Do you skip stay stitching??😅 Or are you going to do it all the time now? If you like this video, you'll love what I have at Vintage Sewing School...come join me and up-level your sewing! www.vintagesewingschool.com/
Evelyn Wood no I don’t, not anymore but I love the level up step, I hate removing it , so I don’t I just leave it in a cut it when I notch the curves. But now I’m going to try this new technique!
I’m making my daughter a raglan t-shirt. I put in the stretch collar and it was terrible because it wasn’t even. When I took the collar off, the neck was all stretched out. I’ve been delaying the redo. (I washed it to help reshape the neck.) Yesterday I admitted to my sewing friend that I had put off finishing the shirt because of the collar. She suggested I stay-stitch. I slapped my forehead because it was so obvious. Later I saw your video. I wondered if it was necessary for knits. Yes, it is.
When I first started sewing, I was always frustrated that my neckline facings and collars never matched my neckline. Then I decided to not skip a single step in the instructions-including the stay stitching-and suddenly everything matched up beautifully. 😆
Same here. I would then steam the fabric to get it to shrink up a bit. My mom saw me doing this and mentioned the stay stitching prevents the neckline from stretching.😋 Lesson learned.
Yesterday I bought my fabric for my first sewing project in 36 years. I've watched your videos to learn what I never knew. Tomorrow I'm to wash and iron the fabric and hopefully transfer the pattern from the tissue paper to a heavier one. Stay stitching is something I never knew about. I probably would have skipped it if not for this video. Thank you for the time you put into them.
Thank you for including the examples with and without stay stitching. I was just sitting there thinking I was having a hard time visualizing how the stay stitching helped when sure enough there you were with the demonstration! Much appreciated.
I failed 8th grade home economics (never finished a project) because I resented that it was required for girls. Later, necessity forced me to teach myself to sew occasionally, but I was never satisfied with my work. Now, at the tender age of 65, I've decided to have another go. You're a marvelous teacher, very charming and fun to watch!
I can truly appreciate this video. I am breaking into my first vintage pattern and I read the definition of stay stitching and I was like “my heart wants me to skip this step, but my mind is telling me to search RUclips for why this is necessary “ then you popped up like the sewing fairy godmother I never knew I needed 💝
Evelyn, I’m so thrilled I found you. What a fabulous uncomplicated teacher you are. I’m 74 and have dabbled with sew all my life. But normally craft. I did a bit of patchwork etc etc. but I’m absolutely green when it comes to dress making. And actually, using my machine to its full potential. I want to start making tops for myself as I struggle to buy tops that fit. I have to alter everything , and I’m not great at that. So I’m going through your videos one after the other and sooo enjoying them. I am learning so much. I shall shall watch each one several times before attempting to make a top because as you get older you don’t remember as well as you used to. Thankyou for everything and for being there. Xxx
I am a new sewer. I’m now working on my first project. A pair of flannel pajama pants for my boyfriend. I have watched many videos and taken notes so that I can do a good job. I enjoy the knowledge that I get from watching your videos especially as I like how you explain things fully. You’re a good teacher. Thank you 🙏🏻
I tried to skip stay-stitching once on a nightgown when I was a teen and my Mom SCREAMED at me like I'd just tried to stick my finger in a power outlet, then pretty much did what you did in the video with the two examples. I haven't skipped it since then.
dang i don’t think that was necessary lmao, i’m sorry you got screamed at 😢 but thank you for this illustrious comment, i think i will remember it too.
I have been a stay-stitcher from the very beginning, and a directional stay-stitcher at that. I didn’t know much when I started, just the few things my busy mother suggested. Therefore, I did what the pattern told me to do; I figured there was a reason the instructions were there. I also looked everything up in my mother’s Singer sewing book. I still refer to it from time to time. To this day, I love reading through instructions, even if I decide to go a different route than suggested by the directions. There is always something new and improving to learn! Thank you, Evelyn, for you cheerful, instructional video!
Top to bottom, wide to narrow, what you do to one side you do to the other. Reminders on my chest sheet above a sewing machine. I always stay stitch, just inside the seam allowance. I think it takes a little pressure off of the finished seam. You said it quickly but I think one of the most important messages you gave in this video is to follow the contour of the fabric and not force the fabric in a straight line which could be added to your list of sewing habits to avoid.
I’m on a marathon rewatching all of your videos over the holidays! This one in particular hits close to home. In earlier years I skipped this step. My thought process was easy. Why stitch now when I’m going to be stitching it in a few minutes with the facing? No need to do this extra step, Nancy! My collars never fit just right nor the facings or bands, but I finagled the fabric until it sort of fit😬. Now in my 70’s and all of these marvelous teaching videos available, I call myself a real seamstress. I am so appreciative for all of you that give so freely to teach the world to sew and enjoy the journey. My prayers lift you up daily, Evelyn.❤️
I'm a stay stitcher. I remember a classmate had a problem with not doing it and our teacher had her dampen the bodice and press it back into shape. She was lucky it was a checked fabric as she could see whether the warp and weft were straight without using a ruler. It took her two dampening and pressing sessions before she was good to go again. This was the same class where I learned the difference between pressing and ironing, and my teacher saying "If you're going to wear it, then you PRESS it".
