7 Practical Tips to Help You Sew Better (and Mindset Hacks to Make Sewing FUN AGAIN)

[@whatnow8362]

I taught myself to sew when I was 16 using simple patterns. It was really helpful before KZbin was a thing yet. Then it was blogs and now I’m so thankful for KZbin and creators like you who are offering really good information on how to sew clothes. I’ve also found good patterns at the thrift store. I’ve been waiting for big sales to get nice fabric for only $2-4/m and even found some beautiful fabrics for super cheap at the thrift store. I also just upgraded my machine to have a 1-step buttonholer and omg it’s amazing! I also got a serger for the first time ever and totally regret not getting it sooner. I’m currently working on a block set fit to my body so I can start to draft my own patterns that fit my body. These are all such great tips! Thanks so much for all the info you provide.

[@hwrdgrn]

These are all very good tips. One that I would like to add is to invest in a small hand held vacuum cleaner. Loose threads scatter everywhere, and can easily interfere with your project. I also find that with every project, no matter how careful I sew, there comes a time when a seam has to be redone or taken apart. Various size seam rippers can make this much easier.

[@FindJustMarty]

From someone who sewn for 55 years or so… EXCELLENT VIDEO! You’re doing a GREAT JOB!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! :)

[@barbaraness4507]

12:16 I’ve found that if I attempt to sew when I’m not really in the mood the project doesn’t turn out as well. I also tend to start rushing as I get closer to the end of a garment/project. This never ends well, and I wind up with a seam ripper in my hand!😢 I suggest if you’re feeling like rushing, or are not in the right mood leave the sewing for another day!

[@JD-72191]

I’ve been sewing since I was 11 or 12 years old. I grew up in a little town that didn’t have any clothing stores. My mom didn’t want to drive an hour to get me to a mall to shop for clothes but she would buy me fabric at our local little craft store whenever I wanted. Now as a retired adult I have more time to devote to being creative. I started considering getting a Cricut or some other print and cut machine but ended up deciding to just stick with sewing, both clothing and smaller items like bags or zip pouches. I also know how to alter and mend clothing which has definitely saved me and my family thousands of dollars over the years. For Christmas, instead of getting a Cricut, I’m going to buy things for my sewing room to ease or improve my sewing. I loved this video. Thank you for all the tips and encouragement.

[@campervanchick8916]

I am so very grateful for this video. I love to sew but get very discouraged when things don't go well, or I am disappointed in the result. I think you just help me get my sewjo back!

[@susanfreeman6350]

I really love everything about your videos. I’ve probably been sewing longer than you’ve been alive, through all of life’s seasons, and every type of project you can imagine. From wedding gowns to making slipcovers and clothing for myself, friends, and family…I’ve done it. And yet, I still learn something in every one of your videos. I particularly love that you are such a stickler about fit, finishing, and quality fabric. Totally my vibe! Thank you for great content and presentation.

[@rebeccaw9656]

Agreeing with all of these points! Learning how to fit a pattern to my body was a game changer for my sewing. I would add the importance of making a toilé to best practices, as it’s the first thing I do before even taking my pre-washed garment fabric out of the cupboard. Stacy shows how she tests fit with a toilé on all of her projects, and I watch a few channels who also normalise this process. The first time I learnt how to shorten the bodice (others may need to lengthen depending on if you’re short waisted or long waisted), lower the bust dart, and grade in and out… I could have kicked myself for not learning it sooner.

[@marydogface]

I've drafted blocks from commercial paper patterns. I use a simple dress pattern with bust and waist darts as well as back darts, for wovens. I made another block for knits. Pants and basic skirt for wovens and knits. Fitted to me and then transferred to card stock. I now draft my own patterns. Much easier then using measurements from my body.!

[@patriciajrs46]

Thank you. Beginners like me, or maybe even intermediates, would never know the true importance of fabric, needle, and even thread choice if you wonderful folks were not making these great videos. Thanks.

[@ashleighsdaintylittlebows]

I have been avoiding button holes for years 😂 finally tried this week to see that my machine does the whole button itself and I didn’t have to do anything couldn’t believe it x

[@PatternScout]

Haha, okay now that's funny! :) Yay!!

