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Sewing - Basics

Do you want to learn to sew?  Already know how to sew but need to learn a new technique?  Find links and tutorials for basic sewing instructions for the beginner such as pinning a pattern to fabric and threading a sewing machine.

Find video and photo tutorials on techniques like staystitching, edge stitching, french seams, gathering, making ruffles, lapped seam, pleats, flat felled seam, shirring, thread tension, topstitching and understitching and more. 

Many of the tutorials on this page are our own tutorials.  We enjoy teaching how to sew and love to hear about your sewing adventures.  Be sure to post any questions or share your adventures on the comments pages of Needlepointers.com Youtube videos.  We do try to respond to comments and questions.

 

Sewing - Basics

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 1, 2, 3 Sew

1, 2, 3 Sew #ad

Build Your Skills with 33 Simple Sewing Projects. by Ellen Luckett Baker - Paperback - Published 2011

 Complete Photo Guide to Sewing

Complete Photo Guide to Sewing #ad

1200 Full-Color How-To Photos. by Editors of Creative Publishing - Paperback - Published 2009

 Sew Everything Workshop

Sew Everything Workshop #ad

The Complete Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide with 25 Fabulous Original Designs, Including 10 Patterns. by Diana Rupp - Published 2007 Affiliate Link to Amazon

 Simplicity: Simply the Best Sewing Book

Simplicity: Simply the Best Sewing Book #ad

Packed with time-saving tips and techniques. by Anne Marie Soto - Published 2001

 Start To Sew: All The Basics Plus Learn-to-sew Projects

Start To Sew: All The Basics Plus Learn-to-sew Projects #ad

Start to Sew is the perfect first book for new sewers. Thorough instructions and step-by-step photographs expertly guide beginners through the basics of sewing. by Creative Publishing International - Paperback - Published 2005 Affiliate Link to Amazon

Buttonhole with Sewing Machine

Buttonhole with Sewing Machine

This tutorial and video will show how to machine sew a buttonhole with a Bernina 3A buttonhole foot. Needlepointers.com Associate

Edgestitching - How to Edgestitch

Edgestitching - How to Edgestitch

A video on how to edgestitch which is sometimes referred to as topstitch. . Edge stitching is a finishing stitch which is sewn on the right side of the fabric very close to the edge. It is a decorative stitch. Needlepointers.com

Flat Felled Seam

Flat Felled Seam

How to sew a flat felled seam. A flat felled seam is commonly seen on sportswear and menswear. It is a strong flat seam that will not fray. This tutorial will show how to make a flat felled seam, commonly seen on jeans and denim jackets, that has two rows of stitches on the right side of the fabric. Needlepointers.com

French Seam Tutorial

French Seam Tutorial

A video on how to sew a French seam that gives a project a neat, professional-looking finish, with no raw edges. Needlepointers.com

Gathering - Basting Stitch Method

Gathering - Basting Stitch Method

Learn how to gather using the basting stitch method with this basic sewing tutorial video. Needlepointers.com

Gathering - Gathering Ruffles

Learn how to gather ruffles. wikiHow

Gathering - Serger Gathering

Learn how to gather using a serger. Everyting Your Mama Made

Gathering - Using the Zig Zag Over Thread Method

Gathering - Using the Zig Zag Over Thread Method

The typical instructions for gathering is to sew two lines of basting stitches and then gently pull the fabric to gather. Did you ever have the basting stitches break? This tutorial will show you a simple method of gathering using a zigzag stitch over thread. Needlepointers.com Associate

Lapped Seam - How to Sew a Lapped Seam

Lapped Seam - How to Sew a Lapped Seam

A lapped seam is formed when one fabric layer is lapped over the other and topstitched in place. There are two ways to construct a lapped seam. This video will show you how to use the lapped seam when stitching a seam is difficult such as when sewing a blouse yoke or curved pieces Needlepointers.com

Lapped seam on leather, fleece, felt or suede

Lapped seam on leather, fleece, felt or suede

How to sew a lapped seam. A lapped seam is when one piece of fabric is lapped over the other and topstitched in place. This is the type of seam to use when sewing leather, fleece, felt and suede. Needlepointers.com

Leaders and Enders in Quilting & Sewing

Leaders and Enders in Quilting & Sewing

Leaders and Enders, also referred to as thread savers, are just little pieces of scrap fabric that you feed under the presser foot before and after sewing. Learn how to use them and their advantages. Needlepointers.com Associate

Mock French Seam

Mock French Seam

Learn how to sew a mock french seam with this video tutorial. The mock French seam is a seam finishing technique that gives the project a neat, professional-looking finish. Needlepointers.com

Pinking Shear Seams

Pinking Shear Seams

Watch this tutorial to learn how to finish seams using pinking shears. This simple finishing technique is quick and easy. Needlepointers.com

Pleats

A tutorial showing and explaining the different types of pleats. Shwin & Shwin

Pleats - Sewing Pleats (Video)

A video on how to sew pleats. You Tube

Seam - Open Seam

The open seam which is also known as the basic seam is one of the most common seams. Learn more. Love To Sew

Seam - Self Bound Seam

Advantages, disadvantages and how-to information on a self bound seam. Sewing Support

Sewing and Craft Room Tour (Annette's Sewing Room)

Sewing and Craft Room Tour (Annette's Sewing Room)

Take a tour of Annette's sewing and craft room which shows sewing and craft room organizing ideas. Needlepointers.com

Shirring -

Shirring is a sewing technique which uses multiple rows of stitches with elastic thread to create rows of gathers.... Wise Geek

Shirring - Shirring Tutorial

A tutorial on how to shirr with elastic thread. Pretty Ditty

Shirring - Shirring with Elastic Thread

How to create elastic shirring. Craft Stylish

Shirring Tutorial

Shirring with elastic thread tutorial. Pink Fig

Shirring Tutorial

The Sewing Directory

Stitch - Basting Stitch

What is a basting stitch and how is it used. Wise Geek

Tension - Thread Tension

Learn what is proper sewing machine tension. Thru Hiker

Topstitching - How to Topstitch

Topstitching - How to Topstitch

This tutorial will show you straight-up topstitching where a straight stitch is sewn parallel to the seamline though the top fabric and the seam allowance underneath. Needlepointers.com

Understanding a Sewing Pattern: 10 things patterns assum you already know.

This class with Beth will teach you the basics of reading a sewing pattern. Artisan Sewing & Fashion Academy

Understitch - How to Understitch a Seam

Understitch - How to Understitch a Seam

Understitching is simply stitching a line close to the edge of a facing to keep it from rolling toward the outside. This technique is used in necklines, armhole facings and waistband seams. Needlepointers.com

Vinyl

Vinyl

Learn how to cut vinyl and how to sew vinyl the easy way. Heather Handmade





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Annette & Chris are a mother/daughter team. We've brought you craft projects and tutorials through this web site for over 20 years.

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