Just curious, what do you mean the new version of the old Singer sewing machine? Is it computerized or machanical. I have the Singer touch n sew. (which lost timing a lot, I think the slanted needle was not as strong as the straight needle) I have an old machanical Viking, and a Rose computerized Viking machine. I want to hang on to my machanical Viking, because it is all metal and those old machines just keep going. The Rose was my very first new sewing machine, and I do like it.
Most likely when you layed your fabric on the table, it was stretched and when you layed the pattern on top and cut the fabric, the cut pieces became smaller than the pattern pieces. When you place fabric on the table, make sure it's it not stretched. Maybe getting help from someone when laying the fabric will make it easier.
Most of the time stretchy materials need to be cut smaller because they stretch to fit. You can do a fitting first to see how it fits, it may still be ok.
Our April 2012 video lesson will cover sleeve pattern making and after that we will release another video lesson regarding how to sew a garment with a sleeve.
In the last part of the Panel Dress Sewing with Flared Skirt, Facing and Lining online video that will be released for March 2012, we cover single fold curved hem on the shell and double fold curved hem on the lining. Please check in a few days to see the videos and let me know if you have any questions.
When you want to insert a back zipper instead of a front fly zipper, you don't need to add extra seam allowance for the fly zipper for the center front seam line. The top section's seam allowance should be the same as the bottom section of the crotch seam line.
For the back, you just need to leave an opening to insert the zipper.
There was an issue with viewing the photo that our technician had to work on. We had to make sure your picture was visible before answering this question.
From what I can see in the picture, these pants have no waistbands like you mentioned. You will need to draft the pattern by following the instructions on our website, then tape the darts closed and measure and mark below the waistline by the amount you like. Mark about 2.5 cm apart to help you draw a new line parallel to the waist line. Then you need add seam allowance for this new line as well. Since you don't want the pants to have a waistband, you need to draft facing patterns for the top part of the front and back of your pants. As the darts are closed, copy the top section of your patterns on a piece of paper, then draw a line 7cm below and parallel to the new waistline for the front and back facing.
Please make sure that the measurement for shoulder width and back armpits are correct.
Make sure the back and front bodice lenghts as well as the side seam lenghts are done correctly.
When drafting patterns we always rely on the measurements that we take. And make sure that the measurements are done recorrectly, by following the instructions in the video, and we never should increase or decrease the measurement when drafting block patterns.
Please re-take all the measurements again by following the instructions in the video and reply to this post with the measurement you get and I will be able to answer you questions according to the new measurements you take.
It is easier to draw the thread on some fabrics compared to others. If you are practicing on used garments the weakened threads may rip easily before you can draw them. You don't have to pull the whole thread out, pulling it out a bit will leave a mark that you can then follow as you cut.
If a thread rips, you can find it again and continue drawing on it to create the line you need.
One suggestion you can try is to make sure you hold the needle thread before you start sewing, at least for the first few stitches. If your thread is jamming, you need to take out the bobbin and re-insert it into the bobbin case again, and top thread again.
Make sure to also insert the bobbin correctly into the bobbin case. Watch the related chapters in the Sewing Machine Essentials Video Lesson.
Welcome to our site. If you follow the instructions in the patternmaking videos when I measure the body, you will be able to draft your patterns accurately and easily.
Adding seam allowances is not included in the bodice block pattern drafting video. If you watch the chapters relating to adding seam allowances in these two lessons; Dress Sewing with Pleated Skirt and Panel Dess Sewing with Flared Skirt, you will learn how to add the seam allowances around the pattern.
For invisible zippers we need to style the center back seam line from the waist down. We don't need to do any changes for the invisible zipper from the waist up.
For standard zippers, we do not need to style the center back seam line at all.
We always add seam allowances to our pattern for both invisible and standard zippers.
To add zipper to the bodice pattern, do we have to add any allowance. I mean do we need extra measurement for it or is it included in the pattern that you have shown. Help me with both standard zipper and invisible zipper. I have seen this video http://esewingworkshop.com/video-lesson/4-styling-back-pattern-invisible-zipper , you have added allowance to skirt pattern. How about the bodice pattern, need more clarity.
Elastic bands differ in how much they stretch depending on their width and material. So each elastic is a bit different.
To make sure you have the right length, pass the elastic trough the garment casing, do a test fitting. Then draw out the excess amount, overlap the ends, then use a safety pin to secure it. Test for comfort and adjust the lenght if needed.
Dont forget the excess length for the overlap or if you want to tie it off.
Thank you so much for the detailed response concerning the gathering of a skirt and attaching it to a bodice. I am done with the bodice and the skirt with the band at the bottom, now i am ready to start gathering. I am very interested in using the method of dividing the fabric into sections, i believe it will make it easier handling the fabric while sewing and at the same time the distribution of gathers will look better. i will work on it and i will certainly post the finished garment once it is done.
i will also check the link for extra tips.