[@IslandGirl755]

I learned to sew on a treadle machine, many yrs ago. My body shape has changed over time and aging so I hardly sew anymore. However, I am only 4ft 10inches and nothing in the store fits me, blouses are too long, sleeves are too long , pants hems are always too long. So I recently purchased beautiful linen fabric and two new patterns to make my own pants. But I am too afraid to sew it as the two pieces with two patterns and thread cost me over $200. Fabric is washed and ironed and ready but I am too scared to try it. I recently purchased a IKEA queen side cotton duvet 100% cotton at a thief store for $12. I am going to try to make the pants with this material just to practice my skills. I know I used to make beautiful clothes but now in my 70’s I am not sure I can modify the pattern for a good fit. I love your videos and this one was very helpful. Thank you

[@lobodo988]

You are smart to begin again using materials you can afford to screw up. Put the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan on in the background and it will all come back to you! I predict you'll made a perfectly good pair of 100% cotton pants in time for Independence Day 👍

[@sweettreatsoverload4296]

You xan do it take your measurements and check n the back pick the size that your measurement fall in if theybare all over the place go with th we largest size and then you can scale down. Use cheap fabric first to make sure you haver proper fit. Try a used bedsheets from resale shop

[@amandablunck3651]

Hand basting and marking your seam allowances are great tips. I used to avoid hand stitching at all costs but it really has its place. These two things have really elevates the quality of my work.

[@PatternScout]

Definitely! Hand basting is always so much easier (and more effective) than I expect it to be!

[@MaryHarless]

Great tips - starting my journey into garment construction & will definitely refer to your channel 😊 Thank you!

[@Sweepear]

Soooo-o true, saves time in the long run

[@marathonfortruth4768]

Absolutely. It reduces the chance of having to rip the seam because of slippage or unwanted ticks in the seam. Saves time and frustration in the long run.

[@gloriahanrahan6734]

I love the advice to take on challenging projects. I sew bras and people ask about beginner patterns. I always encourage them to start with what they actually want to wear. Luckily, no one sees the finish project, so if the top stitching is wonky it doesn't matter.

[@marlyntaylor5145]

Great video Casey. I learned to sew from my mum and I used her sewing machine. My dad bought me my own machine for my 21st birthday in 1974 and I have been sewing ever since. I’m now 70 and have sewn garments and gifts for family and friends. I’m now teaching my little granddaughter how to sew. She’s just 8 and I bought her a small machine for Christmas and she just loves when we sew together. Right now we’re expecting a new baby in the family and together we’re making a present for the new arrival. Sewing has taught me a lot and has given me so much joy over the years and I am happy to be passing on what I know to my little granddaughter. Keep going with your great videos

[@kathrynpickering1497]

Hello Casey,I am one of those new subscribers from your previous video. I am really enjoying your videos. I have dabbled in sewing my whole life. The gift I requested from my husband for our first anniversary was a sewing machine. Back then I mostly sewed crafty things and especially my children's Halloween costumes.I made myself a handful of garments but they were disappointing because I knew nothing about fitting. I have taken several classes at a local machine dealer and have gained a lot of knowledge sewing children's garments,smocked garments and heirloom. I have also sewn bags and done some quilting. I am wanting to do some sewing for myself. I like your tips,suggestions and general help and encouragement. Your voice and manner are very pleasant and I like seeing you willing to be on video sewing in your slippers and such😊. So much of what you said is great advice. I saw a big change in my sewing and enjoyment of it when I adjusted my mindset. I try to enjoy and focus on it all- pressing,pinning,cutting- all of it! Also,as you said,slowing down has helped too and goes hand-in-hand with enjoying each aspect of the process.Thank you,Casey for your videos and help!

[@bevier8100]

Watching your very well done videos has helped me get my sewing mojo back! Thank you! And I love the Patreon option. You deserve the support for all you do.

[@PatternScout]

That is so great to know! And thank you! :)

[@pandorakiin]

"Sew-jo" is my new favourite word.

