Learn the essential sewing skills every beginner needs to get started with confidence. This category covers sewing fundamentals such as fabric types, tools and equipment, sewing terminology, cutting and pressing techniques, machine setup, and simple stitches. You’ll find step-by-step tutorials, practical tips, and troubleshooting advice designed to build strong foundations for garment sewing, pattern drafting, and DIY projects. Perfect for beginners and a helpful refresher for experienced sewists looking to master the basics and improve sewing accuracy and results.
In this step-by-step sewing tutorial, I will show you exactly how to sew a buttonhole on a sewing machine using three methods: one-step automatic, four-step, and manual zigzag. You will also learn how to prevent puckering, uneven stitching, and thread jams so your buttonholes look clean and professional. I have sewn buttonholes on shirts, shirt […]
How to Sew a Buttonhole on a Sewing Machine Read More »
If you want to start drafting your own sewing patterns, you do not need a studio full of specialist equipment. In this guide, I will show you the essential sewing pattern drafting tools I personally use, explain why they matter, and help you avoid buying tools you do not actually need. I have been drafting
Sewing Pattern Drafting Tools You Actually Need Read More »
In this step-by-step bias binding tutorial for beginners, you will learn exactly how to make bias binding (also called bias tape) using three practical methods: individual strips, continuous bias binding (no-waste method), and semi-continuous bias strips. Whether you need single fold bias tape, double fold bias tape, or a simple raw-edge bias finish, this guide
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In this blog post I will show you how to add seam allowance to your drafted or traced sewing pattern at the drafting and cutting stage. I draft my own garment patterns for personal wear and blog tutorials, working primarily with natural fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp, rayon, and wool. The seam allowance recommendations
How to Add Seam Allowances to Sewing Patterns (Drafting & Fabric Cutting Guide) Read More »
In this tutorial I will show you how I apply a reverse appliqué to a T-shirt for my child’s School’s Number Day using a standard sewing machine. It is a fantastic upcycling technique and an easy way to add visual interest to a plain or worn T-shirt. I have been sewing garments and drafting patterns
Easy Reverse Appliqué T-Shirt Tutorial for Beginners (No Embroidery Machine) Read More »
In this beginner-friendly wrap skirt sewing tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew a simple wrap skirt using an A-line skirt block—no zips, no buttons, and no complicated construction. This tutorial follows directly from my wrap skirt pattern drafting guide, where I show how to draft the pattern from a basic A-line skirt block. I’m sewing
How to Sew a Wrap Skirt from an A-Line Skirt Block (Beginner) Read More »
In this step-by-step tutorial, I share my first-hand experience dyeing hemp fabric at home using fibre-reactive dye and a washing machine. You’ll learn whether hemp fabric can be dyed successfully, which dyes work best, how to avoid patchy colour, and what results to realistically expect. This guide is written for home sewists and sustainable makers
How to Dye Hemp Fabric at Home (Step-by-Step Guide for Even, Long-Lasting Colour) Read More »
In this beginner-friendly sewing tutorial, you’ll learn how to fix loose elastic on a waterproof mattress protector instead of replacing it. This quick repair keeps the corners tight, stops sheets from slipping, and extends the life of your waterproof mattress protector with minimal materials. I have a waterproof mattress protector on my mattress! This does
How to Fix Loose Elastic on a Waterproof Mattress Protector (Easy DIY Repair) Read More »
In this beginner-friendly hair scrunchie sewing tutorial, you’ll learn four easy ways to sew a scrunchie using less fabric, including low-waste cutting methods and clean finishing techniques. This guide is ideal for beginners and anyone interested in sustainable sewing projects. This beginner-friendly guide covers measurements, fabric choices, elastic length, and multiple construction techniques. Oh, and my intended
How to Sew a Hair Scrunchie: 4 Easy Methods Using Less Fabric (Beginner-Friendly) Read More »
Why You Should Skip Snap Pliers and Press Tools In my sewing career, it is surprising that I have not used metal snap buttons very often. When I finally tried to attach metal snap buttons using the pliers that came with the kit, the result was disappointing. The baby dungarees I made ended up with
How to Attach Metal Snap Buttons Without a Tool (No Pliers, No Press) Read More »
