Working with Handwovens: Sewing Basics

Find helpful tips and tricks for sewing handwoven cloth, from pins, to stitch length, and sewing machine know how.
Videos mentioned:
1:00 Grainlines, sewing with the grain - “Keeping the Cut Edges from Unraveling” • Keeping the Cut Edges ...
1:02 Tailor’s tacks and cutting singly - “Transferring Marks and Notations From Pattern to Fabric • Transferring Marks and...
21:22 Polyester vs cotton sewing thread, hand stitching, and hems - “Hemming Techniques for Handwovens” • Hemming Techniques for...
Supplies mentioned in video:
Almost everything can be found in most commercial fabric stores. All can be found through Wawak Sewing Supply: www.wawak.com/
Links:
My Blog: weaversew.com/wordblog/
Pattern Collection: www.weaversew.com/shop/sewing...
-the jacket worn in this video is Arctic Sky - made from a Burda Style Magazine, January 2008, #127
-View the finished garment here: daryllancaster.com/garment_ga...
-the coat on the left mannequin is Winter Florals Swing Coat with Hood - 400 Swing Coat with inseam buttonhole and hood variation from the 700/1700 Tunic
-View the finished garment here: daryllancaster.com/garment_ga...

[@lonevilnius9835]

Been around awhile, sewed for years and I can't say enough positive things about the several KZbin demonstrations I've have just viewed...thank you... learned a lot.

[@zourtman]

Best Weaver on the PLANET!!!

[@billminckler6550]

Just fantastic! Such a practical and architectural perspective on sewing. Understanding the mechanical aspects of sewing pays long-lasting dividends. I find myself hanging on every word of wisdom that this instructor consistently offers!!! 👏👏👏

[@michelesmith4969]

I am a Brit living in the far north of Sweden. I was invited to join a weaving club in my village and now have my own Swedish floor loom, and am learning. I love it so much! I also need to learn to sew better, as I haven't done much at all - only a little at school, decades ago. So your fantastic videos and mountains of knowledge are very important to me - in fact, they are vital! Thank you so much!

[@deejcarter2003]

Wow, this was so informative. I didn’t realize my presser foot went up higher🤦🏽‍♀️ Also the types of pins info was very useful.

[@ddtdcd]

Thank you. Clear and really helpful

[@jeanniewheatley9147]

Wow. How did I just find you?? Your videos are amazing and just what I needed to know!!!

[@TheWeaverSews]

So glad!

[@aylamonic]

I learned so much from this, especially about the take-up lever! Omg

[@TheWeaverSews]

Glad I could help!

[@jjjnettie]

Ugly pins for the win! I recently bought some as there were on special. They are literal game changers. Who knew?

[@jjjnettie]

I've gone from hating pinning patterns to it almost being enjoyable. lol

[@MsLadyhorse]

I use an 1870's treadle straight stitch made by the Whiting company. I had to learn 90% of these simple tips the hard way. Usually, "hmmm, that didn't work", take it out, and "well, now what can I try?" Now subscribed, love the tips. Have you ever used a treadle machine? Any helpful tips for those?

[@daryllancaster9137]

I have used a treadle machine. They are great when the power goes out! To reverse stitching, leave the needle in, and rotate the fabric so though you are stitching forward, the stitches go back on themselves. Otherwise, it works just like a regular electric sewing machine.

[@PeaceLoveAndRico]

i have so many old machines... the only problem is remembering what exactly each one doesn't like... i havent 'maintained' in years. i use them for random things... once even to perforate paper (i know i know.) they are beasts!

[@TheWeaverSews]

I had a collection of old machines, and passed them all on to my sister who is a costumer. I keep three in the studio, just for emergency. And truth be told, I got my start learning to sew straight lines by perforating paper. That's how I taught kids in a 4-H group to sew, having them use the machine without thread, to sew perforations down lined notebook paper.

[@brookemiller253]

I have a question if I wanted to use a pattern created for knits how would I adjust the sizing so it still fits ?

[@TheWeaverSews]

This is a little hard to answer in a comment response. There are so many variables. Each type of knit stretches in different amounts and in different directions. So patterns designed for knits are usually specific about what type of knit they are designed for. I would start by copying a larger size, and then testing it in a old sheet to see how it feels. Sleeves from a knit pattern are often hard to convert to a woven. Comparing the body size of a pattern designed for knits to a known body of a pattern for wovens that you know fits you well, can also be a good starting point.

[@cynthiagrey6687]

Hi there! What is the best type of yarn to use to make a shirt?

[@daryllancaster9137]

It depends on the shirt, the style, the climate, the skills of the weaver, assuming you mean handwoven cloth. Cottons, linen, rayon, fine wools, they all work to make good cloth for a shirt. Some of it will depend on the woven structure you use.

[@petrareynolds344]

Video is called "sewing with handwovens" but is simply a guide to the machine. Not what I wanted.