Threads - Threads is the premier magazine for sewing enthusiasts - people who are passionate about sewing garments, home furnishings, gifts, and accessories.

Use Fabric Selvages to Trim and Finish Garments

Check out examples of how fabric selvages are used to stabilize, trim and finish garments. These inspired garments go well beyond the selvage denim jeans trend.

Alteration Shop Techniques: How to Shorten Jacket Sleeves

Alterations expert Pamela Howard walks through a method to shorten jacket sleeves, in Part 1 of a two-part series on changing sleeve length.

Why Don't You . . .? Take a Housecoat Out For a Spin

Welcome to 2021, sewing friends. It's time for another dose of whimsy in this upside-down world, with the next installment of our "Why Don't You ... ?" challenge, in which…

Patterns of the Past: Creating a Classic Newsboy Cap

I am a big fan of newsboy caps, which I think flatter my somewhat long and narrow face. I own an assortment of store-bought caps, but I have long wanted…

How to Drape the Hip Detail from a 1940s Gown

Of all the details on this 1940s gown, the draped hip stands out the most. Reminiscent of chiseled stone gowns of classic Roman sculpture, this shape is mysteriously achieved to…

Get Rid of the Fabric Bump Above a Mock Fly Zipper

Alterations expert Pamela Howard shows how to eliminate the fabric bump that forms above a mock fly zipper at a garment's waistband.

How Did They Sew That? How to Create Dazzling Criss-Crossed Gores

This 1930s dress, made of molten-looking silk charmeuse, might light up a room like a bonfire. With just a little movement by the wearer, the gown shimmers from the scooped…

How to Embellish with Pleated Bands for Stunning Organic Detail

This buttery stunner in rayon crepe is a study in the powerful effects of understated embellishment.

How to Make a Banded Armscye

This 1930s floor-length evening gown exudes elegance. The star-studded midnight crepe fabric hugs the body starting at the fitted empire midriff, then flares at the bias-cut skirt’s hem. Sprinkled with…

Giving New Life to an Old Shirt

Ideas for updating an unworn garment.

Fit the Seat of Your Pants

Many people experience problems with store-bought pants fitting correctly in the seat, waist, and hip areas. Bodies come in many shapes and types, and your waist-to-hip proportion may not match…

Transfer Muslin Fitting Changes to a Pattern

Making adjustments to a muslin to improve a garment’s fit is an important part of my sewing process. But my work isn’t over after the fitting. I always transfer the…

All About Needle Felting

Imagine painting with wool: golden shooting stars flying across a navy dress, with a blaze of stardust streaming behind, autumnal leaves tumbling down a dark brown jacket, or a Mondrian-inspired…

How to Upcycle a Sweater

There are many reasons to repurpose clothing into new designs. It saves money. It reduces waste and saves the planet. And it is a lot of fun. When you start…

How to Clean and Oil Your Sewing Machine

I’ve learned over my years as a sewing machine repair technician that many sewers have a personal relationship with their machine. Like the one they have with family or friends,…

Power-Assisted Cutting Tools for Sewing

Of all the tasks you perform when making sewn projects, cutting causes the most physical strain. Over time, this task can aggravate or even cause osteoarthritis of the hands and…

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