Stay stitching is like hand basting. I skipped it when I first began sewing, but now I would never skip the step. A few extra minutes produces a much better finished garment.
I never did stay stitching unless the pattern said so in the instructions, which was not often. Now i will be doing thing this every time I sew those challenging curves. Thanks for the valued info. God bless
This reminds me of when historical costumers (Bernadette Banner in particular) will thread mark (I think) their sewing lines with a quick running/basting stitch.... I think it''s before they cut the fabric? I know one reason for this is for visibility and to keep the lines as chalk wears off easily, and it allows the line to be visible on both sides of the fabric, but looking at this I wonder if this also served as a form of stay stitching. On that note, I wonder of stay stitching would be more effective, if more cumbersome, to do before cutting, or at least before cutting fabric right next to where the stay stitching is needed most, like the neck hole.
Good question! I think if your doing it by hand like you suggest, then yes, it may be easier and more beneficial to before cutting. Particularly if your using patterns without seam allowance on them, as your stay stitch would serve as your stitchline guide for sewing and cutting seam allowances!
@@Evelyn__Wood Great idea..I'm sewing by hand and I'm thinking it would be more convenient to stay stitch before cutting. This is my first time sewing a blouse so I was watching your video about mistakes with facings coz I realized I don't know how to attach them! That's where I learned the existence of stay stiching.
Yes, I stay stitch when I saw how fabric behaved. Sigh. We learn from mistakes. Question. When you discussed basting vs stay stitching you mention stay stitching is temporary. Basting is temporary but did not know that stay stitching was as well. I just left it in. Learned something new.
Used to staystitch, but not so much the unde stitching, now I understand why both are necessary.... again absolutely great demo / videos on these subjects
I posted this on two other of your episodes but I wanted to add it here because I think it is SUCH a Smart Tip for dealing with "Bias Cut" fabric or Making something "On the Bias" as it were but it ALSO deals with ""Stay Stitching" to hold your fabric from stretching, unraveling and/or puckering?! :D I am going to impart a "Sewing Tip" for dealing with "Bias Cut Fabric". Many years ago when I was making my VERY FIRST "Bias Cut Plaide Doublet" for my "Lord Shane O'Neill" costume for the Bristol Ren Faire here in Wisconsin. My FIRST Attempt was DISASTROUS, which ended up with me going BACK to the fabric store to get MORE Plaide and THANKFULLY they had JUST ENOUGH left of the pattern I wanted to use! While at the fabric store... I asked the lady at the cutting counter HOW I could avoid my fabric "Puckering" when I'm sewing it! JUST then, this sweet older lady walked up and said, "I couldn't help overhearing what you were asking her? I've been sewing a LONG TIME and I have a VERY easy solution for you!" Here is what she told me.... Iron out the fabric FIRST! THEN Using HEAVY DUTY/THICK "Fusible Interfacing" and cut EVERY Piece of the Doublet out ON the Interfacing FIRST! THEN, Place it onto the fabric on the "WRONG SIDE" and make SURE it is in the EXACT/PROPER PLACE You want/need it to be with the angle of the Pattern, and PIN IT IN PLACE! {She also said to do EACH PIECE Separately to make SURE You are working on ONE PART at a time to avoid Confusion!} THEN making SURE that the Interfacing is on the "WRONG SIDE" of the fabric, Iron it down onto the fabric! Again doing this for EVERY SEPARATE PIECE! THEN, "STAY STITCH" the edges of EVERY PIECE! THIS will ENSURE that it won't EVER "SLIP" Or "PUCKER"! I actually WROTE this all down AS she was telling me and I STILL have that little "Sewing Note Book" to this VERY DAY! :D So That is MY "TIP" for you all! I hope it helps someone? Joe
I was today years old when I learned about stay stitching from Evelyn Wood. I find the idea quite exciting and will probably remember it because its so cool.
I’ve never worked off commercial patterns, so no instructions. Made my own, but I didn’t know staystitching was a thing. Now I know why things went wrong. I’ll add that to the other list of steps I shouldn’t skip. I found out the hard way that pins don’t replace the good old fashioned basting stitch (I knew this one because it was taught to me) before heading to the machine.
Thank you Evelyn! I used to look for 20 sec videos and get frustrated for not getting the results I wanted. But you explain things so clearly that I stay for the whole video and find myself learning so much. Thank you. I have improved my understanding so so much. I also love your style and personality. Wishing you all the love and support in your cancer journey, you got this and thank you❤️❤️
This couldn't have come at a better time. I never stay-stitched before, but now I'm working with a very shifty brocade and didn't know how to handle it. I think this will help. Thank you!
I just watched Daryl Landcaster of Threads Magazine's video on stay stitching. Her rules are widest to narrowest, highest to lowest. In a neckline for example she stitches from the shoulder to the lowest part of the neckline and stops. She then repeats it on the other shoulder to the lowest part of the neckline. Shoulder seams are from the neckline to the armhole with a jog for any darts that you may have marked. She said if you're unsure take your finger and apply as much pressure as the presser foot and run it along the stay stitching line. If the fabric stays flat that is the direction you should stitch. If the fabric distorts or skews you're going in the wrong direction.
