Shirt Dress Sewalong: Attaching the Collar

Shirt Dress Sewalong: Attaching the Collar

It’s Sew Easy TV’s Shirt Dress Sewalong 

Part 3 Attaching the Collar

Sewing the collar and collar band can be intimidating, but it’s easier than you might thing. The most important is the topstitching, this is what makes your shirt or shirtdress look expensive.  Watch the video below for a quick preview of sewing the collar.

 

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Sewing Tools Used in this Tutorial:

SEWALONG SALE

Sewalong Scheduleangela wolf shirtdress

Here is the blog schedule for the season long sew-along with links to the tutorials and live Q&A on my blog (each link will open on the date listed).  Season 14 of It’s Sew Easy had begun airing on PBS and Create TV; you will be able to watch each episode there first (depending on when your specific station begins airing the show).

Part 1: Announcing the Shirt Dress Sewalong with Angela Wolf on It’s Sew Easy

Episode 1401: Choosing and prepping fabrics, patterns, and sizing

Part 2: Sewing the Front Placket  Episode 1402: Sewing the front placket

Part 3: Attaching the Collar  Episode 1404: Attaching the collar

Part 4: Sewing the Placket on the Sleeve  Episode 1405:  Sewing the placket on the sleeve  (1/20/2018)

Part 5: Sewing the Sleeves and Side Seam  Episode 1406: Sewing the sleeves and side seams  (1/27/2018)

Part 6: Sewing the Cuffs  Episode 1408: Sewing the cuffs  (2/3/2018)

Part 7: Sewing the Buttons and Buttonholes  Episode 1409: Buttons and buttonholes  (2/10/2018)

Part 8: Finishing the Hem  Episode 1413: Finishing the hem with a rolled hem  (2/17/2018)

Join us! A new video will arrive on YouTube every SaturdaySign up here and never miss a blog post and join the fun on facebook, instagram, twitter, and pinterest . We will share photos on the social side using hashtags #angleawolf #itseweasy #shirtdresssewalong

Can’t wait to see what you sew up!  Leave your comments & questions below …

Cheers,

 

 

Behind the Scenes LIVE with Angela Wolf

 

 

facebook live

Facebook LIVE every Wednesday at 1:30pm EST

Let’s Talk …

Watch each episode live on facebook or catch the replay here!

 

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Previous Blog Posts

 

Learn How to Sew with Knits Virtual Class

Learn How to Sew with Knits Virtual Class

Sewing, Fitting, and Designing Knit Tops with Angela Wolf 3 Hour Virtual Class Angela will start by sharing a few fitting tips for knit tops including bust, hip, gapping neckline, working with darts, and bicep adjustments to name a few.  She will then teach techniques...

read more
VLOG 207 Angela Wolf Patterns Preview and Giveaway!

VLOG 207 Angela Wolf Patterns Preview and Giveaway!

Angela Wolf Pattern Giveaway Congratulations to all the winners!  Enjoy my patternsShirley PDF Pattern Winners: Machellie Linam Susan Moe Lacey PDF Pattern Winners: Terri Willbanks Misty Kaminskas Bella PDF Pattern Winners: Dianne Young Beverly George Delila PDF...

read more
Learn How to Sew on Clear Vinyl

Learn How to Sew on Clear Vinyl

Episode 133 ~ At your side 🧵 Virtually!  Organizing and Sewing Clear Vinyl It's January and that means it time to organize for a new year!  Today I show how to sew clear vinyl for bags to store patterns and ideas for organizing button and beads; two of my my favorite...

read more
The Delila Knit Top Pattern

The Delila Knit Top Pattern

The Delila Knit Top Pattern This SUPER easy to sew knit top, the  Delila Knit Pattern launched a few years ago and is still a staple in my wardrobe.  I designed the Delila pattern based on a simple kimono style that tapers in the high hip area.  You know me, I can't...

read more
The Bella Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Bella Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Bella Knit Top Another easy pattern to sew with a neckline twist!  I designed the Bella Knit Top sewing pattern to be sewn with knits for comfort and coordinate with A Touch of Couture Lace Embroidery Collection, Regardless if you add embroidery, this knit top is...

