Sewing Essentials - Online Videos

Learn the difference between the imperial and metric systems, and why we recommend you use the metric system for easier measurement and sewing clothing that fits better.

In this online video lesson you will learn how to thread and use serger (overlock) sewing machines. Become familiar with these machines and feel confident using them.

Learn how to sew different styles of centered and lapped standard zippers by hand and machine.

The First Style (A) will show you how to insert a fly zipper with no facing or extension, including how to prepare the pattern, mark the zipper opening and sew narrow and wide topstitch plackets. Second Style (B) will show you how to insert a fly zipper with facing and extension pieces, including how to prepare the pattern, draft the facing and extension patterns, marking the zipper opening and fusing the interfacing on the facing and extension pieces and sewing wide topstitch plackets.

Learn step by step how to make closures without the need to sew buttonholes.
In this video lesson you will learn how to apply the following four different types of snap buttons:

• Sew on snap buttons with decorative buttons on a dress.
• Covered sew-on snap with a decorative button on an evening coat.
• Prong style snap buttons on a skirt.
• Post style snap buttons on a pouch.

You will also learn where your snaps should be positioned and how to space your snaps along the opening of your garments.

Learn how to add an overlap to the front opening of a jacket pattern, where to place buttonholes and buttons and how to calculate the number of buttons we need. We will mark the buttonhole locations on our pattern, then transfer our markings from the pattern to the fabric and use the markings to sew bound buttonholes.

In this lesson you will learn how to draft, cut and sew three styles of patch pockets. A square, a pointed and one with rounded bottom corners. In addition, you will learn how to transfer the position of pockets from the pattern to your garment, how to form the corners and sew mitered corners as well. This lesson includes many tips that will help you sew patch pockets professionally and neatly.