So So Into Academy

10 Types of Fabric and How to Use it

Sanel Van Staden — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:55:02 +0000

10 Types of Fabric and How to Use it

When it comes to using your fabric the right way, you might get a bit lost. Here are 10 fabrics and how best to use them:

Lace
Leather
Linen
Satin
Polyester
Silk
Spandex
Viscose
Velvet
Cotton

Lace

Lace is a rather delicate fabric that is used for decorative pieces of clothing or designs. Usually made from cotton and other synthetic fibres, this luxury material finds a home in many closets.

Lace is mainly used for decoration. Be it lingerie, wedding dresses or evening pieces. If you are looking to get creative with your designs, this is where you can incorporate lace.

Leather

The toughness of leather is not just in its feel but in its character. People like James Dean made the leather jacket a staple amongst young men. And so the trend began across the globe.

A touch fabric, leather needs a rather thick and sturdy needle. If you are looking to make a very durable outfit, jacket or even another project, leather is a great choice. You can use it from clothing to furniture.

Linen

Soft but strong, linen is mainly used for household items. This ranges from towels to bed sheets. It is hard to find a house without linen in it.

The best way to use it would be exactly for that. For household projects and the inner linings of jackets or other items of clothing. Not only will it feel good, but it will also help to regulate your body temperature.

Satin

Satin is a shiny, elastic-like fabric that drapes beautifully. Satin is the kind of fabric that you would use for an evening gown. The way it falls, shines and feels gives the perfect evening look.

Polyester

Durable polyester is made from man-made fibres. Known for its strength, the best way to utilize Polyester is to strengthen other fabrics. This can also be in upholstery and cushioning.

Silk

The common saying, as soft as silk, is not at all wrong. Its shiny nature and softness are what makes this material so special. Silk is versatile that means you can use it for things like:

Bridal gowns
Bedding
Upholstery fabric
Evening Dresses

And more! Just be sure to use the right needle and thread.

Spandex

Probably the most elastic of the fabrics, spandex is made to stretch. The best reason to use spandex would be athletic wear. Spandex also has the benefit of its breathability. Another reason could be breathable undergarments.

Viscose

Viscose is the best alternative to pricey material. It falls or drapes as if satin. You can use it for anything from curtaining to blouses and jackets.

Velvet

A compilation of short-cut fibres gives velvet its famous look and shine. Almost strictly for special occasions, velvet is the kind of material you would use for evening wear. You can even go as far as to use velvet in your home, especially to cover cushions.

Cotton

Versatile and stable, cotton is a great material for nearly any situation. These include:

Clothing
Bedsheets
Underwear
Cushions
Home decor

Stock Up

Without the right pieces in your sewing kit, you cannot get your projects right. To stock up on all your sewing essentials, click here.

Author: Andrea Frisby

5 Books Every Sewing Fanatic Must Read

Sanel Van Staden — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:08:52 +0000

5 Books Every Sewing Fanatic Must Read

Books are always a great way to find inspiration. It will give you an opportunity to learn a bit more about your craft. We have made a list of books that will be enjoyed by any sewing fanatic.

Tilly and the Buttons
Draping: The Complete Course
The Pattern Magic Series
Boundless Style: A Mix-And-Match Sewing Pattern Workbook
The Great British Sewing Bee

Tilly and the Buttons

Tilly and the Buttons. Author: Tilly Walnes

A great book for any beginner in the sewing art, this book comes with tips and patterns to get you started. This book also comes with quick and easy designs for the time-sensitive individual.

Each project has an estimated time that it should take paired with the perfect pattern. What’s not to love? If you are a beginner ready for sewing tips and patterns, this is the one for you. It will also be a great way for you to finish up a quick project in time for all your other responsibilities.

Draping: The Complete Course

Draping: The Complete Course. Author: Karolyn Kiisel

For the more advanced sewist, draping is a great way to push your skillset. This wonderful book is filled with everything you need to start designing and creating your own patterns.

