I was inspired to make myself a checklist of sewing techniques I'd like to try to master. The aim is for this to help me choose patterns which will challenge my skills and help me improve and the fact that all of you can see how I'm getting on will hopefully spur me on with this too!
Standard Buttonholes- success first time on my Robson CoatBound Buttonholes- for my Butterick 6385 Coat!Making my own Covered Buttons- for my Mum's cocoon coat and my Oslo coat- Double Welt Pockets
Pockets with Flaps- pockets on my Robson CoatApplying Patch Pockets- on my swiss dot Archer ShirtInserting a Zip- easier than expected on my Floral Lonsdale DressInserting an Invisible Zip- the wonder of a new foot! First done on my Charlotte SkirtInserting a Fly Zip- my very first one was on my Geometric Moss Mini SkirtInserting a Lapped Zip- in both the top and dress of my Big Vintage Sew-Along outfitUnder-Stitching -my favourite and most used technique, I do this wherever possible!Topstitching -running a close second I love the process of topstitching and getting it just rightUsing a Vintage Pattern- I've made a bowling shirt and a maxi skirt from 1950s/60s patternsCreating/Using a Facing- first done on all 3 of my Anna Dresses!Setting in a Sleeve- still not perfected this one but done on multiple occasions!French Seams- one of the favourite things I've learnt, best achieved on my Dip Hemmed ScoutHong Kong/Bound Seams- another favourite technique, used first on my Black LonsdaleFlat-Felled Seams- I've perfected these on the now multiple shirts I've made!Lining a Garment- my Circle Skirted Elisalex was fully lined in hot pink!Underlining a Garment- successfully achieved on my Black Lace Scout TeeAttaching Belt Loops- another first on my Robson Coat!Sewing a Collar Stand- I tackled two at once with the Negroni and Archer Shirts!Sewing a Button Placket- I've tried a couple of methods now, my favourite being the NegroniSewing a Button Placket- I completed a fiddly one on my Carme BlouseSewing Outerwear- my Robson Coat!Sewing Underwear- my first attempt was a black lace Watson BraSewing Swimwear -I've got two Bombshells under my belt and am working on bikinis!Making my own Bias Tape- first done for my Liberty Print Scout TeeBoning- learnt during my tutu course, first sewn at home in my Martini DressSewing with Knits- I had a major breakthrough with my Grey Marl Coppelia CardiganMatching Stripes -with knits for my Breton Renfrew Tee and wovens on a green Negroni ShirtMatching Plaids/Checks -successfully achieved on my Flannel Alder ShirtdressPiping- on my Manolo Blahnik Cushion CoversA Rolled Hem- my first one was on my Dip Hemmed Scout TeePleats- box pleats on my Elisalex Muslin and knife pleats on Simplicity 2444Adding Horse Hair Braid to a Hem- love this on my Circle Skirted Elisalex!Using a Twin Needle- I had some issues but got it right on my Lady Skater and Grey Marl Renfrew- Using Fold-Over Elastic
Inserting a Double-Ended Zip- on the bodice part of my two-piece Martini DressInserting an Exposed Zip- on the cuffs and front of my Quart Jacket- Pad Stitching
- Arrowhead Tacks
- Fagoted Seams
Lining a Skirt Vent- a little tricky this one but I followed the instructions on my Martini SkirtMaking a Waist Stay- I'm really pleased with the difference this made to my Chiffon DressFacing a Hem- I am in love with this technique after using it on my Dove BlouseSewing with Denim- both for my 6696 Shirtdress and Ginger Jeans- Sewing with Leather
Sewing a Bias Cut Garment- I've conquered my fear beginning with the Tessuti Evie Bias SkirtBar Tacks- on my Ginger Jeans!Fitting Trousers- I still don't feel like a pro but have had much more success with Ginger and Dawn jeans and Persephone and Pietra pantsDoing a Full Bust Adjustment- for my second military inspired Archer Shirt- Drafting my Own Bodice, Skirt and Trouser Blocks
Applying Rivets and Snaps- I've made friends with my hammer and used snaps on my Rosari Skirts and rivets on my Ginger JeansInserting Sleeve Heads and Shoulder Pads -in my blue Quart JacketInserting Lace into a Seam- for my self-designed Parker Dress!Gusseted Pockets- for the Kelly AnorakLettuce Hem- worked out how to do this on my overlocker for some frills on baby clothes
Hi there, I love all of your projects, you must have a wonderful wardrobe by now! I hadn't noticed your fingers until I read it, the first thing I noticed about you was your lovely smile :) I have recently rediscovered my sewing machine and just enrolled in a 10 week dressmaking course. The trouble now seems to be stopping myself splashing out on fabric and patterns! I especially love liberty tana lawn.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comment Rose! Your course sounds excellent, I'd love to have a reason to submerge myself in sewing for a little bit every week for ten weeks! Tana Lawn is so lovely to wear isn't it?
DeleteI just did flat felled seams on a colette negroni for my husband and it's one of those techniques that gives a very professional look without being that challenging. Like french seams and twin needle top stitching. So fun. Your projects look so beautiful it's hard to imagine any of these techniques giving you trouble.
ReplyDeleteO they do give me some trouble believe me! I've just finished a negroni for my boyfriend too! So I have finally tackled the flat felled seam and you are right, not nearly as scary as I thought
DeleteThis checklist is a great idea. I might do one myself. Although, it'd, most likely, be much longer than yours. :)
ReplyDeleteMine keeps growing and growing Patrick! There's always more to try! Having it on a list like this really helps to push myself
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