This is great! I've never quite understood why patterns make me stay stitch 😅 AND my sewing machine always "gets wild" when I try to stay stitch, so I can't wait to try your techniques on my next project! Thanks for making this video 😊
THANK YOU EVELYN! 💕 You motivated me to start sewing again. You have also alleviated my fears of making mistakes and trying new things. I think you are a kind, generous and overall wonderful person. 🌹
How timely! I just stay-stitched my first garment yesterday and I couldn't fathom what it was for. I also had to do some understitching for the pockets and used your video.
I always skipped stay stitching (I understood what it was but naively thought it was only 'delicate' fabrics you need to do it for) but never again after watching this!
I do stay stitch, what I did not know was the stitch length, thank you for another great sewing tutorial, you never learn enough when it comes to sewing, thank you 🙏 “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”.
Thanks a lot for another really useful video. I have a request - should you be interested in this topic! - for a refashioning video: how to reline a vintage coat and add an underarm gusset. (It's a selfish ask: I have a 1940s A-line corduroy ladies' coat that's too snug at the arm opening; the lining seems to be smaller than the coat sleeve itself. And the hem puckers in slightly odd ways, as if tugged upward from inside, which I assume is a related problem.) Anyway, thanks again for your videos. I only just started sewing and I find your content both super useful and demystifying/encouraging. So: with gratitude.
Thank you! I have been sewing for over 40 years (mainly self-taught), but I never knew to remove the stay stitching or how far to stitch from the edge, and it made it difficult to grades the seams of bulky fabrics. Recently I made a coat for my great niece, and I was wondering just why I needed to stay stitch. I always did it, but I would stitch about quarter inch away from the fabric and I never removed the stitches. You are a wonder :)
Great video. I have learned so much from you, thank you! I have never skipped that step, but never understood it and I would always wonder if I was supposed to take it out or not. I don't recall the patterns telling me, "Now remove the stay stitching." I did remove it sometimes when it seemed to show through...but since it was called stay stitching...I assumed it was supposed to stay. LOL
Omg!!! I’ve been so baffled by this… 😣 I honestly was getting infuriated why there was always a ‘mistake in the pattern’ because it didn’t tell me when it was time to undo the stay stitching… 😅😅 since watching this video a year ago, I have always stay stitched because it made so much sense to hold things in place while sewing. Then I’ve always just picked a good time when I thought that I no longer needed it holding things together and removed it!! 😋 but now that I finally revisited this video and re-read the instructions on the patterns (1.5cm seam allowance and stay stitch at 13mm from raw edge), I totally now get that the stay stitching is supposed to stay in for added support ☺️👍 I feel like whenever I’m struggling with anything, I just watch your videos (even if I have your channel just playing in the background) and everything just falls into place like your guiding me with you angelic goddess magic. 💗🥰
Thank you so much! I am a beginner and doing my first blouse, and the book tells me to do stay stitching first and the colar and sleeves opening, and I was like "what the hell is stay stitching?" So you video came just at the right time and helped me sooooo much. I love how you explain things it is always so easy to understand ^_^ Thanks a lot again.
After 16 years I have begun sewing garments again and yes I am now older ,wiser, less impatient, more time available to me and have taken to stay stitching realising its value . Thanks for the class, I have subscribed .
I'm very much an experienced novice at sewing lol (i.e. I have seen a lot but not used patterns and done my share of mending.) Recently I picked up a robe pattern thinking it wouldn't be too hard and step one was to stay stitch. It looked like they sewed the front and back neckline together and I sat puzzling at it for a good 30 minutes not understanding it at all. This video helped clarify why and how to stay stitch! Thank you!
Got my machine when I was 12 (1969). One summer of lessons at Sears, and I quit. A month ago, I was given a machine. I fell in love with it (vintage 50s machine). You could use my first efforts as examples of how to go wrong. I’m improving with each garment (5 this month) and I intend to follow you as I mature.
Thank u so much. As a mostly self taught sewer, I have been sewing for 20+ years. But i would consider myself an experienced beginner...trial & error has taught me much, but I'm so glad i found your channel!! I've never stay stitched anything, except maybe my bridesmaids' dresses. That was from fear!! They turned out really well but still didn't learn! 😁 Now I'm copying a dress I own (drafting a pattern) & it's slippery fabric... All the don't's at once! So, about to gather.. Will stay stitch the skirt first.. You make this all make sense!!!❤️
Great help. My Grade 8 Home Economics teacher didn't explain why it's important. I want to learn the proper way to sew, so thank you for this and all your other videos.
Your video came up on the list when I searched for what is, and how to, stay stitch. I loved your uncomplicated way of instructing, and the comparison using and not using stay stitching. I used to sew many years ago, but always cut out anything that didn't seem necessary, so my garments always seemed cheap and I didn't wear them much. Now, being older, I want to do things well and not hurry just to finish them. I subscribed and am looking forward to learning so much more from you. Thanks for making these videos!
Im really glad I found this channel. I don’t do much garment sewing yet but these techniques will still be helpful for sewing handbags and other projects.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been sewing for years but these little hints are so applicable to some of the problems I've encountered that have ended up with disappointing finished garments. Your other video on understitching was also worth its weight in gold. I've never bothered to staystitch even though the pattern said to but now I'm a convert. Same with understitching. Thanks so much for your help.