Each pattern is paired with a QR code that is linked to a video. That means not only will you get all the steps, but you will also get the live version. It is almost like taking a class in patterning.

The Pattern Magic Series

The Pattern Magic Series. Author: Tomoko Nakamichi

Not only one book of pure pattern magic, but an entire series. With beautifully illustrated instructions, these books will take you through some of the most incredible patterns.

The whole series is mainly directed to well-acquainted sewists. It is however a great book of inspiration that any level of sewist can try out.

Boundless Style: A Mix-And-Match Sewing Pattern Workbook

Boundless Style: A Mix-And-Match Sewing Pattern Workbook. Author: Kristiann Boos

Written by the owner of a pattern company, it cannot get much better than this. The book is made up of interchangeable patterns so that you can make your own creations. This is the perfect read for somebody looking to create something very unique whilst still sticking to a pattern.

If you are into vintage style clothing, then look no further. Each pattern gives a rather vintage feel and will have you conjuring up vintage work in no time.

The Great British Sewing Bee

The Great British Sewing Bee. Authors: Multiple

Just as good as the popular TV show, the Great British Sewing Bee series is great for any sewist. Many of the patterns used in the technical challenges are wrapped into these pages so that you can try them out yourself.

If you are looking to grow as a sewist, this is one of the best places to start. Not only will you be entranced with one, but you can carry on to other books in the series until you perfect your craft.

Stocking Up

Before you can start any pattern-making, it is important to have a fully stocked sewing kit.

Have a look here to find a solution to each and every one of your sewing needs.

Author: Andrea Frisby

Stocking Your Sewing Kit The Right Way

Sanel Van Staden — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 09:45:43 +0000

Stocking Your Sewing Kit The Right Way

Date Published: January 31, 2021

Before you can start sewing like a professional, you need to have the right equipment to get you started. That is why we at So So Into It Academy have made a list of all the stuff you need to have a designer sewing kit.

Sewing Machine Needles
Iron
Fabric Scissors
Pin Holder
Thimble
Needle Threader
Tape Measure

Sewing Machine Needles

Certain material requires specific needles and the same goes for your type of sewing machine. Make sure that you do enough research about your sewing machine to know which needles to get.

It’s also important to change your needles depending on the material that you have chosen to use. Denim needs a different needle to silk.

Iron

Every finished piece needs a good ironing. That is why you need to make sure you have the best iron for your finished products. With a subpar iron, you might completely ruin your latest project. Add it to your kit.

Do not forget a sturdy ironing board to go with it. That way, you don’t need to iron on the bed or the dining room table.

Fabric Scissors

You cannot use ordinary scissors to cut fabric. The same way that you cannot use fabric scissors to cut anything other than fabric. These are an essential part of any sewing operation and need their own place in your new sewing kit.

The better your scissors, the easier and more stress-free your sewing experience will become.

Pin Holder

Losing your pins is never a good start, not to mention the danger it could pose. That is why a pin holder is an essential part of your designer sewing kit. It is also a great way to avoid losing pins and having to buy more.

Thimble

Nobody likes to get hurt when enjoying their hobby. That is why we have added a thimble to your box of tricks.

If you bleed all over your pretty fabric, it might be rather hard to get rid of the stains. Get a thimble. It is always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Needle Threader

Wetting the tip of the tread and carefully trying to get it through the eye of a needled can be rather frustrating. It can take anywhere between seconds and minutes.

That is why adding a needle threader to your kit is a great way to save you time and unnecessary stress.

Tape Measure

A tape measure is essential to each and every sewing operation. How will you know what size your project needs to be if you do not have a tape measure? Even if your measurements are slightly off, it might just ruin your entire project.

Other Essentials

Depending on your skills as a sewist, you might require a few more essentials to add to your new designer kit. Why not visit Fabric8 to find all the best supplies for your craft.

