Two Sewing Techniques On How To Sew A Reversible Vest

Sewing Success Blog - The Sewing Blog

Hi Sewing Friends:

Just got a question on how to sew a reversible vest from one of my American Sewing Guild friends, so thought I would post it here for all of you.

Even if you made a reversible vest in the past, you might pick up some sewing tips in the following sewing article that I wrote.

Feel free to add your sewing tips, comments or questions here. I like to hear from you.

Let me know if these articles help you. Thanks!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Two Sewing Techniques On How To Sew A Reversible Vest

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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Here are two sewing techniques plus some good sewing tips on how to sew a reversible vest. One is stitched and turned; the other is stitched and bound.

Try both to help you determine your favorite sewing technique.

For both methods, follow these cutting and sewing instructions:

Choose similar weight fabrics for a reversible vest.

Preshrink all fabrics and interfacing.

Interface the vest with a fusible knit interfacing.

Test the interfacing on a scrap of fabric first to make sure it will be OK.

Depending on the fabric, you may choose to interface both of the fronts and back of the vest.

Note: You may want to interface the fabric and then cut the vest pieces out of the interfaced fabric.

Carefully cut two fronts and one back from each fabric.

Make sure the front and back vest pieces are the same size in both fabrics after you cut them out. Lay one over the other to check it.

Apply any pockets or designs to each front and back layer.

For each layer:

Place right sides of the fabric together and stitch the front and back shoulder seams together. Do NOT backstitch.

Instead begin and end each seam with short stitches (18-20 per inch) for about 1 to 1-1/2 inches.

Sandwich press the seams.

Press the seams open.

At the neck and shoulder point of the shoulder seam, trim the shoulder seam allowance back at an angle for about 1-1/2 inch to eliminate bulk when the neck and armhole seams are made.

Also trim the shoulder seams of one of the layers to be just slightly less than the other layer to stagger or grade the seams when they lay on top of each other.

Continue with either Method I or Method II to finish the vest.

Method I - How To Sew To Complete A Stitched And Turned Reversible Vest

Place the two vests right sides together.

Note: Generally, when sewing a lined vest, it is a good idea to trim off about 1/8 inch from the lining before attaching it to the outer layer. This keeps the lining from showing on the outside when the vest is worn.

For a reversible vest, you may or may not want to do this.

If a bit of one of the layers shows on one of the sides, it may look like narrow piping. You are the designer. Create the look you want.

Stitch the vests armhole edges together using short stitches (18-20 stitches per inch) all the way.

Sandwich press these seams.

Press the seams open.

Trim the armhole seams to 1/8 inch seam allowance. The short stitches will hold this seam.

If this is a lined vest, understitch the armhole seams and all of the other seams as well. If it is reversible, you may not want the understitching to show on the edge.

Sewing Tip: Always use short stitches and trim to 1/8 inch seam allowance to stitch a curve. Then understitch if possible. It produces a much cleaner, sharper curve instead of trimming to 1/4 inch and clipping. Try it!

After the armholes are finished, place the two right sides of the vest back together again lining up all the edges. Pin to hold the layers.

Stitch the front and neckline together.

Begin stitching about 2 inches from the side seam on the bottom of the front and stitch across the bottom of the front, up the center front and around the neck and down on the other side of the front stopping about 2 inches from the other side seam.

Use a regular stitch length to stitch across the bottom of the front and up the front. Change to a short stitch length to stitch the curve around the neck.

Sandwich press the seam.

Press the seam open.

Trim the curved area around the neck to 1/8 inch.

Trim the rest of the seam to 1/4 inch.

Hold the scissors at an angle when you trim to help layer or grade the seam allowances or use "duckbill" scissors to help do this.

Sewing Tip: Always stagger the edges of seam allowances when they end up laying on top of each other in a finished garment.

Turn the vest right side out by pulling the fronts through the shoulders one side at a time.

Press well setting the seam lines exactly on the edge.

With right sides together, match the armhole seams and pin exactly through the stitching line to hold one on top of the other.

Stitch the side seams of both layers in one continuous step carefully walking the needle over the underarm pin.