[@lobodo988]

New sub! This is helpful advice, especially the remark about how the desire to sew ebbs and flows. Yes ma'am, just tidy up when you're not in the mood to sew. Your space probably needs it and that's why you don't want to be there. It will become interesting again before you know it. Something something makes the heart grow fonder and all that.

[@heathermyers2763]

Thanks, I recently started pressing fabric before placing pattern pieces on it, helps with final shrinkage and is so much easier to maintain grain. It never occurred to me to do it before!

[@maryegerton6848]

Great video. I really believe that nobody should sew without an iron. If my iron broke I wouldn’t even get the machine out. And I wouldn’t even attempt to sew without a pattern. The one thing that makes me insane to sew with is stretchy fabric.😖 It stresses me out. Thanks for all the great advice. You rock ❤

[@barbaraness4507]

Recently I invested in numerous specialty pressure feet. I got ones for rolled hems, gathering, and I even got a walking foot that has a cutting blade on it so I believe it’s supposed to kinda act like a serger. 😁

[@whatnow8362]

Oh I just wanted to add that I just finished my first wearable toile of your Romy wrap top. It the first garment I’ve made that I really tried hard and I feel so good that I made a top that fits!

[@PatternScout]

So glad to know that! Thank you so much for making it!

[@barbarawarner4645]

Yes to every tip! Thanks for reminding folks not to get stuck on simple patterns. It’s my biggest criticism of the videos I watch.

[@TheSolipsist0]

9:09 I use a blind stitch foot for edgestitching - the metal strip is a perfect stop edge.

[@OutlawDressmaker]

Part of my layout is drawing with chalk where I sew. I learnt that one very quickly because the throat-plate on my sewing machine does not have any seam markings.

[@dlg1603]

Two things that hold me back are fit issues (especially back fit issues) and when I can't understand the instructions - which is different from not knowing the technique. I still need all the steps spelled out and if the instructions skip over something or there's no illustration and I can't visualize it, I'm probably going to put that project aside and maybe one day or maybe never come back to it 😢 Some pattern makers respond to questions but others do not. That's why I love a project with a sewalong or video tutorial 😊

[@zephyraK]

I also do some sewing room cleaning, especially when I'm stuck in a project. That helps me to go at it with renewed ideas and energy. Thanks for your videos!

[@granjan252]

Another great video, Casey!! Your tips are tried and true. I am retired and have plenty of time to sew, but I think the best tip is to SLOW DOWN!! My completed projects have improved dramatically since I slowed down. I dislike the prep - threading my sewing machine and serger with thread colors I need for project, block fusing interfaced pieces, doing gathering stitches, etc. So, I usually do all those things the day before I intend to sew - it gets the distasteful part out of the way….

[@PatternScout]

Yes, the prep can be pretty boring! I do the same as you, get things prepped without committing to sewing so I can break it up a little! My husband has a shirt that needs to be mended, but I haven't had the right color thread in my machine so I keep putting it off...that really is the only thing that has kept me from a 5 minute repair 😂

[@patriciajrs46]

​@@PatternScoutGoodness. That's funny and sad.

[@roseannboi6632]

Wonderful video Casey for new and old sewers. You have given me inspiration to work on sewing a better fit item. This has been intimidating for me for a long time. You are so enthusiastic about sewing and your passion for it is so contagious! You are a great teacher. Thanks!

[@moon-ud8tq]

I understood every point you made; thank you for the helpful ideas and i agree on stopping when you feel you should, and also just cleaning or sewing 20, 30 minutes for the day is just as constructive than sewing overtime and tiring onesself with a project.

[@Sweepear]

Thank you for this video and thank you for emphasizing pressing! So many videos ignore this step and then show themselves wrestling with the project to try with the next step to make it behave when all they needed to do was press it. Gives such a more professional look. I still shy away from machine buttonholes. I’ll put in a zipper, gladly. Give me all of your set in sleeves, bound buttonholes? piece of cake. But, threaten me all you want with sorting out my stash, I’m not going anywhere near a machine buttonhole. 😊

[@lindamorris6025]

Practice on different materials. It takes constant exposure to buttonholes to perfect them. Just do it and it will get better and not fear them!