Author: Andrea Frisby

Homestyle DIY Home Sewing Projects

Sanel Van Staden — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 09:26:06 +0000

Homestyle DIY Home Sewing Projects

Date Published: January 31, 2021

Now that we are all stuck indoors, you might be looking at your furniture a bit more than usual. That is why we have compiled our top 5 homestyle DIY home sewing projects for you to try while you are stuck indoors.

DIY Curtains
DIY Fabric Floor Mat
DIY Reversible Pot Holders
DIY Cirrus Duvet

DIY Curtains

We spend a great deal of our time looking at our curtains. Now that we are all spending time indoors, it is rather important that we enjoy what we are looking at. If you are a keen sewist looking to make a change to your living room or your bedroom, look no further.

These DIY rod pocket curtains are the perfect project for anybody advanced in the craft.

Here is a list of what you will need:

Drapery fabric of your choice
Thread to match
Matrical Scissors
Pencil (or a fabric marker)
Measuring tape
Pins
An Iron

Now that you have all your bits and pieces, click here to see the whole DIY breakdown of how to get started on your lockdown project.

DIY Fabric Floor Mat

Another part of our house that we might be constantly looking at is the floor. Maybe your rug is a bit old, or you have just been looking at it for so long that it is about time for a change. Luckily as a sewist, you have the skills to make that change.

Here is everything you will need for this new project:

1.3-1.8 meters of fabric (canvas or outdoor depending on your preference). You can alternate the measurements depending on the mat that you want.
Cheap yoga matt (to act as the structure within the mat)
Thread to match the colour of your fabric

A good idea would be to choose a material that is water or stain-resistant, especially if you are placing it under a coffee table.

Now that you have everything that you need, it is time to get started on your project. Click here for all of the steps.

DIY Reversible Pot Holders

Pot holders are a great accessory for any dinner set. This is especially true if you have some scrap material lying around that needs to be put to use. Not only will they protect your dinner table or kitchen cabinets, but these pot holders are also 2-sided. That means that you can match 2 different dinner sets with only one pot holder.

Ready to start decorating your kitchen or your dinner table? Here’s everything you will need:

Sewing machine
Heat resistant fabric
Cotton batting to help hold structure
Cotton fabric to match your dinner set
Bias tape
Thread to match each side of your chosen design

Now that you are ready to start improving your dinner set, click here to follow the steps.

DIY Cirrus Duvet

Another activity that we cling to when staying indoors, is lying on our beds. Paid this with a great book or a movie and you might as well be in heaven. The only thing that could make this scenario better is a cirrus duvet.

Cloud-like, there is almost nothing more comfortable. Here is everything you need to get started:

2 king-size flat sheets in the colour of your choosing
Queen size flat sheet for the reverse side
Thread to match your design
Double-needle
Lace, buttons or any other sorts of closure

Ready to get going? Click here for a step-by-step tutorial on how to get your cirrus duvet in no time.

Stocking Up

If you need to do some stocking up or any equipment, tools, gadgets or anything else that your sewing kit is short of, why not visit Fabric8 for the perfect shopping experience.

Author: Andrea Frisby

How to Knit: For Beginners

Sanel Van Staden — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 08:45:50 +0000

How to Knit: For Beginners

Date Published: January 22, 2021

Knitting is a great pastime for anybody that is stuck indoors wondering what to do. Not only will knitting keep you preoccupied in the middle of a pandemic, but it will also have you greeting lovely pieces in no time at all.

Here is everything you need to know about knitting for beginners:

Supply shopping
Casting on
Knit stitching
Casting off
Getting started

Supply Shopping

The first step that you need to follow when it comes to knitting is supply shopping. Without the right supplies, you will never be able to start.

Here is a list of supplies you will need to start your knitting adventure:

Wool: As a beginner, it will be a lot easier for you to work with thicker wool. Thicker wool means a better grip and easiest knit stitching. Opt for something medium weight. The thicker it is, the easier it will be to control in the whole knitting process.
Needles: As a beginner, it will be best to choose wooden or bamboo needles to help you manage the stitching. Metallic or steel needles tend to be more slippery and will therefore be more difficult to conduct.

