You’re awesome 🌹

[@denisedorsey2889]

I will always mark the wrong side of my knit fabric if it isn’t obvious. I just put a chalk mark on it or a piece of tape. What seems to be the same can look different in a certain light.

[@braunmar7]

Thank you!! Maybe you could do a video on when to hand baste? Super interesting concept I haven’t tried that before!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I really like hand basting because sometimes I pin my fabric in a way that makes it awkward to remove the pins as I'm sewing lol. Also, my sister said something that stuck with me: the garment doesn't have to look like you bought it at a store. Well made doesn't mean it looks like ready to wear. If the stitching is neat and tidy and it fits well, it's ok if it looks "hand made." Hand made and sloppy are not the same thing!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

YES, Natalie - you hit the nail on the head, sloppy and handmade-look is not the same! I appreciate the handmade look, and some RTW techniques is really hard to imitate at home and should we? But yes, it has to be (in my opinion) neat, tidy and fit well - like you said :)

[@jojosewist8921]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity not to mention some RTW isn't sewn well, nor does it fit correctly--not even on the models wearing it in pictures/programs.

[@leighkirbyson]

So happy I’ve found your channel xx thank you ☺️

[@nz-nz]

It was with all your videos (especially the sleeve drafting), that I was able to create my daughter’s wedding dress. This wasn’t from scratch… It was a reconstruct from my 40yo wedding dress (which I had also made). I’m NO sewer! The original dress had no zip (so I needed to learn how to put in an invisible zip), and as I didn’t have enough material to cut out the sleeves, I had to “fuse” pieces together (camouflaged with pearls). It took 4 months to do, but we were very pleased with the final result. (And yes, it got pressed!!!). Thank you for your videos ❤️

[@pmclaughlin4111]

A caveat on the checking that shoulder seams are equal and symmetrical...We found out that my sister has one shoulder about an 1 1/2 longer than the other only when I was making her a bridesmaid dress . ...Symmetry is great but it is more important that it fit the body correctly. (I know you know but thought I would point it out because many beginners don't think about it)

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Good point! I realized the same thing when I was making my wedding, in my case one shoulder was lower than the other! Thank you for sharing such a good advice!

[@updownstate]

Ditto me. I have just enough curve in my spine to make all my tops slide off to the right. Alteration is the only way to keep everything in place.@@ThoughtfulCreativity

[@flourishfaithfiber]

Great tips!! If it does go terribly wrong, then the “ruined” garment can be used for a smaller project...a bag, napkins, a scarf, a doll shirt/skirt...

[@martinesgood7197]

Hello

[@juliabillman4693]

I am 72 grew up in the UK in the swinging 60's frequently changing fashions and very mini skirts. I would often work all day buy material at lunch time and finish at 5.30. I would be at the local dance at 7.30 wearing the fabric bought at lunch as my latest creation.

[@nursewratchet59]

My great grandmother taught me to sew over 50 years ago. She was excellent and taught me well. Two things drummed into me “sew a seam, press a seam”. And when looking at my finished item “now turn it inside out to check the inside “

[@patfal1514]

Choosing fabric is crucial. Some of my most complimented items were made using super simple construction/pattern but are so unique because the fabric is particularly beautiful. Also remember you can make things other than clothing. I especially love seasonable, holiday and/or unique pillow covers, curtains,table runners,thrift store finds that you can alter/ add to for one-of-a-kind pieces. I also do a lot with unique sheers & laces for tops for leggings. Add trims onto plain bath and kitchen towels. After making up a pattern the first time I make notations on either the pattern or envelope for any changes I made or needed. I store ALL my patterns in gallon size baggies after opening.... makes it so much easier to put everything back together instead of trying to get it back into the envelope. And last - if you don't own a walking presser foot I find it an almost indispensable tool.