[@Sweepear]

@@lindamorris6025 🥰

[@cc83jc85]

I found you this afternoon! Although I can sew, made clothing and mostly patchwork now, I found your explanations easy and smart. I'm 68- nearly- and sewn for decades on and off..so I'll see what I learn here ..thank you from Australia ...cheers

[@janfranklin2114]

I agree with all your tips and I actually do most of these. Recently I’ve started being more intentional with my makes. I plan out mini capsules and I will batch cut everything and then work on sewing one piece at a time. I did that this summer when I went away for work over the summer. I knew I needed something to do on my days off. I took my sewing machine and the box of projects. My car was loaded to the roof! It was a wonderful distraction and one of the students asked me to help him start sewing. So I had him make the obligatory pajama pants first project. I think we both had a lot of fun with that. There is something about people who sew loving to pass on their skills I think. I’m hate instagram, so I’m glad for the better stuff on Patrion. I do enjoy me some facebook marketplace 😊

[@PatternScout]

Oh totally agree about the batch cutting tip! I am actually doing that this week for some fall dresses I've been wanting to make (and a new buttonup shirt that's been on my todo list for months!)

[@Mrs.Patriot]

I am just getting back into sewing after many years. I took a semester in high school and really liked it. I bought a denim mystery box from an online source - 20 yards of different colors and weights, WIDE widths, wovens and some stretch, for $110...when it got here, it was actually 22 yards! Online is a great way to go if you're looking for something specific. I'm not up on all the terms for different fabrics but I'll get there. I can knit, crochet, and embroider, and hope to be able to incorporate some of that into sewn items someday. Trims, edgings, etc. So glad I found your channel. That pressing mat IS super! Cheers!

[@cashmonispen4380]

Hi, do you remember the name of where you bought the fabrics? That sounds great ❤

[@Mrs.Patriot]

@@cashmonispen4380 Yes! Unfortunately the denim mystery boxes are sold out. I've been looking! It's Nick of Time Textiles. Have fun poking around!

[@vickismallwood2082]

Every point you said is very important. Prewashing yessssss. Ironing absolutely yessss.

[@carolgoff4317]

New subscriber here. Been sewing for over 50 years and learned this skill thru 4-H. All those sewing years and fitting a pattern never really came up. Lots of garments went straight into the trash. Just about gave up the craft. Having children, quilting and making tores/purses turned it around for me. Now I'm sewing for myself again. Just a few things and realize I really need to learn about fitting. I really enjoy your videos. You have a calm voice and explain techniques in an easy fashion. Thank you for all your efforts in putting together your videos, much appreciated.

[@eonarts]

I learned to sew in 4H, started in the 7th grade. Our first garment was a dirndl skirt, then a shift dress with a back zipper! In 4H we have events were we are judged by choice of fabric, fit and finishing (imagine my horror when they unzipped the back of my shift dress and I was wearing my ratty bra!!). I put down real sewing by my 30’s. Then I came back to it in my 50’s as I needed some wacky costumes. Of course I made a lined fitted vest that I used a free pattern from the internet. I was smart enough to use muslin and practice the welt pockets on scrap fabric. I did use real, nice lining and I loved my vest so I hand paint thick black stripes on it and made a full skirt out of the same muslin and painted more stripes on it. I needed to make a blouse to wear under and I wanted a bright print chiffon type fabric. Of course my local fabric outlet was having a sale so I bought a SILK SHEER TARTAN!!!! (I mean what was I thinking). I also got the perfect pattern for it. I did really well on matching the stripes except for one sleeve. I really struggled with finding patterns so I took a flat pattern class at my local community college(the teacher had worked for Betsy Johnson in NYC and when she moved back to the Bay Area she started her own bridle custom biz) . Whoa was that eye opening. I love channels like yours where I brush up on things I knew in High School but need a refresher. Im a big fan of sewing first in muslin. My Jean jacket came out so well that I dyed it and added buttons. I wear it all the time as I want to work out what I don’t like about it and fix it!

