Learn to Sew! 8 Tips You Can't Afford To Skip!

[@woollycardigan9807]

Dear Evelyn, you're always a delight! So good to see you doing so well too!!! Lots of love ❤️

[@michelleleue9338]

❤ Just so happy to see you back making content. Just wanted to let you know.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

This makes my day, thank you! ❤️

[@beyourbest123DB]

I learn something from you EVERY single time I watch your content. I’ve been sewing for 60 years and have made everything from napkins to formals! I appreciate you!!

[@susancollicott7473]

I am so happy your back! I have missed your insightful knowledge!

[@oskarmolly]

I wish that I had met you before I started sewing. It would have saved me a lot of issues. Also one important thing that I have learned is to never start a new project when your very tired. Wait until you've had a good rest, a nap or a night's sleep works wonders on avoiding issues.

[@kimberlywiley7727]

Evelyn you are just spot on with sewing. What resonated with me is that patterns will not teach you how to sew because sewing is a set of skills that need to be learned over a period of time and few makes. Quilting or cotton fabric is really the best fabric for beginners to gain those skills. Period. Easy on a pattern usually refers to number of pieces. Easy on a pattern does not mean simple. Doing samples like for sewing in zippers and buttonholes on scrap fabric for practice makes a whole lot of sense before you touch your project.

[@dreed1058]

Trying to get out the machine I bought DURING COVID, and actually use it! I want to make a copycat knit nightgown - I'm very tall, and it fits PERFECT. It's seen better days, so I can cut it up and use as a pattern. I have 2 grandbabies that I want to sew for also. Love your presentation, and the tips are awesome😂❤!!

[@TheElfPrincessNazari]

I've just started learning to sew and definitely feel very overwhelmed with how much info there is out there Very happy your channel exists and that you're healthy and back to making videos! You were one of my inspirations to get into the hobby!

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Me too

[@carriesaindon5382]

Thank you for sharing this information. Years ago, I gave up trying to sew garments because of frustration. I started making quilts and bags. Now, I may try garments again.

[@kukujcroms]

Love your pixy look! It’s so good to see you and feel your beautiful energy. Looking forward to more from you ♥️

[@blueminnie13]

This Sounds great! Looking forward to it.

[@sandracedar368]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge & experience🫶

[@patriciamiller3696]

Talking about sizing was huge for me!

[@candyaddict111]

This hairstyle looks fabulous on you!

[@KellyfromMemphisDD214]

Thank you for this video…it will help me manage my expectations, and avoid common mistakes that lead to frustration 🤗

[@jaydingiesler5280]

Seam finishes- This was my first struggle!!! I only ever knew how to do them one way and when I did that on the circle skirt I was making it started to look more like a tree skirt than a circle skirt. So there are many different ways you can finish them, and depending on that technique it may change the look and drape of the garment. I went with rolled seams. Looked great when done 😊

[@1st1anarkissed]

Thank you for making me feel more accomplished by realizing I know all these things now.❤

[@ckessinger60]

My Lady, you look great! I hope you keep feeling better and better. I missed you when you were healing. Evelyn you're my hero. Also you Rock as a teacher. I tried more techniques you taught me. I'm starting my 2nd year of sewing.

[@trishaj8555]

Love you EVELYN❤ TYSM FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

[@NinnyPoo_theJoy]

Thank god I have my grandma who sparked and actually is well versed! It’s time to restart back up in our sewing hour it’s! Thank you so much for this, truly means the world to me/us!❤❤❤❤

[@radiodetective4744]

Absolutely wonderful!

[@phillippaclark7041]

Thank you Evelyn. I have learnt so much from you today. I am a basic home sewer & I never have thought to practice before applying to my garment. Also the sizing of the patterns, I usually go my normal size. You have covered so many things & I found them all very helpful & it is even better that you are Australian & we can relate to you. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@katie.edwards]

Another great video ❤ I need to learn more about adjusting patterns, different types of interfacing, and different seam finishes.

[@fayehendricksen5689]

Love everything you do Evelyn, you have given me some takeaways from years ago that I still use today. thank you

[@pol2171]

I love seeing you back at the camera making videos and looking healthy and happy (I hope you truly are). For tip number 2, I would like to stress the importance of 'pressing' as opposed to 'ironing' so as not to create lines from the seam edges or stretch fabric that is not on the straight grain, i.e., necklines.

