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Practical PDF Sewing Patterns

in Beginners· Blogs by Olivia· Free Downloads· Learn to Sew· New to PDF Patterns· Sewing Leave a Comment

Why you need to start using PDF patterns for sewing!

PDF patterns are a godsend for sewers. They allow you to print out a sewing pattern and use it to sew a project all within a short span of time. They may seem complicated and difficult to prepare at first, but this blog post will outline why they are a must have in your sewing process.

A little bit about PDF patterns

A PDF pattern isn’t as out there as you may think, they are, put simply, just a digital version of a printed pattern. You can find PDF patterns online on any sewing website (or similar). They are downloadable and you can save them on to your computer and print them off on regular printing paper using your household printer. If it is a large print, all you need to do is sticky tape them together! This means that through using PDF patterns you will be able to find a pattern you love and begin working on it the exact same day. This saves you from the days of waiting to get a printed pattern.

Why are PDF patterns so great?

Instant sewing

The main benefit to PDF patterns for most sewers is the fact that they can begin sewing as soon as they find a pattern they like. This also saves money as there are many free downloadable PDF patterns and shipping is no longer a cost that you need to factor in. This way, people like us can hold on to that excitement we feel when we find the perfect pattern. This will allow for the initial excitement to last all the way up to the commencement of sewing!

Accessibility

Using a PDF pattern will also mean that you will be able to find, and use, unique patterns from all around the world. There are so many small stores on the internet who sell great PDF patterns that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. This will mean that you will be able to sew unique designs without the fear of running into someone with the same piece whilst being proud of the individuality of your creation. Small stores are also great at producing patterns which cater for a range of different body shapes and sizes, meaning that you will be able to create a well fitting piece without having to make your own adjustments. Overall, the accessibility of PDF patterns brings so many great benefits that will allow you to create your perfect piece.

How to use a PDF sewing pattern

Downloading the pattern

The first thing you need to do when using a PDF pattern is to find one that you love. PDF patterns are all over the internet so spend time browsing to find one you really love. Once you’ve done this, purchase the pattern and download it as a PDF file on your computer. Once you have downloaded your pattern, you will have to locate the file to use it. You will be able to find it in the recent downloads section of your computer.

Printing the pattern

Once you have opened your file, you then have to print out your pattern. All this requires is printing out the sheets you have downloaded with your home printer (if you have one). When printing, you must ensure that the scale is set to 100% so the pattern is printed ‘to scale.’ If you don’t have a home printer, you can take these PDFs on a USB to a printing store such as Office-works and receive your pattern like this. The PDF pattern will be spread out over many different sheets, which, when printed can be put together and combined to create a large pattern.

Assembling the pattern

Most PDF patterns will have margins on each side of the PDF. In order to properly assemble the pattern, you must trim off the edges of each page. To save time, you can invest in a cutter which quickly cuts straight lines across pages, some will even allow you to cut through multiple pages at a time which is super handy!

Once you have trimmed the pattern pages down, you can start to assemble the pattern. The best thing to do is lay out the pattern flat first through discovering which pages fit next to one another. Patterns are generally number or letter coordinated, allowing you to easily locate the pages which fit next to one another. Once you have the pages properly laid out, tape or glue the pages together to ensure that they are being held in place properly.

The final step to assembly is to wait until the glue is dried (if you used glue) and cut out all of the pieces, just as you would for any other pattern.

The final step: sewing

Once all of the pieces have been cut out and assembled, the final step is to begin your sewing.. the most exciting part! There is nothing complex about this step if you’re a regular sewer, you treat these PDF patterns as any other pattern.

Trying out PDF patterns is essential for every sewer. Here at Flosstyle, we deem PDF patterns to be life-changing. Not only do they come with so many benefits, but they are also so easy to use. Trust us when we tell you, PDF sewing patterns will undoubtedly change your life. Make sure to give PDF patterns a go, and let us know how you feel about them!

Happy sewing!

Olivia B

in Beginners· Blogs by Jess· Learn to Sew Leave a Comment

Learn to Sew Part 2 – Sewing Machine Buyers Guide

Buying a sewing machine can be an extremely daunting task, especially for a beginner (hey, it’s daunting even for those who have been sewing for decades!). Rather than providing you with a list of sewing machines to pick from, this guide will outline what to look for when you go sewing machine shopping. If you haven’t already, be sure to read part 1 of our learn to sew series so you know the tools of the trade you need to get you started on your sewing journey. 

We will now go through the features to look out for, and some other options you might like to consider.