[@debbiecarter6430]

Great advice. Taking things slowly and pressing everything, at every opportunity have transformed my sewing. 😊

[@BeaunaturelleFeb11]

Great tips Casey, especially number 4 about learning how to fit. I’ve been sewing for decades, and there’s nothing worse than spending hours on a garment, only to find at the end that it doesn’t fit as you would like. 😢 So that’s something I’m really working on now.

[@annitagalvan9049]

Hello, first time at your channel and a new subscriber. It seems that most people here, are well experienced. Myself, I have no idea at all of how to use a sewing machine. I do all my sewing by hand, either fixing my clothes or doing crafts. Years ago I tried to use my mum's sewing machine, a Singer model, and got disappointed because I couldn't balance the manual pedal. I never tried again. Now (4 years ago 😊), I bought my own sewing machine and decided to give it a try. I would like to ask you whether you have got a tutorial explaining, from scratch, the basic things how to use a sewing machine, ie how to thread the bobbin, what size needles, etc. Thank you in advance for your time and help.

[@rosita3671]

Just woke up and voilà you started talking about sewing 👏👏👏🌟 very grateful. Looking forward to trying your tips!🌸🌺

[@helenjowett7879]

Just come across you today. I need to try some of your tips as I often see sewing as a chore because I can't do it well. Also with large square shoulders and not much bust I don't do top half body patterns much.

[@auntiezann5146]

Thank you for these excellent tips; both practical (wash and iron your fabric!) and, I guess, emotional (don’t fear hard stuff and change your mindset!) I appreciate your skill and insights! Ok, ok, I’ll make pants! 😆

[@tinajones6313]

Love Geuterman thread

[@gehanghobrial2449]

You are always different from others ❤ Thank you so much for the helpful tips ♥️

[@hopemcfall8441]

Thank you Casey...great tips and of course a reminder about cleaning our machines.

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi 👋. Thank you. I think we all need to hear this...Amazing.

[@bellaheblan8479]

So impressive! Thank you! ❤️

[@helenaclaesson6469]

Thank you for your fantastic tips and great style. Helps me finally take out my machine and start sewing…

[@brendawyber6556]

Loved this video. I am really struggling getting back into sewing, just paralysis of starting a project🤪. I used to be a very accomplished sewist, made 2 wedding dresses, loads of formal wear, suits etc. i have always been “afraid” of buttonholes and pants😂. During Covid I bought yards/meters of fabric and sewing patterns. Now I just need to start using them. I do find PDF patterns a challenge. My first toile for a pattern fitting course I had no problems with the sewing techniques. Put the dress on and it fit like a straight jacket, I could not move, turns out I hadn’t set the print size correctly. Amazing what a bunch of fractions of inches can do to a pattern not fitting😂 Love your videos and any of your instructional videos are so clear. Thank you.

[@PatternScout]

I can totally relate! I get that way sometimes...too many ideas and just anticipating the time investment makes me indecisive!

[@heathermyers2763]

Some people call that fit a cocktail party - you can move your arm from elbow down to sip but no other movement.😂😂

[@juliemkphotography9279]

Thank you for all of your content! I learn so much from you.

[@PatternScout]

Oh I'm so glad! Thank you!

[@DoctorRAZ]

Sew-jo! I love it!

[@fionnualaryan7584]

Thank you ❤

[@aprilbotts9266]

Thank you for your tips- I love sewing and I’m always looking for tips and tricks!

[@susankidd9963]

Great video never to old to learn more.

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Thank you! I love your 'pep talks' - they always raise my enthusiasm for sewing. 🌷

[@janjay3515]

❤Great advice!

[@kayhutchens5106]

Great thoughts, thanks!

[@renateraquinio8885]

🎉 Thank you so much

[@awishtostitch1543]

Such great tips! Sewing has made me love ironing and pressing - it's so satisfying 😂 I love challenging myself! It's so easy to listen to all the fears in the sewing community eg. zips are hard, but then you give it a go and you feel really accomplished 🎉 Sewing has taught me so much ❤

[@sewhappy16w]

I just discovered your channel, and subscribe to it great tips. Thank you.

