A Tutorial

When I was making my Hot Patterns top and it called for an interfaced facing. I wanted a finished edge on this facing but my serger thread wasn't even close. So I used a technique I have read about in sewing magazines and also was taught in one of my ASG classes this past summer.

First you need fusible interfacing for this technique. Cut out the facing and the interfacing.

Line up wrong side of interfacing (the non-fusible side) to the right side of your fabric.
Then sew a scant 1/4" seam allowance on the outside edge of the facing.

Line the edges up even, I was having trouble holding my fabric and the camera.



Take this piece to the ironing board - but no pressing yet. Turn the interfacing to the wrong side of the facing, the fusible side will meet the wrong side of the fashion fabric. I then work the seam allowance between my fingers to get a smooth edge.


Here is the wrong side, a bit of the fashion fabric is showing.


From the right side, you will not see any interfacing.


Now it is time to press. Remember press only, lift the iron, place it down on the fabric and press for the amount of time as indicated on your interfacing instructions. After this amount of time, lift the iron to a new area of your fashion fabric and press again. Continue until the entire facing is fused.


Ta-da - a nice finished edge. No raw edges or mis-matched threads. Doesn't it look nice?



Now to catch up on some comments

Lindsay T posted on my Simplicity 3536 shirt

How does the neckline look on you? It looks pretty on your dressform and in the pattern, but I think this might be one of those styles you have to try before you buy. At least it would be for me.

I wore this top to work today and have to say, I did like the top and the neckline. I had to put a cami under the top as the neckline is low and when I bend over, you can see straight down to my navel. I sure didn't want that look! The cami does show a bit at the neckline but it is a nice layering effect. I added a fun, chunky necklace and felt pretty darn good.

Gwen posted on Sample Sewing

The sewing classes sound fun! I was thinking about maybe making potholders for favors - could you say a bit about them? Is there special heat resistant material in the middle? Thanks!

Thanks, Gwen. I made my potholders 8" square (finished size), I used 2 layers of quilt batting but there is heat resistant material out there. I like it better but didn't have any in my stash. I did not bind my potholders but sewed the pieced section, back and batting together, left an opening. Turned it right side out, then stitched 1/4" all around to finish it off. Hope that helps.

Tany on same post

Beautiful wine bag, embellished tea towel and potholder. How do you manage to sew this much? I really envy you

Thank you, Tany, it means so much, you are such a expert seamstress and I am always in awe of your work. I would love to see your garments in person. I work 8 to 1 everyday, then come right home to my sewing room. I get a couple of hours in before the twins get home from school. Right now they have softball after school and don't get home until 5:30 or 6. This gives me extra time for sewing, housework and cooking. Then there are times like tonight, I can't sleep! I cut out a top and a dress.

Bonnie D on Project Runway Tunic

What kind of pants will you wear with this tunic length?

I wore it on Sunday with very dressy jeans. I am tall - 5'9" so the tunic hits at the high thigh. I think I need to buy/make dark brown slacks, too.

Robyn on Christine Jonson top and Giveaway

So why was the Amy Butler purse a wadder?

I totally messed it up. The lining and the outside fabric have to match up for the handle. I mis-measured and one was higher than the other one. I was frustrated and wanted to make another Amy Butler pattern with handles. I don't really carry a purse without handles, so it made sense to give this bag pattern away.

Okay, I think I am caught up and I am going to be better about responding sooner. Time just gets away from me.

Thanks to Virginia, she found one more set of favor boxes, so Paige has 4 sets. Hurray. Oh, more exciting news on the wedding, Paige's wedding dress in on order. She looked so beautiful and didn't want to take this one off. A sure sign this was the one. I found it on the rack, while she was trying on other dresses. She wasn't sure about trying it one, so I get to tease her about this.

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