Shows
Welcome to Power Sewing
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Scroll down to see descriptions of over 100 shows! Check out a short preview of any show. Like what you see? Become a member to watch an entire show. Subscribe for only $75 a year and you will be able to view any of the 100 shows you see here as many times as you like, any time! Plus, look forward to watching a brand new show every other week. If you’re already a member, just log in and watch any show! Already logged in? Click Watch Now beside any show to view the entire episode!
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095 Double Welt Pocket with Zipper
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Stores are full of garments using zippers as details! Watch this show as S & R show you a clever zipper application, which involves not only a pocket but a beautiful interior to your garment. |
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094 Unstructured Jackets
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Often the third piece in an outfit is the one that pulls it all together! See a wardrobe of unstructured jackets that cover the arms and give your outfit some pizzazz! If you are one of many who hate to show your arms or you want to give your outfit a finishing touch, this show is a must! |
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093 Copying Ready to Wear
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If you are stumped about where to find new ideas, watch how Sandra & Ron recreate styling details from ready to wear garments and pictures in magazines. Just seeing this show will give you a barrage of ideas for your next garment.
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092 Working with Sweater Knits
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If you are lucky enough to find a sweater knit you love, you want to make a wise choice when choosing a pattern. While the obvious choice would be a sweater, you need not be limited to using the fabric in this way! Get inspiration from Sandra and Ron on how they use sweater knits, and learn how to cut them, and sew them and hem them without out stretching them out of shape. | |
091 Unusual Techniques for Border Collars
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Unless you want to make a skirt with a gathered waist, most sewers steer away from border print fabric because they don’t know what to do with it! S & Ron show you how you can use border print fabrics in untraditional ways, cutting them apart and adding to individual pattern pieces and how to position the tissue pattern on the border print to get the most flattering effect. | |
090 Baby Clothes Trunk Show
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If you find baby clothes patterns rather limited in stores, you need to watch this show! We’ll introduce a new line of baby clothes patterns that are stylish and easy to put together. Great ideas, like using a tee shirt and adding a skirt! (look at show and check out the diaper cover)
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089 Detachable Collars
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Wouldn’t be great to make one coat or jacket that could have several different looks! Watch Sandra show Ron how she makes detachable collars and joins them to the inside facing with buttons or snaps. This technique is not difficult and it creates several different looks!
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088 Men’s Patterns & Neckline Gaposis
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Ron Collins and Sandra Betzina share two ideas. Ron shows men’s patterns that are his favorites and Sandra shares her technique to alter a knit blouse that gaps in the front. Create a smooth fit without gaposis!
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087 The Slouch Bag
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Sandra Betzina and her guest Cheryl Kuczek from Paradiso Designs show you one of Cheryl’s most popular designs, the Slouch Bag! This is an easy to make purse that you can create in a day!
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086 Care Code Instructions
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Ever looked at those little symbols in ready to wear and on fabric rolls and wonder, “What the heck do they mean?” Ron Collins and Sandra Betzina did some sleuthing to bring you answers so you won’t have to find out the hard way that you shouldn’t have washed that beautiful garment you just created!
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085 Burn Test and Curved Hems
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There are some practical things every sewer should know when it comes to fabrics does it burn and how fast! Watch Ron do the burn test to get information on the fabric content. Then, stay with us when Sandra Betzina and Ron show some great ways to tackle a curved hem so they always come out even! | |
084 Bulk Free Pocket in a Side Seam
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Sandra Betzina and Ron Collins solve the problem of the bulky pocket! Here is a fool proof method for creating flat pockets in your garments. Plus how to jazz a pocket up with a little trim!