Again thank you very much for the detailed response. you are very helpful.
Welcome to our site and thanks for the suggestions. I have a simple example on how to gather fabric using running stitch. Here is a link to that video: 16. Running Stitch.
If you would like to gather using the sewing machine, you need to sew two rows parallel to each other using longer stitches and lowered tension. Make sure to sew from the right side when doing this. Then you need to gather the fabric by pulling on both bobbin threads at the same time.
When you sew the two rows of gathering stitches, both rows of stitches should be sewn on the seam allowance, with one of the rows just above the seam line about 1 mm away and the second row about 4 mm away from the first one.
When you baste the gathered fabric to the flat fabric it is better that you baste them by hand. Your stitches should be right over the gathering stitches which are closest to the seam line. Latter when you sew this seam by machine, you need to sew just below the basting stitches. This way your gathering stitches will not show from the right side of the garment.
To make it easier to join the gathered section to the flat section along the seams, you can divide the flat fabric into 2, 4 or 8 equal sections by folding it on the seam line. Then you can mark these locations with needle and thread. You do the same for the fabric you intend to gather before gathering it. This way when you join the pieces all you have to do is line up the corresponding marks to have an even distribution of gathering across the seam
You need to also draft the skirt block pattern and then connect the bodice to the top section of the skirt block pattern. This way you can bring the bottom edge of the bodice down to any point you wish.
i was talking about the new singer 160. the anniversary machine.It is computerized.It runs beautiful.
Its not a overly expensive machine but it does a nice job.
Hello,
Just curious, what do you mean the new version of the old Singer sewing machine? Is it computerized or machanical. I have the Singer touch n sew. (which lost timing a lot, I think the slanted needle was not as strong as the straight needle) I have an old machanical Viking, and a Rose computerized Viking machine. I want to hang on to my machanical Viking, because it is all metal and those old machines just keep going. The Rose was my very first new sewing machine, and I do like it.
Carol
Thank You Nehzat
Dear Crista
Most likely when you layed your fabric on the table, it was stretched and when you layed the pattern on top and cut the fabric, the cut pieces became smaller than the pattern pieces. When you place fabric on the table, make sure it's it not stretched. Maybe getting help from someone when laying the fabric will make it easier.
Most of the time stretchy materials need to be cut smaller because they stretch to fit. You can do a fitting first to see how it fits, it may still be ok.
Regards
Nehzat
Dear Phyllis
Our April 2012 video lesson will cover sleeve pattern making and after that we will release another video lesson regarding how to sew a garment with a sleeve.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Dear Regina
Yes, you can use the same measurement method used for men as well.
Regards
Nehzat
Dear Enas
In the last part of the Panel Dress Sewing with Flared Skirt, Facing and Lining online video that will be released for March 2012, we cover single fold curved hem on the shell and double fold curved hem on the lining. Please check in a few days to see the videos and let me know if you have any questions.
Regards
Nehzat
Great, thanks Nehzat!
Dear Barbara
When you want to insert a back zipper instead of a front fly zipper, you don't need to add extra seam allowance for the fly zipper for the center front seam line. The top section's seam allowance should be the same as the bottom section of the crotch seam line.
For the back, you just need to leave an opening to insert the zipper.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Dear Barbara
There was an issue with viewing the photo that our technician had to work on. We had to make sure your picture was visible before answering this question.
From what I can see in the picture, these pants have no waistbands like you mentioned. You will need to draft the pattern by following the instructions on our website, then tape the darts closed and measure and mark below the waistline by the amount you like. Mark about 2.5 cm apart to help you draw a new line parallel to the waist line. Then you need add seam allowance for this new line as well. Since you don't want the pants to have a waistband, you need to draft facing patterns for the top part of the front and back of your pants. As the darts are closed, copy the top section of your patterns on a piece of paper, then draw a line 7cm below and parallel to the new waistline for the front and back facing.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Dear Janet
Thanks for the compliment.
We will releasing the last part of the Panel Dress video lesson before April. We email are memebers when it is posted online.
Regards
Nehzat
Dear Greta
Glad to hear you are enjoying the site.
We don't currently have a jacket sewing video lesson, but we are going to be releasing it in the near future.
Regards
Nehzat
Dear Donna
Hope you are well.
Please make sure that the measurement for shoulder width and back armpits are correct.
Make sure the back and front bodice lenghts as well as the side seam lenghts are done correctly.
When drafting patterns we always rely on the measurements that we take. And make sure that the measurements are done recorrectly, by following the instructions in the video, and we never should increase or decrease the measurement when drafting block patterns.
Please re-take all the measurements again by following the instructions in the video and reply to this post with the measurement you get and I will be able to answer you questions according to the new measurements you take.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Nehzat
i m very interested and desparate how to draft a sleeve pattern
please help!
