I've been sewing since 1963 and had 6 years with an excellent teacher (in "Home Economics"- a required class for girls in those days). We actually spent the first few weeks learning to sew on a treadle! These classes progressed until my senior project - a fully lined coat and matching skirt...out of plaid fabric! We had to do bound buttonholes and our finishing had to be "perfect". This was in the days prior to home sergers (overlockers), so we did a lot of French seams and flat-felled seams. Heavy fabrics often had to be steam pressed over a pressing "ham" and the seams "hammered". Otherwise, finishing seam edges was done by enclosing them inside a fine biased ribbon. For very casual clothing, we would sometimes simply do a double seam. I have never used a serger for regular sewing or tailoring, but they are nice for projects like swim suits, & stretchy fabrics. Most of the time, we can use our sewing machines in creative ways, though, and don't have to have a serger. Thank you for these tutorials, Evelyn. I usually glean some new tip in every one of them. Keep up the good work! We all are learning...even after age 70!
I was agonizing over the fact that I might have to get a serger and learn how to use it, but your video just made things so much easier for me! My great aunt left me her antique sewing kit when she died, and I had no idea what the pinking shears were or what to use them for. Thank you so much for this video!
I don't have a serger, I exclusively use a 1950's Singer from my grandmother, and just got her original German made pinking shears sharpened thanks to this video! This really does elevate the project, if only I was not so darn lazy and I forced myself to do this every time. My problem is I don't do it on a mockup, and then by the time I have a fitted mockup and pattern (5 tries later) I'm just so anxious to finish the garment!!!
You have no clue you just changed everything! I’ve been using the zig zag but what a mind blower to move the zigzag stitch to the edge. I can’t wait to try this! You’re a rockstar!
My favourite at the moment is pinking shears. I find the zig zag method takes a lot of time and uses a lot of thread while pinking shears are much quicker. Plus, I'm currently sewing a project on a vintage machine that only does a straight stitch, so pinking shears are pretty much the only way to go!
I work with upholstery, so at work vi overlock everything, and if I sew something at home I use det zig zag, but I hvd never understood, how cutting the edge with a pinking sheers should stop the fabric from fraying?
I’m a quilter and completely new to dressmaking. My friends and I are sewing for Little Dresses for Africa; they cut and I sew. These donated dresses need to survive heavy usage so I am happy to learn these seam finishes. I can’t wait to try them tomorrow. Thank you!
Oh my god!!!!!! You are so good at teaching it is incredible!!!! Some of the basic stuff you say I knew from childhood from watching my mum make clothes. I didn’t even know until two weeks ago that we can get extra “feet” for the machine. WATCHING YOU HAS BEEN SO SO SO HELPFUL! THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving up your time, knowledge and patience in teaching us newbies. It is most appreciated! X
Aww thanks Andrea! I'm really glad your enjoying my videos and have learned some new things!! I hope you continue sewing and that I help you on your sewing journey! I have some fabulous plans for the future!
I recently bought an older machine to learn sewing. I’ve made a couple of simple projects, like everyday use table napkins to replace paper napkins. However this video and today being Anzac Day 2020 in isolation, has just reminded me that I have a commemorative apron I bought for Anzac Day 2018. One of the seams let go the first time I wore it 😐. I’ve just fixed it with the zigzag/straight stitch and it’s good as new!! I did consider saving it for Monday amending, but it was seriously less than 10 minutes and I was done! Have a great Anzac Day Evelyn and all the Aussie’s and Kiwis alike. Lest we Forget.
Great channel. I wanted to start making masks for people in my city so I taught myself how to use a sewing machine last week. I've made 6 masks that are on their way to a nursing home. Had I seen these videos, learning would have been alot easier. I pat myself on the back because I never touched a sewing machine until last week. You've earned a subscriber.
I prefer french seams, flat fell seams, bound seams (with fabric) and embroidered seams with decorative stitching and lining. Most (save for the decorative stitching) are done with a single needle single stitch machine. I sew on a 111 year old machine because it out performs many modern machines and it is quiet so I can ninja sew.
I'm very new to sewing and I just realized I was doing french seams on my projects without even knowing. I was just doing it because it looks more aesthetically pleasing that way.
I am 81 and I have been stitching since I was a young child. My mum was a dressmaker working on a treadle machine, luckily I had long legs so could use it too from about 7 year. She used to give me scraps from the dresses. I have always used zigzag finishing as I have always found those scissor too heavy. I used to mainly do a French seam if the fabric allowed it. I have been a quilter for quite a few years, only recently going back to dressmaking. Your videos remind me how it should be done, I a not ina rush, to wear it straight away any more so no need for short cuts.
I sew household items, so usually I do the straight seam and zigzag. Sometimes I'll do a double straight seam and used my pinking shears. I was always worried that the pinking shears will still cause the fabric to come undone in the washer & dryer which is why I always did 2 straight seams with the pinking shears. But I came here today as my project is making reusable paper towels and I wanted to do a serger-like seam for my raw edges without having to buy an overlocker. I think we can always learn something new in sewing. Someone may do something differently or have a short cut. Or possibly, we've been muddling along without having proper training in how to sew. I made sure to subscribe.
