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Learn & Create

SINGER® Needles
What does the colours on the needle mean? You may have noticed the SINGER needles have different colours on the shanks. This is not just to decorate them. It is a code to help you know what type of needle it is. Below we have the codes that, so you know which needle type correlates with what colour. Making choosing the correct needle for your next project.Needle Style Colour: Red is for woven fabrics (2020)

26th Jun 2019

How to Feed Fabric Through Your Machine Correctly
When sewing, make sure you are not tugging or holding firmly to your fabric in front in any way. This also goes for dragging it out the back. Let the machine pull the fabric through at its own pace.The only thing you really need to help with is steering left and right. This will prevent the needle from coming forward / back and taking chunks out of the front or back of the hole in the needle plate.

24th May 2019

Lonely Hearts Giselle
When I first finished this dress it was a rainy autumn day outside. I put it on and wasn't immediately sold. I had found the final instructions for finishing off the ruffle and waist tie frustratingly lacking and so I wasn’t in the best mood. I told myself to wait a little bit for some sunshine and then try again because this fabric is a little bit special.In 2013 Arthur Toye, an NZ fabric institution with stores all

24th May 2019

Pyjamas with Gift Bag
Create your own set, ready for any sleepover.Shopping list Existing pyjamasPattern making equipmentSewing machineOverlockerZipper foot4m of cotton jersey fabric (will depend on size of clothing)2m of elastic 25mm thick35m ZipperScissorsPreparationPrepare patterns, following steps in Drafting Patterns Part 1. If you make any changes to the existing patterns (e.g. Longer hem or shaped seams) ensure that you do this fo

16th May 2019

Legs Eleven
Wow I just realised that when I first started writing blog posts for Singer Sewing Australia 2 years ago my eldest boy had just turned 11 and this week my youngest boy, Noah  turned 11.So I thought I’d dedicate this blog post to Noah and the creations that I’ve made for him in the past year. If you’ve seen my posts on my Facebook page Little Pickers you would notice that Noah models a lot of my creations. What y

18th Apr 2019

Professional Buttoned Shirt
Create your own shirt ready for any occasion.Shopping listExisting work shirtPattern making equipment2x contrasting fabric, 20cm each Sewing machineOverlocker1.5m cotton fabric0.5m contrasting fabriciron on interfacing1.5m bias binding in contrasting colourIronscissorsEdge joining Presser foot (optional)Buttonhole footButtonsButton foot (optional)PreparationPrepare patterns, following steps in Drafting Patterns

10th Apr 2019

Drafting your own patterns- Part 3 (Darts)
Darts are necessary when sewing to add shape to a garment, typically around the bust and back area.You will need:Clothing with dartsPattern Making RulersPencilScissorsSteps:Using your garment, trace the first half, up to the dart pointMeasure the size of your dart e.g. 0.8cm, (tip: if you measure to the fold you will need to double the measurement e.g. 1.6cm).On your paper, add 1.6cm to the end of your paper. Holding

22nd Mar 2019

Join the Dark Side… with Pleats and Pintucks
After watching Star Wars the Last Jedi and seeing Kylo Ren’s new and improved costume I knew I wanted to make it.At a quick glance its all just basic black pieces but when you get up close and really into it there is so much texture and detail worked into it all.To start things off was the fun task of the main tunic.With a bit of research, the main fabric is a lightweight black woven with copper/gold stitch details.T

20th Mar 2019

Drafting your own patterns- Part 2 (Collars and Cuffs)
Typical collars and cuffs are encased therefore making them harder to trace the seam with the seam allowance included. Follow the steps below on how to make the job easier!Baking/tissue paperClothing with collar or cuffPattern Making RulersPencilScissorsSteps:Identify where your collar, stand or cuff seams are on your garment.Using Backing paper or tissue paper, place over the top of your garment.Using your Pencil tr

15th Mar 2019

Sewing Practice Sheets
Download the sewing practice sheets, without any thread in your machine follow the lines to practice your sewing skills and control of the machine. Recommended for beginner sewers and children.Download Practice Sheet

13th Mar 2019

Drafting your own patterns- Part 1
Pattern drafting is a term that often 'scares' dressmakers, who then shy away from it. Here is a quick and easy way to introduce you to pattern drafting which allows you to build confidence and skill.You will needButches paperClothingPattern Making RulersPencilScissorsSteps:Using your existing clothes, turn them inside out in order to include the seam allowanceUsing a pen and ruler, draw a straight line down to one s

7th Mar 2019

Foam Toy Blocks with Appliques
These foam blocks are covered with colourful fabrics, and each also features a single square with an appliqued letter or number.Your little one will have fun playing with these soft and “quiet” toys! Make them in any size you like – the blocks shown are 4” (10cm) square.Shopping List:Everything you need to complete this project in one place. Use this convenient checklist to ensure you have all the required materials

26th Feb 2019