Added Info HANDWOVEN Jan-Feb 1988 (v.9#1) pg. 6
A step-by-step photo description of how to make gathers.
HOMEOWNERS HOW TO #5 Spring 1977 (v.2#1) pg. 68
A few tricks that will speed sewing projects. (1) Turning tubing for button loops using an ordinary stout needle. (2) Making a professional-looking hem by machine. (3) Ditch stitching neck, facings, cuffs, etc. (4) How to turn a corner precisely when topstitching.
HOMEOWNERS HOW TO Jan-Feb 1978 (v.3#1) pg. 54
How to sew with fur fabric.
NEEDLE & THREAD Mar-Apr 1981 (v.1#1) pg. 7
How to make your own patchwork bias binding.
NEEDLE & THREAD Jul-Aug 1982 (v.2#4) pg. 6
Stripe-tucking. Includes tips on fabric choice and the amount of yardage required. Also includes directions for pinning the strips to be tucked to eliminate the need to baste.
NEEDLE & THREAD Jan-Feb 1984 (v.4#1) pg. 5
Tips on how to get the look of French hand sewing.
NEEDLE & THREAD May-Jun 1984 (v.4#3) pg. 5
An introduction to stripe shirring.
NEEDLE & THREAD May-Jun 1984 (v.4#3) pg. 8
Tips on how to sew "faced" shapes.
NEEDLE & THREAD Nov-Dec 1985 (v.5#4) pg. 4
How to stitch manipulated tucks in striped fabric to create unique surface treatments.
NEEDLE & THREAD Jan-Feb 1986 (v.6#1) pg. 8
Sixteenth-century sewing technique called "flashing" is used to make pillows, a Yule stocking and a vest. Five layers of fabric are stitched together in a grid and then slashed through the top four layers. When the fabric is washed, the cut edges open like flower petals.
SUNSET Dec 1987 (v.179#6) pg. 118
Tip: How to insert multiple rows of elastic through adjacent casings.
THREADS #2 Dec 1985-Jan 1986 pg. 6
Tip: An easy way to make a fabric bias tube.
THREADS #3 Feb-Mar 1986 pg. 8
Sewing with silk. Guidelines on buying and preparing silk fabric and constructing the garment. Emphasizes interfacings, seams, bulky areas, pockets, zippers, buttons, buttonholes, and hems.
THREADS #4 Apr-May 1986 pg. 35
Tip: Basting down both edges of seam allowances in a casing makes it easier to pull through elastic.
THREADS #9 Feb-Mar 1987 pg. 10
Tip: A way to cut bias strips that is less confusing than continuous-strip methods.
THREADS #9 Feb-Mar 1987 pg. 10
Plain sewing. A look at 18th-century techniques of durable and careful construction and the near elimination of waste fabric when laying out a garment pattern. Includes layout plans for a linen shift, a woman's undergarment or nightgown with scoop neck, sleeves that cover the elbows and a gored skirt.
THREADS #9 Feb-Mar 1987 pg. 46
Tips from a tailor on pressing and shaping garments during sewing.
THREADS #10 Apr-May 1987 pg. 43
Tip: An easy way to turn spaghetti straps using a bobby pin.
THREADS #11 Jun-Jul 1987 pg. 8
Preparing fabric for sewing. Explains the reasons for preshrinking and pressing and gives specific advice for all common fabric types.
THREADS #12 Aug-Sep 1987 pg. 43
Handsewing stitches. Guidelines on which to use when and instructions for basting stitches, hemstitches, backstitches and tacking stitches.
THREADS #12 Aug-Sep 1987 pg. 53
Tip for marking and sewing intricate shapes on knits.
THREADS #13 Oct-Nov 1987 pg. 10
Tip: An easy way to make spaghetti straps and trims out of tricot knits.
THREADS #14 Dec 1987-Jan 1988 pg. 12
Use a zigzag stitch to gather netting evenly.
THREADS #15 Feb-Mar 1988 pg. 12
Several tips for sewing Ultrasuede and Facile.
THREADS #15 Feb-Mar 1988 pg. 14
Sewing with knit fabrics. State-of-the-art techniques for zigzag machines and sergers. Summarizes stretch stitches to use for knits, pattern layout, cutting and marking. Also offers tips on interfacing and pressing, selection of needles and thread, pattern selection, seams and hem finishes. Explains how to install a center-back zipper that looks hand-inserted, to make button loops and buttonholes.
THREADS #19 Oct-Nov 1988 pg. 60
Suggestions on sewing techniques that make it easier for a seamstress with arthritis. Suggests features to look for when selecting patterns that makes clothes easy to get into and out of. Covers tool selection, workspace, fabric selection, use of fusibles, and fasteners.
THREADS #20 Dec 1988-Jan 1989 pg. 40
Tip: Use a ballpoint sewing-machine needle to pick up stitches for removal.
THREADS #21 Feb-Mar 1989 pg. 8
How to sew with elasticized knit (spandex) fabrics. Tips on fabric and pattern selection, and on sewing and finishing techniques. Insert describes techniques for creating stretchability in ordinary lightweight fabrics.