Casting on

The art of casting is turning loose wool into neat, tight stitches across your needle. This first step of knitting is arguably the most important because, without a neat, good casting, your end product will be rather disappointing.

Click here to watch a video on how to cast on as a beginner.

Stitching

The knit stitch is a great way for beginners to start learning their knitting skills. This knitting backbone is rather simple and can be perfected by even the newest of knitters.

Moving on from casting, this is the second step in the knitting process. Click here for a detailed video on how to successfully start your knitting journey.

Casting Off

Ending the knitting process is just as important as starting it. If you do not cast off properly, all of your hard work can come undone and you will lose a beautiful project.

Casting off is all about getting the wool off of the needles so that you can finally show off your new design.

Click here to watch this in-depth video on how to cast off. The great part about casting off using a video is that you can pause it and replay it to suit your needs.

Getting Started

Starting knitting is an exciting adventure into the world of clothing, blankets and designs. That is why we have included this page that will help you with 23 easy patterns that can be completed by even the newest knitter.

If you need to do some stocking up or any equipment, tools, gadgets or anything else that your sewing kit is short of, why not visit Fabric8 for the perfect shopping experience.

Author: Andrea Frisby

DIY Sewing Projects That Take Less Than 5 Minutes

Sanel Van Staden — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 11:02:51 +0000

DIY Sewing Projects That Take Less Than 5 Minutes

Date Published: January 8, 2021

If you are an eager sewer but prefer to do quick projects, we have a few DIY sewing projects that will not take you more than 5 minutes.

Infinity Scarf
Drawstring Bags
Ribbon Dish Towels
Tissue Holder
Maxi Skirt

Infinity Scarf

These fashion staples also make great gifts. Since the festive season is rapidly approaching, it is easy enough to make a couple of these for some of your friends.

To make an infinity scarf, follow these steps with your chosen material:

Cut around 140cm of fabric in two different pieces.
Make sure that both pieces are lengthwise and equal in length.
Sew the ends of these two pieces together.
Now fold the strip in half and stitch the sides.
Make sure to secure this loop with stitches.

Here is a great video tutorial to help you.

Drawstring Bags

Another great idea for the Christmas season is these quick drawstring bags. They are perfect for wrapping up small gifts in an environmentally friendly way. You could even use these bags as a type of retro Christmas stocking.

To make drawstring bags, follow these steps:

Get a piece of fabric that is 25cm by 18 cm.
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Place your buttonhole 8 cms from the top.
Inside out, fold the fabric in half to create a bag shape and sew the edges.
Now fold it so that the pattern is on the outside.
Stitch the sides again to enclose the previous seam.
Press the seams.

Ribbon Dish Towels

Whatever the holiday or the occasion, a ribbon dish towel makes a great gift. Especially for a housewarming.

Here is a great step-by-step tutorial on how to best craft a ribbon dish towel. This is a great DIY project for decoration too.

Tissue Holder

If you hate tissues falling around in your bags or never having anywhere to put them, it will take you no time at all to make a DIY tissue holder.

So many stores are selling plastic tissue holders that are not environmentally friendly. With this tutorial, you start designing and making your own.

You will need 5 pieces of fabric. Cut each piece of material to 12 cm x 16cm.
Print facing out, fold 2 pieces of material in half lengthwise and press.
Print facing our, fold 2 pieces of material width-wise.
Face the fifth piece of material face side up.
Lay each folded piece on top of number 5 as if closing a box.
All 4 sides of the raw edge should be lined up.
Pin them in place.
Straight stitch all 4 sides with a seam allowance of 1.28 cm.
Make a zigzag stitch around all of the sides. Line it up as close to the above-mentioned stitch as possible.
Trim the excess corners after the zigzag stitching.
Put your tissues inside.

Click here for a pictorial.

