Class

Practical Sewing Tips & Techniques

$39.99

At a Glance:

In-depth Instruction; over 177 mins
On-demand video access anytime
Bonus downloadable PDF resources
Access to class Q&A

Item: R4136e

Description

Description

Advance your basic sewing skills with a collection of the most useful intermediate skills and techniques. Even if you’re a seasoned sewist, you’ll benefit from the tips and tricks designed to make your sewing easier. Nicki explains troubleshooting techniques for most common sewing problem: tension. What is correct and incorrect tension? How to get perfect tension and make the correct adjustments, how to alleviate those nasty thread nests and other common tension problems.

Learn about the vast array of elastics available, the differences between them and how to know what type to choose for what purpose. Get step-by-step instructions on how to create three different waistband types using elastic.

Hems are a vital part of every project, whether it’s a garment or not, it’s how you finish it off and make it look crisp and professional. Learn different hemming techniques for different projects, such as slinky knits like nightgowns and circle skirts. Nicki will also demonstrate how to shorten a garment while preserving the original factory hem.

Zippers are another problem area for many sewists. Zippers can seem intimidating, as there’s many different types of zippers, coil, invisible, separating. Nicki explains the differences and demonstrates how to insert a coil zipper and an invisible zipper.

Knowing how to attach binding is a useful skill, as it’s not just used for quilts. Binding is a great way to finish garment and home-dec project edges with a professional look or a pop of color. Nicki explains the formula to calculate the needed length, how to make your own and how to apply it in two different ways. Nicki also demonstrates how to join the binding ends and how to miter corners when binding to get a perfect crisp miter every time.

Pattern alterating is one of the most useful techniques a sewist can learn if you intend to sew garments. Nicki demonstrates how to slash and spread, how to move darts from patterns, neckline, sleeve, and some skirt alterations.

Then, Nicki will explain some common sewing tips, and answer some frequently asked questions, such as how to prevent wavy edges on knits, how to read commercial patterns and how to blend pattern sizes.

Class Sessions

Session 1: Overview

Session 1: Overview

2:57

Get an overview of the information covered in this course, from tension, elastics, hems and zippers to binding, mitering and pattern alterations.

Session 2: Tension Trouble Shooting

Session 2: Tension Trouble Shooting

16:09

Incorrect tension is one of the most common sewing issues. Nicki explains the basics of tension mechanics and how to troubleshoot tension problems.

Session 3: Elastics

Session 3: Elastics

43:24

Elastic is one of the easiest ways to finish a waistband. Learn about the different kinds of elastics, when and how to use them, and learn how to attach an elastic waistband in three different ways.

Session 4: Hemming

Session 4: Hemming

15:00

Different garment styles require different hem styles, just as different fabrics require different hem considerations. Learn how to hem an A-line skirt, variations for hemming a circle skirt, tips for professionally hemming slinky knits without a serger and how to shorten a garment while keeping the original factory hem intact.

Session 5: Binding & Mitering

Session 5: Binding & Mitering

34:10

Binding is a great way to give garment edges a clean, finished look. Binding can be used on quilts, garments and most edges. Nicki explains the different types of binding and shows you how to make your own. Plus, learn how to make perfect mitered corners and flawlessly join binding ends.

Session 6: Zippers

Session 6: Zippers

28:26

Zippers are one of the most common closures, in dresses, shirts and pants. Nicki explains the different types of zippers, where to use them and tips for sewing them. Get step-by-step instructions for inserting a coil zipper and invisible zipper.

Session 7: Pattern Alterations

Session 7: Pattern Alterations

24:01

Knowing the basics of pattern alterations is one of the most useful skills a sewist can acquire. Learn the tools needed, and a few techniques for basic design and fit alterations.

Session 8: General Sewing Tips

Session 8: General Sewing Tips

12:37

Nicki answers some of the most common sewing questions, including how to prevent wavy edges when sewing knits, and how to decipher commercial sewing pattern symbols. Plus learn how to correctly choose the right pattern size, and how to grade between sizes for the perfect pattern fit.

Your Instructor

Nicki LaFoille

Nicki LaFoille has been sewing for over 20 years. After her grandmother taught her to hand sew at the tender age of 11, Nicki fell in love with the craft and went on to receive a degree in Apparel Design from Central Michigan University. She worked as Associate Editor, then freelance contributor for Sew News, Sew It All and Creative Machine Embroidery magazines, and appeared as a guest on Sew It All TV. She lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her husband, daughter, and red worm colony. In addition to being a seamstress, she is an author of several novels and enjoys gardening and canning the bounty.

Bonus Material

Class Resource: Tension Troubleshooting

Download this PDF for ideas when tension troubleshooting.

Class Resource: Binding Formula

Download this PDF for the binding formula discussed in class

Meet Your Expert Video

Download this video to learn more about Nicki and her creative side and how it brings her inspiration in life.

Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.

FAQs

How do I know what the Class covers?

Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.

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No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on National Sewing Circle content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great sewing videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.

How do I purchase a Class?

First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.

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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of National Sewing Circle. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.

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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?

No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.

Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?

No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on National Sewing Circle, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.

How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?

Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.

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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but National Sewing Circle contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.

Can I print out Class details?

For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.

What are PDF downloads?

These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.

Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?

Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.

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We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Login to www.nationalsewingcircle.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from National Sewing Circle from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?

Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.

How do I contact National Sewing Circle?

If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7187. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.

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