Cost 

First things first, sewing machines can be super expensive. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good machine: you don’t even need to buy a brand new machine. These days there are so many second hand options available online on places like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. A benefit of buying a second hand machine is that the person selling it to you will likely give you a quick lesson in how to use it. So not only will you save some money, you will also be set up and ready to go quicker! On the subject of saving money, a machine with basic features might be okay for you now as a beginner, but you won’t be a beginner forever! You might be better off financially to buy a more expensive machine with more features rather than having to upgrade your machine in a year or two down the track.

Stitches 

What stitches does the machine come with? When looking at this, it is important to remember quality over quantity. Some machines come with 100’s of different stitches, and you will realistically only use about 5 of them! You will want to make sure your machine includes the common stitches (straight stitch and zig zag stitch are the ones I use the most), but also, the most common stitches you will use in the projects you want to undertake. It could be worth your while to have a look through the Flosstyle Shop and buy some of the patterns you would like to make when you get your machine and have learnt the basics. Each item in our shop has a skill level rating, and we have a range of free patterns too.  

We would also recommend steering clear of machines that do not allow you to change the length and width of stitches. Most basic machines come with all the basic stitches you could need, but they may not allow you to change the size or width of the stitches, which can cause trouble with future projects you may undertake. 

Drop-in VS front-loading bobbin

A bobbin is a spherical item that thread is wound on. A bobbin is used in your sewing machine is placed in the bottom part of the machine. Sewing machines differ in how the bobbin is placed in the machine. A sewing machine can have either a drop-in or front-loading bobbin. 

A drop-in bobbin (also known as top loading bobbin) is placed in the sewing machine from the top of the sewing area. In most drop-in bobbins, you will need to remove a small plastic cover, place the bobbin in, put the thread in place, and then put the cover back on.  A front-loading bobbin (also known as a bottom loading bobbin) is placed in the machine through a door in front of the needle area, that is actually removed from the machine. The bobbin will need to be put in place, the thread placed through a small groove, and then placed back into the machine. With front-loading bobbins you need to ensure the thread and bobbin remains properly aligned when putting it back into the machine. 

For beginners, we recommend a drop-in bobbin, as it’s much easier to use (which you probably already decided for yourself after reading the descriptions above). It’s also worth noting that the majority of modern sewing machines come with drop-in bobbins. Front-loading bobbins are a lot more fiddly and finicky than drop-in bobbins. Some sewers even consider front-loading bobbins “out-dated”. 

Needle threader 

A needle threader is a must for me, because I am absolutely hopeless at threading a needle without one. However, my mum can thread a needle in a millisecond with no hassles at all. If you’re a beginner with no sewing machine, I would recommend getting a sewing machine with a needle threader. If you have a bit of experience and know you can thread a needle with ease, you can give this one a miss. Once again, it comes down to personal preferences (you will read that a lot throughout this post… sorry, but it’s an important reminder!). 

Instructions and guides 

Now this is super important if you’re a beginner, and especially if this is your first ever sewing machine. When you get home, who will help you use the machine? Some machines come with booklets, DVD’s, and some brands even have YouTube channels with step-by-step guides. When you’re buying your sewing machine, be sure to ask questions about what instruction guide it comes with. You could also look the sewing machine up on YouTube to see if there are any instructional videos available. 

If you’re buying a second-hand machine, please do me a favour and make sure it comes with it’s manual. Although you may be able to google information, and even watch instructional videos on YouTube, the information in the machines manual is super important to have on hand. 

Mechanical VS Computerised 

Sewing machines can be mechanical or computerised. Some people say you should start with a mechanical machine, and others swear by computerised machines. This decision is personal, but to help you out, here is an explanation of the two.

One way to think about it is that mechanical machines are manual, whereas computerised machines are automated. With a mechanical machine, you use dials to choose stitches and change the settings of the machine. Whereas, computerised machines are more advanced and can change between stitches and settings automatically, which can make sewing smoother. Mechanical machines are easier to maintain and simpler to use than computerised machines. However, computerised machines come with a variety of stitches and allow you to create decorative stitches and embroidery. Mechanical machines have fewer stitches and are cheaper to buy than computerised machines. 

I personally started off using my mum’s mechanical machine but transitioned to a computerised machine when I was able to buy my own. I suggest you go with whatever you’re most comfortable using.

Light 

Some sewing machines come with built in lights and others don’t. If your machine doesn’t have a light included, you’ll need to set it up near a lamp or somewhere in really good lighting. A light isn’t a massive issue for me, because I have pretty good eye-sight. However, my mum has poor eye-sight and has to use a lamp and her machine’s in-built light to ensure she can see what she is doing properly. 

Try before you buy 

If possible, visit friends or family with sewing machines to get an idea of the machine you’d like to buy, and the type of features you’d like included in your future machine. Not everyone will be able to do this, but if you can definitely make sure you ask around. Most people will be happy and even excited to tell you all about their machine and help you out. 