[@correzecyclingholidays6419]

Really helpful thank you! I have been sewing for years and can make very complex things with complicated fabrics but NEVER clothing. Have tried in the past and completely failed without understanding why. Thanks to KZbin in general, and you in particular, I have had the lightbulb moment... It's the mental block on patterns and sizing. Now in my 60th year I am determined to master this skill and actually make myself something I can bear to wear, so I have gone back to basics and your videos are my go to for the information that I need. The other thing I am learning which is extremely important is that it is ok to make mistakes and to be kinder to myself. I have been teaching my son's girlfriend some sewing basics and this is the main thing that I am telling her... We all get halfway through things and realise that we have caught fabric in the seam! Embrace and learn. And watch Evelyn..... ❤

[@idadelucia7779]

My mom used to say, “Don’t do as I do. Do as I say”. Or she’d say, “Yours is but to do or die”. I never knew why as a child. I used to ask, but received these negative comments. I really like how Evelyn explains the reasons. It’s something I trust.

[@tracyb9989]

Do a test first. Didn't even think of that 😏 Genius!

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Yess it’s not easy, many things I need to know not on instructions.,; this is exactly what I needed now!!

[@DonnaRiddick]

Hi Evelyn, love your videos❤. Am a bit of a late comer to this channel having stumbled across it last year. I used to sew a lot. However, for various reasons I had a long hiatus of not sewing for many years. Your videos have been a wonderful aid reminding me of the things that used to be so easy but now I struggle with. Thank you so very much for helping me brush up on the old skills and for showing me new ways of doing things. Never did a mock-up in my life until I saw your video. Gasp ... life changer right there 😉. It is my hope that your recovery goes well. And selfishly for me, that you are able to keep making these great videos. Take care

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thank you so much! I'm so happy that my videos have been helpful and that you're back to sewing! 😊

[@ZeldaSews]

I am putting in the effort trying to learn about different fabrics and yes it's coming along slowly and of course I wanted to come along fast.😊 Great tips. Test EVERYTHING!😂

[@sphinxios]

As a swede i had to learn both se an en sewing terms i prefer en. Sadly not much of se videos. I had a mother that did sewing and i watched doing repairs ad other stuff. Many years later i had a bunch of things to repair . With the help of you my sewing journey began.

[@sewquilty]

These were all great tips. I really need to center on adjusting the pattern, getting proper fit, & Yes! I am guilty of assuming the "size" listed on the pattern will fit like Ready to Wear. Thanks, very helpful series.

[@Carol_Sews]

I no longer sew my own clothing (I make quilts instead), but it is so interesting to hear you discuss the basics and the finer points of garment sewing. I always did what my mother taught me, which was to sew the garment according to the pattern and hope that it fits. I was good at the cutting, sewing, and finishing parts, though. I have a number of skeletal abnormalities that are getting worse as I age, so I can’t wear anything tailored. Because I don’t go many places, my current wardrobe is jeans, sweat pants, and T-shirts. Looking forward to your next video,

[@loribabcock1227]

Thank you sewing God mother 😊

[@vickismallwood2082]

Grain placement and sample sewing also body measurements most important to me. Making sure I know how each stitch and feet work correctly.

[@moyralouise7123]

I was just caught out making my side seams smaller in a pinafore, they split open when wearing it 😂 I’ve since unpicked them and followed the correct seam allowance and it still fits so I could’ve saved myself the pain

[@TeresaBearCFP]

Loved your talking about smiley face fabric with respect to one way designs. In the 70’s my sewing teacher confessed to making a pair of smiley face pants with the smiles upside down . 😂😂

[@davederrick9431]

My mother had a lot of "Home Journal " patterns which were very basic, there was also magazines with patterns in scale, then they were drafted to the size required (no seam allowances included).😊

[@jihanabdurrafi1925]

This should be a TED Talk.😊Thank you.

[@pol2171]

Or on Craftsy @therealcraftsy

[@janice2992]

Hello Evelyn it's good to see you and you are looking good. ❤💐

[@rinipork]

i`m stunned with your beauty! hi from Ukraine! thanks for tips!

[@dreed1058]

Bless you, hope that you and your family are safe & that a cease fire comes SOON😂❤. Grandma in Texas, US.

[@saritagillett583]

I really appreciate how u explain the pattern making process. Its take time to get its. But i am going to try your methods. Can you show some ajustment in vintage hemming in dresses and pants and changing zips. Usually its too long or the zipper broken.

[@roxannlegg750]

Well thought out episode. Fabric selection for the pattern is SO important, that when i take commissions, I stipulate that I MUST accompany them when they choose the fabric. If they dont and Im not happy about the end result re fabric choice, I wont make it. Period. This does 2 things. 1) It Ensures I am confident I can please them, but 2) it says I know what Im doing, in explaining not every pattern suits any fabric. They tend to select the cheapest fabric they can find, or ones with pattern matching (which is ok ) but dont buy enough to accomodate it. Happens a lot.