Sandwich press the seam.

Press the seam open.

You may want to leave the full seam allowance here in case you have to let the vest out sometime.

Now, you have the bottom of the back open and about 2 inches on either side of the side seam toward the front.

Turn right sides together matching up the side seams. Put a pin exactly in the line of stitching in the side seams to hold one on top of the other.

Starting at one front side where you stopped stitching previously, stitch across the bottom until you come to about 2 inches from the next side seam pin and stop leaving about a 4 inch opening on that side.

Sandwich press the seam.

Press the seam open.

Press under the unstitched seam allowances as though they were stitched.

Trim and grade the seam allowances to about 1/4 inch.

Turn the vest right side out through the 4 inch opening at the side lower edge. This opening is better than having the opening in the middle of the center back. It isn't as noticeable.

Press well again.

At the opening, turn in and line up the edges.

To finish this opening, slip stitch it closed by hand or place a narrow strip of fusible web and fuse it closed.

If desired, topstitch the vest 1/4 inch from the edges.

Make buttonholes on both sides of the vest.

Sew 2 buttons together making a thread shank in between them. Use these double buttons through both buttonholes like cuff links. You can even use 2 different buttons as
long as they are the same size to fit through the holes.


Method II

Another method to finish your reversible vest is to sew each vest with shoulder seams and side seams.

Place the vests with wrong sides together.

Stitch 3/4 inch all around the armholes and the outer edges of the vest holding the 2 layers together.

Trim off 5/8 inch all around.

Bind all the outside edges either with self fabric, contrasting fabric, or a fold over trim or braid to finish.You can even use a decorative serged edge to finish the vest.

This is fast and easy!

It's your choice. You are the designer!

Enjoy your vest!

It just makes sense!

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End Of Article

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PS: If you enjoyed this article or have a comment, please do so here on my Sewing Blog.

Actually, you can check out most of my articles here. You might find something that interests you. I welcome your feedback :-)

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If you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, ask them here or at:

=> http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/questionburning.html

I'll do my best to answer them for you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her mini-course ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Marian is also the author of many articles and other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting, "It Doesn't LOOK Homemade"Sewing Techniques.Copy and paste the link now to check out her website at:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing Success

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

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**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Please let us know if you use the article and where you put it so we can take a look. Thanks!

Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

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Keywords: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

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Sewing Tips - How To Sew More Professional Looking Top-Stitching

Sewing Success Blog - The Sewing Blog

Hi Sewing Friends:

Top-stitching can really set off a garment if done well.

Here is the answer to a question about how to sew more professional looking top-stitching.

Check out my article below. It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sewing Tips - How To Sew More Professional Looking Top-Stitching

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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Here is a sewing tip to add to your sewing techniques book.

Learn how to sew more professional looking top-stitching at the sewing machine using your regular sewing thread.

Use the same thread that you used to sew your garment for a matching top-stitching. Or, use a contrasting thread for more definition.

When you top-stitch with a single thread, it seems to sink into your fabric and is not very noticeable.

For more professional looking top-stitching, try using three threads on the top of the sewing machine.

You don't need to buy three spools of thread to do this.

Just wind three bobbins of sewing thread and place them on the spindle at the top of the sewing machine where you normally place your single spool of thread.

Try to have your bobbins full to begin top-stitching.

Fill one bobbin as you normally do for the bobbin case.
Thread the bottom bobbin as usual.

Hold the end of each of the top three bobbin threads together in your hand and thread them as one thread through your sewing machine and needle. Moistening the threads first seems to help.
You may need a needle threader to help you do this. You can find a needle threader in the notions department of your favorite sewing or fabric store or you may already have one in your sewing case.

Set your sewing machine stitch for a longer stitch (about 6 to 8 stitches per inch).

Stitch very slowly and straight. Use a stitching guide or tape to help you if you need it.

This makes a very elegant top-stitch. Try it!

Stitch multiple rows about 1/8 inch apart for a high quality look.

Contrasting thread adds more definition. Try using white or a metallic gold or silver thread on a dark fabric or a darker shade of thread on a light fabric. Experiment on scraps to get the look you want.