Just yesterday I was sewing a 3/4 circle skirt with a yoke. I'm large, the skirt was heavy and I was SO glad that I remembered to stay stitch that skirt 😅
Thank you for this really helpful video Evelyn. I am about to sew the bodice for only my second dress and decided to stay stitch in keeping with the instructions. Watching your video means that I actually know what I’m doing 🤷♀️
I have found that if I reduce the pressure of the presser foot I can keep stay stitching from stretching things out as I do the stitch. Much like marking the center on pieces, this step is often omitted in sewing directions for patterns, so I have been trying to create some sheets of basic steps to remember to do regardless of instructions because I forget to do it all the time.
Michele yes this is a great tip and could help info many situations! Thankyou for sharing it. I like the idea of making your own guides too, I recommend keeping a sewing journal to my students!
I use either my serger or my coverstitch machine (whatever happens to be on the table) and set it to chainstich and the differential feed to a minimal gather. This way I compensate for any stretching that might happen while I stitch as well as for the fact that a chainstitch has a slight give to it. Unpicking is fun, you just shorten the needle thread at the end of the seam, pull the looper thread and the stitch line comes out. It is another use for these terribly expensive machines. When I have really delicate fabric and don't trust my heavy paws with it (I'm better with tweed and leather than with chiffon and light jerseys 🤭 ) I iron on a thin strip of fusible interfacing, clipping it as I go. So I don't need to handle the fabric at all.
i adore your personality. you're so jolly and instantly snap me out of bad moods! Just about to tackle my first ever pair of trousers with a classic waistband. i detest waistbands they always seem to come up short. and i suspect this is likely down to not knowing i have to staystitch. so. thanks for this i'm making sure i include this step!
I recently made a shirt with a lining and could not figure out for the life of me why the neckline ended up so baggy! Next time I won’t skip the stay stitching step. Thank you!
Do you skip stay stitching??😅 Or are you going to do it all the time now?
If you like this video, you'll love what I have at Vintage Sewing School...come join me and up-level your sewing! www.vintagesewingschool.com/
Evelyn Wood no I don’t, not anymore but I love the level up step, I hate removing it , so I don’t I just leave it in a cut it when I notch the curves. But now I’m going to try this new technique!
I Have always done it..learned the right way and never skip important steps. Stay stitch doesnt really need to be removed unless it shows.
Wonderful. I have before... and yes it just mucks things up. Thank you for such a great video,
I’m making my daughter a raglan t-shirt. I put in the stretch collar and it was terrible because it wasn’t even. When I took the collar off, the neck was all stretched out. I’ve been delaying the redo. (I washed it to help reshape the neck.) Yesterday I admitted to my sewing friend that I had put off finishing the shirt because of the collar. She suggested I stay-stitch. I slapped my forehead because it was so obvious. Later I saw your video. I wondered if it was necessary for knits. Yes, it is.
All the time! Making my wife a dress and see how it will be smooth and professional because of a simple technique.
When I first started sewing, I was always frustrated that my neckline facings and collars never matched my neckline. Then I decided to not skip a single step in the instructions-including the stay stitching-and suddenly everything matched up beautifully. 😆
😂😂😂 Brienne we all learn the hard way!
Same here. I would then steam the fabric to get it to shrink up a bit. My mom saw me doing this and mentioned the stay stitching prevents the neckline from stretching.😋 Lesson learned.
😂😂😂 Same thing happened to me. Before I figured out how to stay stitch my collars were always off by a little bit. a huge lifesaver!!
I still face the same so I'll start now😝
Can this be used on the waist for a waist band?
I just started sewing and I consider you my sewing teacher, ma'am❤️
😍😍 Aww I'm so flattered! I'll do my best and I hope you create wonderful things!
@@Evelyn__Wood You do an amazing job already! I’ve learned so much from your videos
Yesterday I bought my fabric for my first sewing project in 36 years. I've watched your videos to learn what I never knew.
Tomorrow I'm to wash and iron the fabric and hopefully transfer the pattern from the tissue paper to a heavier one.
Stay stitching is something I never knew about. I probably would have skipped it if not for this video. Thank you for the time you put into them.
She is excellente!
Me too. Started sewing this pandemic season. And been turning to RUclips to teach me.
Can you make a series of these essential stitches? I.e ease stitching & slip stitching. This comes in so handy
Thank you. I will never skip staystitching again
Thank you for including the examples with and without stay stitching. I was just sitting there thinking I was having a hard time visualizing how the stay stitching helped when sure enough there you were with the demonstration! Much appreciated.
I'm so glad it helped then! 😊
I failed 8th grade home economics (never finished a project) because I resented that it was required for girls. Later, necessity forced me to teach myself to sew occasionally, but I was never satisfied with my work. Now, at the tender age of 65, I've decided to have another go. You're a marvelous teacher, very charming and fun to watch!
Ditto! Except I am 58.
I got a "D", so I guess that is a failure as well. I'm around your vintage.
I'm 37, and pretty much self taught because I didn't pay attention in home ec. RUclips videos and Facebook pattern groups are so helpful.
