Easy at-home pattern weights: Take 6" squares of fabric and fold them in half. Sew the long side shut to create a tube. Sew one of the short sides shut to create a cylinder pouch. Fill the pouch with 1.5 cups of uncooked rice. Sew the remaining side shut -- poof, you have 3" by 6" pattern weights that weigh about a half a pound.
Nice!! Thanks for sharing the additional tip! I might have to make these someday :) The slate coasters that I'm using now as weights tend to brake when I drop them on the floor, and someday I'll only have pebbles lol.
I saw in a couple of sewing videos homemade weights done with small, flat rings of metal, bought at the hardware store, and glued together in stacks of 5 or 6. The resulting stacks are heavy enough to really secure the fabric in place, and small enough that you can store a lot of them in a tight space. Some were decorated with colorful strips of cabbage, which also made them more comfortable to handle and less likely to scratch your fabric.
I do too!! And I am slowly getting to that point... everything just becomes a new challenge... like can I make a coat or underwear out of linen?? Someday I'll get there lol
@redvli8746 I hope that you make your dream a reality soon. I'm fairly new to sewing and it has become my mission to make all of my wearable using undyed organic natural fabrics which is very expensive. I have even replaced all my bedding with organic natural fabrics. One would think that I am insane for paying the prices that I have paid for my sewing items😅. I just really want to move away from toxic chemicals like the ones found in polyester and AZO dyes. Since I have a lot of polyester thread, I use that on my mockups and use I my cotton thread for my finished garments.
I am too! My daily wear will be all linen or a linen/cotton mix and the rest of my clothing will be organic cotton or perhaps hemp. Organic cotton is said to have the frequency of 100 which is the same as a healthy human body, but linen has a frequency of 5000. Wool has a frequency of 5000 but is not to be worn with linen as they will cancel each other out.
I've only sewn with linen for years. It's very easy to sew with. I do French seams on everything. I have an Etsy store where I sell costumes and dresses, etc., from linen. I have done a lot of dying, but not any natural dying. I love the hand linen has, but if you love crisp, ironed fabric, linen is not that unless it is starched! I love it for hand work, especially smocking.
Linen is the king of fabrics, I think. Feels great, phenomenally durable, really string, can be washed in very hot water if you need to get rid of stains - and it gets drapier and more satiny the more you wear it. It’s sad to see that high-street stores are starting to sell “fast fashion” linen clothing that isn’t finished with French (or felled) seams any more. That will reduce its lifetime substantially. On the bright side, it’s gonna be great for remaking!
Linen has been the core textile in Europe for millennia. They didn’t suddenly discover it in 1400. It’s what they had, you can’t grow cotton in high latitudes.
Back in the 1950s, to iron linen, we would first spritz the piece with water, then let rest for 10 minutes before ironing with that hot heat. Basically you are steaming wood.
Have bought linen from different places and thrift stores. So nice. I wont use the "softeners" as react to many chemicals not needed in different items/foods. I first edge or use pinking shears/rotary to reduce the fraying in wash. Have an awesome bias cut skirt (from thrift store) that is so comfy and get so many compliments on. Had tried to find linen sewing thread. Found some organic natural dyed so would be preshrunk. Yes, finish edges even if just zigzag, or roll over... Found an old stained linen tablecloth and wonder if can make an undershift (selvedge looks handwoven!!) or . Inspiring vid !
Burnley and Trowbridge has linen thread but they cater to historical costumers and recreations so it’s advertised for hand sewing but they also have silk thread and fabric on their website!
Secret tip #11!! If you use 100% linen or a linen/cotton blend, you can actually compost your linen fabric scraps! Depending on your environment, they can biodegrade in just a few weeks. (Trust me, I had over 150 people do an experiment with me this summer, all across the US! --> www.charliedarwintextiles.com/shirt2dirtexperiment ). Go ahead and give it a try :)
I love linen. Right now I’m working mostly with hand sewing since my sewing machine is out of commission at the moment. I’m working with a lovely linen thread.
Fun & helpful video! I am a big fan of linen, and for the last 20 years invest in linen bed sheets as love sleeping on it! Made use of a pillow case to patch/mend the worn out area of the flat sheets--when wore out, used the still good edge regions to make a night gown! But also have made some nice shirts & have heavier weight intended for pants... (I collect fabric much faster than I sew! 😂).
Thanks! and ahh I have been reallllly badly wanting to try and make myself some linen bed sheets. I'm just so nervous I will invest in all that fabric and my cats will rip right through them with their claws lol. but so true about the mending!
@sus8e462 - I saw a really good tip from Martha Stewart. Instead of having a set of sheets (a fitted and a flat), she always uses 2 generously sized flat sheets. That way, wear is alternated between the 2 sheets so you will not end up with a worn-through fitted sheet, but still-good flat. [Flat sheets are also MUCH easier than fitted sheets to put on the clothesline and to fold afterwards. ^_^ )
It’s possible to find linen thread. Cotton thread eventually wears out. Polyester may eventually cut through the bast fibers that form the linen cloth. Also, don’t press hard on seams, the fibers will eventually break. Although it might take it some years to break and wear out, your collar, hem and placket edges will wear out well before the rest of the garment if pressed too hard. Instead, iron the flat parts of the garment as usual, using pressure, and then hold the seams, edges and hems up off the ironing board and give them a good burst of steam instead.
