Sewing With Nancy - The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew, Part 1

Over the years Nancy tweaked sewing and quilting steps to make them easier and for the best looking results. In this program she shares some of the easiest ways to layout, cut, and mark fabric; sew darts; gather four different ways; and add elastic. Whether you’re a new sewer or looking for a refresher class, these techniques are the easiest!
Learn more and watch more episodes at wpt.org/sewingwithnancy.
Read Nancy Zieman's blog and find more inspiration online at www.nancyzieman.com/blog/

[@katherinetimm4453]

Still watching. Her legacy lives on!

[@emerybayblues]

Rip Nancy, Even though I couldn’t sew, I enjoyed your show.

[@nancyhahn4182]

I absolutely adore your program, Nancy! My Mother got me interested in sewing and I'm always willing to learn new techniques.

[@wakfarm]

R.I.P. Nancy. Zieman💞

[@Aurora-uh9nk]

Very good techniques TKS for sharing . Just love the charity sharity idea ...well done ....we should all start this on a small basis and I am sure this will take off immensely ! I do donate fabrics I bought to a community of sisters /Nuns they look after many kids and teach sewing , so this helps too .

[@sosidecop64]

Rest In Peace Nancy.

[@gail9289]

Fantastic tips.

[@asharavi255]

Superb..

[@davidshoemaker8423]

Sewing is kewl yo!!!!

[@terry916]

You always make it look so easy. What stitch did you use for the serger I have a five thread was wondering if that was the four thread overlock stitch?

[@SewingWithNancyWithNancyZieman]

HI Terr Bear, For garment assembly, most times I use a four-thread stitch on my serger.

[@nadiaarkar5458]

I started hand sewing since I was 7, and machine sewing when I was 11, and one thing I've learn for sure - you are always learning something new and useful. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing such a valuable tips, that make our sewing easy. Now, I have a question regarding Elastic Casing. Do you have your own way of calculating the length of elastic for perfect fit? I am using simple math - from the the measure of the waist - minus 4 cm. Do you use any other technique?

[@SewingWithNancyWithNancyZieman]

For waistbands, I cut the elastic 2-4-inches smaller than the waist measurement. Here's a link to my favorite elastic waistband technique: www.nancyzieman.com/blog/sewing-2/how-to-sew-elastic/

[@nadiaarkar5458]

Thank you, so much! I think this is the brilliant idea to zigzag the elastic ends to woven fabric in order to avoid the overlapping the end.

[@rodicafeier2278]

super ok

[@magnetsistersMom]

I'm interested in the flat metal tool that threads the elastic through the casing. Looks so much easier than a safety pin! Thank you so much, Nancy, for sharing all your sewing wisdom! We are praying for you!

[@SewingWithNancyWithNancyZieman]

My Clip n' Glide Bodkin easily glides elastic into casing. Check out this blog post to learn about this notion. www.nancyzieman.com/blog/sewing-general/elastic-waist-skirt-tutorial/

[@virginia2949]

I was always taught to pull the threads on both ends and cut the fabric along the pulled thread and then (with another person) pull the fabric (folded in half lengthwise) on the diagonals to "straighten" the threads in the fabric - so that they are perpendicular to each other. Do you find that method unnecessary if you can line up the selvage edge and then press the fold?

[@SewingWithNancyWithNancyZieman]

HI Virginia, The original thread pulling and alignment technique works great. To save time on quick projects, it's acceptable and easy to align the selvages-as you've mentioned.

[@nosratsohooli8713]

Virginia MacKinnon

[@SewingWithNancyWithNancyZieman]

HI Virginia, The original thread pulling and alignment technique works great. To save time on quick projects, it's acceptable and easy to align the selvages.

[@selah5792]

Thank you for this great episode. Where can I find the flat metal item you used to iron the casing?

[@SewingWithNancyWithNancyZieman]

HI Jen, Products may be purchased through Nancy's Notions website. Here's a direct link to Dritz EZY-Hem Gauge. www.nancysnotions.com/product/ezy+hem+gauge.do?extid=fbnz&code=NNOADV-1310

[@selah5792]

Thank you!