Wow, I didn’t know the overcast foot could make such a nice finished inside seam! Yes, it uses a lot of thread but if one wants a beautiful result and can spare the thread it’s perfect! Thank you 👗
Just discovered this channel today. I love how clearly you explain things in your videos. I'm a sewing hacker- learning bits and pieces of sewing techniques and hacking them together to make my wedding outfit, having never sewn a proper article of clothing in my life! So far I've only used the French seam for the skirt which turns out real nice, but when I was hacking my bustier the seams and hem were a complete mess. This video has me enlightened and I will get them pinking shears for future projects!
We learned all the various ways to finish seams in Jr.High Home Ec! We had to mount each one to a page of paper and then place all of them in a folder with clasps. I'm referring to the late 1960's when Home Ec was a required subject. I loved Home Ec !!
@@Evelyn__Wood I remember attending my first Home Education class in the mid 60's. I wore a dress that I had made. I was so proud of that dress! Our mom sewed our clothes and then taught us to sew. It was either Thrift Shops (usually Salvation Army), or sewing them ourselves. Store bought clothing was very rare in our place. Those were simpler days. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you. I recently Started sewing again after many years. I make gnomes, the hot glue was what I started with, and then wanted a more professional look. I then started to use a simple sewing machine to make the Bodies and hats. They came out great… More professional .. sold quickly. I got excited about sewing again, started making clothes for my Gnomes, More elaborate items… Watching your videos has helped me zero in on the beauty of sewing and ending up with an exquisite end product. Thank you.
I like that you're showing what you really can do with a basic sewing machine. An over locker has it's place but now I'm on a mission to try to make all of my construction to look more couture. Yeah I know I'm cheating by not doing it by hand. Here's a great way to overcast with your zig-zag stitch finishes. Try your overcasting foot with the pin that sticks out over the needle hole so the tension of the thread will rest on the pin and the fabric won't roll. But be sure to test the swing of the zig-zag stitch clears to the right of the pin. I teach as well and I appreciate anybody who has the guts to put themselves out there. Keep up the good work.
LOVE my vintage pinking shears! I always cut with the pinking shears, s as ves so much time and frustration. Cut with pinking shears, straight stitch, then zigzag stitch...super strong. 👍
I recommend pinking shears. Somebody borrowed mine without asking, probably thought they were normal scissors. If I buy new shears I'm locking them up. (Expensive).🤣
@@SallyAnn191 my hubby picked my scissors up for decorating, I said where do you think you're going with them, he replied I need good sharp scissors for decorating, I took them off him and told him they are very sharp, and that's how they are staying, find the decorating scissors,
Scott Davis, same here! I told my "boys" I'll break their fingers if they EVER touch my sewing scissors LOL (Well, I wouldn't really but... they replaced them and found out how expensive they are LOL).
My sister and I had four pair if punking sheets we collected over the years we gave lived together now for nearly three tears and there are no longer pinking shears any where to be found.😏 Each of us had some we got when we were 12 she will be 70 and I am 61
I took sewing classes in high school and was never shown either of these methods. Thank you for a wonderful video. I do own pinking shears but have never used them to finish seams.
I have actually used both, but I have used them on the single layer fabric. I have always pressed my seams flat open, so that is my grey area. I'm off to look through your videos for pressing and seam finishing.
When I had an old Singer sewing machine with the handle, I made the seams a touch deeper, then ironed flat. I turned each edge of the seam to underneath then top stitched over that and ironed again. The inside of the garments looked as good and neat, as the outsides did
Been seeing for most of fifty pluse years. But you always teach me something new. Or at least a different way to do it. I just enjoy your personality and you vintage eclectic style
I am so glad I have found your channel. I have done both, I do the pinking shears when home accessories. But I haven't yet started making my own clothes, but when I do I will be using zigzag stitch. I don't have a overlocker. Thank you for you channel. Love watching them.
I love your channel you are charming and professional with clear concise lessons. I am self taught started on my mum,s singer treadle in the late 60,s made my wedding dress on a basic singer straight stitch machine in early 70,s. Just retired and wanted to refresh my knowledge and start sewing again now i have more time and need to learn about the stitches included in my basic singer which has a few computerised stitches. I want to get the hang of overcast seams i mostly did french seams or fold over straight stitch edge seams. Have not been satisfied with results so far. This tutorial has made all the difference and i cant thank you enough. You have a gift of letting the viewer feel you are talking to them directly . Freaked me out a bit when in one of your videos you talked about the vintage lady planter lol thought you were watching me 😳 please could you do something detailed on hem lining finishes in coats and dresses. I am finishing a 50,s style swing coat with full lining made by someone else and not finished. It has a fully enclosed hem and top stitching along full length of lapels an facing. It is not hanging well, when enclosing hem lining and doing top stitching on bottom. I could do with ideas for alternate hem finishes. I suspect no ease has been put in lining and that might be part of problem. Wishing you all the best for your sewing school xx
I would love to see a seam finishing tutorial on actual pieces of clothing; so I can see how to deal with one set of seams getting another set of seams, e.g.. Trouser crotch or sleeve. Would be good to know the order of which seams to finish when.
