Sewing is both an art and a skill. To develop these, the dedicated sewist needs to know how to operate a sewing machine, do hand sewing with expertise, and measure, use patterns, and fit garments perfectly.
If this is a set of knowledge you’d like to accomplish, use these links to connect to the skill you’d like most to develop.
Happy seaming!
Sewing Basics: Before You Stitch
- Fabrics Galore
- Choose the Right Fabric [tables for light, heavy fabrics, etc.]
- Woven Fabrics
- Knits
- Must-Do Fabric Prep
- Measuring Know-How
- How to Measure
- Inches or Millimeters? [text tables]
- Adjusting for Shoulder Width
- Adjusting for Bust Darts
- How and Where to Add or Subtract
- Pins and Needles (with charts)
- Choose the Right Patterns
- Standard Pattern Sizing (table)
- Pattern Piecing
- Adding to Seam Allowances
- Marking the Fabric
- Temporary Ink Marking
- Marking with Basting Stitches
- Cutting the Fabric
- Cutting with Scissors
- Scissor Sharpening
- Cutting with Rotary Cutters
Advanced Pre-Sewing Techniques
- Pattern Fitting for Perfection
- Save Your Pattern Pieces
- Cutting Two at Once
- Matching Stripes and Patterns
Ready to Stitch: Sewing by Machine
- Pinning Fabric Pieces Together
- Setting Up Your Machine
- Cleaning a Sewing Machine
- Oiling a Sewing Machine
Threading for Success
- Choosing the Right Needle
- Choosing the Right Thread
- Threading Your Needle
- Winding the Bobbin
Sewing Machine Settings
- Finding Your Machine’s Markers
- Putting Your Right Stitch Foot Forward
- Adjusting Machine Tension
- Stitch Length Settings
- Stitch Width Settings
- Presser Foot Selection [each w/photo]
- Stitch Speed Selection
Sewing a Basic Seam
- Tying Thread Off and On
- Choosing the Right Stitch Selection
- Single or Double Stitching?
Finishing Your Garment or Décor Item
- Seam Finishing for Long Wear
- Sewing Collars and Necklines
- Sewing Cuffs and Sleeves
- Sewing Pockets
- Linings for Luxury
- Hemming Techniques
- Closings for Garments or Projects
- Sewing Plackets
- Zippers
- Buttonholes by Hand or Machine
- Attaching Buttons
- Attaching Snaps
Advanced Finishing Techniques
- Embellishments and Findings
- Decorative Stitching
- Attaching Lace
DIY Sewing Projects
Check out our huge library of modern DIY sewing projects for all levels of sewers.