The defined shoulder is having a moment. It doesn’t have to be broad or heavily padded, though. Incorporating a design detail that calls attention to a strong shoulder line will…
A godet is a triangular wedge of fabric sewn into a garment, either in an existing seam or within a cut opening. Its purpose is to add circumference, or flare,…
If you typically find that garments are too loose over and around the bust, you may need to make a small-bust adjustment. Commercial patterns are drafted for a B-cup bust,…
A lining confers several advantages to a jacket or coat. It makes the garment easier to don and doff. A lining can protect your skin from scratchy fabrics while shielding…
A beautiful handworked buttonhole elevates a tailored coat and improves the look of simple designs. Sewing buttonholes by machine is unwieldy if the fabric is thick, and getting exact positioning…
We have received an abundance of grateful letters lately. Readers from around the world let us know they are glad to see Threads arrive in the mail and appreciative of…
I have found an easy way to create a uniform foldback line for blind-hem stitching. Fold up the hem to the desired depth, with the fabric’s wrong sides together. Pin…
If you sew, you've got pins, and if you've got pins, you need a pin-holder. The humble pincushion is an essential sewing notion. Although it is easily taken for granted,…
Comfortable knife-edge shears A good pair of straight-edge, multipurpose scissors is important to any sewer, but many options become uncomfortable after a long period of use. Designed by Karen Kay…
I was giddy with excitement when I opened the invitation to attend a winter dinner and ball at the Australian embassy in Washington, D.C. It was going to be a…
Sewers want to know exactly what they’re buying when they purchase fabrics. However, the difference between jacquard and brocade is not always explained, and the terms can be used interchangeably…
I’ve always loved the beaded sweaters that were popular in the 1950s. They were luxurious, elegant, and surely reserved for the most special of occasions. I saw them from time…
This circa 1940 rayon day dress must have been fairly simple to sew and fun to wear and accessorize. It offers a wonderful setting for extra details that highlight the…
Those of us who love to sew often make significant investments in our tools, but paying attention to your vision can have a big influence on your sewing enjoyment. I…
A collar stand sometimes turns out too weak to adequately support the collar, and a shirt or blouse’s neckline looks sloppy. You may have noticed this on a garment you…
Q: My sewing machine has an automatic needle threader. I’ve read the manual and followed the directions for using it, but it has never worked for me. Could it be…
Flirty and feminine, McCall's 8043 has a high-necked collar with a deep keyhole neckline, as well as an open back. Its wide midriff band is closely fitted and closes with…
Inspired by the straight-cut duffel coats of the 1950s, the Albion Coat from Colette Patterns has classic elements such as toggle closures, front and back yokes, and two pocket styles.…
