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This bonnet is so versatile because it is a head wrap

A reversible bonnet made from satin and a cotton fabric (in this case African Print Fabric)

Making this bonnet head wrap is very easy and make a great gift at Christmas, or any other other occasion.

Here’s my video that walks you through how to make this DIY bonnet head wrap step-by-step!

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Peplums are simply circles, so even you are a sewing beginner, you can do this! A circle is 360 degrees, so when you hear 720 degrees, 1080 degrees or 1440 degree peplums, you are simply talking about multiple circles.

In other words, you want to determine, first, how many circles are in 720, 1080 or 1440 degrees, for example. We have explained this in-depth in this video here:

In a 720 degree peplum, you are cutting 2 circles (divide 720 by 360 and you have 2)

In a 1080 degree peplum, you need to cut 3 circles; and

In a 1440 degree peplum, you will be cutting 4 circles.

Since each circle is 360 degrees, you cross-check this by adding the degrees for each circle you made. For example:

720 degree Peplum = 360 degrees (circle 1) + 360 degrees (circle 2)

In making Peplums, you need to divide your waist measurement by 6.28 to

arrive at the radius you need to cut your circle, however, when you’re making multiple circles, this waist must first be divided by the number of circles you are making before you now calculate the radius of each circle based on the result you got after dividing the waist between the circles.

We have explained this in length in our video on “How to CUT 720 Degree, 1080 Degree, and 1440 Degree Peplum Flares“

In the video below, we demonstrate how you can cut these different peplums/flares.

The post How to Sew a Peplum – 720, 1080 and 1440 Degree Peplums and Flares appeared first on .

Six-piece blouses are one of those tops that always look so good, no matter how you decide to “slay” it Watch our FREE sewing class on how to make this top here: How to make 6 Piece Blouse / Top

You can wear it casually or as a business outfit. It also looks so royal on matching six-piece skirts as well!

This video below shows in-depth how to cut a six-piece top in a simple step-by-step free tutorial.

The post How to Make 6 Pieces Blouse without Patterns – Princess Dart Blouse appeared first on .

My daughter did a video “Unboxing Brother GX37 Sewing Machine” on her YouTube channel “Lil Chick Creations“. This is the same sewing machine used in this guide. You can watch the video below.

Click here to get the GX37 Sewing Machine

If you’re  wondering what sewing tools you need to get started, check out our post on Beginner Sewing Kit – Supplies You Need

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With so many machines out there, one question many beginners have is “What sewing machine is best for me?”

Whether you are a beginner, or a veteran in sewing, you have asked this question at one time or the other. Choosing a sewing machine can be a daunting task, but with this guide, I am hoping to make the process an easy and stress-free one for you.

A very important starting point is to identify the main reasons you need a sewing machine. In other words, what do you need to get done with a sewing machine? It is also important to decide what your budget is for a sewing machine. If you can clearly answer these questions, it will guide you in choosing the best sewing machine for you.

Before you go shopping for that sewing machine, ask yourself these questions. These can help you identify your basic needs, and help you reach a decision:

• Are you just starting to sew, or do you already know how to sew?
• Have you used a sewing machine before and are you comfortable using one?
• Do you see yourself doing more with a sewing machine in the future, or are you just interested in the basics (like just knowing how to do straight stitches)
• Is this an asset you want to hold on to for long, or just looking for something in the interim?
• What are you able to afford, and willing to pay for a sewing machine?

Answering these will help you determine what sewing machine works best for your situation.

Should You Buy Used or New: Sewing Machine?

This is a tricky question and must be handled with utmost care, and reasoning. For your peace of mind, I personally would advise you go for a brand new machine. That is not to say you can’t find good used machines, but since you really can’t vouch for what the used machines have been through, and usually they may not come with a warranty, I would choose a new one instead.

Getting a new machine is less of a risk, and gives you some peace of mind. In addition, even if you don’t buy additional warranty, your new machine will have manufacturers warranty.

What Type of Sewing Machine to Buy

As a beginner, you don’t need any complicated sewing machine. Get one that can perform the basic functions you need to do as a beginner. Most machines will come with some different stitches/patterns, but keep in mind that you don’t need a whole lot of stitches/patterns to get started. A basic sewing machine will wind your bobbin, do the basic straight stitching and reversing (back) stitches.

Some machines have front-loading bobbin compartments, meaning you load the bobbin from the front, and some have drop-in compartments. Although the drop-in compartments may be easy to use, but either one of these will work and are not too complicated once you get the hang of it. Be sure to always keep your sewing machine manual handy, and refer to it from tome to time as this will serve as a great resource over time.

Check Reviews and Ratings Inline Before Buying a Sewing Machine

Also, make sure you read reviews online before you buy any sewing machine. Even if you decide to buy in the store, check the reviews online  first. The more the reviews and ratings, the better it can be trusted. It s also good practice to check reviews on different retailer websites, and not just one.

You can watch the Video on this Beginner Sewing Machine too.

What is You Budget for A Sewing Machine?

How much can you afford for a sewing machine? This is an important factor to determine ahead of time. It helps you filter out machines outside of your budget and concentrate on the ones within your range.

In addition to getting your sewing machine, you should also consider putting together your sewing kit. Check my blog post on Beginner’s Sewing Kit. It will help guide you on what you need to get started.

Check out one my sewing machine reviews in this video:

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A few months ago, I shared a tutorial on Making an Off Shoulder top here on this blog as well as on youtube. Needless to say, it was very much liked and I even had orders for this top all the way from London, UK!

Because it is not only a beautiful style to behold, but also very simple to make, I decided to make something similar, but with a different sleeve type. The first style had a bell sleeve, but in this one, we are making beautiful tulip (overlapping, if you will) sleeves.

