tips Archives | National Sewing Circle

The Difference Between Interfacing and Stabilizer

June 17, 2018 By Jessica Giardino & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

Looking to give a project a specific shape? Want to make sure that collar stays crisp? You’re in the market for interfacing or stabilizer. These layers rest behind the fabric and are a handy tool for every sewer to master. Achieving professional sewing results can be as easy as choosing the proper interfacing or stabilizer.…

Tips for Fitting Plus-Size Patterns

April 25, 2018 By Lana Tyler & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

Sewing can be a challenge even when using pre-drafted patterns and available resources. For garments intended for plus size sewing, however, more challenges may present themselves than the average sewer has ever encountered. Fortunately, there are some easy tips that can keep you sewing beautiful garments no matter the size. Related Video: Plus Size Sewing…

NSC’s Top 10 of 2017

December 29, 2017 By Editor & filed under Blog.

With 2018 just around the corner, we’ve taken a look back our top tips, selected by YOU, from 2017. Read below to see the most popular articles and videos this year at National Sewing Circle! 1. 5 Clever Ideas for Storing Your Sewing Supplies When it comes to sewing, most of us like to have…

5 Clever Ideas for Storing Your Sewing Supplies

July 21, 2017 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

When it comes to sewing, most of us like to have a sewing studio that’s organized in a way where our supplies are easy to find. Not only can this make sewing more enjoyable, but it can make for more time sewing and less time spent looking for tools. That’s why we are always on…

Tips for Sewing with Leather

March 31, 2017 By Kelly Ralph & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

Sewing with leather takes some special consideration. Real leather is created from the skin of animals – primarily cattle – though other animals are sometimes used including goat or sheep, or even exotic animals like ostrich and alligator. There are also very nice and realistic faux leathers available that are great to sew with, though…

Different Types of Sewing Adhesives and When to Use Them

March 28, 2017 By Jessica Giardino & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

Whether you’re plotting an appliqué project, hemming a garment, or strengthening your stitches, sewing adhesives are definitely a helpful addition. It’s surprisingly easy to use spray adhesive, basting tape, and seam sealant in your sewing projects – you’ll soon learn that these tools belong in every sewing room! Spray Adhesive What it is: Usually found…

What You Need to Know About Seam Rippers

January 4, 2017 By Stacy Grissom & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

Let’s face it, diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend; a seam ripper is. I keep one in my purse, one in my closet, and a few in my sewing room. Here are some essential tips to make sure you’re using your seam ripper/best friend correctly. When you do have to rip-rip-rip, make sure to tear…

Specialty Sewing Machine Feet Options

November 7, 2016 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

When you purchase a new sewing machine, there are often several common presser feet that come standard with your machine. For those looking for more options though, there are a wide variety of more uncommon sewing machine presser feet that can be purchased separately and used for other specific tasks. If you do a lot…

How to Sharpen Seam Rippers

August 24, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Sewing Expert, Blog.

Hi! I just have a quick question about how to keep my sewing supplies in good working order. What’s the best way to go about sharpening a seam ripper? Submitted via YouTube Hi there! A seam ripper can be sharpened with steel wool or by using a tool called a bead reamer, which looks like…

Common Sewing Machine Feet and When to Use Them

August 9, 2016 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

If you’re new to sewing, you may have just started with the standard presser foot that comes on the machine and haven’t yet changed it out. Most machines come with several different presser feet that can make some aspects of sewing much easier. The standard presser foot that comes with most all sewing machines can…