This video "short" clearly illustrates exactly how to sew a button onto fabric, from threading the needle to snipping off the excess thread. You also learn how to create a "shank" to keep the thread in place.

When I was new to my career, there was information I wished I could get my hands on as I was learning more about the craft. (I’m talking about inside-the-industry information — way past what I learned in college). The information in this Cheat Sheet is what I was thrilled to learn (and have often forgotten until I was ready to put it in to practice).

Replacing the fabric gives your dining room chairs a whole new look at a fraction of the cost (and environmental impact) of buying new ones — and minimizing environmental impact is what green living is all about. Before you get started, make sure that the chair frames are sound and repair them as necessary. Then follow these steps for re-upholstering each seat:Remove the seat pad from the chair by removing the screws that hold it to the frame.

By using grafting (also known as the Kitchener stitch), you can join two knitted pieces. Grafting stitches is a way to mock knitting by using a tapestry needle, and it creates a very stretchy and almost invisible join.Leave a yarn tail for grafting about four times the width of the piece and, with a tapestry needle, run a piece of scrap yarn through the stitches.

Many people have an idea what their measurements are, but rather than assume you know, it's best to get an accurate measurement. Going to a tailor will give you more accurate measurements, but you can certainly get a close approximation handling the measuring tape yourself.The measurements you definitely need are your chest, waist, hips, and inseam.

The easiest inseam pocket to make is one in which you cut out a pattern that includes the pocket, pocket lining, and the garment itself all in one piece. Even though your pattern may call for pocket lining pieces to be cut and sewn to the garment separately, the construction steps are the same. 1. Mark the pocket opening on your fabric.

A duvet is a fluffy comforter that's slipped into a duvet cover. You can make this quick duvet cover out of bedsheets, so your duvet will be as easy to care for as the sheets on your bed.To make this duvet cover, you need the duvet you intend to cover at hand so that you can measure it. You also need the following materials, in addition to your arsenal of basic sewing equipment: Flat sheets to cover the front and the back of the duvet.

Even if you don't give your clothes a tough workout, you may find that you've worn holes into the knees, elbows, or elsewhere. Being able to mend your own clothes extends their life and saves you money (money to buy fabric for other sewing projects, of course!). Patching holes with a sewing machine The following technique just might be the very best way to patch holes in your clothes.