Elise's Sewing Studio

Tag: tailoring

  • Fabric Marking Tools to Tailor Garments like a Pro

    Fabric Marking Tools to Tailor Garments like a Pro

    If you are going to alter clothing, pinning and marking fabric is an important step. Using the right fabric marking tools can make this task easier. It’s important that you can see your markings, but for them to also disappear when you need them too. Before you mark your fabric If you are altering something,…

  • How to sew clothes bigger

    How to sew clothes bigger

    Have you wondered if it is possible to sew clothes bigger? Tailor like a pro: How to Sew Clothes Bigger to Achieve the Perfect Fit In this article, I’ve come up with ideas to change too-tight clothing into pieces that you’ll be able to love wearing again. Whether it’s helping a dress that won’t zip…

  • Vertical Measurements in Sewing Patterns

    When it comes to sewing patterns, you might be used to looking at measurements such as your bust/chest, waist, and hip to choose the right size. But if you don’t compare vertical measurements in sewing patterns, you are missing a key element that will help make your finished garment fit you! Definition of vertical measurements…

  • How to straighten bootcut jeans

    How to straighten bootcut jeans

    A fairly quick way to update old jeans is to adjust the fit through the leg. I’ll show you a trick I have to sew around those bulky topstitched seams so you can straighten bootcut jeans. This also works for reducing the flare on flared jeans. You can apply this technique anywhere you want to…

  • New: Private fitting lessons

    I thought I would try a new way to help people who want more support on their garment sewing journey. Ok, so if you are reading this, chances are: You know I’m really into helping people fit their clothes to their unique body. It can be frustrating shopping or making clothes that weren’t designed for…

  • Alterations aren’t boring.

    Sometimes it seems like people who sew love to hate alterations. If that’s you, I’d love to change your mind! First of all, I have a question for you. Why did you start to sew? Might it have something to do with the following: I have an interest in all of the above. I started…

  • Shorten a jacket sleeve by hand

    Shorten a jacket sleeve without a sewing machine Shortening a jacket sleeve is one of the rare times I do an alteration by hand. It is possible to shorten a jacket sleeve using the sewing machine. (I once worked with someone who would do this, but it involves opening up the jacket lining in the…

  • Pressing and Ironing Tools

    If you sew, you’ll need to do a lot of pressing and ironing. Fortunately, there are a lot of pressing and ironing tools to make this faster and easier! First, let’s look at the difference between pressing and ironing, and why you’ll need to do each while you sew. Ironing versus pressing in sewing Ironing…

  • How to sew darts on the back of a dress

    Why would you sew darts on the back of a dress? A skill you will want to master if you are interested in altering your own clothing is pinning and sewing darts on tops and dresses. I like to have my clothes darted in the back, and this tutorial goes over how to sew darts…