How to Sew Like a Designer (2024)

Add temporary basting or tacking stitches to keep the fabric in place to avoid fabric slippage when sewing. It also saves time down the road.

Usetrimsandembellishmentsgalore to up the appeal on your final products. Hand sewn jewels andbeadingdone with care are common features found throughout designer garments that will make your garments look exquisite.

Press seam-by-seam as you sew, usingpressing tools to get tricky spots and to set the seams into place, then iron the final product really well. Start by ironing the details first, working your way inward to the body of the garment so that no areas are neglected.

An unruly collar is a recipe for disaster. Always under-stitch collars andfacings to keep them in place.

Stay-stitching prevents the fabric from stretching out while being sewn; apply it to curved areas or bias.

When selectingfabric,trims,closures, etc. for projects, use high-quality materials for the best results. Inspect fabrics before you purchase them (or alter them if you’ve purchased them online) to make sure that they’re free of snags and stains.

Use wideelasticand casings to add to the overall quality of the finished product. Make sure that the elastic is sewn close to the casing or sewn directly onto it to avoid twisting.

Finish all seam allowances, trimming them down withfabric shearsto reduce bulk. We recommend serging your edges for the best results or using a french seam or a bias bound seam for any unlined garments.

Sew wider hems and cuffs. This adds weight to the garment so that it hangs nicely and presents a nicer overall look.

Cover stitching adds a decorative finish that is also flexible, so you’ll likely find cover-stitching onknits– as they tend to offer stretch. You can also achieve the cover stitched look by using the double needle stitch on your sewing machine.

When cutting fabric or making pattern markings with amarking tool, double-check that all of your work is accurate to avoid finishing your project with wonky results. Don’t forget to double-check that grain, pattern alignment/placement, and nap placement (reference oursewing terms dictionary for help if needed) to ensure that they’re properly positioned.

Know what type of fabric you’re working with, and how to use your tools for the best results. Check that yoursewing machineis properly adjusted and that you have a good understanding of how to use your tools to best benefit your projects.

There’s no shame in making a prototype frommuslin. Tweak any areas that aren’t fitting, sitting, or coming together as well as you’d like so you can move to your final product and fabric choice with confidence.

Make a schedule when sewing a project to stay organized and on track so that you don’t find yourself in a bind for time. Having a plan will allow you to take your time at each step.

Snip any loosethreadscreated by yoursewing machine or from hand stitching to get a clean and high-end result.

Launder any fabrics (includinginterfacings) as directed before sewing to avoid shrinkage after sewing your garment.

If you’re sewing with apatterned fabric, make sure the pattern pieces line up accordingly so that they match.

Addingseam tapeorfacings to areas that undergo high stress is a great way to keep those areas intact during use.

Useinvisible zipperswhen possible for a discrete yet functional closure, allowing the garment to take the spotlight.

Apply top-stitching around areas like necklines and hems to achieve a polished, clean look that also serves as a decorative finish.

Reduce ⅝” seam allowances to ¼” around collars,facings, waistbands, etc. to decrease bulky finishes and create smoother seams.