@@ninthsquarecommunity See, this is what I need to know, also. It looks like she zig zagged the two pieces together, so I don't see how you press your seams open. If you don't press them open, this looks bulky to me. What do you do with the seam after you sew them together?
@@bonyenewcomb4071 Searching comments for this same question. Some seams have to be pressed open. Zig Zag/overlock presser foot puts the seams together. I'm not that experienced to know in advanced when to zig zag and when not to. I'm afraid I'll realize too late.
Oh my stars! I just found your videos and love them! I used to be a skilled seamstress it is it sewist today? Anyway, I haven’t sewn clothes in 39 years. Wow does it seem to have gotten complex with patterns, terms and even fabrics. I be been so intimidated to start and have been seeking videos, Facebook groups, etc to give me the understanding of today’s sewing world. Nothing has made it more clear than your videos and I THANK YOU! You have gotten me so excited and I’m going to binge watch your videos and then get started on a project. I’m pumped to say the least. Please keep the videos coming. I’m addicted to your channel.
thank you so much, now i know what a zig zag finishing stitch should look like, and yours look much better than mine. I also love your vintage look. You girl, have style.
I never knew what that zig zag stitch with the dash - line on it was for. I'm so glad I found this video !!! It's also helped me decide which way I want to "finish" the edges of my work. TY for sharing this video with us.
That's great, I've got an old machine that will do a zig-zag so I'll try that on the edge. I'm making waterproof coats for my Dog, so this is a steep learning curve. I 3D printed a LH and RH Zipper foot, and it looks like I need to design and print one with a step for this. All good fun! I'm an Engineer, so working with fabric instead of Metals and Plastic are quite a challenge because I'm used to things staying where i put them and not having a mind of their own!
I am so glad I found you. My ribbon skirts are just as happy too. You’re a blessing to new sewing people like me!! I had no idea how much I’ve been winging this.
I recently saw a video about how clothing was hand sewn in pre-sewing machine days (I forget the exact time period) Instead of trimming the seam allowance after it was sewn, they folded it over and stitched it down the other side of the seam. That way it buried the raw edges and made the seam stronger. I thought that was interesting and tried a modern version of that method (by machine of course) on an apron I made. I wouldn’t do it on regular clothing because the extra stitches would show, but I thought it was interesting. And it looked very neat!
Hi Evelyn, I just started sewing 3 weeks ago out of necessity. I needed new covers for IKEA dining chairs for which replacement covers are no longer available so, I got a great deal on a Singer HD 4255 machine, some muslin for a pattern, a bolt of canvass some hand tools and now you (via the internet, but I'll take it!). In 3 weeks, with all I've learned the biggest thing I've learned was how much I don't know! That said, I don't need to know more than what I need for this project right now. I have a few other projects I'd like to tackle in the near future but suites and dresses are not on the list! More utilitarian items such as machine covers and storage bags for my drums and hardware. All that aside, in videos and articles I've seen I often run into terms with which I'm not familiar so, I look it up. Although I'm gaining knowledge it's slowing me down. Now you know the extent of my sewing world. My question is, if I'm doing things on my machine which are normally done with a serger do I need to use serger thread or can I continue with the thread I'm using? In other words, now and in the future do I match the thread to the material or to the machine/technique? I would think to match the material, but I've been wrong before. Alot!😉 Thanks very much! I'm on my way now to subscribe and take your beginners course! Peace
It sound like you've done a great job!! Well there is such a thing a serger thread, that is a bit better for that job, but you can use regular thread in the serger just fine! Good luck and Ill be happy to have you in class!!
Thank you so much for instructing us on how to finish a piece professionally without a serger. I learned through your video what to use the overcast foot for. The guide on it makes that process so much more simple.
Thank you for showing this stitch. I have been sewing for a long time and this is new to me. My maching will do this, I have just never tried it. Thanks again.
Thanks so much. I'd forgotten about pinking shears, my mother used to use them. My zig zag looks disastrous, I've an old machine left to me with no instructions . You're lovely thanks again x
Thank you. I a realized I was use the pinking shears incorrectly after looking at your video. I was aware of the different ways to finish seams but the video was excellent.
Had only one piece of an expensive, multi-layered, woven Italian fabric that matches my bed coverlet. Love the locking zig-zag stitch that my new "Simple Singer" has - would have had NO IDEA what it was or how & why to use it w/o your video. Thanks!!! Exactly what I needed to protect the edges before finishing my toss pillow cover.
Thank you so much Evelyn, I really appreciate your time and effort and I really really love the French seam, for shear and fine fabrics. And pinking shears are good to, but I prefer the zigzag with the straight stitch with it. xxx Mags
Thanks - this is really helpful. My overlocker and I are temporarily parted due to the virus. I have acquired a sewing machine and it has an overcast foot but I wasn't sure how it worked. I will use it for durability. I think it will look quite nice if the thread is pretty. Also planning to try French and flat fell seams per today's video. Thank you again.
You can also try an overcasting stitch...the result is like zig zagging with the additional straight stitch, but accomplished in one step. Also, if you have an overcasting foot try it! The result is you will gain control over keeping the stitch just going over the edge. Love your videos!