[@alis5768]

I really appreciate this video and the content on your channel! It's very helpful to have a guide in the jungle of possible patterns and techniques to try

[@christinelovell9053]

1. Making a sample of techniques with the same fabric to ensure i know how everything will work 2. Using the seam allowances on the pattern so the project will have the best chance of turning out correctly. 3. Figuring out interfacing when appropriate.

[@dreed1058]

You actually followed her instructions, lol - A+😂❤.

[@lizsparkes3838]

So nice to see you back x

[@SandraHamer-xv1uc]

Evelyn your looking great so good to see you once again , just found out that I am in remission from nonhodgekins Lymphoma. Love your teaching ❤

[@sneekylinux]

Great Video Evelyn and glad your back buddy.

[@CupcakeCottage]

I followed the instructions in my very old sewing machine manual on how to sew a zipper into a garment. It was very complicated and tricky but it was the most gorgeous looking zipper insert I’ve ever seen.

[@alexfindex]

Oh my, I have certainly learned a few of these the hard way! Thanks for this video :))

[@kathybarnard3804]

Wonderful tips, as a new sewer I was not aware that fabric had to be cut on grain, that is one of the biggest mistakes newbies make. 😅

[@GrammyAmanda]

Thank you for these tips. ❤ I haven’t selected a pattern for myself yet, but I would have simply picked my usual garment size. So far, just learned my machine by doing simple things, like right now I’m adding a bit of edging to a shirt that’s too short.

[@annalynn9325]

I am pretty new at sewing garments but the main problem I face is reading the pattern instructions and not knowing what the heck they are trying to say. Now I used a free pyjama pattern from The Assembly Line, the instructions were SO clear, I never had even a moment of confusion. I sewed top and bottom in a day. I wish all patterns were like that!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Assumed knowledge in sewing patterns can be so frustrating! I'm not very familiar with The Assembly Line but have heard that they have clear instructions! I'm so glad that you had a good experience and made something you like!

[@aev0317]

This is wonderful. Thank you

[@denisedano3502]

Make a sample, write down new terms and meanings, know your fabrics

[@user-ik5ih7gl3y]

احبك ايفلين كثيرا انتي لي اكبر معلمه❤

[@stevezytveld6585]

Practice isn't cheating. I end up doing so many mock-ups (between 4 and 9). Fit (and deciding what that word means to me) is the hardest part of any pattern. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@lyra2112]

You didn’t explain what interfacing is for.I need to study this. I’m sure you have an older video or two on this already, I’ll go look for them! 😃

[@jaydingiesler5280]

One of interfacings big jobs is to add structure and strength to a garment. For example, I used it between the lining and fashion fabric of a bodice where the clasps of the bodice were to give it more strength so that it didn’t wear out too quickly. It’s also great in waistbands, cuffs, collars, belts, pockets, or anywhere else that needs a bit of extra strength. It’s very neat stuff.

[@nerdaccount]

My worst habit is to do everything before I believe it's necessary. What is facing? Understiching (which I learned from one of your videos). I would just not do it until I decided to do the whole thing on a dress I made for someone else. That collar was so sharp and neat, I'll never go back. Seam finishes seem like HALF the garment difficulty! I have a serger, but that dang thing is so hard to set up and seems to get out of kilter at the drop of a hat. I even sent it in for repair and didn't help. I've been using a stitch from my machine to simulate it, but it's very bulky. I bought a very cheap one and maybe it's time to upgrade to a better one because when that machine is working... everything seems easier! And I think those markings on the patterns are just arcane. The times it has a dotted line or solid line with an arrow and honestly I didn't get notches and those circles for a long time. Thanks for everything you do!