I took classes at least 6 times in sewing.Never completed any of them.
Tragic. . . and now girls have lost any hope of ever getting taught home ec. . . . unless homeschooled. 😥
I can truly appreciate this video. I am breaking into my first vintage pattern and I read the definition of stay stitching and I was like “my heart wants me to skip this step, but my mind is telling me to search RUclips for why this is necessary “ then you popped up like the sewing fairy godmother I never knew I needed 💝
Evelyn, I’m so thrilled I found you. What a fabulous uncomplicated teacher you are. I’m 74 and have dabbled with sew all my life. But normally craft. I did a bit of patchwork etc etc. but I’m absolutely green when it comes to dress making. And actually, using my machine to its full potential. I want to start making tops for myself as I struggle to buy tops that fit. I have to alter everything , and I’m not great at that. So I’m going through your videos one after the other and sooo enjoying them. I am learning so much. I shall shall watch each one several times before attempting to make a top because as you get older you don’t remember as well as you used to. Thankyou for everything and for being there. Xxx
I am a new sewer. I’m now working on my first project. A pair of flannel pajama pants for my boyfriend. I have watched many videos and taken notes so that I can do a good job. I enjoy the knowledge that I get from watching your videos especially as I like how you explain things fully. You’re a good teacher. Thank you 🙏🏻
I tried to skip stay-stitching once on a nightgown when I was a teen and my Mom SCREAMED at me like I'd just tried to stick my finger in a power outlet, then pretty much did what you did in the video with the two examples. I haven't skipped it since then.
😂
dang i don’t think that was necessary lmao, i’m sorry you got screamed at 😢 but thank you for this illustrious comment, i think i will remember it too.
I have been a stay-stitcher from the very beginning, and a directional stay-stitcher at that. I didn’t know much when I started, just the few things my busy mother suggested. Therefore, I did what the pattern told me to do; I figured there was a reason the instructions were there. I also looked everything up in my mother’s Singer sewing book. I still refer to it from time to time.
To this day, I love reading through instructions, even if I decide to go a different route than suggested by the directions. There is always something new and improving to learn!
Thank you, Evelyn, for you cheerful, instructional video!
Always start the day by watching any of your videos,Your lovely personality cheers up every day. And what you teach is highly valued.
I just saw this video and had never heard of staystitching. I'm already thinking of so many projects where it would have made things a lot better.
Never!! Oh my your sewing is about to improve!!! 😄
Top to bottom, wide to narrow, what you do to one side you do to the other. Reminders on my chest sheet above a sewing machine. I always stay stitch, just inside the seam allowance. I think it takes a little pressure off of the finished seam. You said it quickly but I think one of the most important messages you gave in this video is to follow the contour of the fabric and not force the fabric in a straight line which could be added to your list of sewing habits to avoid.
That should be cheat sheet, dang auto spell.
I’m on a marathon rewatching all of your videos over the holidays! This one in particular hits close to home. In earlier years I skipped this step. My thought process was easy. Why stitch now when I’m going to be stitching it in a few minutes with the facing? No need to do this extra step, Nancy! My collars never fit just right nor the facings or bands, but I finagled the fabric until it sort of fit😬. Now in my 70’s and all of these marvelous teaching videos available, I call myself a real seamstress. I am so appreciative for all of you that give so freely to teach the world to sew and enjoy the journey. My prayers lift you up daily, Evelyn.❤️
You are so good at describing things and explaining why you do things.
I'm a stay stitcher. I remember a classmate had a problem with not doing it and our teacher had her dampen the bodice and press it back into shape. She was lucky it was a checked fabric as she could see whether the warp and weft were straight without using a ruler. It took her two dampening and pressing sessions before she was good to go again. This was the same class where I learned the difference between pressing and ironing, and my teacher saying "If you're going to wear it, then you PRESS it".
Stay stitching is like hand basting. I skipped it when I first began sewing, but now I would never skip the step. A few extra minutes produces a much better finished garment.
I never did stay stitching unless the pattern said so in the instructions, which was not often. Now i will be doing thing this every time I sew those challenging curves. Thanks for the valued info. God bless
Kudos for finding the lovely blue tassels for that shirt. Looks great.
No one ever told me that, can't thank you enough.
I'm literally binge watching your videos😊❤️ they are very helpful! Thank you!
This reminds me of when historical costumers (Bernadette Banner in particular) will thread mark (I think) their sewing lines with a quick running/basting stitch.... I think it''s before they cut the fabric? I know one reason for this is for visibility and to keep the lines as chalk wears off easily, and it allows the line to be visible on both sides of the fabric, but looking at this I wonder if this also served as a form of stay stitching. On that note, I wonder of stay stitching would be more effective, if more cumbersome, to do before cutting, or at least before cutting fabric right next to where the stay stitching is needed most, like the neck hole.
Good question! I think if your doing it by hand like you suggest, then yes, it may be easier and more beneficial to before cutting. Particularly if your using patterns without seam allowance on them, as your stay stitch would serve as your stitchline guide for sewing and cutting seam allowances!
@@Evelyn__Wood Great idea..I'm sewing by hand and I'm thinking it would be more convenient to stay stitch before cutting. This is my first time sewing a blouse so I was watching your video about mistakes with facings coz I realized I don't know how to attach them! That's where I learned the existence of stay stiching.