Thanks for watching! It can have many uses, this is just one! Maybe try and google for a manual of your machine type? I still refer to mine for things!
I am going to try the overlocker stitch with that foot, I have never used and with that Zig Zag stitch. I loved the look! I have an un-used serger that I have trouble figuring it out.
Thank you for these tips. I got myself one of the special feet to do the zig zag stich over the edge and it has made finishing seams so much easier. It looks so neat and tidy.
Thanks!! I love your videos. It gives me more confidence that pinking shears are really all that's needed without compromising the longevity of the garment.You're the best.
Again, I enjoyed another one of your videos, thank you! 🙂 I have my Mother’s pinking shears, and a sewing machine my parents bought for us children in 1968. Simple machine vs today’s computerized ones. It’s rather like : ) vs 😊 . Making it from scratch vs a serger!
I think my mom used to use was it seam binding? I remember two different types. there was a lacy strip and then there was a solid folded strip of fabric. Were those used for finishing seams back in the probably 60s and even early 70s? she used to make my clothes sometimes ☺️
From 5th to 9th grade we had a weekly sewing / knitting / other yarn crafts class in school (in the 1980s). We were taught to either use the zig zag scissor or to zig zag all edges before we started sewing anything together. I've been doing this ever since. Maybe it's time to try another method.
Appreciate this video! Nice speed and easy to follow instructions. I need to make sleeves on a t-shirt more narrow so I've been watching a bunch of videos. I took a sewing class a long time ago and haven't touched my sewing machine in years. I may just need to look into your crash course to get back up to speed!
my overlocker! I have tried the overcast foot on my sewing machine and the tension wasn't right since the fabrics I was using wasn't as stout as yours. so bought an overlocker and learn't every stitch on it! its been a godsend to me since some garments can be done totally with the overlocker.
I use my pinking shears for inside French seams especially. I will try that zig zag and straight combo! I will have to see if my new machine has that foot and stitch.
I have an overlocker, but I really don't like to use it. I have an overcasting foot so I will give that ago. I love your classic look. Ty for the guide :)
My dad bought me my pinking shears when I was 14. Still using them and I'm 74.
That is wonderful!!
Cant beat the classics!
awww ☺️☺️☺️
Susan Smith you go girl
Do you have them sharpened from time to time?
I've just spent a whole hour on TH-cam trying to figure out everything you just explained so clearly. THANK YOU!
Agreed! Concise, exactly what I needed.
I've been sewing since 1963 and had 6 years with an excellent teacher (in "Home Economics"- a required class for girls in those days). We actually spent the first few weeks learning to sew on a treadle! These classes progressed until my senior project - a fully lined coat and matching skirt...out of plaid fabric! We had to do bound buttonholes and our finishing had to be "perfect". This was in the days prior to home sergers (overlockers), so we did a lot of French seams and flat-felled seams. Heavy fabrics often had to be steam pressed over a pressing "ham" and the seams "hammered". Otherwise, finishing seam edges was done by enclosing them inside a fine biased ribbon. For very casual clothing, we would sometimes simply do a double seam. I have never used a serger for regular sewing or tailoring, but they are nice for projects like swim suits, & stretchy fabrics. Most of the time, we can use our sewing machines in creative ways, though, and don't have to have a serger. Thank you for these tutorials, Evelyn. I usually glean some new tip in every one of them. Keep up the good work! We all are learning...even after age 70!
I was agonizing over the fact that I might have to get a serger and learn how to use it, but your video just made things so much easier for me! My great aunt left me her antique sewing kit when she died, and I had no idea what the pinking shears were or what to use them for. Thank you so much for this video!
I don't have a serger, I exclusively use a 1950's Singer from my grandmother, and just got her original German made pinking shears sharpened thanks to this video! This really does elevate the project, if only I was not so darn lazy and I forced myself to do this every time. My problem is I don't do it on a mockup, and then by the time I have a fitted mockup and pattern (5 tries later) I'm just so anxious to finish the garment!!!
You have no clue you just changed everything! I’ve been using the zig zag but what a mind blower to move the zigzag stitch to the edge. I can’t wait to try this! You’re a rockstar!
I have a 1980s Singer slant that does not have all the fancy stiches, but it works! Zig Zag and pinking sheers are my options. Thank you.
My favourite at the moment is pinking shears. I find the zig zag method takes a lot of time and uses a lot of thread while pinking shears are much quicker. Plus, I'm currently sewing a project on a vintage machine that only does a straight stitch, so pinking shears are pretty much the only way to go!
Perfect combination Katie! Pinking shears on the old machine!
Love the pinking shears method.
pinking shears is the winner for me too, I have them in hand too
Sew Old Fashioned I am new to sewing. Does the seam hold up with the pinking shears? I’m always afraid they will eventually fray.
I work with upholstery, so at work vi overlock everything, and if I sew something at home I use det zig zag, but I hvd never understood, how cutting the edge with a pinking sheers should stop the fabric from fraying?