Dear Nehzat,
Hello, I was wondering when the next chapters for this dress will be available for viewing?
You and your son are marvelous teachers. I have learned so much.
Thank you
Janet
Dear Kate,
It is easier to draw the thread on some fabrics compared to others. If you are practicing on used garments the weakened threads may rip easily before you can draw them. You don't have to pull the whole thread out, pulling it out a bit will leave a mark that you can then follow as you cut.
If a thread rips, you can find it again and continue drawing on it to create the line you need.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Dear KarlAndy2012,
One suggestion you can try is to make sure you hold the needle thread before you start sewing, at least for the first few stitches. If your thread is jamming, you need to take out the bobbin and re-insert it into the bobbin case again, and top thread again.
Make sure to also insert the bobbin correctly into the bobbin case. Watch the related chapters in the Sewing Machine Essentials Video Lesson.
Let me know now if this helps.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Dear Barbra Ann,
Welcome to our site. If you follow the instructions in the patternmaking videos when I measure the body, you will be able to draft your patterns accurately and easily.
Let me know how it works out.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Dear Serah,
Adding seam allowances is not included in the bodice block pattern drafting video. If you watch the chapters relating to adding seam allowances in these two lessons; Dress Sewing with Pleated Skirt and Panel Dess Sewing with Flared Skirt, you will learn how to add the seam allowances around the pattern.
For invisible zippers we need to style the center back seam line from the waist down. We don't need to do any changes for the invisible zipper from the waist up.
For standard zippers, we do not need to style the center back seam line at all.
We always add seam allowances to our pattern for both invisible and standard zippers.
For standard zipper instructions you can watch this lesson: Skirt Sewing from a Pattern
For Invisible zipper instructions you can watch the two Dress Sewing Lesson above.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Hi Nehzat,
To add zipper to the bodice pattern, do we have to add any allowance. I mean do we need extra measurement for it or is it included in the pattern that you have shown. Help me with both standard zipper and invisible zipper. I have seen this video http://esewingworkshop.com/video-lesson/4-styling-back-pattern-invisible-zipper , you have added allowance to skirt pattern. How about the bodice pattern, need more clarity.
Please Help.
Happy Sewing
Serah.
Thank you Nehzat.
Happy Sewing :)
Serah.
Dear Hauns1,
Elastic bands differ in how much they stretch depending on their width and material. So each elastic is a bit different.
To make sure you have the right length, pass the elastic trough the garment casing, do a test fitting. Then draw out the excess amount, overlap the ends, then use a safety pin to secure it. Test for comfort and adjust the lenght if needed.
Dont forget the excess length for the overlap or if you want to tie it off.
Happy sewing
Nehzat
Dear Nehzat,
Thank you so much for the detailed response concerning the gathering of a skirt and attaching it to a bodice. I am done with the bodice and the skirt with the band at the bottom, now i am ready to start gathering. I am very interested in using the method of dividing the fabric into sections, i believe it will make it easier handling the fabric while sewing and at the same time the distribution of gathers will look better. i will work on it and i will certainly post the finished garment once it is done.
i will also check the link for extra tips.
Again thank you very much for the detailed response. you are very helpful.
ludi.
Dear Ludi,
Welcome to our site and thanks for the suggestions. I have a simple example on how to gather fabric using running stitch. Here is a link to that video: 16. Running Stitch.
If you would like to gather using the sewing machine, you need to sew two rows parallel to each other using longer stitches and lowered tension. Make sure to sew from the right side when doing this. Then you need to gather the fabric by pulling on both bobbin threads at the same time.
When you sew the two rows of gathering stitches, both rows of stitches should be sewn on the seam allowance, with one of the rows just above the seam line about 1 mm away and the second row about 4 mm away from the first one.
When you baste the gathered fabric to the flat fabric it is better that you baste them by hand. Your stitches should be right over the gathering stitches which are closest to the seam line. Latter when you sew this seam by machine, you need to sew just below the basting stitches. This way your gathering stitches will not show from the right side of the garment.
To make it easier to join the gathered section to the flat section along the seams, you can divide the flat fabric into 2, 4 or 8 equal sections by folding it on the seam line. Then you can mark these locations with needle and thread. You do the same for the fabric you intend to gather before gathering it. This way when you join the pieces all you have to do is line up the corresponding marks to have an even distribution of gathering across the seam
Happy sewing,
Nehzat
Dear Serah,
You need to also draft the skirt block pattern and then connect the bodice to the top section of the skirt block pattern. This way you can bring the bottom edge of the bodice down to any point you wish.
In the Dress Sewing with Pleated Skirt Video Lesson, I have shown how to do this. Watch this chapter where it is explained 3. Connecting the Bodice and Straight Skirt Block Patterns.
Happy sewing,
Nehzat