Yes, I stay stitch when I saw how fabric behaved. Sigh. We learn from mistakes.
Question. When you discussed basting vs stay stitching you mention stay stitching is temporary. Basting is temporary but did not know that stay stitching was as well. I just left it in. Learned something new.
😊 If your stay stitching is hidden in the Sean allowance, leave it. But if you can see any of it from the right side of the garment, it must come out!
I WAS a skipper but not anymore... I'm so glad I found your vids!
Used to staystitch, but not so much the unde stitching, now I understand why both are necessary.... again absolutely great demo / videos on these subjects
I posted this on two other of your episodes but I wanted to add it here because I think it is SUCH a Smart Tip for dealing with "Bias Cut" fabric or Making something
"On the Bias" as it were but it ALSO deals with ""Stay Stitching" to hold your fabric from stretching, unraveling and/or puckering?! :D
I am going to impart a "Sewing Tip" for dealing with "Bias Cut Fabric". Many years ago when I was making my VERY FIRST "Bias Cut Plaide Doublet" for my "Lord Shane O'Neill" costume for the Bristol Ren Faire here in Wisconsin. My FIRST Attempt was DISASTROUS, which ended up with me going BACK to the fabric store
to get MORE Plaide and THANKFULLY they had JUST ENOUGH left of the pattern I wanted to use!
While at the fabric store... I asked the lady at the cutting counter HOW I could avoid my fabric "Puckering" when I'm sewing it!
JUST then, this sweet older lady walked up and said, "I couldn't help overhearing what you were asking her? I've been sewing a LONG TIME and I have a VERY easy solution for you!"
Here is what she told me.... Iron out the fabric FIRST! THEN Using HEAVY DUTY/THICK "Fusible Interfacing" and cut EVERY Piece of the Doublet out ON the Interfacing FIRST!
THEN, Place it onto the fabric on the "WRONG SIDE" and make SURE it is in the EXACT/PROPER PLACE You want/need it to be with the angle of the Pattern,
and PIN IT IN PLACE!
{She also said to do EACH PIECE Separately to make SURE You are working on ONE PART at a time to avoid Confusion!}
THEN making SURE that the Interfacing is on the "WRONG SIDE" of the fabric, Iron it down onto the fabric!
Again doing this for EVERY SEPARATE PIECE!
THEN, "STAY STITCH" the edges of EVERY PIECE! THIS will ENSURE that it won't EVER "SLIP" Or "PUCKER"!
I actually WROTE this all down AS she was telling me and I STILL have that little "Sewing Note Book" to this VERY DAY! :D
So That is MY "TIP" for you all! I hope it helps someone?
Joe
I have completely forgotten about the importance of stay stitching. Ta for reminder
I was today years old when I learned about stay stitching from Evelyn Wood. I find the idea quite exciting and will probably remember it because its so cool.
Oh I wish this was available years ago when I started self-teaching!!
Me too! 🤣
Staystitch has saved my necklines since I viewed this so well explained video. Same thing with the understitching you've explained. Thanks for both.
Brilliant, I will NEVER skip this step again, thank you so much!
From now on I will be a staysticher 😊
I’ve never worked off commercial patterns, so no instructions. Made my own, but I didn’t know staystitching was a thing. Now I know why things went wrong. I’ll add that to the other list of steps I shouldn’t skip. I found out the hard way that pins don’t replace the good old fashioned basting stitch (I knew this one because it was taught to me) before heading to the machine.
This will definetly up your sewing game! Let me know how you find doing it!
Thank you Evelyn! I used to look for 20 sec videos and get frustrated for not getting the results I wanted. But you explain things so clearly that I stay for the whole video and find myself learning so much. Thank you. I have improved my understanding so so much. I also love your style and personality. Wishing you all the love and support in your cancer journey, you got this and thank you❤️❤️
Do ou have a video on how you made your bracelet pin cushion ?
This couldn't have come at a better time. I never stay-stitched before, but now I'm working with a very shifty brocade and didn't know how to handle it. I think this will help. Thank you!
Wonderful! Let me know how you find using it!!
I just watched Daryl Landcaster of Threads Magazine's video on stay stitching. Her rules are widest to narrowest, highest to lowest. In a neckline for example she stitches from the shoulder to the lowest part of the neckline and stops. She then repeats it on the other shoulder to the lowest part of the neckline. Shoulder seams are from the neckline to the armhole with a jog for any darts that you may have marked. She said if you're unsure take your finger and apply as much pressure as the presser foot and run it along the stay stitching line. If the fabric stays flat that is the direction you should stitch. If the fabric distorts or skews you're going in the wrong direction.
This is great! I've never quite understood why patterns make me stay stitch 😅 AND my sewing machine always "gets wild" when I try to stay stitch, so I can't wait to try your techniques on my next project! Thanks for making this video 😊
Your welcome! I'm glad to have shed some light on the matter for you! And holding the threads will help I'm sure! Let me know how it goes for you!
THANK YOU EVELYN! 💕 You motivated me to start sewing again. You have also alleviated my fears of making mistakes and trying new things. I think you are a kind, generous and overall wonderful person. 🌹
😀 Aww that's so kind of you! I think you will thoroughly enjoy getting back into sewing!