I’m a quilter and completely new to dressmaking. My friends and I are sewing for Little Dresses for Africa; they cut and I sew. These donated dresses need to survive heavy usage so I am happy to learn these seam finishes. I can’t wait to try them tomorrow. Thank you!
I'm not a beginner, but returning to garment making and I appreciate your help in making good choices! Thanks.
Oh my god!!!!!! You are so good at teaching it is incredible!!!! Some of the basic stuff you say I knew from childhood from watching my mum make clothes. I didn’t even know until two weeks ago that we can get extra “feet” for the machine.
WATCHING YOU HAS BEEN SO SO SO HELPFUL! THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving up your time, knowledge and patience in teaching us newbies. It is most appreciated! X
Aww thanks Andrea! I'm really glad your enjoying my videos and have learned some new things!! I hope you continue sewing and that I help you on your sewing journey! I have some fabulous plans for the future!
Great tips as a sewist for 55 years, some actually were reminders!!
I recently bought an older machine to learn sewing. I’ve made a couple of simple projects, like everyday use table napkins to replace paper napkins. However this video and today being Anzac Day 2020 in isolation, has just reminded me that I have a commemorative apron I bought for Anzac Day 2018. One of the seams let go the first time I wore it 😐. I’ve just fixed it with the zigzag/straight stitch and it’s good as new!! I did consider saving it for Monday amending, but it was seriously less than 10 minutes and I was done! Have a great Anzac Day Evelyn and all the Aussie’s and Kiwis alike. Lest we Forget.
Great channel. I wanted to start making masks for people in my city so I taught myself how to use a sewing machine last week. I've made 6 masks that are on their way to a nursing home. Had I seen these videos, learning would have been alot easier. I pat myself on the back because I never touched a sewing machine until last week. You've earned a subscriber.
That is fantastic!! You should be proud! I have many videos thst can help you along and I hope you continue sewing! 😄
I prefer french seams, flat fell seams, bound seams (with fabric) and embroidered seams with decorative stitching and lining. Most (save for the decorative stitching) are done with a single needle single stitch machine.
I sew on a 111 year old machine because it out performs many modern machines and it is quiet so I can ninja sew.
I want to get an old foot powered machine so I can sew when I'm on the road and dont have electricity
Same I french seam everything I can, and my machine is a 70 years old Elna. It's all mechanics, no electronics, never fails me
My sewing machine is roughly 100 years old ish, so yeah, french seams it is!
I'm very new to sewing and I just realized I was doing french seams on my projects without even knowing.
I was just doing it because it looks more aesthetically pleasing that way.
What's an embroidered seam?
I am 81 and I have been stitching since I was a young child. My mum was a dressmaker working on a treadle machine, luckily I had long legs so could use it too from about 7 year. She used to give me scraps from the dresses. I have always used zigzag finishing as I have always found those scissor too heavy. I used to mainly do a French seam if the fabric allowed it. I have been a quilter for quite a few years, only recently going back to dressmaking. Your videos remind me how it should be done, I a not ina rush, to wear it straight away any more so no need for short cuts.
Thank you for this! I'm a guy just getting into sewing and this helps a lot!
Hahaha me to actually liking sewing more than I ever thought I would self taught by you tube. Cheers
I sew household items, so usually I do the straight seam and zigzag. Sometimes I'll do a double straight seam and used my pinking shears. I was always worried that the pinking shears will still cause the fabric to come undone in the washer & dryer which is why I always did 2 straight seams with the pinking shears. But I came here today as my project is making reusable paper towels and I wanted to do a serger-like seam for my raw edges without having to buy an overlocker. I think we can always learn something new in sewing. Someone may do something differently or have a short cut. Or possibly, we've been muddling along without having proper training in how to sew. I made sure to subscribe.
Wow, I didn’t know the overcast foot could make such a nice finished inside seam! Yes, it uses a lot of thread but if one wants a beautiful result and can spare the thread it’s perfect! Thank you 👗
Just discovered this channel today. I love how clearly you explain things in your videos. I'm a sewing hacker- learning bits and pieces of sewing techniques and hacking them together to make my wedding outfit, having never sewn a proper article of clothing in my life! So far I've only used the French seam for the skirt which turns out real nice, but when I was hacking my bustier the seams and hem were a complete mess. This video has me enlightened and I will get them pinking shears for future projects!
I like to use the zigzag as the main stitch in gold thread when i hem my jeans...looks so cool.
We learned all the various ways to finish seams in Jr.High Home Ec! We had to mount each one to a page of paper and then place all of them in a folder with clasps. I'm referring to the late 1960's when Home Ec was a required subject. I loved Home Ec !!
That was my favourite class too!!
@@Evelyn__Wood I remember attending my first Home Education class in the mid 60's. I wore a dress that I had made. I was so proud of that dress! Our mom sewed our clothes and then taught us to sew. It was either Thrift Shops (usually Salvation Army), or sewing them ourselves. Store bought clothing was very rare in our place. Those were simpler days. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you. I recently Started sewing again after many years. I make gnomes, the hot glue was what I started with, and then wanted a more professional look. I then started to use a simple sewing machine to make the Bodies and hats. They came out great… More professional .. sold quickly. I got excited about sewing again, started making clothes for my Gnomes, More elaborate items… Watching your videos has helped me zero in on the beauty of sewing and ending up with an exquisite end product. Thank you.
