If you have to unpick jean hems, you might like to try using a Stanley Knife blade. They are very sharp. Practice on old fabric first. Slide the blade into the stitching and cut a few stitches. Then slide the blade along the stitching towards you. I lean on a counter and place a small […]
We all get used to using different tools when sewing, however when unpicking something I prefer to use the Quick Unpick. The brand I use is called “Clover” and the quick unpick is a brown colour. It is very sharp. When I open a new one I write the date on the handle using a […]
I used to have all different sized safety pins in my sewing drawer for threading elastic. I still use a large safety pin sometimes for very wide elastic, however I use a Bodkin to thread most small to medium elastics. They are brilliant to use because they are long and thin with a very large […]
When you are unpicking a fabric that is very delicate, use your quick unpick and cut every 5 or 6 stitches along the row of stitching. Then turn the seam over and with your quick unpick gently ease the stitching up. It should lift. You should be able to lift this stitching up without breaking […]
Most manufacturers will sew a stablising tape around the top of the pants at the waist. The band can also have stablising tape sewn into the top of the band. If your pants are too tight, unpick the stablising tape from the band and or the top of the pants. If you find the band […]
Unlike men’s pants, ladies pants only have darts or pleats to release. Unpick the waist band beginning at the button end, and working around to the button hole end. Do not take the band off at the button hole end. Release darts or pleats. Sew an extension into the end of the band where the […]
Most suit pants for men have a generous seam allowance in the centre back. They can easily be let out by unpicking the seam holding the band down. DO NOT UNPICK THE CENTER BACK SEAM. The centre back seam is normally sewn all the way through from the top of the band to the crotch. […]
If you are going to take in a garment at the zip, pin the garment at the pin with the zip closed. When you have finished pinning, move the pin across to one side only at the zip area so that the person can get out of the garment. Don’t pin darts in a garment, […]
You may notice on some jeans that the band is very firm. There is no stretch in the band - top or bottom. This is because most manufacturers sew a piece of tape (with no stretch) onto raw edge at the top of the waist before they sew the band on. They can also sew […]
Clothing alterations is one of the most honest forms of earning a living. For one thing you are helping someone with their problem of clothes being too long or too big and second you are being paid for your skills. Sewing is yet another form of creativity, but do make sure you get paid enough for […]