Maxi Skirt

Every woman should have a maxi skirt in her cupboard for summer days. Luckily, you can make your own one relatively easily.

Here is a great step-by-step tutorial to help you create your dream maxi skirt. This fashion staple can even be worn in winter if you use the proper material.

Getting Better

If you want to improve your sewing, designing and patterning skills a little more, why not further your training.

At So So Into It Academy, we offer many courses that will help you excel in this industry. Why not give it a go?

Click here to see the courses that we offer.

Author: Andrea Frisby

Hand Embroidery For Beginners

Sanel Van Staden — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 11:15:11 +0000

Hand Embroidery For Beginners

Date Published: December 22, 2020

If you are an eager sewist looking to learn hand embroidery, you have come to the right place. This skill can really enhance your sewing and can help you make some stunning designs.

As a beginner, here is everything you need to know about hand embroidery.

The Essential Supplies

When you start your embroidery journey, you must be sure to have the correct supplies to ensure that your art is a success.

The supplies you will need to get are as follows:

Embroidery Fabric
Embroidery Thread
Embroidery Needles
An Embroidery Hoop
Tracing Supplies

If you are unsure where to get all of the above-mentioned supplies, click here. This website has all the embroidery supplies you will need.

Picking the Fabric

When it comes to choosing fabric for your embroidering, you can choose almost anything. The embroidery needles and thread can pass through most materials, but there are a few that work the best.

These include fabrics like:

Linen/ Cotton Blend
100 % Linen
100% Cotton
Denim
Aida Cloth

These are often the best choices for beginners who are still practising the art of embroidery. Start with cotton and when you are good, move onto denim.

Threading Your Needle

There are a few ways that this can be done. The best place to start is a method called the old fashioned way:

First, start by threading your needle:

Lick the tip of the thread or dip it in water/wax to get it stiff. This will make it easier when threading it through the eye.
If the end is frayed and will not stiffen, cut it off with sharp scissors to create another usable end.

Then thread correctly:

Step 1: Thread a piece of embroidery thread through the eye of the needle. The piece must be long enough to allow a bit of thread to dangle either side of the needle.

Step 2: Tie your thread knot to the long end.

This method is great for beginners because you can remove the tread from the needle and remove the stitching without ever having to cut the tread.

Patterns

The best way to get better at hand embroidery is through practice. To practise, you are going to want to get yourself a pattern so that you can learn the skills before attempting freehand.

For beginners, the best place to start is with a few simple patterns until you feel confident enough to move onto something more challenging.

Here are a few free, simple patterns that will help you begin your embroidery journey.

Transferring Patterns

Once you have chosen the right pattern, you will need to be able to transfer it to the material that you are going to use.

There are various methods to this, the easiest being dressmakers carbon paper:

Place the cool side of your carbon paper face down onto the fabric.
Tape the carbon paper down to ensure it does not move when tracing.
Place your chosen pattern above the carbon paper.
Use a pencil to trace the pattern onto the material. Be sure to be very firm.
With the pattern now on the material, you can begin to embroider.
Once you are done, wipe away the imprinted pattern with your finger, spritz or water before ironing.

Learning All of The Skills

If you are serious about brushing up on your sewing, designing, patterning and embroidering skills, why not consider taking your learning to the next level.

At So So Into It Academy, we offer lots of courses to help you become the best at your craft. Click here to see what we offer. It is never too late to become a professional sewist.

Author: Andrea Frisby

How to Sew By Hand

Sanel Van Staden — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 11:04:33 +0000

How to Sew By Hand

Date Published: December 22, 2020

When it comes to sewing, the best place to start is learning to sew by hand. Often the most important elements of sewing are more efficient when done by hand than by machine. This goes for hems, buttons and other quick fixes.

Here are a few basics you need to know when sewing by hand.

Threading a Needle

Arguably the most important step to learn in the sewing process is how to thread a needle. With the eye of the needle being so small, this can often be a tricky task for even the most experienced sewers.