I like the overcast stitch
I like that you're showing what you really can do with a basic sewing machine. An over locker has it's place but now I'm on a mission to try to make all of my construction to look more couture. Yeah I know I'm cheating by not doing it by hand. Here's a great way to overcast with your zig-zag stitch finishes. Try your overcasting foot with the pin that sticks out over the needle hole so the tension of the thread will rest on the pin and the fabric won't roll. But be sure to test the swing of the zig-zag stitch clears to the right of the pin. I teach as well and I appreciate anybody who has the guts to put themselves out there. Keep up the good work.
LOVE my vintage pinking shears! I always cut with the pinking shears, s as ves so much time and frustration. Cut with pinking shears, straight stitch, then zigzag stitch...super strong. 👍
I recommend pinking shears. Somebody borrowed mine without asking, probably thought they were normal scissors. If I buy new shears I'm locking them up. (Expensive).🤣
My mum used my dressmaking scissors to cut the dog's fur. They never were the same again. :(
You have better pinking shears than mine then. Mine only cut very crisp thin fabrics.
@@SallyAnn191 my hubby picked my scissors up for decorating, I said where do you think you're going with them, he replied I need good sharp scissors for decorating, I took them off him and told him they are very sharp, and that's how they are staying, find the decorating scissors,
Scott Davis, same here! I told my "boys" I'll break their fingers if they EVER touch my sewing scissors LOL (Well, I wouldn't really but... they replaced them and found out how expensive they are LOL).
My sister and I had four pair if punking sheets we collected over the years we gave lived together now for nearly three tears and there are no longer pinking shears any where to be found.😏 Each of us had some we got when we were 12 she will be 70 and I am 61
I have been sewing on and off for 40 years and I still learnt something. You are amazing and one of my favourite sewers.
I took sewing classes in high school and was never shown either of these methods. Thank you for a wonderful video. I do own pinking shears but have never used them to finish seams.
Oh really???? Well now you have several options!! 😃
thank you for demonstrating the overcasting foot. i knew what it was for but have never seen it used. so helpful!! thank you.
I have actually used both, but I have used them on the single layer fabric. I have always pressed my seams flat open, so that is my grey area. I'm off to look through your videos for pressing and seam finishing.
When I had an old Singer sewing machine with the handle, I made the seams a touch deeper, then ironed flat. I turned each edge of the seam to underneath then top stitched over that and ironed again. The inside of the garments looked as good and neat, as the outsides did
Been seeing for most of fifty pluse years. But you always teach me something new. Or at least a different way to do it. I just enjoy your personality and you vintage eclectic style
I am so glad I have found your channel. I have done both, I do the pinking shears when home accessories. But I haven't yet started making my own clothes, but when I do I will be using zigzag stitch. I don't have a overlocker. Thank you for you channel. Love watching them.
I love your channel you are charming and professional with clear concise lessons. I am self taught started on my mum,s singer treadle in the late 60,s made my wedding dress on a basic singer straight stitch machine in early 70,s. Just retired and wanted to refresh my knowledge and start sewing again now i have more time and need to learn about the stitches included in my basic singer which has a few computerised stitches. I want to get the hang of overcast seams i mostly did french seams or fold over straight stitch edge seams. Have not been satisfied with results so far. This tutorial has made all the difference and i cant thank you enough. You have a gift of letting the viewer feel you are talking to them directly . Freaked me out a bit when in one of your videos you talked about the vintage lady planter lol thought you were watching me 😳 please could you do something detailed on hem lining finishes in coats and dresses. I am finishing a 50,s style swing coat with full lining made by someone else and not finished. It has a fully enclosed hem and top stitching along full length of lapels an facing. It is not hanging well, when enclosing hem lining and doing top stitching on bottom. I could do with ideas for alternate hem finishes. I suspect no ease has been put in lining and that might be part of problem. Wishing you all the best for your sewing school xx
I would love to see a seam finishing tutorial on actual pieces of clothing; so I can see how to deal with one set of seams getting another set of seams, e.g.. Trouser crotch or sleeve. Would be good to know the order of which seams to finish when.
You sew a seam, then finish it, press it, then move onto the next seam!
Are the two pieces of seam sewn together, or zig zagged separately then pressed open?
So the seams are not sewn TOGETHER but more like left side of seam and then right side of seam??
@@ninthsquarecommunity See, this is what I need to know, also. It looks like she zig zagged the two pieces together, so I don't see how you press your seams open. If you don't press them open, this looks bulky to me. What do you do with the seam after you sew them together?
@@bonyenewcomb4071 Searching comments for this same question. Some seams have to be pressed open. Zig Zag/overlock presser foot puts the seams together. I'm not that experienced to know in advanced when to zig zag and when not to. I'm afraid I'll realize too late.
I am definitly fond of all your videos and i watch them several times. The explanations are so precise and easy to understand .
I'm very happy to hear it Michelle!
The small details make all the difference thank you your the best! 👍
Thanks to you, I've bought a pinking shears few days ago, and the results are truly beautiful 🥰
Thanks you!