[@loribarton7480]

Great video Casey. I am so excited to be sewing apparel again. Thanks for helping me find my way through apparel sewing again. Have a nice day!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! So glad you are sewing! :)

[@alisoneichler4257]

Pre-washing fabric also lets you know if the color will run. I use a color catcher when pre-washing.

[@PatternScout]

Yes! Good point!!

[@patriciajrs46]

What is a color catcher? Please and thank you.

[@alisoneichler4257]

@@patriciajrs46 I buy them in the laundry products section of a grocery store. They look like dryer sheets. The brand I buy is “Shout”. I put it in the machine with the fabric (or brand new blue jeans) and wash as usual. If the fabric bleeds the color catcher “catches” it and prevents the color from dying other items in the wash. I sent my son off to college with detergent and color catchers - no pink tee shirts for him!

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

I'm pretty new to sewing, but some of my favorite pieces are the ones that taught me the most. And using fabrics that aren't necessarily what the pattern calls for, like one time a blousey shirt pattern called for organza but I used the linen I had on hand and ended up with an accidental pirate shirt.

[@PatternScout]

Been there myself with accidental pirate attire 😂

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

@@PatternScout accidental pirate attire is always a happy accident 😂

[@magi4z280]

great video, thanks.

[@peggyannlittle9405]

Great tips! Thank you.

[@barbaraness4507]

Something I learned the hard way was to pay close attention to the description of a pattern when buying one offline. I bought two patterNS from ETSY, but didn’t notice that they were PDF. NORMALLY that wouldn’t be a problem, but our printer stopped working a while back!😢

[@paula.jean.hixson]

Great tips & reminders, Casey! Especially the mindset. So important. And I’m not surprised the last video did so well - it’s such an amazing pressing mat!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks, Paula Jean! My mindset around sewing has done a 180 since my product sewing days 😅 I love it so much now because I can go at my own pace! And I have been thoroughly enjoying my new mat, so glad I FINALLY made one. Should have done it forever ago!

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

Always learn so much from your videos. Thank you❤

[@Chericherry4]

I agree with your advice! Although I sew simple garments (avoiding zippers, buttonholes, collars, etc) I first learned to sew the things I now find annoying. So I CAN sew more difficult items, yet I prefer simple things and still work to get a good fit. Also, I like to re-use the same patterns many times, creating unique variations.

[@PatternScout]

Yes! That is such a good point. I still like simple projects, but just knowing I CAN sew the tough stuff is a good feeling! :) And I also will use a pattern over and over when I find one i like.

[@juliajenkins104]

Thank you!

[@sandrarekker585]

Altering clothing is great way to learn construction and fitting, so dive in!

[@PatternScout]

Agreed 100%!

[@Hide_and_silk]

My hubby gets very embarrassed when I spend ages in the rtw clothes stores studying the construction of their garments 😅😂

[@christelleb.5171]

Hi, Casey, I would like to give you a tip: your Pfaff sewing machine has IDT. That means Integrated Dual Transport. I see that you are not using it. It is easy to use: you just have to push down that black part behind the sewing foot so that it clicks under the foot. This way both layers of fabric will be transported more equally. I think it makes a huge difference. Maybe you'll want to check your sewing machine manual?

[@PatternScout]

Hi, yes, I know what IDT is and how to use it and the benefits of using it, but I actually choose not to use it most of the time. I get this comment a lot from fellow Pfaff users, assuming I don't know about this feature (in spite of video evidence that I am able to sew quite successfully without it 😅). I find it unnecessary for most of my sewing, as it can get hung up on my thread and the edges of fabric pretty easily, which I find annoying. For that reason, I usually disengage it and forget about it.

[@christelleb.5171]

@@PatternScout Oh, OK then. Of course I didn't mean to insinuate that you don't sew successfully 🙂! Just thought I'd give you a tip in case you didn't know it.... I personally like this feature a lot and use it all the time - especially on thin, slippery or elastic fabric. Greetings from the town in Germany where the Pfaff machines used to be manufactured 🙂

[@gh2136]

Great info, very well explained! Thank you! 😊

[@Yahoo1339]

Excellent video,thank you ❤

[@suewilbur504]

Great tips!!