Warranty and services

When buying a new sewing machine it’s important to ask questions about the warranty. How long is it? What does it cover? You can probably find this on the website but the shop assistant should be able to help you if you are able to buy your machine in store and not online. It’s worth checking if your machine comes with any services included. Some brands offer services and parts in-line with the warranty, whereas others don’t. 

This is worth considering when you buy a second-hand machine. Second-hand machines are cheaper, but you’re making the decision to disregard warranty. It’s also worth considering how easy (or difficult!) it’s going to be to get spare parts for your second-hand machine. 

Research 

I cannot stress this enough: READ ONLINE REVIEWS BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISION. Ok, sorry for shouting, but it’s really important to do your research! Don’t get me wrong, this blog post is a great starting point, but you really need to do your own online research, especially when you think you’ve found the perfect machine. This final step is the most important one! 

We hope part 2 of the learn to sew guide has been helpful for you in your journey to sewing. Stay tuned for part 3! 

Happy sewing!

Jess 

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in Beginners· Blogs by Olivia· Sewing Leave a Comment

My top 5 sewing tools

Sewing can be daunting to many, with so many scary and funny looking tools to choose from we can understand how easy it is to get overwhelmed. Here at Flosstyle, we aim to help make sewing as simple as possible, hence why we have compiled a list of our top five sewing tools. These tools are what we consider essential for sewing and make a great list of basics to accumulate as a sewing beginner.

It is important to understand your tools and the impacts they have on your sewing. A good set of sewing tools is what sets apart a basic piece of sewing from an advanced one. It is important to remember that the quality of your sewing isn’t based on the amount of tools that you have. It is far more important to have a few really good tools that will aid you in preparing the perfect sewing piece.

Sewing scissors

One of the most important tools in sewing is the scissors you use. Scissors are used for practically everything in sewing. Having a sharp and good quality pair of scissors makes the sewing process much easier, giving you much more control over your work. The most important thing to consider when purchasing a pair of scissors for your sewing is that the scissors are fabric scissors. Any other scissors could potentially ruin your fabrics and work. If you are hoping for one pair of scissors to use universally, a medium or small sized sharp pair is your best bet. These will allow you efficiency whilst still retaining control over your scissor work.

How do I know which sewing scissors are the right ones?

However, if you wanted to cover all basis, different sized scissors are important for different reasons. Large cutting scissors are essential for cutting large pieces of fabric. They cut time and make the process much easier. However, if you’re hoping to create more detailed works, then it is essential that you invest in a good small and sharp pair of scissors. These sewing scissors will allow you to retain control over your work and create beautifully detailed sewing masterpieces.

A sharp seam ripper

No matter how experienced you may be, every sewer makes mistakes. This is why a good, sharp seam ripper is an essential tool in your sewing kit. Seam rippers essentially rid your works of the wrongs you may make, allowing you to quickly fix your work in the case of an accident. The most important feature of a seam ripper is that it remains sharp. Blunt seam rippers simply won’t do as they run the risk of damaging the rest of your sewing project by pulling and ripping the surrounding fabrics. If you already have a seam ripper, make sure it is sharp and as soon as it becomes blunt, replace it! The easiest way to use a seam ripper is to hold the fabric with one hand and, with the other, go up under the stitches and rip them out. This will allow for control over both fabric and seams, ripping seams out in the easiest way possible.

Handy measuring tools

Measuring tools are a staple in sewing, they are used for practically everything. It would be impossible to find a pattern that does not require you to measure out materials prior to use. Since different patterns call for different measurements it is useful to use measurement tools that include both metric and imperial units. Measuring tape is one of the most commonly used measuring tools. Not only does your measuring tape have to be versatile, but it also must be flexible. Sometimes, sewing preparation can be much more complex than measuring out the area of flat pieces of fabric. This is why we recommend you buy measuring tape that is flexible, so it can be wrapped around odd surfaces. Measuring tape isn’t the only measuring tool that you can use. A ruler is also incredibly helpful. If a ruler isn’t as flexible as you would like, a ruler and a piece of wool/string work great together. To measure out lengths, all you have to do is measure it out on your piece of wool/string and measure this segment of string on the ruler. Another measuring tool which sewers may use is a sewing gauge. This tool makes measuring much easier with a slider, meaning you can set the gauge at the length you require, instead of having to locate it on individual lines. These are also really helpful for measuring lengths across curved surfaces or corners. The combination of the three of these items or just one of them allows for simple and accurate measurement, a key aspect of a good piece of sewing.