Check out the finest ready-to-wear boutiques for more top-stitching ideas.

You are the designer! Have fun with top-stitching.

Three threads are better than one!

It just makes sense!

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End Of Article

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PS: If you enjoyed this article or have a comment, please do so here on my Sewing Blog.

Actually, you can check out most of my articles here. You might find something that interests you. I welcome your feedback :-)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

If you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, ask them here or at:

=> http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/questionburning.html

I'll do my best to answer them for you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her mini-course ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Marian is also the author of many articles and other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting, "It Doesn't LOOK Homemade"Sewing Techniques.

Copy and paste the link now to check out her website at:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing Success

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Please let us know if you use the article and where you put it so we can take a look. Thanks!

Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/affiliate.html

See more about sewing

Keywords: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

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Sewing Technique - How To Sew A Spa Wrap Or Beach Cover-Up

Sewing Success Blog - The Sewing Blog

Hi Sewing Friends:

Soaking in the hot tub is one of the few things that really helps my back these days. That is where you will usually find me late each evening before I go to bed. It seems to relax those aches and pains.

When I get out of the tub, I like to wrap myself in a towel for a while before going inside. However, it frustrates me that the towel keeps falling off.

Then, a catalog came in the mail and guess what? They advertised a "Spa Wrap" for $42.00. It is a simple cotton terry wrap with an elastic top. One size fits all.

I remember those from years ago. Only we called them, "Shampoo Wraps." We used them for beach cover-ups too.

So, I got out my beach towel and decided to make myself a "Spa Wrap." It only took a few minutes and now my towel doesn't fall off anymore.

I thought you might like to make some Spa Wraps, too.

Why not? It just makes sense!

Here is an article on how I did it!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sewing Technique - How To Sew A Spa Wrap Or Beach Cover-Up

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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Discover how to sew a spa wrap or beach cover-up with this simple sewing lesson.

Spa wraps are great gift ideas or bazaar items, too.

Sew spa wraps for all the men, women and children in your family. Everyone needs one. Use for after the shower, bath, or when you do your hair or at the spa or pool or the beach.

Spa wraps have elasticized tops that can be worn above the bust or at the waist.

Sewing a spa wrap is a quick and easy sewing project. All you need is a beach towel, approximately 1-1/4 yards of 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch wide sport sew through elastic and about 6 inches of hook and loop tape or large snaps.

Here is the how to sew instructions.

First of all, make a decision about what you want to use to sew the spa wrap. Colorful beach towels are great to use as well as fabric. Your choice may be based on what size you need the spa wrap to be.

Smaller towels work well for small children.

Lighter weight towels work better than heavier ones. They aren't as bulky to sew or wear and also dry faster.

Sewing Tip: Always preshrink all fabrics including towels before you sew.

The average beach towel is about 62 inches long x 34 inches wide. Find some good bargains at your local flea market.

The length of the beach towel will generally go around most bodies with some over lap. If you need more, sew 2 towels together or add half a towel.

Cut a piece of 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch wide sturdy sport sew through elastic to be about 2/3 of the length of the towel or fabric that you are using. This depends on the stretch of the elastic.

Example: For a 62 inch long towel, cut the elastic about42 inches long.

Divide the towel and the elastic into eighths. First fold in half, then again in fourths, then again in eighths. These smaller sections are easier to handle at the sewing machine.

Pin the elastic at the eighth marks to one long edge on the wrong side of the towel.

Set your sewing machine for your largest and longest zigzag stitch.

As you stitch, stretch the elastic to fit each pinned section of the towel.

First stitch along the outer edge of the elastic and then go back and stitch along the inner edge of the elastic also stretching as you sew.

If you prefer, you can sew a lightweight fabric casing to the wrong side of the towel and insert the elastic drawing it up to fit the size you want.

Cut two strips of hook and loop tape about 3" long.

Pin the rough (hook) side of one strip to the inside edge of the overlap on top of the elastic.

Stitch around the hook tape to hold securely.