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

I like practising on wearable mockups when something I'm working on requires a new skill. Though I still suck at facings no matter how I do them. Yes, I clip, yes, I understitch, yes I cut and stitch as precisely as I can, somehow they still come out lumpy. More practice... But the welt pocket I put in a vest, Itried first in a house jacket (so it it messed up a bit, only I'd ever see it). Choosing pattern sizes is something I try not to do, I'd much rather try to draft a pattern based on my actual measurements than try to figure out whether to use my bust (size 12), my hips (size 8) or my waist (size 18) on a commercial pattern... my current project is learning how to add ease to my pattern blocks hat are to my measurements, as they're all snug and sometimes I want a jacket that fits over other stuff, or I just want it a bit looser, how to add ease without messing up the sleeve openings or neckline. I'm making the same pattern a bunch of times and I mark my stitch lines and have seen what adding 1 cm to all the seams does when I've left a lot of seam allowance for a mockup, and just adding .5 cm is probably the happy medium, though having to re-size my sleeves is a thing I've avoided beause I'm currently playing with leg of mutton Victorian puffy sleeves that get gathered in.... How to measure yourself is something that keeps stopping me up. I kept doing it the way I was told when I looked it up online and things were so out of fit I had no idea what was going on until I figured out how my measurements lie... Where my waist is for a pattern depends entirely whether it's a dress or has a loadbearing waistband. My narrowest part is two inches above where any waistband will ultimately end up, and if I make a waistband to my actual measurement at that part of my body, it falls off over my hips. I need two inches negative ease to keep my pants up. And I can slip a 34" actual measurement waistband with the button done up off over my hips that measure 39". And my bust is squishy, I always end up having to take in at the bust if I use my bust measurement. But I guess that's getting into fitting, which is more advanced than "here are six pieces, here's how to sew them into a shirt" that's best for beginners...

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Question do you have videos, teaching on how to up size a patten? I have all these amazing patterns from 1940-50s that don’t go up to 12? My size but I really want to make vintage styles?? Help anyone

[@jaydingiesler5280]

You’re looking for “pattern grading”. That should pull up some good tutorials 😊

[@Alchemizingg]

Evelyn, is it possible to make any pattern self lined? On some of my more fancy pieces of clothes, there is no "wrong side" showing even inside the garment. In my own sewing journey, I've made some pieces that I think would be better this way.

[@bettyrose1347]

Do you have a video of how to measure yourself? I’ve tried, cut all the pieces, started putting the garment together and it was WAY too big. It’s been in a box ever since.

[@jaydingiesler5280]

kzbin.info/aero/PL1bXi3AepUM8m6wSfiOy8a4ZcEoJ2W2oq&si=oskFk5if-eYNJArX

[@Siansonea]

Yeah, I had to learn all these the hard way, lol.

[@yorkshirehousewife784]

I find patterns difficult to understand. Sometimes those instructions on the pattern will tell you to do something that doesn’t make sense. Once of my recent patterns for a shirt stated to 1, make the pocket, 2, sew the breast pocket onto the front panel, 3, sew the dart 🤔 so the dart position was under where the pocket was sewn. Sometimes patterns are drafted with the Seam allowance accounted for others you need to add the seam allowance onto the fabric. So this is where a basic sewing guide cheat sheet for different garments is essential. Especially when using patterns such as the lutterloh where no instructions come with the individual patterns.

[@meacadwell]

I absolutely detest doing a test before doing the real thing, wasting time, effort, and fabric. The first time I do something I might make a test but I basically stopped doing tests...unless it's a really complicated something. In almost 20 years of sewing, I've had minimal problems not doing a test first. Not saying everyone should do this though, definitely do test pieces if you feel you need to. The first garment I sewed was almost 20 years ago (I hadn't sewn outside of Home Ec. class where I sewed 1 item in total for the entire term, and that was back in the 1980's). Decided to make a velveteen Tudor gown and all the underclothing and the head covering so I had something fun to wear at the Renaissance Faire. Had no idea what I was doing and I couldn't read a commercial pattern then. Still don't know how to read commercial patterns so I drafted everything myself. And the internet back then didn't have all the handy sewing videos like we have nowadays. It turned out wonderfully and I've won several costume contests with that outfit, including a ComicCon contest. In retrospect, I should not have chosen velveteen for a first garment...I invented many cusswords in the making of that outfit...but it's still possible to do. I wholeheartedly recommend not torturing yourself that way though.

[@TeamD2012]

There’s a Little House on the Prairie where Ma Ingalls asks for a “dress length” worth of fabric….what a range that could be! 😮

[@user-lt3yb4fm6q]

3-3.5 meters, depending of model and sleevelength. Width 1.40 (If you are very slim you might perhaps be able to do with less) Rule of thumb I learned when young; 2 x total length of garment + 1 x length of sleeves.

[@SairenJahan]

Hi, I just found your channel and following you from Bangladesh 🇧🇩... Hope that it will help me......

[@robinbebbington7063]

Would really appreciate pattern adjustment for men. As a man who sews it's tricky to know how to adjust as they are always presenting adjustments for women. An additional one would be sourcing patterns for the same reason. They are barely any patterns for men.

[@masuahkokro8957]

First time here

[@41murphy2]

💕🧵🪡🥰

[@wendyd1229]

I recently came across an “Easy One Hour” dress pattern. Ugh..only if you pay no attention to seam finishes, pressing, etc 🩷