read more
The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern The design for the Lacy Knit Top was a result of our everlasting Covid lockdown! Whether lounging at home, working in the studio, or working out in our home gym ~ this top hit the mark.  Semi-fitted in the bust area, looser thru the...

read more

Shirt Dress Sewalong: Sewing the Front Placket

Shirt Dress Sewalong: Sewing the Front Placket

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How to Sew the Front Placket

It’s Sew Easy TV’s Shirt Dress Sewalong – Part 2 

Tips for Attaching Interfacing

Pressing fusible interfacing to the fabric is easy if you follow these tips:

  • Use a press cloth underneath the garment to prevent the fusible from ruining the ironing board cover
  • Use a press cloth between the garment  to save your iron and prevent burning the fabric
  • When pressing the interfacing into place, lift and hold the iron – DO NOT SLIDE IRON
  • Press and hold the iron for a few seconds and press firmly to prevent the fusible from coming unattached later on

Pressing Cloth

You can use various fabrics for a press cloth.  I tend to use a lightweight cotton or muslin fabric because that is what I typically have on hand.  Cheese cloth is another option and Silk organza is another favorite.
SEWALONG SALE

Tips for Topstitching

  • Stitch from the right side of the fabric
  • Use cotton or silk thread for touch of style
  • The triple stitch with a stitch length of 3.5 to 4.0 resembles ready-to-wear
  • Lengthen the stitch length and test on a scrap of fabric to see which looks the best

Here are some of the supplies I used in this episode:

You will find links to many of these items on my Amazon shopping list.

Fabric Ideas

Have you thought of sewing this shirtdress with a different fabric than the traditional cotton?  This week’s episode of Behind the Scenes showed some fabric ideas for the sewalong including silk, velvet burnout, and more!

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Sewalong Scheduleangela wolf shirtdress

Here is the blog schedule for the season long sew-along with links to the tutorials and live Q&A on my blog (each link will open on the date listed).  Season 14 of It’s Sew Easy had begun airing on PBS and Create TV; you will be able to watch each episode there first (depending on when your specific station begins airing the show).

Join us! A new video will upload on YouTube every Saturday. Sign up here and never miss a blog post and join the fun on facebook, instagram, twitter, and pinterest . We will share photos on the social side using hashtags #angleawolf #itseweasy #shirtdresssewalong

Can’t wait to see what you sew up!  Leave your comments & questions below …

Cheers,

 

Behind the Scenes LIVE with Angela Wolf

facebook live

Facebook LIVE every Wednesday at 1:30pm EST

Let’s Talk …

Watch each episode live on facebook or catch the replay here!

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Previous Blog Posts

Learn How to Sew with Knits Virtual Class

Learn How to Sew with Knits Virtual Class

Sewing, Fitting, and Designing Knit Tops with Angela Wolf 3 Hour Virtual Class Angela will start by sharing a few fitting tips for knit tops including bust, hip, gapping neckline, working with darts, and bicep adjustments to name a few.  She will then teach techniques...

read more
VLOG 207 Angela Wolf Patterns Preview and Giveaway!

VLOG 207 Angela Wolf Patterns Preview and Giveaway!

Angela Wolf Pattern Giveaway Congratulations to all the winners!  Enjoy my patternsShirley PDF Pattern Winners: Machellie Linam Susan Moe Lacey PDF Pattern Winners: Terri Willbanks Misty Kaminskas Bella PDF Pattern Winners: Dianne Young Beverly George Delila PDF...

read more
Learn How to Sew on Clear Vinyl

Learn How to Sew on Clear Vinyl

Episode 133 ~ At your side 🧵 Virtually!  Organizing and Sewing Clear Vinyl It's January and that means it time to organize for a new year!  Today I show how to sew clear vinyl for bags to store patterns and ideas for organizing button and beads; two of my my favorite...