Pin the soft (loop) side of one strip to the outside edge on the right side of the underlap.

Stitch around that tape.

Now place the corresponding pieces of hook and loop tape up against the stitched in place pieces of tape.

Put the wrap on your body to help determine where to sew the corresponding pieces of tape.

Pin those pieces where they should go and unhook them from the stitched tapes. Remove the wrap.

Stitch around these tapes where you have them pinned.

WOW! You just made a spa wrap!

Now, for some designer touches, try these ideas:

Add a large pocket cut from contrasting or matching fabric or even mesh fabric on the front.

Monogram or use one of your embroidery designs on the pocket before applying it to the wrap.

You could bind the outer edges of towel with fabric to match the pocket.

If you decide to bind the outer edges of the towel, round the square corners first. It looks better and is easier to bind. See the following sewing tip to make a nice curve.

Sewing Tip: Lay a dinner plate down at the corners of the towel lining up the edges of the plate with the edges of the towel. Draw the outer curve of the plate to get a very nice even curve.

If you are using a plain towel, add a fun embroidery design using instructions to embroider on terry cloth to decorate your wrap.

Applique a unique design on the spa wrap.

If you prefer not to use hook and loop tape, use very large snaps or heavy duty gripper snaps to hold the wrap closed.

You are the designer! Have fun with it!

It just makes sense!

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End Of Article

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PS: If you enjoyed this article or have a comment, please do so here on my Sewing Blog.

Actually, you can check out most of my articles here. You might find something that interests you. I welcome your feedback :-)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

If you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, ask them here or at:

=> http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/questionburning.html

I'll do my best to answer them for you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her mini-course ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Marian is also the author of many articles and other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting, "It Doesn't LOOK Homemade"Sewing Techniques.

Copy and paste the link now to check out her website at:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing Success

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Please let us know if you use the article and where you put it so we can take a look. Thanks!

Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/affiliate.html

See more about sewing

Keywords: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

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Sewing Tips - How To Sew And Recycle Old Pot Holders

Sewing Success Blog - The Sewing Blog

Hi Sewing Friends:

Well, I just burned my favorite pot holder on the oven rack. It now has a big, scorched mark across it. Yuk!

When I checked my kitchen drawer, it seems that all of my pot holders look the same. Pretty disgusting!

So, I decided to do something about those pot holders besides throw them away and get new ones.

I thought I would recycle them by making covers to hide the burned spots.

Why not? It just makes sense!

Here's how I did it!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sewing Tips - How To Sew And Recycle Old Pot Holders

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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Is your kitchen drawer full of old pot holders that are so scorched and worn looking that you would never want anyone else to see them? Well, don't throw them away yet!

Here is a sewing tip to revitalize them.

Try this "how to sew" sewing lesson and recycle all of your old pot holders by sewing a new cover for them.

This sewing technique is a good sewing tip to cover other items in your home, too. Sew a cover for your comforters, quilts, placemats and pillows to spark up your home dec.

Here is how to sew a new cover to recycle your old pot holders and make them look brand new again.

Use some fabric scraps from your stash to match your kitchen decor or look through the remnants at your local fabric store.

Cut off the old pot holder loop or ring if there is one.

Lay out the pot holder on some paper and draw a pattern around it adding a 1/2 inch seam allowance all around the shape of the pot holder. You can save this pattern for future pot holder covers. Label it so you know what the pattern is.

Using the pattern, cut 2 layers of fabric to make the pot holder cover. Use 2 different fabrics if you like.

Here are a couple of ways that you can sew this.

Method 1:

Place the 2 right sides of the fabric together.

Sew a 1/2 inch seam around 3 sides of the cover plus go around the corners on the 4th side leaving an opening to insert the pot holder.

Press the seams open.

Turn the cover right side out.

Insert the pot holder in the cover.

Slip stitch or machine stitch the opening closed.

Add a fabric loop or curtain ring if you prefer to hang up your pot holder.


Method 2:

Sandwich the pot holder between the two layers of fabric with the right sides of the fabric facing out.

Pin to hold all layers together.