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083 Sewing A Vent Opening in Pants
082 Men’s Waistbands
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Ron shares his guaranteed method for the perfect waistband for men’s pants. Difficult problems are solved when Ron shows you techniques he has discovered to make waistbands that are bulk free, smooth and keeps your shirt tucked in! | |
081 Decorative Stitching
080 Circle Skirt
079 Machine Pad Stitching
078 V-Neck Insert
077 Serger Techniques
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Now that you know how to use and maintain your serger, it’s time for the next step. Watch as Sandra and Ron show you serger techniques to give your garments a couture finish! | |
076 Serger Know-How
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Do you know how to use and maintain your serger? Sandra and Ron will show you how to thread a serger and keep it in good working order! | |
075 Notched Collars
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Ron Collins masters a technique for the difficult multi-layers of a notched collar. Watch as he demonstrates this unique technique for Sandra, resulting in a smooth collar that lies flat and crisp! |
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074 Welt Pockets
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Welt pockets are always a classy addition to any garment, especially if they are executed flawlessly. Sandra and Ron demonstrate how to create a welt pocket in whatever position you wish! | |
073 Designer Details
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Ron and Sandra show how to add designer details to shirts, dresses and jackets. These easy techniques will make your garments “Runway” worthy! | |
072 Invisible Stitch Patch Pocket
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Learn a world-class lined pocket technique with NO visible outside stitching, yet is strong enough to hold your cell phone and a lot more. Watch as Sandra and Ron show you how it’s done. | |
071 Window Pocket + Nifty Notions
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Sandra and Ron show you how to insert a pocket in a side seam which avoids bulk and lies flat. This online sewing class also includes a review of the Hong Kong Finish as requested in our “You Asked for It” forum. | |
070 Pant Front Stay
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Discover how you can create pants that hide the tummy just by using a front stay hidden behind your front pockets! Then, watch as Ron and Sandra share their favorite interfacing for collars, shirts, waistbands and jackets. | |
069 Success with Snaps
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Sandra and Ron share their favorite snap setting tool and show you how easy it is to set in snaps that stay in the fabric. Then, join Sandra in her workshop as she shares her pattern design process and gives you a surprise peek at her button stash! | |
068 Neckline Finishes
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In this class, we answer a “You Asked For It” Forum question, from a student who wants to know how to stabilize necklines. Watch as Sandra demonstrates her tried-and-true method on how to get any neckline, including wrap styles, to lie flat without gaping. | |
067 Draperies with Grommets
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Want to add a new look to your home? Sandra and Ron show you how to create beautiful lined draperies with grommets, and the secrets to measuring and hemming correctly. Learn how to insert over-sized grommets. |
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066 Ruffle vs. Flouce
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Learn the difference between a ruffle and a flounce and which to use to create the effect you want. Next, Sandra and Ron will show you techniques for working with stretch tulle. | |
065 Men’s Alterations
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By popular demand, Ron and Sandra bring you a show on Men’s alterations get the right fit for men’s shirts and jackets! | |
064 Table Runner and Napkins
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Dress up your holiday table with easy-to-do table runners and napkin rings which also make special gifts. Then have a laugh with Sandra and Ron as they show you their “flops” along with the very first garments they ever made! | |
063 Lining Knit Pants
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Learn a sewing technique for lining knit pants to keep knees from bagging out while hiding figure irregularities. Sandra will give a behind-the-scenes look at her fabric stash reveal a great place to buy knits. |
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062 Drapery Panels with Hidden Tabs
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Add a touch of elegance to your home. Learn how to make drapes with hidden tabs and easy-to-do panels. Plus, get a quick tip that you can do without threading a needle! | |
061 Invisible Zippers
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In this class, Sandra and Ron share secrets that will guarantee your invisible zippers will remain hidden and professional looking. |
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060 Working with Fur
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Furs are not created equal. Let Sandra and Ron teach you how to work with real and faux fur. Whether its long fur or short fur, learn tips and techniques that will make your garments look professional! | |
059 The Wonders of Silk Thread
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There have been many misconceptions about the use and cost of silk thread, but the benefits certainly outweigh the myths. Sandra and Ron tell you the story behind this wonderful, strong and versatile strand of material and also show you how to use it when sewing garments and lightweight invisible buttonholes. |
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058 Copying Pants
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Do you own a favorite pair of pants that you would love to copy? Sandra shows you how to duplicate those pants without taking them apart. All you’ll need is the pants, some good measurements and you’re on the way to creating a twin of your favorite pants! |
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057 Boxy Vest