Here are a few tips to help you when threading a needle:

White background: Thread the needle in front of a white background to make it easier to see the eye finally to thread it through.
Frayed ends: Prevent any frayed ends that might cause difficulty by cutting the thread with sharp scissors.
Stiff thread: Stiffen the thread by using water, wax or saliva.
Second chance: If all else fails, use a needle threader.

The Right Needles

When you decide to start sewing by hand, you need to have the right equipment. First thing’s first, you must get the correct needles.

Keep in mind that each needle has a specific purpose. Thinner needles are suited to thinner or more delicate fabrics whilst thicker or heavier needles are suited to thicker more durable fabric, like denim.

Click here to learn more about choosing the right needle.

The End Knot

Without a good knot at the end of your thread, all of your work is bound to come undone. The more you practise the perfect knot, the better you will get. This is a rather underestimated skill that can even help you out after some machine work.

Follow these tips to get the perfect end knot:

Point out your finger and tie the end of the thread around it.
Hold the knot in place with your thumb.
Now, wrap the thread around your pointer finger where you tied the knot.
With your thumb, push the thread loops towards the tip of your pointer finger.
This is when the loops will begin to wrap around each other.
Now make sure to slide the loose knot to the end of the thread that you are using. Now tug on the thread to tighten the knot.

Back Stitches

Back stitches are the backbone of stitches. This strong and very reliable method of stitching is an important skill to have when it comes to sewing by hand. One of the most fundamental ways that a backstitch is used in zippers.

Let’s get to it:

Pierce the needle through the area in the fabric where you want the seam to begin.
Make sure the needle goes through both layers of material, fairly close to the starting stitch.
Push the needle through the fabric directly in the middle of the first starting stitch.
Repeat step 2.
Continue making a continuum of back stitches.

Buttons

Most clothing items have buttons, that is why learning to sew one by hand is such an important skill as a sewist. The best way to get this right is through a visual tutorial that you can find here.

Ultimately as a sewist, you want to learn all the skills possible to become unbeatable at your craft. The best way to do that is to take a course in sewing, clothing or design to brush up on all of your skills.

Why not click here to learn about all the courses that we at So So Into It Academy have to offer.

Author: Andrea Frisby

10 Must Learn Sewing Skills

Sanel Van Staden — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 07:46:44 +0000

10 Must Learn Sewing Skills

Date Published: December 14, 2020

When it comes to learning to sew, there are a few skills that you must know to stay ahead and really get good at the art.

Operating a sewing machine
Inserting and removing a needle
Adjusting sewing machine tension
Choosing the right thread
Hand sewing techniques
Sewing the zig-zag stitch
Sewing a zipper
Sewing a button
Sewing Scalloped Edges
Invisible zippers

Operating a Sewing Machine

Having a sewing machine is not even half of the work. You need to know how to operate the machine to be able to perfect the art of sewing. To get a hang of your sewing machine you should:

Read the manual
Learn from youtube
Practise on bits of material
Take a course

Inserting and removing a needle

Without having a needle, you cannot sew. It can also be a little dangerous if you do it the wrong way. You can also run the risk of breaking the needle if you do not do these steps accurately.

Interesting and removing a needle can be tricky in the beginning so it is important to follow a few of these tips.

Adjusting Sewing Machine Tension

Without the correct sewing machine tensions, you will run the risk of making mistakes with your sewing. To keep the finish sharp and professional, you have to work on the tension in your machine.

Set up your sewing machine according to the manual
Adjust your tension knob to the right setting
Run seam tests to check the tension

Choosing the Right Thread

There are many reasons why choosing the right thread can define or ruin your outfit:

It might be the wrong colour for the material
It might be too thin
It might be too thick

Keep in mind that each project you start might require a different type of tread for it to come out professionally and to last long.

Do enough research on the work and the tread before you start sewing and ruin your material or waste your thread.

Hand Sewing Techniques

If you are a regular sewist, you must learn to hand sew before you can jump into a machine. Hand sewing is really beneficial when it comes to sewing on a button, fixing a quick hem or patching up a small hole.