Use your zipper foot to stitch close to the edge of the pot holder all around.

Trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch all around.

Use bias tape or self or contrast fabric strips to bind the edges of the pot holder.

If you like to hang your pot holders, form a loop at the end of the binding to extend from the edge of the pot holder.

Note: You can quilt these pot holders if you like, however, it really isn't necessary. Experiment with some of your sewing machine's decorative stitches.

Extra sewing tip: Pot holder covers are a great way to use up some of your embroidery or stitching samples that you have in your stash. Give them as gifts or make up some great bazaar items.

An extra, extra sewing tip: Cut up that old mattress pad to use as the "batting" for some new pot holders and placemats.

Try it! It just makes sense!

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End Of Article

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PS: If you enjoyed this article or have a comment, please do so here on my Sewing Blog.

Actually, you can check out most of my articles here. You might find something that interests you. I welcome your feedback :-)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=I

f you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, ask them here or at:

=> http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/questionburning.html

I'll do my best to answer them for you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her mini-course ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Marian is also the author of many articles and other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting, "It Doesn't LOOK Homemade"Sewing Techniques.

Copy and paste the link now to check out her website at:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing Success

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Please let us know if you use the article and where you put it so we can take a look. Thanks! Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/affiliate.html

See more about sewing

Keywords: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

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Sewing Tips - How To Sew An Easy Centered Zipper

Hi Sewing Blog Friends:

Here is another goody to add to your sewing tips. It is an easy sewing technique to help you learn how to sew a centered zipper so that your stitching looks centered on the right side.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

PS: Let me know if it helps you. Post your comment here.

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Sewing Tips - How To Sew An Easy Centered Zipper

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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There are a number of sewing techniques on how to sew a centered zipper. But, this is probably the simplest way to save you from the frustration of having to rip it out and sew it over.

Here are some sewing tips to help you.

First of all, purchase a zipper longer than you actually need to avoid stitching near the bulk of the pull tab. You can use any of your longer zippers in your stash, too.

Preshrink the zipper. This helps prevent buckling later if the tape does shrink.

Interface the garment zipper seam allowances with a lightweight fusible knit interfacing. Cut 2 strips of fusible knit interfacing about 1" wide on the straight of grain and fuse to the wrong side of the garment zipper area seam allowances.

Stitch your garment seam from the bottom to the mark where the bottom of the zipper will be.

Stop and drop the feed dog on your sewing machine and stitch up and down in the same place a few stitches to sink a knot. Don't backstitch. You can never backstitch straight and this causes bulk in the seam and never lays well.

Raise the feed dog and set your sewing machine stitch to a large baste stitch.

Continue stitching the seam to the top. Do not backstitch or make a knot. Leave a long tail of thread so it will be easy to remove.

Clip the first baste stitch beyond the knot for easy removal later.

Sandwich press the stitched seam. Press open the seam on the wrong side. Then press again on the right side. Use a press cloth to protect your fabric if necessary.

Extra tip: Brown paper super market bags make good press cloths. Avoid the printed area.

Now, wind a bobbin with "Fusible Thread" and put it in your sewing machine.

Set your sewing machine stitch length to a large basting stitch.

With the zipper face down at the sewing machine, use your regular presser foot and sew from the bottom of the zipper tape to the top on both sides of the zipper. The edge of the presser foot will be along the zipper teeth on the wrong side of the zipper.

The "Fusible Thread" basting will show up on the right side of the zipper tape.

Place your garment with the zipper seam allowance side up on your pressing board.

With the zipper face down, place the bottom metal stop of the zipper at the bottom of the zipper opening and roll the teeth down along the stitching line up to the top. Press both sides of the tape fusing the tape to the seam allowances.

Note: If you don't have "Fusible Thread", try using a double sided transparent basting tape or a strip of fusible that you press and adhere to the zipper tape. Then "glue or fuse" the zipper to the seam allowances.

Now the zipper is temporarily held in place.

Cut a strip of 1/2 inch wide paper medical tape or scotch tape the length of the zipper opening.
Draw a fine line exactly down the center of the tape. There should be 1/4 inch on either side of the line.