The perfect pins

There are many different types of pins and it can be easy to get confused about which ones are important in sewing. Pins allow for your pattern to be held in place while you sew and also secure smaller bits into your piece. Straight pins are the most common type of pins, these are pins made of a straight piece of wire with a pointed end. There are different types which differ with thickness, length and the material the heads and tips are made of. The most common type of straight pin is a ballpoint pin. These are pins which have rounded points, this means that they are great at holding together fabrics which are delicate such as knits. There are many different ballpoint pins depending on their sizes, however, these are commonly used by sewers across the board. Another type of pin is the dressmaker’s pin. These pins are classic and can be used for any type of fabric. They avoid fabric damage due to their small pinhead. The third most common pin is a glass head pin. These pins are fine which means that they can be used on delicate fabrics such as silk. They are also really good to iron over as glass tips will not melt when in high heat. Choosing pins may seem daunting but the three main types are listed out for you in this article. The most important thing is that you understand what materials each is used for and why. Through obtaining the perfect pins, you will be able to hold together a wide variety of materials whilst keeping your sewing piece intact.

Wash Away Tape

Wash Away Tape is a tape which holds on to fabrics and, basically, forces them to stay in place. It can also be applied to the fabric to avoid them from stretching out as well as reinforcing seams. This is super helpful when sewing things like zippers, necklines, armholes and pockets. Using wash away tape is a great, easy alternative to having to ‘stay stitch’ fabric. Instead of this, all you have to do is lay down a piece of tape in its desired place, and hold the fabric together. The best part about washj away tape is that it is completely dissolvable. This will mean that you do not need to go back and take it out after it has been used.

We hope that this article has made the crazy world of sewing seem much more simple to you. Believe it or not, sewing isn’t as complicated and costly as it is made out to be, and you can get started with these 5 essential tools to sewing, some which you may already have in your home. As time goes on, you can start to build your collection of tools, but, for the main part, these tools, along with a sewing machine and a passion for patterns, is all you need to start your sewing journey.

Make sure to check out some of our other blogs if you want to learn more from Flosstyle about sewing.

Happy Sewing!

Olivia B

in Blogs by Jess· Christmas Sewing· Sneak Peek Stocking Leave a Comment

Make your own Christmas stocking

I’m not sure if you agree or not, but this year has been the longest year ever, but also the shortest year ever, and just like that, Christmas is on our doorsteps! Christmas is my favourite time of year, and I love decorating my apartment and turning it into my own little Christmas wonderland.  

Christmas stockings are a great decoration for the home, and are also super practical for storing gifts. Christmas stockings themselves can also make great gifts to loved ones. Each year I like to think about handmade gifts that I can buy for my team members at work, as well as my friends and family. Our Sneak Peek Stocking is perfect decor for your home, and a perfect Christmas gift to give. 

The Sneak Peek Stocking pattern is suitable for beginners and as the name suggests, has a super cute sneak peek feature on the front of the stocking. The sneak peek feature makes it perfect for stuffing with all sorts of Christmas goodies like candy canes, chocolates, soaps, candles and of course, toys. Our PDF patterns are so easy to follow, and come with so many hints and tips for creation. If you haven’t used PDF patterns before, we have a number of great blog posts to help get you started. If you’ve never used PDF patterns before, we’ve provided all the benefits that PDF patterns have over traditional patterns in this post. If you’re familiar with PDF patterns but not super confident using them, we have developed a step-by-step guide just for you.   

You aren’t limited to using Christmas themed fabric or even Christmas colours when sewing these stockings. If your little one loves Frozen (let’s be real, they all love Frozen) Spotlight Australia have a variety of your children’s favourite characters on wonderful fabric designs. A themed and personalised stocking could make your little ones Christmas that much more magical. 

Here at Flosstyle we love creating and receiving handmade gifts. When you create something yourself, you know exactly what it’s made from. This means you can ensure it’s safe for your little one’s allergies and sensitive skin. Handmade gifts are unique and personal. Even if you make five different Sneak Peek Stockings, they will all look totally different and unique when using different fabrics. Handmade presents can be easily be personalised. Now I know this sounds a bit cringey, but handmade gifts are truly made with love. When you put your time, thoughts and energy into a gift for someone, the end product shows. 

It isn’t all about the recipient: making the gift is a fun and creative activity for you too. Creativity has all sorts of benefits, but sewing in particular has been proven to improve your overall physical and mental well-being. 

Handmade gifts are great for the people in your life that have it all. They’re also good for picky people, because you can ensure it’s customised to their liking and preferences. Another bonus, handmade gifts can help you use up your leftover fabric stash. Depending on the materials you use, handmade gifts can sometimes save you money but this isn’t always the case. 

If you’re stuck for ideas for Christmas presents, or wanted to have your own perfectly customised stockings hanging up in your home, give our Sneak Peek Stocking a go for Christmas this year! 

Happy sewing!

Jess 

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