read more
The Delila Knit Top Pattern

The Delila Knit Top Pattern

The Delila Knit Top Pattern This SUPER easy to sew knit top, the  Delila Knit Pattern launched a few years ago and is still a staple in my wardrobe.  I designed the Delila pattern based on a simple kimono style that tapers in the high hip area.  You know me, I can't...

read more
The Bella Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Bella Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Bella Knit Top Another easy pattern to sew with a neckline twist!  I designed the Bella Knit Top sewing pattern to be sewn with knits for comfort and coordinate with A Touch of Couture Lace Embroidery Collection, Regardless if you add embroidery, this knit top is...

read more
The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern The design for the Lacy Knit Top was a result of our everlasting Covid lockdown! Whether lounging at home, working in the studio, or working out in our home gym ~ this top hit the mark.  Semi-fitted in the bust area, looser thru the...

read more

Announcing the Shirt Dress Sewalong on It’s Sew Easy TV

Announcing the Shirt Dress Sewalong on It’s Sew Easy TV

It’s Sew Easy TV’s Shirt Dress Sewalong 

Announcing the shirt dress sewalong!  This season of It’s Sew Easy I will be sewing a shirt dress from beginning to end and you can follow along each week watching each episode of It’s Sew Easy!

To get started you will need to gather the supplies. You will find quick links to many of these items on my Amazon shopping list.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m-rENptnVxg" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Patternsangela wolf shirtdress

Check your pattern stash 🙂  Any button down shirt or shirtdress will work 🙂    Here are a few ideas:

Fabric

A cotton or cotton blend is the most common fabric used for a shirt dress, but the dress can take on a completely different look with different weight fabrics. Consider a rayon, linen, silk charmeuse, silk chiffon, or crepe.

TIPS:

  • If you choose a fabric with a print be sure to buy more fabric than the pattern recommends so you can line up the design while cutting out
  • Pre-shrink the fabric by washing and drying the fabric before cutting

 SuppliesSEWALONG SALE

  • Interfacing
  • Buttons
  • Thread
    • Universal polyester thread
    • Silk or cotton thread adds a nice finish for the topstitching)
  • Pressing Tools
  • Basic Sewing Supplies
    • Seam Ripper, Measuring Tape, Tailors Chalk, Pins,

 

Sewalong Schedule

Here is the blog schedule for the season long sew-along with links to the tutorials and live Q&A on my blog (each link will open on the date listed).  Season 14 of It’s Sew Easy had begun airing on PBS and Create TV; you will be able to watch each episode there first (depending on when your specific station begins airing the show).

Part 1: Announcing the Shirt Dress Sewalong with Angela Wolf on It’s Sew Easy

Episode 1401: Choosing and prepping fabrics, patterns, and sizing

Part 2: Sewing the Front Placket

Episode 1402: Sewing the front placket

Part 3: Attaching the Collar

Episode 1404: Attaching the collar

Part 4: Sewing the Placket on the Sleeve

Part 5: Sewing the Sleeves and Side Seam

Part 6: Sewing the Cuffs

Part 7: Sewing the Buttons and Buttonholes

Part 8: Finishing the Hem

Join us!  A new video will launch every Saturday on YouTubeSign up here and never miss a blog post and join the fun on facebook, instagram, twitter, and pinterest . We will share photos on the social side using hashtags #angleawolf #itsseweasy

Can’t wait to see what you sew up!  Leave your comments & questions below …

Cheers,

 

Behind the Scenes LIVE with Angela Wolf

facebook live

Facebook LIVE every Wednesday at 1:30pm EST

Let’s Talk …

Watch each episode live on facebook or catch the replay here!

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Previous Blog Posts

Learn How to Sew with Knits Virtual Class

Learn How to Sew with Knits Virtual Class

Sewing, Fitting, and Designing Knit Tops with Angela Wolf 3 Hour Virtual Class Angela will start by sharing a few fitting tips for knit tops including bust, hip, gapping neckline, working with darts, and bicep adjustments to name a few.  She will then teach techniques...

read more
VLOG 207 Angela Wolf Patterns Preview and Giveaway!

