16 Sewing Techniques to up your Sewing Game
You open Youtube and search how to sew a mask. You followed the instructions step by step and yet you end up with a product that barely resembles a mask. You wonder what happened and what to do next. If you found yourself in this situation a few times in the past, it’s probably time to start brushing up your sewing techniques!
This post will guide you through 16 tips and tricks that will help you in your future sewing projects. Jump around the post with the links below or just dive right in!
1. How to use a Sewing Machine
This might come as familiar to some - take it as a refresher and bookmark this in case you get a little lost in how to set up your sewing machine!
In this video, learn:
1. How to thread your bobbin
2. How to thread your sewing machine
3. Basic sewing machine anatomy
4. The effectiveness of backstitches
2. How to use an Overlock Machine
The overlock machine (sometimes known as a serger) might look a bit intimidating - but don’t let that deter you from giving your sewing projects a clean and professional finish! If you noticed that inside your clothes have multiple overlapping threads on the edges, then you’re looking at an overlock stitch.
In this video, learn:
1. The basic functions of an overlocker
2. A trick to quickly change threads on the overlock
3. How to do an overlock stitch correctly
Don’t have an overlock? Check out the next tip on how to utilise your sewing machine to finish your raw edges.
3. Finishing raw edges without an Overlock Machine
Want to give your own made dress a finished look without an overlocker? Imitate the overlock stitch with your sewing machine (make sure your sewing machine has a zigzag stitch option!).
In this video, learn:
1. Which fabrics are ideal for this finishing
2. How the sewing machine operates with a zigzag stitch
3. How to align your fabric and sew raw edges
4. Installing an invisible zipper
Most commonly found in skirts and dresses, the invisible zipper looks, well, invisible on your garments.
In this video, learn:
1. Which footer is best for invisible zippers and how to attach the footer to the machine
2. How to prepare your fabrics for the zipper
3. The right way to sew your invisible zipper to your fabric
5. Installing a normal zipper
Who knew there were different types of zippers? Of course it boils down to the design you wish to create, but knowing what options you have will give you a clearer direction for your sewing project.
In this video, learn:
1. The different types of zippers in the market and samples
2. The 3 key points in buying the perfect zipper
3. Hand sewing techniques to shorten your normal zipper
4. Machine sewing techniques to shorten your normal zipper
5. The right way to sew your normal zipper to your fabric
6. Which footer is best for normal zippers and how to attach the footer to the machine
6. How to alter sleeve hem
Bought that cute top online but not quite liking the length of the sleeves? Here are some techniques to do some alterations on any of your sleeves!
In this video, learn:
1. How to prepare sleeves for alterations
2. To measure and mark your new sleeve length
3. Methods to prevent fraying
7. 4 tricks on using bias tape
Make button loops, finish your fabric edges and some decorative techniques using just bias tape!
In this video, learn:
1. 2 techniques on sewing button loops
2. Finishing raw edges (Perfect if you don’t have an overlocker!)
3. Finishing your inner raw edges
4. To add simple decorative texts/designs
5. How to cover seams
8. Turning sharp corners with precision
If you always find yourself struggling with sharp corners (think shirt collars) when sewing, check out this trick to make those corners crisp and clean!
In this video, learn:
1. The technique to sewing sharp corners
2. How to turn your fabric inside out properly post sewing
3. About the 2-thread technique
9. How to sew cheongsam buttons
Add a personalised touch to your Cheongsams by picking out your favourite Chinese Knot Buttons to add to your outfit for that special occasion!
In this video, learn:
1. Basic anatomy of Chinese Knot Buttons
2. The correct placement of the buttons
3. Hand sewing techniques to sew the button into place
10. The 4 most common problems on the sewing machine and how to fix them
Stumbled on an issue with the sewing machine and have no idea how to fix it? Here we uncover the 4 most common obstacles you may face and how to tackle them!
In this video, we cover these common issues:
1. Uneven tension on stitches and big needle holes
2. Threads are bunching at the ends
3. Threads getting stuck when removing after sewing
4. What to use to make markings
11. How to sew patch pockets (3 types)
No pockets on your favourite garment? We’ve got 3 different patch pockets to add a practical touch to your outfit.
In this video, learn how to sew:
1. Patch pockets with lining
2. Regular square pockets with crisp corners
3. Curved patch pockets
12. How to sew inseam pockets
Take pockets to the next level with techniques on how to sew inseam pockets - perfect to add to any pair of pants!
In this video, learn:
How to sew inseam pockets
13. How to take proper body measurements (Female)
If you want to sew your own clothes to your own size (or maybe looking to get the right fit while shopping online), getting the right body measurements is important! You could do some measurements on your own but grabbing a friend to help you would make the process smoother.
14. How to take proper body measurements (Male)
Taking body measurements for men is slightly different as our body structures are different. Learn how to take male measurements through the video below.
15. How to sew buttonholes
Make your clothes easier to wear with buttons and buttonholes! In this video, you’ll discover 2 different techniques to get that perfect, clean buttonhole.
In this video, learn:
1. How to use the right footers for buttonholes
2. To check on your sewn buttonhole
16. How to sew buttons the right way
You might have haphazardly sewn your buttons to give it a quick fix - but did you know that there’s a proper way to sew them to your garments? We’ll share with you how to do it neatly and professionally!
In this video, learn:
1. How to thread your needle for button sewing
2. How to hand sew buttons professionally
These 16 techniques will definitely improve your sewing skills - but you know what they say, practice makes perfect. And what better way to practice than to test your newly acquired skills in sewing classes? Check out our starter classes below!