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Vests can look boxy and unflattering if they don’t have princess seams or darts. Quilted fabrics can pose a special challenge. Sandra shows you a sewing technique for creating shape and eliminating bulk, even on a vest that is already finished! |
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056 Double Welt Pocket with Zipper
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Zipper detailing is everywhere. Add this terrific detail to your next garment. Learn how to sew a double welt pocket with a zipper. Ron shares a marvelous technique that creates a welt look with a zipper in the middle. |
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055 Bound Buttonholes
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Bound buttonholes are quite elegant, but can be time consuming to make with unpredictable results. Watch as Sandra demonstrates a technique that produces perfection every time! You will love this step-by-step method of creating bound buttonholes. | |
054 Lined Patch Pockets
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Sandra and Ron show you how to dress up patch pockets by lining them with fashion colors and embellished prints. Added bonus: Ron and Sandra introduce you to books that inspire design and innovative techniques! | |
053 Lining a Jacket
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Sandra and Ron make bagging the lining an easy technique to master as they show you step-by-step methods to create a lining that is a ‘ready-to-wear’ beauty! |
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052 Front Yoke Pockets
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Ron shows Sandra his best techniques for getting the bulk out of front yoke pockets when making a denim jacket. Plus, Ron shares his secrets on where to find the best men’s patterns and includes a few tips on button attachments and sewing books! | |
051 Boxer Shorts
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Share some laughs with Sandra and Ron as they walk you through this easy-to-accomplish sewing project that you can make for yourself or the man in your life. Don’t like boxers? This pattern also comes with instructions for pull-on pajama pants! | |
050 Mitered Vents
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Vent detailing show up on the back of jackets, straight skirts and hemlines on sleeves. Sandra and Ron give you sewing tips for creating bulk- free mitered vents on sleeves and hems. |
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049 Patch Pockets
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Patch pockets are simple and easy if you know how to sew them! Ron and Sandra will show you how to create patch pockets with perfect corners and a crisp look! Flawless top stitching adds them to the garment. |
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048 Shopping in Your Closet
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Beyond sewing! Clean out that closet and create a new wardrobe at the same time. Sandra and Ron have some great ideas on updating the clothes your already own. Save money and still get a new look! Plus, catch the special segment, ”Updating Your Clutch”, at the end of the show. | |
047 Tummy Alterations
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Are you one size in the shoulders and chest, but need some extra room around the tummy? Sandra shares an alteration technique to create garments that fit you in the tummy area without a big and boxy look. Now you can get jeans, jackets and blouses to fit and look great! | |
046 Hemming with Pleats
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Sandra and Ron are always finding new ways to make great garments look even better. In this episode, they share their best techniques for hemming pleats and working with pre-pleated fabric. | |
045 Sewing Studio Transformation
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How would you like to see an inspired sewing workspace? This show was taped about 6 months before the death of talented seamstress and instructor, Fred Bloebaum. See photos of Fred’s once-cluttered sewing room transformed into a light and organized workspace. |
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044 Alterations for Men and Women
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Garments which fit are not only more comfortable but more flattering. Learn to alter a pattern for all body types. Sandra and Ron give you some wonderful tips on altering your coats, blouses and pants. |
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043 Underlining with Silk Organza
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Underlining provides hidden support, giving fabric more body, eliminating wrinkles and hiding hand stitches. Sandra and Ron discuss the merits of underlining with silk organzas well as other choices such as soft cotton and fusible tricot for special effects. |
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042 Cool Pockets
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Learn how to make unique pockets seen in better ready to wear. Sandra and Ron show you step-by-step sewing techniques for pockets, plus great tips that will save you from that baggy pocket look! |
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041 Working with Boiled Wool
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Boiled wool is one of Sandra’s favorite fabrics. Learn how to sew seams, treat collars and details to eliminate bulk. Watch this episode and learn unique seam finishes that make garments look fashionably fabulous. |
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040 Working with Velvet
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Working with velvet can be a challenging experience that is somewhat overwhelming. Sandra and Ron share their tips on how to tame this finicky fabric. You will also learn to create elegant, ruched collars and cuffs in an easy technique that will make your garment unique and fabulous! | |
039 Creating a Table Runner
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Watch as Sandra and Ron show you how to make a beautiful table runner. Make one to dress up your table for the holidays or to make a unique gift for a friend. Arrange it in loose folds to create a sense of drama and opulence! | |
038 Placemats and Napkins