VLOG 207 Angela Wolf Patterns Preview and Giveaway!

Angela Wolf Pattern Giveaway Congratulations to all the winners!  Enjoy my patternsShirley PDF Pattern Winners: Machellie Linam Susan Moe Lacey PDF Pattern Winners: Terri Willbanks Misty Kaminskas Bella PDF Pattern Winners: Dianne Young Beverly George Delila PDF...

read more
Learn How to Sew on Clear Vinyl

Learn How to Sew on Clear Vinyl

Episode 133 ~ At your side 🧵 Virtually!  Organizing and Sewing Clear Vinyl It's January and that means it time to organize for a new year!  Today I show how to sew clear vinyl for bags to store patterns and ideas for organizing button and beads; two of my my favorite...

read more
The Delila Knit Top Pattern

The Delila Knit Top Pattern

The Delila Knit Top Pattern This SUPER easy to sew knit top, the  Delila Knit Pattern launched a few years ago and is still a staple in my wardrobe.  I designed the Delila pattern based on a simple kimono style that tapers in the high hip area.  You know me, I can't...

read more
The Bella Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Bella Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Bella Knit Top Another easy pattern to sew with a neckline twist!  I designed the Bella Knit Top sewing pattern to be sewn with knits for comfort and coordinate with A Touch of Couture Lace Embroidery Collection, Regardless if you add embroidery, this knit top is...

read more
The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern

The Lacy Knit Top Sewing Pattern The design for the Lacy Knit Top was a result of our everlasting Covid lockdown! Whether lounging at home, working in the studio, or working out in our home gym ~ this top hit the mark.  Semi-fitted in the bust area, looser thru the...

read more

Sportswear: Embellishing a T-Shirt with Coverstitch

Sportswear: Embellishing a T-Shirt with Coverstitch

One of my favorite items to make is a simple t-shirt.  It’s fast and easy when sewn with a serger. Then I use the Brother Coverstitch machine for hemming.  But what about embellishing the tee with coverstitching!  If you have used the Coverstitch before you will notice the back side of the coverstitch has a sporty look, similar to what we see in sportswear.  For this tutorial, I am going to show you how to utilize the 3-thread Coverstitch to create this fashionable look!  Let’s get started:

Materials:

 

DESIGNING THE LOCATION FOR THE STITCHES:

Cut out the pattern. My T-shirt pattern pieces consist of 1 Front, 1 Back, 2 Sleeves, and 1 Collar. There are not princess seams, but I want to add the illusion there are princess seams.  Starting with the front pattern, on the wrong side of the fabric, draw a line from the armscye to the hem.  Use a curved ruler if you need help drawing the curve .

Fold the fabric in half and use your hand to brush the fabric.  This will trace the chalk mark to the other side of the fabric.

Open the fabric back up and you should see a faint line from the first chalk marking.  Use the chalk to trace over this line, making it darker and easier to see. Do the same thing for the BACK pattern piece.  For the collar and sleeve, draw randomly placed chalked lines.

SET UP THE COVERSTITCH MACHINE

Choose the color of thread for the decorative stitch.  Ideally the color should be in the same color family as the right side of the fabric, but enough of a contrast that you can see the stitches.

Decide which stitch looks the best on your fabric:

  • Stitch a swatch of fabric with a wide coverstitch (using the left and right needle)
  • Stitch a sample with the triple coverstitch.

Keep in mind you will be stitching with the wrong side of the fabric facing up.  Check the look of the stitch on both sides.

I prefer the triple coverstitch on my fabric, so I will set up the coverstitch machine with all three needles using 4 spools of thread.  It’s a little faster to stitch from piece to piece, so start stitching on a scrap of fabric and then add another piece of fabric.  This allows me to check my stitch quality and I won’t have to worry about threads falling off at the beginning or end of my garment pieces.  (All of these stitches rows will be sealed in a seam, so no worries on threads unraveling).

For the full tutorial, check out my post on the Brother Stitching Sewcial blog.  I always love to see what your are working on, be sure to share photos of your sporty tops using #angelawolf #brothersews

Cheers,

Brother Expert Sewing Consultant. This blog post may contain affiliate links.