THREADS #23 Jun-Jul 1989 pg. 62
Tip: How to sew sharp points.
THREADS #25 Oct-Nov 1989 pg. 9
Tip for avoiding the problem of yarn catching in a machine's feed dogs when machine-stitching knitted garments.
THREADS #26 Dec 1989-Jan 1990 pg. 14
Heirloom sewing. How to use sergers and sewing machines with zigzag stitches to make garments from fine, translucent fabrics that feature lots of lace and trims. Advice on materials and project design. Techniques covered include joining fabric to flat lace or entredeux, lace insertion, pintucks and gathering.
THREADS #27 Feb-Mar 1990 pg. 46
How to pin-tuck with the buttonhole foot on a zigzag sewing machine.
THREADS #28 Apr-May 1990 pg. 12
Couture pillow projects that teach sewing techniques. Suggestions for planning and making patternmaking and instructions for ruffling, gathering, ruching, piping, making bias strips and pleating.
THREADS #28 Apr-May 1990 pg. 27
Added Info THREADS #30 Aug-Sep 1990 pg. 4
Tip explains how to produce a straight stitch with some built-in stretch.
THREADS #30 Aug-Sep 1990 pg. 10
Tip describes how to make easy belt loops from sewing thread.
THREADS #30 Aug-Sep 1990 pg. 12
Tip on how to hide thread ends and bury snags.
THREADS #36 Aug-Sep 1991 pg. 20
Tip on how to mark corners when piecing odd shapes by machine.
THREADS #36 Aug-Sep 1991 pg. 22
A technique for accurate topstitching near edges.
THREADS #36 Aug-Sep 1991 pg. 22
Sewing without pins. A description of the techniques.
THREADS #36 Aug-Sep 1991 pg. 64
Tip describes a method of sewing darts for sheer fabric or just a clean look.
THREADS #37 Oct-Nov 1991 pg. 22
Tip tells how to preserve pattern notches when using a serger.
THREADS #39 Feb-Mar 1992 pg. 20
Tip on how to use contour drafting tape to mark a guideline for serging curved shapes.
THREADS #42 Aug-Sep 1992 pg. 28
The joys of French handsewing. A guide to hand stitches that preserve the drape of fine fabrics and delicate laces. Includes instructions for creating a heirloom pillow that combines delicate fabric and lace, and uses handsewing techniques of rolling and whipping edges, and gathering a puffing strip.
THREADS #45 Feb-Mar 1993 pg. 62
Tip shows how to use twill tape as a gathering guide.
THREADS #46 Apr-May 1993 pg. 10
Preparing fabric for sewing. How to find and straighten the grain of woven and knit yardage.
THREADS #46 Apr-May 1993 pg. 63
Tip suggests technique for topstitching ends invisibly.
THREADS #47 Jun-Jul 1993 pg. 18
Taming bias. Strategies for handling the unruly off-grain. An explanation of the bias and how to locate it. How to lay out patterns and stitch bias seams to prevent stretching.
THREADS #47 Jun-Jul 1993 pg. 44
Added Info THREADS #49 Oct-Nov 1993 pg. 6
Two tips on making hard-to-sew fabric (vinyl upholstery material and fabric with foam rubber backing) easier to sew.
THREADS #48 Aug-Sep 1993 pg. 12
Tip on reinforcing inset corners so they are neater and stronger.
THREADS #49 Oct-Nov 1993 pg. 14
On serging knits. How to set thread tensions and match the stitch to the fabric.
THREADS #49 Oct-Nov 1993 pg. 58
An explanation of a taut sewing technique for use with sewing machines.
THREADS #50 Dec 1993-Jan 1994 pg. 18
Tip shows how to rip a serger stitch without leaving little thread ends.
THREADS #53 Jun-Jul 1994 pg. 14
Tips on sewing with soft, slippery, sheer fabrics such as chiffons or georgettes.
THREADS #53 Jun-Jul 1994 pg. 18
Sewing a perfect point. A stitching guide, some turning tools and helpful hints to producing accurate corners on collars, pocket flaps, lapels, etc.
THREADS #53 Jun-Jul 1994 pg. 38
Added Info THREADS #55 Oct-Nov 1994 pg. 6
Tips on how to use the stitching-in-the-ditch technique.
THREADS #54 Aug-Sep 1994 pg. 18
Mastering the art of the straight stitch. How to analyze stitch problems, select the correct stitch length and tips to give better results with some specific stitches.
THREADS #54 Aug-Sep 1994 pg. 38
How to baste slippery, stretchy fabrics quickly and securely.
THREADS #55 Oct-Nov 1994 pg. 14
Hand and machine sewing tips for a person with vision problems.
THREADS #58 Apr-May 1995 pg. 8
Added Info THREADS #60 Aug-Sep 1995 pg. 12
Added Info THREADS #66 Aug-Sep 1996 pg. 14
Secrets of precision sewing. How to measure the settings on a sewing machine to keep stitching straight and true.