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Want to create a unique and personalized gift? Sandra and Ron show you how to make really easy and elegant placemats and napkins, with step-by-step, tried and true methods. Get advice on the best fabrics and best finishing techniques. | |
037 European Pillow Shams
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European Pillow Shams are elegant and expensive. Ron and Sandra show techniques to make your own European pillow shams which look upscale and store-bought without the hefty price tag! | |
036 Making a Duvet Cover
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Duvet covers are expensive to buy, but easy to make. Sandra and Ron show you how to make a great duvet cover for your bed, giving you cut and measurements for all bed sizes. Enjoy this show and look out for some surprising results! | |
035 Wild Ginger Software
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So you want to make your own patterns? Ron and Sandra are big fans of Wild Ginger Software. This show brings special guest Lisa Shanley, owner of Wild Ginger Software to demonstrate how her innovative pattern software works. |
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034 Working with Shearling
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Make a fashion statement with real or faux shearling! Sandra will show Ron techniques to make a beautiful Mongolian lamb vest for under $200 (nearly $1,000 in ready-to-wear!). Learn to sew seams like the furriers do without a fur machine. |
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033 Favorite Fabrics
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Sandra and Ron show some of their sewing disasters. Then learn about Sandra and Ron’s favorite and least favorite fabrics. Cultivate a love for fabrics that guarantee successful garments, and reduce those failures to zero! |
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032 Continuous Bias
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You know how expensive purchased binding can be! What if you need yards and yards of it? Sandra and Ron will show you how to get 142 inches of binding 1 3/4 inches wide from just a 16 1/2 inch square of fabric! See how to apply it so neither the edge nor the binding will stretch. Click here for written instructions. | |
031 Sleeve Alterations
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Tired of sleeves that are tight or don’t hang right? Sandra and Ron will show you alterations to fit sleeve problems or a variety of sleeve styles. Well-fitting sleeves not only feel better but slim the arm. |
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030 Specialty Needles
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There are basic needles and specialty needles made to work with specific fabrics. Sandra and Ron will show you some very special needles and presser feet for special effects at the sewing machine! Take your sewing to a whole new level. |
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029 Deconstructing Trousers
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Have you seen the price tags on designer pants? Sandra and Ron show you the inside story of pants! Sandra and Ron take a look at all the designer details that make trousers look like a million bucks. It’s all in the construction! |
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028 Collars and Collar Stays
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Ron Collins is a master at creating collars with sharp crisp points. Ron had a custom shirt business in Canada before he started teaching. In this show he reveals all his tried-and-true secrets on how to get rid of the bulk and create collars that look sharp and professional! | |
027 Threading with Kim
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Sandra and Ron take on the challenge of teaching Sandra’s daughter, Kim, to sew in this step-by-step lesson on threading difference machines. This is the perfect show for anyone who has a machine that intimidates them, or just doesn’t remember how to thread it! | |
026 Lining a Sleeveless Dress
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Check out Sandra’s easy technique for lining a sleeveless dress. Learn to attach a lining so it moves independently. Sandra and Ron give a step-by-step lesson on how to make shoulder attachments lie flat and match perfectly! | |
025 Seam Finishes To Be Proud Of
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Create wow factor in your next garment by using seam finishes which are attractive on the inside and outside of your finished garment. Sandra and Ron demonstrate techniques that will finish your garments with clean, neat seams and help you create a clean, polished look. | |
024 Problems with Dolman Sleeves
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Anyone can wear dolman sleeves if the curve under the arm is high enough. This is not only more flattering, but less bulky. Learn from Sandra as she demonstrates how to raise the seam, sew, and crack the seam so that stitches don’t break during the wearing. |
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023 Needle Know-How Part 2
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Ron and Sandra introduce you to micro-tech needles that are made for very dense fabrics or light weight silks and organzas, sharp and designed to make a very small hole in the fabric so it doesn’t destroy the weave. Ron and Sandra will discuss the importance of using the correct needle so seams won’t ripple and pucker. |
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022 One Thread Sewing
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If you sew on fine fabrics, you need to know this couture trick of machine sewing with only one thread. Ron shows Sandra how to “trick” the sewing machine into using only one thread! No more hanging threads at the very point of the dart. | |
021 Lining a Vest
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There are numerous ways to line a vest. Sandra and Ron show you the best method to use when you have narrow straps and how to get the lining to behave, stay hidden and not pull up the hemline! | |
020 Pressing Know-How
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Ironing is different than pressing. The nuances of pressing as you sew make all the difference in the final product. Learn how to use some of the pressing tools which eliminate seam and hem show through. No more shiny suits, no more seams and hem lines showing through. You will also learn how to make a collar look sharp! | |