[@marathorne6821]

Excellent tips! What has really started coming home to me lately is the fact that patterns don't necessarily fit straight out of the packet. We may need to make alterations (moving darts, adding/removing length in various areas, grading between sizes etc.) to get the garment to fit WELL. That is why making a toile when trying out a new pattern is really important. Thank goodness for old sheets/duvet covers! 😁 Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@Craftytutu]

Hand basting has been a real game changer for me, especially with knits or when doing gathers. I know it takes a bit longer but it removes so much stress and gives a much tidier finish. Great tips 😄

[@askthefrog]

My best tip for improving the results is to embrace the hiccups and failures. I use to beat myself up over failed projects but then I started to accept that it's just part of the process. I've got a few projects that may or may not be completed due to various issues, but regardless I've learned a lot from them! And because I'm at peace with messing up, I'm not afraid to continue trying.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Very well-said! Thank you!

[@Hannah-jk3dk]

Lovely saying not to be afraid 2 try

[@askthefrog]

Thank you! This mindset has really been a turning point for my crafting (I do other crafts in addition to sewing). I used to be very hesitant to start projects because I lacked confidence. If I did start and then messed up, my motivation was just gone and it could take ages before I tried something again. But I got tired of that cycle and just decided that I would only count the process and not care about the outcome. My hobby is creating after all! If I just want the finished products I can just go out and buy them, but that wouldn't be fun! 😅

[@juliegathman2923]

Agree! You have to decide you will be grateful for the mess-ups. You are creating, after all! You have to include the mistakes as a necessary part of the process...even if you are no beginner.

[@sallyescrader1434]

@askthefrog OMG! I just recognised my current mindset in what you said. I’ve wasted SO many months worrying about starting a new project or continuing with something I’ve become unsure of. And never going back to work out why I made any mistakes and trying to fix them. I need to just get on and do it! These videos are helping to expand my knowledge… but on the other hand, I get so wrapped up in watching one after another that I don’t get anything else done! Lol.

[@solangeherault7038]

Thank you so much for your tips I really appreciate it and I like your energy it make me want to see more 😁

[@alisonprovencher7906]

Alisa, love your work! Can you do a video about sewing machine needles, threads and presser feet?

[@Sisikoko1]

So glad to be here

[@clairedriscoll8628]

Your vlogs really cheer me up with your sunny disposition and positive and knowledgeable attitude. Thank you so much from a sewer from the age of 10 from the UK x

[@lindabrown7374]

For me, the best tip is don't rush. I'm a slow sewer because I don't rush it. If I do, I usually mess up and have to do it all over again.

[@vivenna]

Great tips! And btw I really like how much effort you put into editing and creating this with lots of visual variety - on top of your amazing hair, the soft waves look great on you! :)

[@joeparham2889]

Great tips! I bought a White serger for 15 dollars at goodwill. It’s hardly ever been used and it makes all the difference. Thanks for your videos!!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Joe, congrats on the serger! It sure does make a difference, of course we can achieve similar result with sewing machine, but also the speed of serger - it is a super fast machine, makes sewing a breeze!

[@anyoldwhimsybymimzy]

One of the biggest games changers I've started to do is stay-stitching curves. Over time, the more you touch a piece, the more things like collars, armscyes, etc distort from their original shape. Sew a machine basting line on the curves as soon as you cut each piece of fabric; it'll make a huge difference.

[@kimbailey1754]

I love that you mentioned hand basting! Taking the time to hand baste has really upped my finishes. It’s definitely worth the added time!

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much I really really enjoyed listening to your take on sewing better. And these principles are really really vital for getting the results you want. Very very useful and helpful too, especially to someone who doesn’t do much sewing 🧵 or someone who is really really green at sewing 🧵 too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@rebekahseymour9595]

Enjoyed the comments almost as much as the video! New subscriber and new to sewing, good information.

[@jojosewist8921]

All these are good tips. I just wanted to say that your videos are helping me to gain confidence to draft patterns to fit my size. RTW and most patterns are just too big. I cannot wear kid clothes at my age so thank you for sharing your knowledge and your "sunny" attitude. You really make me think I can do it.

[@barbaraness4507]

When it comes to making anything, whether it’s to be sewn, or a craft project I’ve found that I have to be in the mood to make it, or it won’t turn out well.

[@shawnoldt708]

Love you and your videos! You are so encouraging! I sewed years ago, and am restarting and yes, making some silly mistakes, but definitely learning. I am learning so much from you! Thanks for being so great!!!! ❤️😁

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

You can do it!