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Sewing Tutorial: Hemming Pants with Cuffs

Sewing Tutorial: Hemming Pants with Cuffs

Although I teach three Tailoring Ready-to-Wear classes on Craftsy, there are a few alterations that many students ask about that were not included in the classes.  One of the most common questions: “How do I hem pants with a cuff?”  Hemming cuffed pants is very simple, but its important to pay attention to the measurements or you run the risk of hemming the pants too short.

To get started these are the supplies from WAWAK SEWING you will need:

Let’s Get Started … Hemming Cuffs!

STEP 1:   Mark the hem. Try on the pants and turn up each pant leg.  Mark the bottom edge of the new hemline with chalk.
STEP 2:  Measure the amount to be hemmed: measure from the original hemline to the chalk mark.
j
Designer Tip: Be sure to measure both legs, as quite often there is a difference!
Step 3: Measure the width of the original cuff. (more…)

How to Make Covered Buttons

How to Make Covered Buttons

All About Buttons!

Embellishing is one of my favorite things to do, in fact sometimes I even add touches to ready-to-wear garments.  One of the easiest ways to restyle is to change the buttons.  Even better, your own custom covered buttons!  From simple to couture, this is what I will cover in the next series of blogs.

how to cover buttons6

First, lets start with the basics on how to cover a button.  The base of the button looks just like the ones above and they come in many sizes.  There at two kinds available, I prefer the ones with what I call “teeth”, like this one from WAWAK.

how to cover buttons2

 

Each button has 2 parts: a top that you will wrap your fabric around and a base that snaps onto the back, securing the fabric.

how to cover buttons7

Let’s get started!

  1. Cut out a circle from your fashion fabric,  just little bit bigger than the button.

how to cover a button Angela Wolf4

Note:  the circle above is too large for that button, it should look more like the photo below

how to cover a button Angela Wolf5 2. Wrap the fabric around the curve of the button top, securing edges of fabric in the teeth.  If the fabric is plaid or striped, take care in placing the button and check the alignment of the shank to make sure its the same on every button.

how to cover a button Angela Wolf1

3. Continue all the way around until the fabric is tight and secure.

how to cover a button Angela Wolf2

See why I prefer the teeth, so much easier to tighten the fabric!

4. Place the backing on and snap into place with needle nose pliers.  Snap all the way around the button to make sure the back is tightly closed.

Trouble Shooting:  If you can’t snap the back of the button in place, you might have too much fabric inside.  This means the circle of fabric was too large, but you can still trim out the excess fabric to make it work.

how to cover a button Angela Wolf6

That’s it!  Super easy and  trend with a touch of couture 🙂

how to cover a button Angela Wolf3

I have quite a few more buttons to go, but this jacket has been cut and sitting in my “to do” bin for over a year!  Hand-dyed silk charmeuse lining and all, I must finish this before spring!

angela wolf jacket

One more thing about covering buttons:  A little trick that I do to make my buttons look more professional is to add a touch of cotton.  You can use cotton balls, make-up remover cotton, batting, even a thin piece of polar fleece.

how to cover buttons8

how to cover buttons5

Center the cotton on the button, then wrap the fabric over the cotton.  Now when you secure the fabric tightly you won’t see any metal through the fabric and it softens the look.  Now when I want to add beading to the button I can actually get my needle through the fabric.  If you have a hard time keeping the cotton in place, use a tab of super glue, just let the glue dry before covering with fabric.

Buying Covered Buttons:

There are so many covered buttons to choose from it can get a little overwhelming, so I have included links to the ones that I use from WAWAK Sewing:

These are all 12 packs, but trust me you will go through them.  These buttons have a curved top, they also carry a flat top.

Next time I will show how I made these custom buttons:

how to cover buttons4

Hope you had a great week!  Off to work on samples for It’s Sew Easy TV taping next week.

Cheers,

Angela WolfWAWAK_SEWING_Logo_Web

 

 

 

 

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