Often, this might just be a more convenient way of doing quick jobs. Click here for everything you need to know about hand sewing.

Sewing the zig-zag stitch

If you are into decorating or making your clothing visually appealing, the zig-zag stitch is just for you.

ZIg-zag stitching is also a great way to reinforce your material. To learn how to zig-zag stitch, click here.

Sewing a Zipper

Nearly every item of clothing will require a zipper, that is why this is one of the top skills you need to know as a sewist.

To attach a zipper, follow these steps:

Attach the zipper to your fabric
Sew one side of the zipper into the fabric
Sew the top of the zipper into the material
Check how it looks (is it straight?)
If so, sew the second side of the zipper into the fabric

Sewing a button

Buttons are a very important part of the sewing process. This is often the best place to start when you are a new sewist. Since nearly everything has buttons, you should learn how.

Sewing Scalloped Edges

For those sewists who are a little more creative, this one could be for you. Scalloped edges are a great and creative way for you to decorate your garments.

Whilst it can seem a little tricky, it is easy enough to learn and will really be able to amp up your sewing game. Click here to learn more.

Invisible Zippers

This is one of the more difficult techniques to learn, but once you do, you will be able to make beautiful evening clothes with invisible zippers.

Learn how to sew an invisible zipper here.

Sewing Courses

The best way to get all of the top tips and tricks in sewing is to start one of our courses. Not only will you learn these 10 skills, but you will also become very good at the art of sewing and design.

Click here to learn more about the courses that we offer.

Author: Andrea Frisby

Sewing Patches Onto Your Jeans

Sanel Van Staden — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 12:36:08 +0000

Sewing Patches Onto Your Jeans

Date Published: December 4, 2020

Patches on jeans have become a new, fast-spreading fashion trend. Now that jeans are being sold with patches and a pretty high markup, you must learn how to do it yourself.

Here is everything you need to know about sewing patches onto your jeans.

The Fashion Statement

Patched jeans have quickly become a fashion staple all over again. Starting in the ’90s, pop icons like Britney Spears quickly started spreading this trend internationally. Pretty soon, everybody was wearing patched jeans.

The trend soon died down and virtually disappeared until very recently where it has made a monumental comeback. Now worn by popstars and Hollywood dwellers alike, fashion houses are now starting to sell pre-patched jeans for a rather high price.

Why Making Your Own Is The Best Idea

Making your patched jeans is the best thing you could do when keeping up with this trend. Why?

Yours will be unique: If you start patching your own jeans, you are never going to run into somebody with the same jeans as you. You can go ahead and make them as unique as you want. Decorate them to your own taste and style.
You will be saving money: Not buying the expensive store-bought jeans means you will end up saving a lot of money. Patch a few of the jeans you already own and you will save yourself money.
You could start patching jeans like a business: If you become good at patching jeans and people like your style, you could even start patching jeans for extra money.

Sewing the Patches Onto Jeans

Follow these steps when patching your jeans:

Choose darker or matching thread: The darker thread will make the patch stand out even more as if an outline. The matching thread will keep the emphasis on the patch itself.
Identify the spot where you want the patch and pin the patch to the jeans: 3-5 pins should do the trick.
Thread your needle: Be sure to tie a knot so that the thread does not pull through the eye.
Sew the patch on: take the needle through the outer edge from the inside on the jeans. Keep using a straight stitch at the edge of the patch. Keep the stitch as close as possible for a tight fit.
Tie the thread: Pull the needle through to the inside of the jeans, and tie a knot to ensure the stitch does not pull through.
Remove excess thread: Cut off all excess thread so that it is neat and less likely to pull loose when you are putting your jeans on.

Improving Your Skills

Are you eager to improve your sewing skills and become an expert at jean patching and clothing creation?

At SoSo Into It Academy, we have an array of courses to choose from. Click here to check them out.

Author: Andrea Frisby