[@elainesnyder8210]

Thanks for the great tips. Love your top.💖

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Elaine, thank you! :) The tutorial for the top is coming :) you will be surprised how easy it is!

[@lilolmecj]

All really good tips, I absolutely agree on pre-washing and pressing. Even though you follow the care instructions fabrics do not always look nice after watching, especially in lower cost ones. Better to have just wasted money than both your money , time, and energy. I haven’t really hand basted, but I might start, I hate poking my fingers!

[@beebuzz959]

Have you tried a thimbol?

[@lilolmecj]

@@beebuzz959 I meant I hate poking my fingers with pin basting! 💕

[@msj7421]

You are absolutely correct! Great instructions!

[@flowersfam3462]

Just got your video as a recommendation and I am enjoying it!🤗 I just got into sewing and other crafting projects, such as knitting and crocheting. I am sewing my creative projects by hand since I cannot afford a sewing machine right now, but I agree with all of your suggestions! I am making a variety of handbags/satchels/bucket bags/cross body, etc. I am loving it even though it takes about a week for one bag since I have other things to do along with enjoying my two children! It's refreshing to me to sew and craft because I can make my own unique items that cannot be found in any store! Thanks for your videos!🌼🌺🌼🌺🌼🌺🥰

[@paulinewqi]

Found your videos recently. .....like few days ago. I am very impressed by the clarity of your tutorials, your diction is sharp too. Enjoying your videos very much, just subscribed. Thanks for sharing...💖💝💐

[@kathygann7632]

I’ve sewn since the 1960s, and did a good job, but the thing that really made a difference was getting a serger. All of a sudden people Ed started coming up to me to compliment my garments. I don’t know if they appreciated the inside seam finishes, or if the finish added structure, but other people noticed.

[@TheKnittedRaven]

Loving your channel!

[@beasleybunch6544]

All great advice! I’ve started pre-washing my fabric before I cut and hand-basting the pieces. The make such a huge difference. The extra time is totally worth it. Thank you so much!

[@barbaraness4507]

Finishing out the seams with overlock stitch, and a good ironing makes all the difference in how a garment looks.

[@olajordan9951]

My overlock foot is a must.

[@maryloufarnsworth8461]

Pressing is so important. Years ago I realized that I could adjust the height of my ironing board. I put my board at a right angle to my sewing machine table. My chair swivels so I can sew and pivot to press and turn back to sew. This really works well when I am piecing for quilts.

[@ailing4782]

Big thanks for sharing your knowledge on this platform. I am from Singapore and I have learnt so much from you! I especially like what you said about making sure the garments have both sides even and not ended up asymmetrical. I have bought garments from stores with one arm hole bigger than the other, or pants with one side longer than the other! I also appreciate how you are adding variety of angles and more cutaways when you make your videos. I love to see how your contents are so well thought of, planned and illustrated. I do my own videos and I know these works are very time consuming. I am also a fairly new sewist who was self taught and recently restarted working on some sewing projects. Your videos helped me and assured me that some things I did by hunch are right, and I could make garments that I can wear!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Ai Ling, your comment made my day! It does take a very long time to put these videos together and it is great when someone recognizes that! Thank you for your sweet comment and I hope to see you here again! Happy sewing!

[@Joy1957K]

Super top advice ! 👍 👏👏👏 Thank you Alisa! 💓😘😊

[@imsewblessed1578]

Great tips. I always like to add my own label as well. It’s just that last finishing touch.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Oh yes! Thank you ma'am! I need to make some for myself, cause my hubby struggles with understanding where is the back/front on baby leggings, he he :)

[@imsewblessed1578]

Thoughtful Creativity - CRAFT, SEW, DIY I made up a design and ordered from Dutch labels and Im really happy with them. I even ordered the matching hang tags and when you sew in a label and put on a hang tag wow, it just looks ready to give.

[@Mimi-pm4vp]

You are awesome thanks for the tips. Love ur colorful top too.

[@beebuzz959]

I never make muslins and never have issues. In not against it, especially for a more complicated it expensive piece, but I've often gotten fabric for cheap enough I felt that was my muslin. And now I'm at a point I feel I know sewing and construction well enough, that just using the pattern I can tell how it's going to go together. Also, it's a nice dream to think you'll never have to sew in a crunch, but few of us who stay up all night planned it that way in the beginning. Sometimes that's just how it goes.