Oh my stars! I just found your videos and love them! I used to be a skilled seamstress it is it sewist today? Anyway, I haven’t sewn clothes in 39 years. Wow does it seem to have gotten complex with patterns, terms and even fabrics. I be been so intimidated to start and have been seeking videos, Facebook groups, etc to give me the understanding of today’s sewing world. Nothing has made it more clear than your videos and I THANK YOU! You have gotten me so excited and I’m going to binge watch your videos and then get started on a project. I’m pumped to say the least. Please keep the videos coming. I’m addicted to your channel.
Oh that’s what those fancy looking stitches are for on my machine. Thank you for the video.
hahaha, well at least that is what you can do with some of them!!! Glad it helped!
Thankyou Evelyn..i am happy to have come across your teachings. I did not want to buy a serger..no place but now i can do without one
You sure can! An overlocker is nice, but not essential! Happy sewing!
Oh my goodness thank you for explaining about the zig zag just missing the edge of the fabric and then going back over with the straight stitch!!!
thank you so much, now i know what a zig zag finishing stitch should look like, and yours look much better than mine. I also love your vintage look. You girl, have style.
I never knew what that zig zag stitch with the dash - line on it was for. I'm so glad I found this video !!! It's also helped me decide which way I want to "finish" the edges of my work. TY for sharing this video with us.
That's great, I've got an old machine that will do a zig-zag so I'll try that on the edge. I'm making waterproof coats for my Dog, so this is a steep learning curve. I 3D printed a LH and RH Zipper foot, and it looks like I need to design and print one with a step for this. All good fun!
I'm an Engineer, so working with fabric instead of Metals and Plastic are quite a challenge because I'm used to things staying where i put them and not having a mind of their own!
Excellent video, makes perfect sense, I like sewing but I don't have an overlocker. Thank you, John
Pinking shears are my preference. It saves time and money.
I like the way of your explanation.it is very clear to understand...
I am so glad I found you. My ribbon skirts are just as happy too. You’re a blessing to new sewing people like me!! I had no idea how much I’ve been winging this.
I'm very new to sewing and I realized I've been finishing my projects using a french seam.
Looks more aesthetically pleasing that way.
I recently saw a video about how clothing was hand sewn in pre-sewing machine days (I forget the exact time period) Instead of trimming the seam allowance after it was sewn, they folded it over and stitched it down the other side of the seam. That way it buried the raw edges and made the seam stronger. I thought that was interesting and tried a modern version of that method (by machine of course) on an apron I made. I wouldn’t do it on regular clothing because the extra stitches would show, but I thought it was interesting. And it looked very neat!
Yes it's a felled seam! By hand is very nice I think!
I love the last one looks so professional thank you
Hi Evelyn, I just started sewing 3 weeks ago out of necessity. I needed new covers for IKEA dining chairs for which replacement covers are no longer available so, I got a great deal on a Singer HD 4255 machine, some muslin for a pattern, a bolt of canvass some hand tools and now you (via the internet, but I'll take it!).
In 3 weeks, with all I've learned the biggest thing I've learned was how much I don't know! That said, I don't need to know more than what I need for this project right now. I have a few other projects I'd like to tackle in the near future but suites and dresses are not on the list! More utilitarian items such as machine covers and storage bags for my drums and hardware. All that aside, in videos and articles I've seen I often run into terms with which I'm not familiar so, I look it up. Although I'm gaining knowledge it's slowing me down. Now you know the extent of my sewing world.
My question is, if I'm doing things on my machine which are normally done with a serger do I need to use serger thread or can I continue with the thread I'm using? In other words, now and in the future do I match the thread to the material or to the machine/technique?
I would think to match the material, but I've been wrong before. Alot!😉
Thanks very much! I'm on my way now to subscribe and take your beginners course!
Peace
It sound like you've done a great job!! Well there is such a thing a serger thread, that is a bit better for that job, but you can use regular thread in the serger just fine! Good luck and Ill be happy to have you in class!!
Thank you so much for instructing us on how to finish a piece professionally without a serger. I learned through your video what to use the overcast foot for. The guide on it makes that process so much more simple.
You continue to be my hero everytime I need your expertise!! Muchas Gracias!
Once again, fab teaching. I preferred the last one you showed; zigzag with a straight line behind - both at the same time.
Thank you for showing this stitch. I have been sewing for a long time and this is new to me. My maching will do this, I have just never tried it. Thanks again.
Thanks so much. I'd forgotten about pinking shears, my mother used to use them. My zig zag looks disastrous, I've an old machine left to me with no instructions . You're lovely thanks again x
Thank you. I a realized I was use the pinking shears incorrectly after looking at your video. I was aware of the different ways to finish seams but the video was excellent.
Excellent seams.
The last stich is perfect
I like them all, just got back into sewing and using u tube as a guide to refresh my memory. Thank you. Love all your videos.
I'm glad you're getting back into it!!
I just picked up a used Brother machine that's a close cousin to the one you use here. After seeing this, I'm glad I did.
I don’t even make garments but love watching your videos!!
