In this month’s NSC LIVE with Nicki LaFoille, learn all about needles – including what the different sizes are, when you should use different sizes and types of needles, how to tell when you need to change a needle, and creative ways to store them so you know for sure what kind you are putting on your machine.
Comments
What kind of sewing machine would you recommend for a intermediate seamstress
Im sewing a long length winter coat. Question is, when one cuts out a long garment and center front is on straight grain. If one doesn’t allow an angular cut, the center of coat will appear to hang a bit open from waist down. Is there a graft to add for every length. My first experience with this was leaving a long open slit on a skirt. Should have placed pattern about 1/2 inch off straight grain on each side of slit.
Listening.
Sewing knits
Can I attach a waistband casing to a knit fabric with my serger only.
What type of stiffener do you use for collars or waistbands? 😊🍀🌹
Unfortunately I have no fabric stores or sewing supply places within my shopping area, threads needles, & fabric (high end) are not available here. Please send some information about where to get the things I see in classes or on TV that are reliable as far as quality goods and not outrageous on prices. I really miss using things that I can trust. Also my experience with elastic is that when it is not worn regularly the the latex breaks down. Thank you for all your advice.
ANY TRICKS FOR MACHINE NEEDLE THREADING
For the person with the old treadle machine, I had my grandmother’s and I refinished it and took out the machine and took it to a repair sewing place and had them go over it and do whatever it needed. I asked questions on how to set the tension, and had them sew a sample for me to show different tension.
What is the best material( not for sewing) to make a pattern so it will last longer?
I am anxious to do a top or dress like in the new designs out of ‘overlay’ lace fabrics. Do you know if using these new full lace fabrics are a real big challenge? What might be your suggestions on working with and creating this type of garment. ( Also should the lining or undergarment be cotton, knit or silky slick type fabric).
Did the session end before my question was posted?
Plastic grid for rug hooking also works great to stabilize purse bottoms
how to sew shorts or pants for young girls with big bottoms and big top legs
If I embroidery a design, what is the best thing to use to attach it to a pair of (store bought) Jeans?
What brands of elastic have you found to be long lasting? I am so tired of elastic giving out quickly or falls apart when dry cleaned.
Reader Digest has a real good sewing book for all sewing level. even the issues work
Would like tips on altering ready-made patterns.
I have lots of books, for all things that interest me. for sewing
HI Nicki, What are your tips on sewing faux furs ? I have several child’s lined vests to make and have never sewn with this materials before. Thank you, Pam
I trace the pattern on back of faux fur. Cut backing only with an exacto knife. This eliminates the messy cut fur. You can also cut the backing only with short snip with your scizzors. Push fur in from seam edge. This makes the seams almost invisible.
I also use a walking foot when sewing faux fur.
Explain the difference in visual center and actual center on embroidery designs
you mention tracing-I always traced years ago, but I don’t find today’s tracing paper does a very good job. What do you use?
How would a person know if they have a low shank, high shank etc for buying sewing machine feet online? Not necessarily using the brand of your machine.
What tips or guidelines do you have for creating an elastic waistband similar to those found in commercial skirts or pairs of pants, one that has the elastic serged to the fabric edge? I want an elasticized waist that will not roll over time and usage.
I am new to sewing do you recommend any books for beginners?
I have a resource for manuals….safemanuals.com Not sure if they will have vintage sewing machine info, but maybe worth a try?
Explain needle sizes and what they mean, when to use specific sizes
Do you have any special techniques for design placement on ready mades?
Learning to sew thanks for your challenge
I have playground parachute that needs repaired. It’s nylon. What is the best way to hold it together while I’m sewing and what kind of needle should I use? Thank you!!
I have my grandmother’s treadle sewing machine that I learned to sew on. It is in a cabinet and it’s very heavy. I cannot see an easy way to remove it from the cabinet. Besides a new belt, is there anything, like oiling, that I should use before I use it? Anything else I need to know?
Favourite way to keep a good needle when you switch it out to sew on another kind of fabric-besides the obvious putting it on paper and writing beside it
I am sewing with a thin satin fabric and my thread is bunching. Any tips on preventing that?
What is the better needle when sewing a fleece fabric
Hoping to learn pattern altering
Do you have an suggestions for websites that sell specific sewing needles and other notions? Our JoAnn Fabrics is very small and they don’t carry the special types you have been describing. Thanks!
A company out of New York, Wakak has a huge variety of notions. Pricing and shipping charges are very reasonable.
I am just starting to get back to sewing. Should I worry about using my old thread
Thanks for your time to help us with our hobbies.
I’m here to just listen.
What is the best thing to use when sewing knit fabric to cotton LCD so it doesn’t ripple?
thank u
Ways to sew leather
Have none for now.