THREADS #58 Apr-May 1995 pg. 36
How to use stay tapes to stabilize areas of a garment that tend to stretch.
THREADS #60 Aug-Sep 1995 pg. 44
Tip explains a system for marking darts using self-stick labels.
THREADS #61 Oct-Nov 1995 pg. 14
Tip describes how to pivot heavy fabric on a sewing machine without bending the needle or stretching the needlehole.
THREADS #62 Dec 1995-Jan 1996 pg. 14
Guidelines for gathering a large area of fabric into a smaller area.
THREADS #63 Feb-Mar 1996 pg. 20
Added Info THREADS #64 Apr-May 1996 pg. 8
How to create mock ribbing from any regular knit fabric using a double needle and a pintucking foot on a sewing machine.
THREADS #64 Apr-May 1996 pg. 55
Operation ravel control. A collection of techniques and guidelines for working with loosely woven fabrics.
THREADS #66 Aug-Sep 1996 pg. 41
Added Info THREADS #68 Dec 1996-Jan 1997 pg. 6
Tip on how to use a double needle to speed gathering.
THREADS #68 Dec 1996-Jan 1997 pg. 12
The cloth with no wrong side. How to sew with double cloth. Advice on seams, buttonholes, pockets and hems.
THREADS #69 Feb-Mar 1997 pg. 60
A technique for marking hems, seam allowances, trim placement and fold lines.
THREADS #71 Jun-Jul 1997 pg. 16
A technique to get a knot that really holds when hand stitching.
THREADS #72 Aug-Sep 1997 pg. 14
A primer on sewing knit fabrics to make garments that look like ready-to-wear. Advice on pattern choices, construction options, mitering corners, edge finishes, hems and shoulder pads. Sketch shows how to change a jewel-neck pattern to a cowl-neck tunic with vents.
THREADS #73 Oct-Nov 1997 pg. 42
Tip on double pinning to keep layers from shifting when sewing bulky fabrics.
THREADS #74 Dec 1997-Jan 1998 pg. 12
Tip on how to hold cutting and stitching templates in place.
THREADS #74 Dec 1997-Jan 1998 pg. 12
Bias 101. Techniques for sewing bias-cut garments. Advice on fabric choices, how to adapt a pattern for a change of grainline from straight to bias and how to estimate yardage needs. Tips on seaming, removing excess stretch and finishing neck and armhole edges with binding or piping.
THREADS #76 Apr-May 1998 pg. 34
Added Info THREADS #77 Jun-Jul 1998 pg. 8
Tip on making elastic tailor's tacks.
THREADS #77 Jun-Jul 1998 pg. 16
A guide to staystitching. What it is, where it is needed and how to get the best results.
THREADS #77 Jun-Jul 1998 pg. 18
Sewing less is more. A look at designer Loes Hinse's minimalist approach. Technique for pinless sewing, the use of drapey, soft fabrics and the avoidance of pressing.
THREADS #77 Jun-Jul 1998 pg. 43
Designer tacks. Hand stitches to anchor and reinforce parts of a garment and give it a couture touch. Instructions for making plain, chain, French, arrowhead, crow's-foot, bow and bar tacks.
THREADS #78 Aug-Sep 1998 pg. 62
How darts build shape into a garment. Advice on accurate transfer from pattern to fabric, stitching and pressing perfect darts, tips on altering a dart's shape.
THREADS #79 Oct-Nov 1998 pg. 18
Tools for topstitching. A guide to selecting the best thread, needle and presser foot for the job.
THREADS #79 Oct-Nov 1998 pg. 36
Twenty ways to improve your sewing. Primciples that streamline your work and enhance its quality.
THREADS #79 Oct-Nov 1998 pg. 38
Sew velvet fearlessly. How to use a single-layer nap layout, basting and a few key guidelines to tame this lush but slippery fabric. Includes tips on lining, seams, hems and adapting closures and pockets for velvet.
THREADS #80 Dec 1998-Jan 1999 pg. 64
Correction THREADS #81 Feb-Mar 1999 pg. 10
Wool gauze. An introduction to the fabric and how to sew with it. Includes a guide to seam and waist finishes that minimize bulk and raveling.
THREADS #81 Feb-Mar 1999 pg. 66
Tip shows how to pin fabric so pins can be stitched over smoothly by machine.
THREADS #82 Apr-May 1999 pg. 18
How to turn a small tube of fabric when you don't have a set of turners.
THREADS #84 Aug-Sep 1999 pg. 19
How to design clothes sewn from sheer fabrics. An introduction to various fabrics, combining them, lining, layering, seams, construction and care tips.
THREADS #84 Aug-Sep 1999 pg. 64
Clever dart tricks. How to get smooth dart points and press dart seams completely flat.
THREADS #85 Oct-Nov 1999 pg. 56
Adjusting bodice patterns.
WORKBASKET Feb 1980 (v.45#4) pg. 24