This reader-submitted tip was originally published in Threads #184, April/May 2016.

Sometimes, when I am learning how to sew a new design detail, it is helpful to deconstruct part of a completed garment to see how that detail was sewn by another seamstress or by a clothing manufacturer. For example, when I was learning how to sew a placket, I visited my local thrift store and scoured the clothing racks for a shirt with a placket similar to the one I wanted to sew in my top. By taking the placket apart, I was able to see how it was sewn and gained a better understanding of how I should sew mine. Since the top cost me only a couple of dollars, I feel that I received a relatively inexpensive sewing lesson.

—Carolyn Thomas, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

---

Submit your tip

At Threads magazine, we’re always in search of smart tips, tricks, and solutions to help you sew smarter, better, and faster. Send us your great ideas for a chance to be featured in the magazine’s Tips department.

Tips can be emailed directly to Threads or mailed to Threads Tips, PO Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470.

We pay for any tips published in our magazine.