Keep Jersey Secure
Amanda Bowden explains how to stabilise your jersey sewing. One of the best things about sewing with jersey is its stretch and return quality. However, there are some areas of a garment where stability is helpful, such as neck areas, pocket edges and shou
-
Stay-stitch the neckline: this should be done 2mm within the seam allowance next to the stitching line.
-
Place stay tape on the neckline and pin. Think about the direction you are inserting the pins, so you can easily remove them as you sew.
-
Stitch the stay tape in position: start with a 1cm overhang to stop the machine chasing and trim this away once you have finished sewing.
More Helpful Tips...
Shape Up Your Sleeves
Give extra shape to frocks and tops with this handy sleeve enhancement. You can easily add interest to the head of the sleeve, and how it travels over the top of the arm, simply by using tucks, gathers, pleats and darts. Each of these will require a sligh
Improve Your Rolled Hems
Guarantee flowing hemlines that hang like a dream. Keen dressmaker Sarah Greeff has colourful memories of her first attempts at making a rolled hem. “I was first asked to make rolled hems for a colleague at Fenwick of Bond Street, a lovely Thai lady who h
Know Your Overlocking
Get to grips with the best overlocking finishes for everyday stitching. The overlocker has a different feel to a regular sewing machine. The trick is to let the feed dog guide the fabric. Use your right hand to support the edge of the material, taking car
Master French Seams
Get to grips with a clever seam favourite for a continental finish! French seams are common in clothes for children, where the skin is extra sensitive, as the inside is completely smooth.
Fix a Frayed Pocket
A quick fashion fix with Amanda Bowden's classic miracle mend. The dread of torn stitching can be traumatic. Pockets are a common site of injury for catching on things, to say nothing of natural wear and tear as hands go in and out, and even the continued