[@blueoctopus6]

Love that blouse! The colours really suit you.

[@cinziabeley7059]

Practical and to the point! Thank you!

[@L.i.s.a....]

Excellent sewing advice, thank you!

[@janiceperkins6115]

Hand basted everything when I was younger, good idea still

[@ramonapereira128]

Thank you for the advice .

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

My pleasure, hope this helps you!

[@carlalucas4284]

Great information, I always measure twice cut once, rarely make the wrong cut , but it can still happen, lol

[@alexaelliott2598]

I sometimes use wash away wonder tape instead of handbasting. I do both but of time is an issue or impatience the wonder tape is better than not basting.

[@dcwatashi]

Or Lite steam a seam. Are use the wonder tape for zippers. No more pins

[@marianlanouette4768]

Great advice

[@lillygraygray4018]

I personally think that "know the rules before you break them" can destroy so many people's intrest in a new hobby. I started sewing knowing nothing and I broke almost every rule but in the end I was so proud. If someone told me that first, I need to take classes on sewing and learn all the rules, I would have lost intrest. Now I plan to go to fashion school to properly lern everything but breaking the rules was a must for me to develop the intrest.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I will respectfully disagree as it contradicts the intent of starting a new hobby. Why would you want to start a new hobby if you want to learn nothing about it (or at least the basics)? Situations where lack of knowledge is beneficial are very rare. Besides, I do quite a few hobbies - ceramics and watercolors among them. And... If you refuse to learn the basics about these mediums - you will not get a cup fired or a flower painted without paper bubbling up.

[@savethebottle]

I sew doll clothes for 10" and 12" dolls and basting is a must. There isn't space for pins and the sewing is so much easier. A little time consuming but I don't end up ripping the seam apart, fraying the ends. making a mess. Basting saves time in the long run. My absolute best thing I do for a good looking outfit is to top stitch close to the seam. Use the right stitch length and take time to guide the fabric. I've seen lots of top stitching that isn't straight, isn't close to the seam and the length is way to long or short. I can tell immediately that this was a handmade garment and the sewer was too lazy to do it right. It looks sloppy and the rest of the garment may be perfect but it's the top stitching that ruins it.

[@yolandachiong1067]

I love your blouse😍

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Ah thank you! I am editing a tutorial for it as we speak, so it is coming soon :)

[@1tinac]

Thank you for sharing the tips.

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Alisa!! I iron starting with my pattern & work my on through even when it comes to hand stitching things like binding or whatever.. I really take my time.... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@eunicebugaian1397]

Hi Alisa! I started to wash my fabrics before sewing, never did that before. Can you please put that fun intro that you used to have? You are watching easy sewing DIY where I draft a simple pattern, sew it, and love it! I would really like to hear it again. Thank you. I appreciate your hard work!

[@jojosewist8921]

Rewatch earlier videos to hear it again.

[@olajordan9951]

My mama would haunt me if I didn’t prewash. I don’t dry completely and then press; no need for steam and much fewer wrinkles.

[@dijones9217]

When you make that special garment for that special occasion...send it to the dry cleaners. Its worth that final professional finish that looks and feels great 👍

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Great tip!!! Thank you!

[@beebuzz959]

I'd send it before I cut into the fabric. It can still shrink, and I press as I go so I don't see a need to do so afterwards.

[@glorialafollette61]

Use the finished garment measurements to select your pattern size.

[@janice9760]

Yes! She did touch on this. I failed to realize that a dress I made had a 4” ease! It turned out too big, and caused me some headache. I was able to take the sides in without any real problems though.

[@marathonfortruth4768]

And measure your well fitting clothing in your closet to compare.

[@miriamgladen9615]

Thank you for the video which is as useful as ever. Love your work. And happy Easter

[@sharonsands708]

Very good information. Thank you for another great video. I have a question please, is there a rule for how much ease to add while drafting your own pattern to use with un-stretchy fabric?

