A,B,C'S OF SEWING
Facings
Sew interfacing to the facing with RIGHT sides together in a 1/4" seam. Then trim the seam to 1/8" wide, and then turn right side out. Next, press the facing flat before sewing to garment. If you used fusible interfacing, the pressing will also fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the facing fabric.
Hems
When pressing narrow hems, begin by spreading a sheer pressing cloth on your ironing board. Lay the edge you want to press over the pressing cloth, leaving 4" or more of the cloth showing. Align a piece of card stock (a file folder works perfectly) along the fold line. Fold the pressing cloth over the card stock edge and press the edge. The pressing cloth holds the tiny hem in place, allowing you to iron it without burning your fingers.
Darts
When you're 3/8" from the point when stitching a dart, shorten the stitch length and stitch off the point. Lift up the presser foot, reposition the needle inside the dart tip, and stitch for 1/2". This way you secure the dart point without bulk or handiwork.
To ensure a perfect fit and flattering clean lines, our editors suggest visiting our Fit Help section for detailed body measurement charts and instructions like this easy method for determining you correct cup size.
- To find your precise bust measurement, start the measurement at the widest point of your bust and continue around the back.
- For your high bust measurement measure directly under your arms, above the bust and around the back.
Compare these two measurements and follow these guidelines to determine your cup size:
- B Cup = bust is 1" to 2" (2.5cm to 5cm) larger than high bustC Cup = bust is 2" to 3" (5cm to 7.5cm) larger than high bust
- D Cup = bust is 3" to 4" (7.5cm to 10cm) larger than high bust
Soap the Needles
Stick pins in a bar of soap before working with or stitching heavyweight fabrics. The soap helps the pins to slide easily through heavy layers.
trouser form