[@vickithompson1840]

As always great advice and tips Casey. Well done on your additional subscribers you will be at 100k before you know and it would be well deserved too. I still haven’t sewn a pair of trousers yet even though I’ve been sewing for a few years, but watching this has spured me on the get cracking with some, thank you 🤗🤗🤗

[@PatternScout]

Thank you, Vicki! I know, it is getting so close to 100k!! Very exciting! :) And you should definitely sew the trousers!

[@anitabrock6858]

Hi Casey, I really enjoy your videos. My grandmother taught me to sew using a Singer pedal machine with a knee brake. I have been sewing for 40 something years and have a Pfaff Coverlock serger and I love it! But my Pfaff Creative 7550 is quite old and I am thinking of getting a new Pfaff sewing machine. I see that you have a Pfaff sewing machine, could you tell me what model you have and the pros and cons and your opinion of it, whether you like it or not?

[@PatternScout]

I have the Pfaff IDT select 150 and I love it. It is a pretty basic machine, not computerized. It's been a little workhorse! I've had it for about a decade now and it's still going strong with pretty regular use. I would definitely recommend Pfaff machines!

[@lindamorris6025]

Thanks!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!

[@melenelewis2955]

Please would you tell me what type/brand of thread you use on your overlocker . Thanks for your good tips and especially for your video pattern and making of your ironing mat.

[@Domestos99percent]

Great! I'm a new sub now 😊

[@pielcanela365]

May I ask, what color did you use one your walls? I love it.

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Good advice however I've found when one is younger, they ignore things and must learn from the school of hard knocks. That is much of my own experience. I plan out each project and then work on getting what I need so that I can start sewing. Sometimes something will move up in the que because I found the right fabric on sale. It can be quite difficult to plan out sewing on a poverty budget. However it can and should be done. I no longer have unfinished projects laying around or tossed into the trash. A few times I was working on a project and others noticed that I didn't follow the sacred rules from the pattern sheet. My kids who thought my sewing was a symptom of insanity at the time, would cut in and tell whoever spoke out that their mother didn't follow the instructions because she is doing Haute sewing and her way makes for a better garment. I like to line my clothes when possible and I add bra strap holders. I do use bias tape as a hem tape and then machine hem. For me when I do hand stitching, I do it with very tiny stitches that one must really look hard to find. I like how it turns out and more importantly, its entertainment because I don't watch much TV or live for social media. Also going out and painting the town isn't in my budget.

[@patriciajrs46]

Very nicely said. It surprising the things that might get done if people unplugged more often.

[@bohemiansusan2897]

@@patriciajrs46 thank you.

[@Pink-mandarina]

Thank you for sharing. These precious tips. BTW I love the dress that you wear is it one of your patterns?

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! That is a self-drafted dress that I haven't yet made into a pattern (but may one day! because I love it!).

[@lorieburtt592]

YES!!! These are all such important things to learn and to keep in mind when sewing. I teach beginner sewing, and these things are so important for beginners (and not-so beginners) to learn and practice. I stress these things when I teach, but I think I’m going to recommend this video to my students, as reinforcement to build good techniques and habits. And your message to see problems as learning experiences and challenges is so true. I tell my beginners to give themselves permission to not be perfect. If you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t challenging yourself enough. I’m also going to say that patterns from indie companies are frequently (but NOT always) better for beginners, and your patterns are among the absolute best for having complete and easy to understand instructions. Just saying… 🩷

[@PatternScout]

Sounds like you are a great teacher! I agree that mistakes are part of the process when you are challenging yourself, so true. And yes! Indie patterns have great instructions, I have found. I started sewing with mostly indie patterns and they were so good and taught me so much! Thanks so much for watching and recommending my patterns and videos! :)

[@lorieburtt592]

@@PatternScout There is great information on KZbin and the internet, in general. But there’s also a lot of bad information in the mix, which is a big reason why I do my little part to recommend excellent resources. In this age of technology, I still believe in the power of ‘word of mouth,’ even when it’s typed into my iPhone. 😉