[@abbeynasstores]

Thank you so much. It's helpful 😌

[@MadeByTriniLena]

Happy Good Friday Alisa, hope you all are well❤️🙏🏽

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Happy Good Friday to you as well, miss Arlene!

[@Sabrina1998]

Thank you for these great tips ❤️❤️❤️

[@Christodophilus]

Get a stable table to sew on. I formerly had a foldaway plastic table, with steel legs. I thought the steel would make it stable. My working machine however, made the plastic top, wobble - causing the locking mechanism to loosen over time. The stitches were never uniform, on that space-saving table. I thought I just didn't know how to dial-in the right stitch settings. After switching to a solid wooden table though, the stitches came out perfectly!

[@martinesgood7197]

Hello, my lovely friend? you look amazing and gorgeous at profile photo. I wish I can be a good friend to you. How are you

[@firecracker3911]

Terrific 👍

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DoReMeaCulpa]

That the inside of the garment should look as good as the outside-this mantra was burned into my brain decades ago by my grade 9 home ec teacher 😅. And I agree. When I taught sewing I tried to burn that into the brains of my students, too. That and the importance of pressing. ( along with the difference between pressing and ironing.)

[@brenda324]

I once sewed myself a dress that had everything, dropped shirred waist, sleeves, long invisible zipper, cuffs on puffed sleeves (long time ago), it was beautiful; large roses that I sewed upside down. Yeah, didn't notice till I put it on for the last time before I hemmed it. LOL

[@wendyfay16]

Have you ever used nylon lace on your hems? Just sew the lace to the raw edge of your fabric, then hand finish your hem for a very pretty hem .... and it's even better when hemming thick fabrics ... I hope you like this tip.

[@jacquelinejacqueline162]

Thank you 😊

[@Yannickaqil]

Thank you for all the tips. I really love what you are wearing. Please let me know the pattern that you used. ❤️

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yany, it is self drafted - tutorial coming this weekend! :)

[@Yannickaqil]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity Oh I can't wait! It's so flattering and you are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

[@sarahvandekendelaere8761]

"don't sew in a rush" aaaah... Yes :) I get so excited about making something sometimes, that I go at double speed and skip precautionary steps. And no, it usually doesn't end well :) Last week, I found myself short on pants for my 4 year old. We are doing renovations and I couldn't use my washer and dryer for a while. So I grabbed some fabric and a pattern and made him some pants. In a hurry, 'cause I wanted him to test it out before he went to bed. It fit and looked great (and most importantly, he loved it) but the next day, he came home from daycare with a big hole in the seam on his crotch and another down his leg. I should have finished the seams better 'cause these pants are for heavy duty wear... but didn't take the time to do so and the poor guy paid the price :/

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Sarah, I loved reading your comment! I had quite a few times years ago when I would sew in a rush because I wanted to make something new to wear for an event. Oh boy, most of the times the project was way too big to complete in an evening, so I ended up putting it aside and not getting enough sleep and being disappointed. Eh, those days! But we live and we learn :)

[@jmdenison]

Instead of making a mock-up garment first, what I do is make the garment off of a pattern or if I cut up something in my wardrobe I really like to make it two sizes too large. And then when it's done you put it on and you can pin it and mark it whatever you're going to do and then you cut it down to size to exactly fit. That's what I do and it works all the time. Just make your new garment designs way too big and then mark it with pins or chalk or whatever basting stitches and that's much simpler much easier and you don't have to waste a bunch of Muslin fabric making a mockup

[@lynneclark5313]

RE: Wash your fabric first - My Dad sewed a lot of Muslin fabric together and made a tarp. Then he water-proofed it. We went camping and the new tarp was used. It started to rain heavily and everyone, of course, ran to the large tarp. The rain came thru in a fine mist! The openings were so large that the water-proofing could not seal them up and the heavy rain came thru the tiny holes left.

[@kathleenororke549]

I absolutely love the white linen (I believe) blouse shown at 3:59 to 4:12 in this video. It's a simple and very feminine style. Is anyone able to help me locate the pattern? Please? I believe it would look lovely on me. Thank you sew much!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Kathleen, hello there, it is this tutorial for the blouse you're asking about - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3vOo6WubJKsoaM