On the right side of the garment, place this tape over the zipper seam line matching up the drawn line on the tape with the stitching line on the seam.

Set your sewing machine for top stitching. Put a zipper foot on the machine.

Starting at the bottom of the zipper below the metal stop, stitch across the bottom, stop, pivot and continue stitching up to the top of the zipper using the edge of the tape as your guide to stitch straight.

Reverse your zipper foot and stitch the other side across the bottom and up from the bottom to the top the same.

Now, your zipper is installed. Remove the paper medical tape from the right side. Pull the basting thread out from the top. It should come out easily since you already clipped the thread next to the knot.

Warning: Do NOT cut off the top of the zipper until after your waistband is completed. Leave the zipper open. Apply your waistband. Then cut off the excess zipper.

You did it! Admire your centered zipper. It is easy when you know the sewing secrets!

Try it! It just makes sense!

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End Of Article

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PS: If you enjoyed this article or have a comment, please do so here on my Sewing Blog.

Actually, you can check out most of my articles here. You might find something that interests you. I welcome your feedback :-)

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If you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, ask them here or at:

=> http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/questionburning.html

I'll do my best to answer them for you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her mini-course ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Marian is also the author of many articles and other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting, "It Doesn't LOOK Homemade"Sewing Techniques.

Copy and paste the link now to check out her website at:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing Success

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

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**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Please let us know if you use the article and where you put it so we can take a look.Thanks!Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

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Keywords: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

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Sewing Tip - How To Sew A Flat Zigzag On An Edge

Hi Sewing Friends on my Sewing Blog :

Here is a great sewing tip for you.

I know that most of you have this problem when you zigzag an edge. It gets all scrunched up and rolled looking and doesn't lay flat no matter what you do. This is especially true on light weight fabrics. This really looks terrible and ruins the look of your garment.

Well, there is a way to sew a zigzag stitch on the edge of fabric and have it lay perfectly flat. Read the following article.

It just makes sense! Try it!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

PS: If there is something you would like to see in this sewing blog, please let me know by posting a comment here.

PPS: Do you find these tips and techniques helpful?

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Sewing Tip - How To Sew A Flat Zigzag On An Edge

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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Here is a sewing tip to help all zigzag sewing machine owners learn how to sew. Did you know that you can eliminate rolled up looking edges when you use a zigzag stitch to finish your seams in your sewing?

Here is how to sew a zigzag stitch over an edge and keep it laying flat.

Cut a piece of button and carpet thread or heavy string about 3 inches longer than the length of the seam you want to finish with a zigzag edge.

Then, set your sewing machine for the longest and widest zigzag stitch.

Lay the heavy thread/string just inside the raw edge of your seam allowance leaving about 3 inches extend over the end of the fabric where you will start stitching. This gives you a "tail" to hold on to as you begin your stitching.

Now, zigzag stitch over the heavy thread/string all along the edge of the fabric just like you normally finish your seam edge. You aren't stitching through the heavy thread. You are stitching over it.

The heavy thread/string will not let the fabric edge be stretched and curled up by the presser foot as it stitches along the edge.

Pull out the heavy thread/string after you complete your stitching. You can use the same string over again for all your seams.

You will notice after you remove the thread/string that the stitches are laying loosely over the edge and are flat.

This even works on thin, lighter weight fabrics like silk, challis, crepes, etc..

Press lightly and enjoy your flat edges!

Try it! It just makes sense!

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End Of Article

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

PS: If you enjoyed this article or have a comment, please do so here on my Sewing Blog.

Actually, you can check out most of my articles here. You might find something that interests you. I welcome your feedback :-)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

If you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, ask them here or at:
=> http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/questionburning.html

I'll do my best to answer them for you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her mini-course ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Marian is also the author of many articles and other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting, "It Doesn't LOOK Homemade"Sewing Techniques.

Copy and paste the link now to check out her website at:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing Success

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Please let us know if you use the article and where you put it so we can take a look.Thanks!

Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/affiliate.html

See more about sewing

Keywords: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

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