How to Make Your Own Clothes - A Video Tutorial

This series includes How to Insert an Invisible Zip

My first series of videos - They are a little rusty and I think my videos have improved. However they contain many good basic sewing tips. They attract hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube so they must be ok!

Part 1 - Printing, cut out and assemble your pattern.

Part 2 - How to layout your pattern pieces on your fabric

About the fabric grain and the selvedge. How to economise on your fabric layout. Equipment for cutting out. The measuring gauge is called a 14 in 1 guide or a hemline guide - I'm always being asked!

Part 3 - Transferring markings from pattern to fabric

The different methods, tracing, marker pens, tailors tacks. Don't forget that snipping into the seam allowance is also one of the best methods for markings in seam the seam allowance.

Part 4 - More about transferring markings from paper pattern to the fabric

Using tailors chalk. Using tailor's tacks.

Part 5 - How to insert an invisible zip often referred to as a concealed zip

This is very much for the novice sewer and takes you through every step and is a full-proof method. I explain the difference between a standard zipper foot and one especially for use with the invisible zip. Zip placement. You never stitch an invisible zip to the end. Always buy one about 2" longer than the opening. You can just pin rather than baste - see Make a Dress 1 and 2. Invisible zips are always inserted before stitching the seam.

Part 6 - Continuing with inserting the invisible zip. Sewing the second side of the zip

Making sure you have an exactly aligned waistline seam. Again, pin rather than baste if you are confident. Two lines of stitching on each side. Firstly an anchoring row then the row of machine stitching close to the teeth. Complete the seam below the zip. How to line up the stitching for a neat transition from seam to zip. The zip will just become invisible!

Sewing Video Index

How to Make Your Own Clothes - A Video Tutorial

Next - Make a Dress

This series includes How to Insert an Invisible Zip

Part 1 - Printing, cut out and assemble your pattern.

Part 2 - How to layout your pattern pieces on your fabric

Part 3 - Transferring markings from pattern to fabric

Part 4 - More about transferring markings from paper pattern to the fabric

Part 5 - How to insert an invisible zip often referred to as a concealed zip

Part 6 - Continuing with inserting the invisible zip. Sewing the second side of the zip

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** Please Read My Guidelines for Sewing Over Pins

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Start to Finish Sew Alongs

How To - Essential Sewing Techniques