It's something I didn't think of to start with around curved armhole pieces, but now it makes sense.❤
How timely! I just stay-stitched my first garment yesterday and I couldn't fathom what it was for. I also had to do some understitching for the pockets and used your video.
I have never staystich before but I'm going to now. If only I can manage those curves!
I’m new❤️ I was going to skip stay stitching until I saw your video! Well looks like I’m doing stay stitching! Oh boy!
I always skipped stay stitching (I understood what it was but naively thought it was only 'delicate' fabrics you need to do it for) but never again after watching this!
I am NOW a staystitcher. My necklines have always been dreadful and I never knew why. Thankyou.
I do stay stitch, what I did not know was the stitch length, thank you for another great sewing tutorial, you never learn enough when it comes to sewing, thank you 🙏 “⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”.
This has been so helpful! I won't skip this step any longer
Yes! Stay stitching is a must!! I Never skip it!!
Yay!! When you know the difference you don't skip it right!
Never used before but now will always do it
Thanks a lot for another really useful video. I have a request - should you be interested in this topic! - for a refashioning video: how to reline a vintage coat and add an underarm gusset. (It's a selfish ask: I have a 1940s A-line corduroy ladies' coat that's too snug at the arm opening; the lining seems to be smaller than the coat sleeve itself. And the hem puckers in slightly odd ways, as if tugged upward from inside, which I assume is a related problem.) Anyway, thanks again for your videos. I only just started sewing and I find your content both super useful and demystifying/encouraging. So: with gratitude.
I'm a stay stitcher - my mother would insist. It is important on ALL types of fabric to help the pieces keep their shape. Great video Evelyn!
Thank you! I have been sewing for over 40 years (mainly self-taught), but I never knew to remove the stay stitching or how far to stitch from the edge, and it made it difficult to grades the seams of bulky fabrics. Recently I made a coat for my great niece, and I was wondering just why I needed to stay stitch. I always did it, but I would stitch about quarter inch away from the fabric and I never removed the stitches. You are a wonder :)
Your videos are very helpful to me because I don’t skip steps… but I do skip using patterns altogether 😂
So I don’t even know these steps exist
Great video. I have learned so much from you, thank you! I have never skipped that step, but never understood it and I would always wonder if I was supposed to take it out or not. I don't recall the patterns telling me, "Now remove the stay stitching." I did remove it sometimes when it seemed to show through...but since it was called stay stitching...I assumed it was supposed to stay. LOL
Ha ha ha right!! Confusing much! Now you know you were on the right track!
Omg!!! I’ve been so baffled by this… 😣 I honestly was getting infuriated why there was always a ‘mistake in the pattern’ because it didn’t tell me when it was time to undo the stay stitching… 😅😅 since watching this video a year ago, I have always stay stitched because it made so much sense to hold things in place while sewing. Then I’ve always just picked a good time when I thought that I no longer needed it holding things together and removed it!! 😋 but now that I finally revisited this video and re-read the instructions on the patterns (1.5cm seam allowance and stay stitch at 13mm from raw edge), I totally now get that the stay stitching is supposed to stay in for added support ☺️👍 I feel like whenever I’m struggling with anything, I just watch your videos (even if I have your channel just playing in the background) and everything just falls into place like your guiding me with you angelic goddess magic. 💗🥰
Thank you so much! I am a beginner and doing my first blouse, and the book tells me to do stay stitching first and the colar and sleeves opening, and I was like "what the hell is stay stitching?" So you video came just at the right time and helped me sooooo much. I love how you explain things it is always so easy to understand ^_^ Thanks a lot again.
I did not know about staystitching until I saw this video. Thank you!
New sewer here thank you all your videos are helping me learning it
Thank You for showing the two fabrics.
That helped a lot !
After 16 years I have begun sewing garments again and yes I am now older ,wiser, less impatient, more time available to me and have taken to stay stitching realising its value . Thanks for the class, I have subscribed .
That makes so much sense 😯
You explain things so well that even I as a beginner can understand! Thank you for your videos.
Hum.. that may explain why the underwears I had done had deformation. Thanks to you.
your videos are extremely relaxing to watch
Most of the time I stay stitch. Sometimes I forget to. Great way to describe it. Have a great day and stay safe.
Excellent. So glad I searched this out. Thx for the stay stitching lesson. And love your pin bracelet!
So nice to watch a sewing video with Metric measurements
I'm very much an experienced novice at sewing lol (i.e. I have seen a lot but not used patterns and done my share of mending.) Recently I picked up a robe pattern thinking it wouldn't be too hard and step one was to stay stitch. It looked like they sewed the front and back neckline together and I sat puzzling at it for a good 30 minutes not understanding it at all. This video helped clarify why and how to stay stitch! Thank you!
Got my machine when I was 12 (1969). One summer of lessons at Sears, and I quit. A month ago, I was given a machine. I fell in love with it (vintage 50s machine). You could use my first efforts as examples of how to go wrong. I’m improving with each garment (5 this month) and I intend to follow you as I mature.
I thought stay stitchin was basting. I had it all wrong. Many thanks!!