These are easy to cut and easy to make.  Watch the Video on Making this Top Here

The Measurements you need for this are pretty simple too:

Blouse Length

Off shoulder area (optional)

Sleeve length

Armhole (this is optional as well). By the way, have you seen my popular video teaching you how to cut an armhole in detail? You can watch it here: How to Cut an Armhole

Materials you need are very basic too: (Need Supplies? Visit our Supplies Page to see where you can get some…)

Fabric (of course :))

Tape Measure

Tailor’s Chalk/Marker

Sewing Thread

Sewing Machines.

In this style, I cut the front and back together. So fold into two and then fold again to get four layers of fabric. Because there is no neckline, deduct 6″ from whatever your total blouse length is. Add necessary seam allowances. See video for more detailed instructions.

For the sleeves, you also fold the same way you folded above, to have four layers of fabric.

Here’s how you draft the part of the sleeves that overlap.

Make a lining for the sleeve by cutting exactly same thing you cut for the main fabric.

After sewing the lining to the main fabric, overlap the sleeves as shown. I used 3 inches of overlap here. You can make it more if you want it to overlap more. Sew across the top to hold it together.

Fold, and Join the 2 ends together.

This is what the tulip sleeves look like after sewing!

Elastic goes through the casing created.

And the top is almost done…

Adjust to fit around your shoulder as snug as you want.

Enjoy your new top.  Get DETAILED STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS in the video…

The post Off shoulder Tops – Style 2 appeared first on .

Watch the video on making this Ladies Straight Pant here

Watch how to make the bell sleeve top featured in the photo here

Materials You Need:

Fabric, Elastic, Thread, Tape Measure, Scissors. Get Supplies

The post How to Make Straight Pants | Ladies Straight Pants Cutting & Sewing appeared first on .

Watch Video

I have also included links to where you can get these online. Please note that some of these links may be affiliate links, meaning that we get some little commission if you buy through the link. We appreciate your support, enabling us to continue to bring you more free information!

Multipurpose Sewing Clips with Tin Box Package

These make a great gift for anyone that sews or quilt! They are not only great to use in place of pins but also have other functions as well, such as for hanging pictures, clothes, used as book clips and for several other craft functions. They are sturdy and can hold multiple layers of fabric together. They come in nine beautiful fun colors and packaged in a sturdy Tin Gift storage box.

Get it here!

Thread Organizer

Another great gift for anyone you know that loves sewing. We all need to store our thread spools, bobbins, and other small embellishments, and these do a wonderful job! The clear plastic makes it easy to see what is stored in it for easy retrieval. This organizer is double-sided, giving it more storage capability.

Get one here!

Sewing Basket with Sewing Kit Accessories

This sewing basket kit will make a beautiful gift for anyone just beginning to sew as well as all others. Beautiful print design with interior storage and tray organizer. Includes hand needles, pins, thread spools, scissors, pin cushion, needle threader, tape measure, thimble and seam ripper. Has collapsible handles for easy storage.

Get one here!

32 pcs Domestic Sewing Machine Presser Foot Set –  Universal

This compact presser foot set fits most sewing machine brands including singer, brother, Janome, Juki, Babylock, and many other sewing machines. Comes in an organizer case with snap-locking lid to keep pressers safe. This is a great set for anyone that loves to sew, and will always come in handy for many years to come.

Available here!

Ultimate Sewing Starter Kit

Even though this says “Starter Kit”, this will make anyone that loves sewing happy Comes with 14 popular quality sewing tools such as scissors, rotary cutter, seam ripper, pin cushion, tape measure, and much more!

Get the kit here!

Sewing Room Wall Clock

There are so many cute sewing-themed decorative wall clocks to choose from these days. They make such delightsome gifts for anyone that loves to sew, and especially a much welcome gift for a sewing room or space.

Get them here!

Sewing Room Decals & Wall Art

People who love to sew love their space to be beautiful and relaxing. Wall decals and art add a beautiful and relaxing touch to any sewing room/space. We all want to be proud of our workspace They also work great in any part of the house for anyone that loves sewing or quilting!

Get one here!

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Sewing-themed Jewelry

Jewelry always makes a great gift. You can gift sewing-themed pieces of jewelry like necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings and more!

See varieties here!

Decorative Pin Cushions

These are cute to have and will be appreciated by someone that loves sewing. They come in various beautiful designs, looks, and colors, and will always be useful and needed.

See more pincushions!

Jewelry/Trinket Box

Another gift item that is both decorative and useful. These will definitely come in handy. Comes in different designs as well.

See more here!

Good Quality Scissors and Shears

You can never go wrong with good quality scissors or shears as a gift to anyone who loves to sew or quilt! These days you don’t have to sacrifice quality for beauty as you can find high-quality scissors and shears that are a delight to behold. Not only do they perform the needed function but look beautiful in your sewing space!

Get some here!

Want to see even more options? Then check our supplies page.

Please note: These are just suggestions and I take no responsibility for your decisions. Please check reviews and make your decisions based on your own preference.

The post Gift Ideas for Sewers in 2020 appeared first on .

Have you seen our premium video tutorial on How to Cut a Pencil Skirt? You can view the free sample where we teach you how to cut a pencil skirt here.

However, if you will like to go a step further, and at the same time support us so we can provide you more free videos, please take a look at our full premium video teachings on How to cut and How to Sew a Pencil Skirt. Click the button below to buy this course at our low price.

View Course

Get Supplies here

The post How to Make a Pencil Skirt (Cut and Sew) using Freehand. No Patterns Required! appeared first on .