Best of Louise Cutting

By Threads magazine Feb 02, 2015

Louise Cutting’s sewing expertise is undeniable. We present to you 21 of this contributing editor’s top techniques and tutorials in a convenient slide show. There is almost no limit to the insight you can glean from this treasure trove.

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An Easy Way to Turn Bias Cording Right Side Out

Bias covered cording has many sewing uses once you know the secrets to making it.
How to Form Slotted Seams

Make a wonderful finish for a center front, center back, or just about any straight or curved seam you want to call attention to.
How to Sew Hidden Snaps

Designer hand-woven or soft boucle jackets often feature larger buttons. Making a larger-than-normal buttonhole gives a less-than-professional look. Try several hidden snaps along the center front edge.
More Tips for Working with Boiled Wool

I was inspired by Mary Ray's blog and the current issue of Threads to work with the boiled wool I had been saving for several years. Here are some tips I developed in the process.
Raw-Edge Bias Binding

This binding can be used on any part of the garment--curved, straight, or on corners.
Decorative pockets or bound buttonholes

I first saw this opening as pocket on a suit jacket in a designer boutique. I have since seen this shaped opening as a series of different brightly colored bound buttonholes down the front of a black sheath dress.
Weight a Narrow Hem with Thread

This simple technique allows you to easily add weight to a narrow hem so it hangs straighter than it would if it were sewn with a rolled-hem presser foot.
How to find the correct sleeve length

Find the correct sleeve length with a drop or extended shoulder in a blouse or jacket, with or without a cuff.
Button Placement

Find the perfect button placement to prevent a gap at the front of a garment.
Narrow Back Adjustment

How to fit a garment with vertical wrinkles along the outer edges of the back shoulders.
Your Favorite Jacket Can Become a Vest

Turn your favorite jacket pattern into your new favorite vest. Or, if you just don't have enough fabric to make a jacket, create a great casual vest.
Creating a Back Neck Facing for a Garment

Many garment patterns don’t include a back neck facing. But try creating this ‘clean finish’ to turn the collar under from shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the neckline of the back of the garment.
Slot Buttonholes

This high fashion buttonhole treatment is perfect every time. Often fabric is very dimensional and a machine buttonhole that's not perfect can ruin a beautifully sewn garment.
Fashion Scarf How-to

Long scarves have been on the fashion scene for several seasons and seem to only grow more popular. Save some money and make one yourself! And, learn to tie a chic "Tuscany" knot.
Making Pretty Buttonholes

Fine details make a good garment. Buttonholes are one of the finer details that draw attention to the finished creation.
How to Create Echo Stitching

Lately, I have been finding echo stitching on numerous designer garments. I've seen it on collars, cuffs, and on front plackets. Learn how to add this stitching for a designer look.
Bust Dart Pressing: Cup Size is a Factor in Which Technique You Choose

There are reasons to press darts in various ways. Find out which way will work best for you.
Quick Tip: Button Placement Inside a Vertical Buttonhole

Learn how to place a button in a vertical buttonhole so the button won't slip out while wearing and the front garment sides won't become uneven.
How to Pretest Pattern Changes with “Minipats”

Audition pattern design changes in miniature to speed the process and save your pattern and fabric.
How to Edgestitch and Topstitch a Collar Lapel

Fine sewing vanishes from the viewers eye, but if it is a mistake, it becomes very visible.
Proper Fitting for a Forward Shoulder

Adjust your patterns to match your posture.