Thank u so much. As a mostly self taught sewer, I have been sewing for 20+ years. But i would consider myself an experienced beginner...trial & error has taught me much, but I'm so glad i found your channel!! I've never stay stitched anything, except maybe my bridesmaids' dresses. That was from fear!! They turned out really well but still didn't learn! 😁 Now I'm copying a dress I own (drafting a pattern) & it's slippery fabric... All the don't's at once! So, about to gather.. Will stay stitch the skirt first.. You make this all make sense!!!❤️
Thank you for the reminder! 70s was the last time I sewed to spec . Home Economics in high school, lol.
OMG! This makes so much sense. Thank you so much! I bet the necklines on my garments will turn out so much better now.
Great help. My Grade 8 Home Economics teacher didn't explain why it's important. I want to learn the proper way to sew, so thank you for this and all your other videos.
Your video came up on the list when I searched for what is, and how to, stay stitch. I loved your uncomplicated way of instructing, and the comparison using and not using stay stitching. I used to sew many years ago, but always cut out anything that didn't seem necessary, so my garments always seemed cheap and I didn't wear them much. Now, being older, I want to do things well and not hurry just to finish them. I subscribed and am looking forward to learning so much more from you. Thanks for making these videos!
Since I haven't started sewing yet-- I'm still learning before I start-- I didn't know what staystitching was. So thank you!
Im really glad I found this channel. I don’t do much garment sewing yet but these techniques will still be helpful for sewing handbags and other projects.
I stay stitch bcz pattern asked me to, however now I know why! thanks!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I've been sewing for years but these little hints are so applicable to some of the problems I've encountered that have ended up with disappointing finished garments. Your other video on understitching was also worth its weight in gold. I've never bothered to staystitch even though the pattern said to but now I'm a convert. Same with understitching. Thanks so much for your help.
Big oh-wow-that-makes-sense moment for me. I couldn't figure out the collars on stretchy fabrics but now it seems so obvious. Thank you
😄 Your sewing life will be changed now!!
Just yesterday I was sewing a 3/4 circle skirt with a yoke. I'm large, the skirt was heavy and I was SO glad that I remembered to stay stitch that skirt 😅
Completely random, but I have a neck freckle in almost the exact same place... I do love your videos as well. :)
Thank you for this really helpful video Evelyn. I am about to sew the bodice for only my second dress and decided to stay stitch in keeping with the instructions. Watching your video means that I actually know what I’m doing 🤷♀️
I realised the value of stay stitch when I was working with velour!!! Thank you so much!
Who woulda thought? Thanks for explaining the differences
Thank you for this video.. it explains my wonkie neckline!!
I have been skipping stay stitching, but perhaps I won't anymore. Everything else I've learned from you has vastly improved my sewing!
Thank you for this i am just beginning again after many years away and i never understood the need for it. ☺️
I have found that if I reduce the pressure of the presser foot I can keep stay stitching from stretching things out as I do the stitch. Much like marking the center on pieces, this step is often omitted in sewing directions for patterns, so I have been trying to create some sheets of basic steps to remember to do regardless of instructions because I forget to do it all the time.
Michele yes this is a great tip and could help info many situations! Thankyou for sharing it. I like the idea of making your own guides too, I recommend keeping a sewing journal to my students!
I use either my serger or my coverstitch machine (whatever happens to be on the table) and set it to chainstich and the differential feed to a minimal gather. This way I compensate for any stretching that might happen while I stitch as well as for the fact that a chainstitch has a slight give to it. Unpicking is fun, you just shorten the needle thread at the end of the seam, pull the looper thread and the stitch line comes out. It is another use for these terribly expensive machines.
When I have really delicate fabric and don't trust my heavy paws with it (I'm better with tweed and leather than with chiffon and light jerseys 🤭 ) I iron on a thin strip of fusible interfacing, clipping it as I go. So I don't need to handle the fabric at all.
Thank you so much for a great clear explanation with examples!
Used to be a skipper, to much work... but not anymore!!! Thanks so much for your great videos :)
I really appreciate the time you spend teaching us the 'why' rather than just the technique. Thank you!
I always skip it.... dang it Evelyn! Now I have another step to do. However I am sure my garment will look much better, darn you! 🤪🤪🤪
😂😂 You will notice the difference I'm sure of it!
@@Evelyn__Wood I am sure I will, I sure did on the understitching
Thank you SO much for the stretching demonstration! It really made things super clear for me!
😄 There's nothing like a demonstration right! I'm glad it helped!
Thanks for explaining that! Never understood its purpose. I won’t skip stay stitching anymore 😊
i adore your personality. you're so jolly and instantly snap me out of bad moods! Just about to tackle my first ever pair of trousers with a classic waistband. i detest waistbands they always seem to come up short. and i suspect this is likely down to not knowing i have to staystitch. so. thanks for this i'm making sure i include this step!
Yes Tash I think your right, stay stitching will solve your problem!
I recently made a shirt with a lining and could not figure out for the life of me why the neckline ended up so baggy! Next time I won’t skip the stay stitching step. Thank you!
Thank you! I sincerely appreciate this.
I learning so many intricate and very important tips from your videos.Really didn't know what is staystitching... thanks a lot