Tips & Ideas

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How to Alter a Sewing Pattern

By Aurora Sisneros & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

We all know one of the most exciting parts about making a garment is picking out the fabric and cutting it all up in to pieces, but my advice to you is to be patient! First take a close look at your pattern – does it need to be altered? Sometimes it can be difficult…

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10 Different Patterns for Sewing Bags

By Editor & filed under Blog, Projects, Tips & Ideas.

There's a bag for every occasion, and we've got you covered on the patterns! Learn how to sew all kinds of bags at every skill level with the 10 patterns we've provided below. National Sewing Circle is also happy to feature some awesome bloggers from the sewing community in this article, including: Sew Much Ado, Sew What Alicia, MellySews, Ohoh Deco, and Life Sew Savory. So, start scrolling and see which bag pattern best fits your needs!

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Tips for Fitting Plus-Size Patterns

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…

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Top 5 Tips for Hemming Pants

By Aurora Sisneros & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

There are thousands of folks out there who learn to sew for one reason only: to hem pants! We’ve all been there: standing in the dressing room, thrilled to have found that perfect pair of slacks that hits you in all the right places, only to realize that (shoot!) they’re way too long! Luckily, you…

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Top 5 Sewing Tips from the Experts

By Editor & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

We talked to our team of expert sewing instructors and asked them what special tip or technique they thought every sewer should know. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, these five essential sewing tips will ensure your time at the machine is pleasant and productive! Check out the list below for the five…

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How to Sew a Zipper: Helpful Hacks

By Stacy Grissom & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

Sewing zippers can be one of the most intimidating and sometimes frustrating part of a sewing project. It always seems like the zipper or top fabric – or both – wants to move around. Here are some tips and tricks that can make sewing zippers a little easier. 1. Pin the zipper to just the…

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Tips for Sewing with Leather

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…

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How to Rehab Vintage Sewing Machines

By Editor & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

You see them at flea markets, garage sales, and estate auctions: beautiful old sewing machines that you’d love to use on your modern sewing projects. Most of them are shining black with gold decorations in swirls or art deco designs. If you find a great deal on a vintage sewing machine, it can serve as…

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Our Favorite Accessories You Can Sew in No Time

By Lana Tyler & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

While many sewers start off their sewing adventures with simple bag projects, the options for fabulous accessory items you can sew yourself are endless. From hats and scarves to other wearable items, to handy cases and totes you’ll use every day, your sewing talents can lend a whole new edge to your wardrobe. Before starting…

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