Sewing tips

[Runner]

Does anyone have any sewing tips?

I have a few garb projects I want to want to make, the big one being a robe.

[Ilariia Bulochnika]

Like what? What do you need help with? Please try to be less vague.

[Derian]

Vague questions can get vague answers, I guess.

Make sure you're cutting straight and on the lines. Likewise, make sure that the lines you draw are accurate; don't just eyeball it, it'll look terrible.

[Arrakis]

Finish all your hems and seams. Use quality fabrics.

[Orazio Valori]

Don't sew your hand to the garment.

[Poo]

things i learned sewing my first tunic. (which will be up once i finish the bias tape on the bottom.

Measure twice, cut once. Use patterns so all of your pieces are uniform. On seams or areas that will not be flat, pin first, then baste* the fabrics together for beautifully easy sewing. (no having pins to worry about) Follow Arrakis's bias tape tutorial, its awesome. Bias tape or hem everything, but bias tapes look way sexier. Start small, maybe a plain tabard, then a particolour tabard, then a T tunic, then a fitted tunic, then a corset for yourself. And, the most important, get your mom's help. While frustrating, it makes everything easier.

*(use thread and a needle to sew the pieces you are sewing together by hand with long stiches)

[Runner]

Well, what I am most worried about is the neck hole and making sure the sleeves are on nice and even. I'm not exactly sure what the best methods for cutting and hemming a neck hole are, so details on that would be great.

As for sleeves, sewing them to the torso of the garment alludes me.

[Arrakis]

Here: http://www.dagorhir.com/gear/content/ga ... facing.pdf

and Here: http://www.dagorhir.com/cgi-bin/ultimat ... 3&t=003238

Good stuff.

[Atiliano]

Well, something I have done before but it is time consuming.
I actually make 2, and the first one is made from scrap cloth.
I personally like doing this, because I learn better from doing and messing up. Preferably on cheap cloth, then go back and use the quality product.

[Eris]

Bias tape or quilt binding on the neck holes. It's easier and looks good. Not AS good as facing it, but still good.

[Kasada]

Duck cloth is amazing to make a pattern from that you can use on things later, I'd suggest using whatever you might have laying around (or whatever is cheapest) to make the initial pattern, then cut it on duck cloth and edit the scrap pattern as you're making the garb if you really need to.

[Eris]

Craft paper works well for patterns you intend to make a lot as well. You can roll it up like a scroll, the pattern won't fray (if you use duck cloth for a commonly used pattern, it will), and it's nice and cheap (also, unlike duck cloth).

And pins are your friends. Use them. Love them. Many people think they don't need pins, especially when they are starting out. Many people who hold this view are wrong, and the fabric slips and their seams get wonky.

[Arrakis]

And pins are your friends. Use them. Love them.

TRUUUUUUTH.

Extra-long quilting pins are awesomest. With the big plastic ball heads and the 1.75" shanks? AWESOME.

[Runner]

I do use pins. I've made about six covers by now and will make many more. Pins are the most helpful devices next to thread and needles. And sewing machines.

[Eris]

Don't run with scissors, or any other pointy object. It's all fun and games until somebody loses an eye!

[Ilariia Bulochnika]

And then it's hilarious.

[Big King Jimmy]

and then it's keep away.

[Sir_Mel]

Pffff, the need for pins is a myth. I started with pins and then realized what a waste of time that was and now I just make my garb and opt not to mess up the edges. And if it does get a little iffy in some parts, it's not something to slit your wrists over. It's garb, as long as you like and think it looks nice, that's all you gotta shoot for*.



*Note: However, if it looks really god awfully ****, be prepared to be ridiculed by the garb snobs of the sport.

[Eris]

Mel, the fabric and patterns you use generally do not need pins, especially since you have worked with it for long enough to know how it - moves. For those just starting, using pins until they understand the fabric they work with is a very good idea.

[Runner]

I agree with Eris. Experience is the best teacher.

[Chicken]

If your top thread is too tense even when you've dialed the tension way down, you're a dumbass like me and somehow managed to mess up the bobbin. Don't keep sewing for 4 yards.

Also, bias tape + neck hole = win.

[Arrakis]

If your top thread is too tense even when you've dialed the tension way down, you're a dumbass like me and somehow managed to mess up the bobbin. Don't keep sewing for 4 yards.

LOL Been there, done that!

[Runner]

I've had the thread come off the needle on the sewing machine I have. It's old, but trustworthy. However, it has a nasty habit of betraying me if I do the slightest thing wrong while threading it, putting the bobbin in, etc.

[Eris]

Oh yeah, DO NOT USE COATS AND CLARK BRAND THREAD!!!! That stuff is the devil. It's cheap, but it breaks and unravels when it breaks, and - and - it just sucks. All around. I hate that stuff. I forgot about it until my friend came over to make some garb, and that's the thread she brought. Ugh. I wanted to take the whole C&C spool, * on it, then douse it in lighter fluid and burn it. If you're just starting out sewing, you don't want your thread breaking. It's discouraging.

I'm going to stop ranting about it now.

[Arrakis]

Eris: I just got some Coats, but it's the Machine Quilting Merc. Cotton; it was not cheap and I haven't had any breakage trouble yet.

[Sir_Mel]

Oh yeah, DO NOT USE COATS AND CLARK BRAND THREAD!!!! That stuff is the devil. It's cheap, but it breaks and unravels when it breaks, and - and - it just sucks. All around. I hate that stuff. I forgot about it until my friend came over to make some garb, and that's the thread she brought. Ugh. I wanted to take the whole C&C spool, * on it, then douse it in lighter fluid and burn it. If you're just starting out sewing, you don't want your thread breaking. It's discouraging.

I'm going to stop ranting about it now.

And the 2 cent suggestion is?

[Eris]

JoAnn Fabrics sells Guttermann thread, which works beautifully. Haven't had a problem with it yet, and I've been using it almost exclusively for two or three years now.

Just spring for good thread... Really... It may cost a little more, but as with most things in this world you get what you pay for...