Had only one piece of an expensive, multi-layered, woven Italian fabric that matches my bed coverlet. Love the locking zig-zag stitch that my new "Simple Singer" has - would have had NO IDEA what it was or how & why to use it w/o your video. Thanks!!! Exactly what I needed to protect the edges before finishing my toss pillow cover.
Thank you for sharing this video it is very helpful to me because my overlock machine had just been destroyed
I'm glad you enjoyed it!!
thank you so much too! you have saved me tons of money from buying an overlock machine. More to spend on good fabric~
Thank you so much Evelyn, I really appreciate your time and effort and I really really love the French seam, for shear and fine fabrics. And pinking shears are good to, but I prefer the zigzag with the straight stitch with it. xxx Mags
Thanks - this is really helpful. My overlocker and I are temporarily parted due to the virus. I have acquired a sewing machine and it has an overcast foot but I wasn't sure how it worked. I will use it for durability. I think it will look quite nice if the thread is pretty. Also planning to try French and flat fell seams per today's video. Thank you again.
You can also try an overcasting stitch...the result is like zig zagging with the additional straight stitch, but accomplished in one step. Also, if you have an overcasting foot try it! The result is you will gain control over keeping the stitch just going over the edge. Love your videos!
Thanks! These were covered in the video!
THANK YOU FOR THIS!! My machine didn't come with instructions, and so i was confused what this foot was. Now I know!
Thanks for watching! It can have many uses, this is just one! Maybe try and google for a manual of your machine type? I still refer to mine for things!
Nice to see alternatives to trying to do french seams!
Very good tips. Nice Brother machine. Tks. I have been learning since 25-30 yrs. Yr tips r so helpful
Thansk you so much for helping our Ms. Wood😘
I am going to try the overlocker stitch with that foot, I have never used and with that Zig Zag stitch. I loved the look! I have an un-used serger that I have trouble figuring it out.
Yes give it a try!! And definitely work it the overlocker, that will give you the best finish!! It will be worth the effort!
Thank you for these tips. I got myself one of the special feet to do the zig zag stich over the edge and it has made finishing seams so much easier. It looks so neat and tidy.
Thanks!! I love your videos. It gives me more confidence that pinking shears are really all that's needed without compromising the longevity of the garment.You're the best.
Pinking shear, OMG. I have those. I had no clue. Thanks
Again, I enjoyed another one of your videos, thank you! 🙂 I have my Mother’s pinking shears, and a sewing machine my parents bought for us children in 1968. Simple machine vs today’s computerized ones. It’s rather like : ) vs 😊 . Making it from scratch vs a serger!
I just did the zigzag stitch on the edge last night out of instinct and hoped I wasn’t totally making a mistake. Thanks for the reassurance! Lol
I think my mom used to use was it seam binding? I remember two different types. there was a lacy strip and then there was a solid folded strip of fabric. Were those used for finishing seams back in the probably 60s and even early 70s? she used to make my clothes sometimes ☺️
From 5th to 9th grade we had a weekly sewing / knitting / other yarn crafts class in school (in the 1980s). We were taught to either use the zig zag scissor or to zig zag all edges before we started sewing anything together. I've been doing this ever since. Maybe it's time to try another method.
The way you explain everything is so easy to understand, thank you!!
I’ve been using my pinking shears, really easy and quick
Appreciate this video! Nice speed and easy to follow instructions. I need to make sleeves on a t-shirt more narrow so I've been watching a bunch of videos. I took a sewing class a long time ago and haven't touched my sewing machine in years. I may just need to look into your crash course to get back up to speed!
A new sewer: two days ago I had no idea how to use a sewing machine. Thank you for this. i have a Singer Start 1304
my overlocker! I have tried the overcast foot on my sewing machine and the tension wasn't right since the fabrics I was using wasn't as stout as yours. so bought an overlocker and learn't every stitch on it! its been a godsend to me since some garments can be done totally with the overlocker.
I have gone to pinking shears as I was tired of rethreading the hardest thread on my mums overlocker. They are much easier to use
Thank you. I have my Grams vintage Singer Sewing machine. I want to start sewing, so this was very helpful.
I absolutely love this video. Pinking method is my favorite. I love using my vintage machine with it. Just gives it a certain type of look. Thanks!
I agree!!
I have been doing this wrong for years! Thanks so much. I’ll try again
Thank you.💛 yes the different ways will help me.
You’re welcome 😊
I use my pinking shears for inside French seams especially. I will try that zig zag and straight combo! I will have to see if my new machine has that foot and stitch.
I am seriously begining sewing . Thank you!
The pinking shears that I ordered is on the way now ~ 😁
I ordered pinking shears by accident, now I realize that was seridipity. Thank you for teaching.
😄😄😄 I think so!
Pinking shears like my mom grandmother taught me 😊💜
I have an overlocker, but I really don't like to use it. I have an overcasting foot so I will give that ago. I love your classic look. Ty for the guide :)
I definitely prefer the pinking shears. A great method of finishing the edges. Thank you!
I find pinking shears hard to open and close. Ends up hurting my hand
Does the pinking shears method work effectively? Does it not last as long as a zigzag stitch?