019 Needles for Leather
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You can sew on leather and suede with a home sewing machine if you choose the right leather, use the correct needle, and pay attention to the thread. Sandra and Ron will show you tricks to make your garments look sharp. | |
018 Covering Shoulder Pads
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Just because you can’t see them, doesn’t mean your shoulder pads shouldn’t be covered. Sandra and Ron show you easy ways to cover those shoulder pads, where to place them with regard to the neckline and armhole seams and how to anchor them inside the garment invisibly so that they stay put. |
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017 Hemming Jeans
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So, you bought yourself a great pair of jeans and now you want to hem them. Sandra and Ron show you how to measure the length correctly and then demonstrate two methods to shorten jeans for a professional look! | |
016 Interfacing for Tailoring
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Choosing interfacing is as important as choosing your fabric, since the two must be compatible. Sandra and Ron show you how to choose the right interfacing for your coat or jacket, where and how to apply the fabric to give quiet support without the board or puckered look. |
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015 Elastic Waists
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Who doesn’t love pull on pants and skirts? The mystery comes in choosing the right elastic and length to cut for a comfortable fit. Sandra and Ron will cover this as well as tricks to prevent elastic from rolling and bunching. An elastic waist can look professional, now you will know how. |
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014 Working with Burda Magazine
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Burda Magazine offers over 50 patterns in ONE magazine! The photos make it look easy, but once you get it home it looks like Greek to most. Sandra and Ron eliminate the confusion, interpret the symbols, find your size, and outline the pattern. | |
013 Sewing On Knits
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Sewing on knits is easy if you know the tricks. Sandra and Ron will show you how to identify the right and wrong side of the knit, what needle and stitch to use, and how to sew seams and hem knits without stretching the fabric. |
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012 Perfect Pleats
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Here’s a sure-fire way to mark and sew pleats so that the pleat does not ripple, stays closed within the garment, and flat and crisp in the hemline. no matter where you want to place them. On a dress, a blouse, a skirt or any other garment. Sandra and Ron show you the tricks! |
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011 Darts Of The Pros
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Here’s a show that’s all about darts: the purpose of them and where to place them to adjust to your body. Darts that are placed properly do not pucker at the ends! Sandra and Ron show you how to mark them easily and how to sew them. |
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010 Rounded Back
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Altering a pattern for a rounded back is easy if you know how to do it. Sandra and Ron show you how to alter your patterns to eliminate pulling at the neckline and garments from hiking up and poking out of the back hemline. |
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009 Choosing The Right Knit
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So many sewers choose a terrific pattern and use the wrong weight knit fabric. You’ll never have this problem when Sandra and Ron show you a fail-safe way to test a knit for drape and movement! | |
008 Men’s Patterns
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Ron and Sandra discuss their favorite Men’s patterns, share techniques to embellish a simple pattern to make an ordinary shirt look great and review one of their favorite notions. Simflex is an easy tool to help you space buttons on your sewing projects. |
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007 Specialty Presser Feet
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Have more fun creating special effects with the right sewing machine foot. Beading foot, Roller foot, Teflon foot – you won’t believe how many presser feet there are! Sandra and Ron show you exactly what each foot is for and how to use them. | |
006 Simple Set In Sleeves
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Learn an expert sewing technique to put in a sleeve. It’s simple and easy for 1-piece sleeve patterns. Sandra perfected this method and shares her technique with you! | |
005 Bias Binding
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Want to give a professional look when you sew your next coat, jacket, or collar? Sandra and Ron show you some techniques that will give you a clean, elegant edge to your sewing project. Then, learn to work with bias binding to get the best results! | |
004 Needle Know-How
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Sandra and Ron unravel the mysteries of which needle for which fabric and tell you how often you should change your needle. | |
003 Fusible Interfacing
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So many interfacings are available, but which one will make your garment look professional and smooth? Sandra and Ron will guide you through the maze and show you which interfacing to use on a wide variety of fabrics to get the look and finish of ready-to-wear. | |
002 Curved Seams
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Sewing a curved princess seam that looks smooth and professional can be a challenge! Sandra and Ron will show you a fool-proof method to create the perfect curved seam without the hassles or the puckers. Do it right the first time! | |
001 Fast & Easy Hems
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Sandra and Ron share their tips on hemming skirts and pants easily and still get professional results! Their techniques are so easy. Learn how to hem a skirt in five minutes, wear it immediately, and still get professional results! |
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