[@HomemadebyLA]

Ooooh what pattern are you wearing in this video? I need to sew that 😊

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! That is a self-drafted dress...haven't made it into a pattern...yet! :)

[@sallythekolcat]

I'm far enough from the standard pattern fit that using a pattern makes things harder, not easier. I'll have to undo some of their work, and then redo it to fit me. I started sewing with patterns and was constantly frustrated, and constantly giving up after 3 or 4 muslins. after i learned to look at the pattern shapes, draft based on measurements, and do my adjustments from there, i actually like sewing. I tell new sewists that if off the shelf clothing fits them reasonably well, then try adjusting off the shelf patterns. and if they hate shopping because nothing fits, follow three drafting tutorials. if one fits close to okay, great, if they want, try averaging the three. and they learn to adjust from there.

[@lavendelblau9835]

❤

[@inforestsweheal]

I find patterns overwhelming and struggle with understanding what they are saying half the time. I wish you would do a video on how to read through a pattern.

[@patriciajrs46]

I agree.

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

Yes! My ADHD brain struggles to stay focused when sewing along with a pattern. It's one of the times my neurospicy brain prefers the hard mode setting. 😅

[@shortsweettoo]

I am a 4' 11" women in her early 60s. Despite my years, I have never found a pattern that will work for me. The waistline and armholes are much too low and everything is in the wrong place. Could you provide a tutorial to assist us on how to revise our patterns to approximate our sizes prior to the muslin? Once we reach this point, it will be much easier to make final adjustments.

[@kjones2008]

I would encourage you to track down a copy of Joi Mahon’s “Create The Perfect Fit.” She covers how to measure your body and transfer those measurements to a pattern in order to get a better fit from your first muslin. She makes so much sense to me. I was boggled that I had never considered this approach previously. 🤯🤯🤯 You can also measure clothes that fit you to get a similar measurement + ease value for certain areas.

[@shortsweettoo]

Thank you for your input. Appreciated. @@kjones2008

[@GinaPalladino-f5g]

I'm just curious what brand of sewing machine you own?

[@kjones2008]

Check her description box … I think it is listed.

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Totally agree with your tips. I would add on learning about fabrics is to check the labels in ready to wear garments for those new to sewing. xxx

[@PatternScout]

Yes, this 100%!!

[@patriciajrs46]

Check the labels for what? What are we looking for?

[@PatternScout]

@@patriciajrs46 the fabric fiber content :)

[@patriciajrs46]

@@PatternScout thank you.

[@patriciajrs46]

@@PatternScout Okay, that means it's a good idea that I learned that from you, because I have had to look for the percentage of wool in a garment. I'm allergic to wool.

[@ChrisW228]

I follow the pattern drafting videos mostly because of cost. Material is so expensive anymore that it’s cheaper to buy clothing at thrift stores. I only sew because I enjoy it, but I wouldn’t be able to buy as much fabric if I was buying patterns, too. Even reusing patterns, their cost only makes garments cost a higher percentage more than thrifted clothing. It just isn’t something I can justify.

[@lindamorris6025]

Where r your patterns? Wud like to purchase

[@PatternScout]

You can find them at patternscoutstudio.com (I also always share links in the description below the video and there are links to shop the pattern below the video and in the "store" tab on my KZbin page). Thanks!!

[@sallydingle321]

👌💖💖💖😘

[@literallyselina]

SEWJO

[@conniesmith9989]

PS. Attitude is good 👍. No one likes change but a wet baby...

[@KSMP]

Patterns are for average sized and shaped bodies. I've had zero success using them for clothes for myself. Therefore pattern drafting based on my measurements is way easier.

[@dellarussell7963]

ThankYou, you Encourage me. Remember to Pray for Israel' s Leaders, and the Christians, and Children, and Women, and Men, also the innocent on both sides. Thank You Jesus Christ for Your goodness. Amen❤

[@doudou53d44]

I learned to try on the piece even with a pattern and then continue which I didn’t before. Thanks 😎🐕‍🦺🐈‍⬛