@bethkolle1 - I have seen where you must coat linen thread in wax before using it so it will not break. (Beeswax seems to be the most common type of wax used.) Wouldn't that requirement make linen thread unusable with a machine, but good for hand sewing? @charliedarwintextiles & @bethkolle1 - do you have experience with this?
@@MossyMozartThe only place I’ve seen that has linen thread (Burley and Trowbridge) doesn’t mention machine sewing instead mentioning what kind of hand sewing each thread listing would be good for at what part of a project: ie bottom holes or general hand sewing.
@@charliedarwintextiles Gutterman make a linen thread for handsewing only (50m spool) I have found some "Londonderry" linen threads finer than that (sizes 30/3 , 50/3, 80/3 and 100/3) each on 50m looking spools, which I use making bobbin lace. There are also some 500m spools on etsy which are listed as suitable for machine sewing, but some etsy listings are a bit claim happy so I am not sure wheter tot rust them/ I guess I can only buy and try!
Thank you so much for all of these tips. I've never sewn an article of clothing before (former knitter/weaver/dyer) but today, arriving from New Zealand, I have some linen fabric being delivered! I'm very excited! I don't have a serger but I took your suggestion about searching for 'clean finished seams'. Found out - my machine has a foot for this and I tried it and it'll do just fine. Again - thank you so much!!!
Oooooh very exciting!! You'll love working with linen, truly addicting, in my opinion! Really glad to hear that the clean finish seams could work on your machine, too. Have so much fun!
Under lining and linings...no mentions of the efficacy of that and especially when working with linens and woolens. Would you please give your thoughts on that? Loved the hints and tips in your video. 😊
Great question! My experience is with using cotton (sort of a broadcloth) as a lining for linen to make it even less transparent and have more structure. This tends to work great! Just make sure you pre-wash/dry both before sewing. And apologies if your asking me if linen is a good lining fabric-- I haven't really used it as that yet, so unfortunately can't give better tips. But I think it would make for a very soft and breathable lining fabric!
Just stumbled upon your video, and I'm glad I did. This was probably the best tutorial video I've seen on here. Tight, straight to the point, and incredibly engaging. You are a natural!
I love linen so much! 💞 Thanks for the tips, especially the threads to use. I hadn’t heard about cotton threads being preshrunk. That will be a game changer! 😘
Happy to help! But do want to clarify-- the cotton thread I use is not pre-shrunk--- lol but I agree that WOULD be a game changer! I've always wondered if that exists...
Hello, these are really great tips 👍 I also love your philosophy about sewing your own clothing and linen 💖 thank you so much for sharing your video 🙏☺️
Don’t put tap water in an iron. Wrecks it. That distilled water in the grocery store is for irons. All the minerals are removed. People drink tap or spring water, appliances drink distilled water. Why are you putting an electrical appliance under running water? That’s a really bad idea.
Thank you! And you might give it a try, I actually find it is one of the easier fabrics for me since it has no stretch and gets really really flat/crisp when you iron it. Happy sewing!
Your sharing is very useful. I am starting a small retailing linen garment business, but am struggling on how to make lots of linen fabric shrink before cutting and sewing. I was not sure that I should laundry them or not, but after I watched your video I think I should do it.
So exciting!! Yes, I definitely recommend that you wash and dry it before cutting and sewing with it. I can usually get away with my home washing machine, but when I do really large amounts I head to a laundromat! Good luck with everything :)
I was always self-conscious about my zigzag stitched edges and recently learned that my home sewing machine has a "fake overlock" stitch that is similar to an overcast and works great to finish raw edges :) just as a recommendation beyond zigzag!
ooooh thanks for the tip! I just googled it, and I think my machine has the same thing. I have an overlocker, but im going to start recommending the "fake overlock" to those who do my sewing patterns without a serger but might have that setting!
Linen thread for hand sewing isn't hard to come by, but finding a linen thread suitable for machine sewing is a whole other story. I planned to test cabled threads made for sewing leather, but I haven't got to it yet...
Haven't ever found a linen thread for sewing machines (but also havent looked that hard, TBH). I want to try a jersey knit linen someday! Have you ever tried it?
As was mentioned, I haven't found a linen thread for modern sewing machines....however, I used some in my trusty old treadle with no problem whatsoever. (bonus: I can sew when the electric is out! LOL)
Somehow, I did not actually know the "why" of cotton thread caused that texture and poly not. Even for all the debates about it in quilting magazines, I hadn't come across it. Wow. I have my thread carefully separated, after burn testing any missing their labels - because I was making microwavable beanbags, and bowl cozies... And also have noted that using cotton thread - which will take dye, is a terrible idea when sewing synthetics which will be dyed after, using dyes for synthetic. Those dyes eat the cotton threads just enough to cause problems. But not all synthetic thread takes dye, so if you're doing top stitching... plan carefully, test, and decide if you're ok with making it a design choice.
I didn't know why it was happening either, and then my sister googled it and found someone explaining it deep in a reddit forum lol! Thanks for the extra tips on the synthetic vs polyester thread paired with different fabrics and dyes-- that's so helpful to know!
@charliedarwintextiles great video! I really want to make my own linen clothing and also for my daughters. I did try a romper last year and the seams ripped so quickly (squatting 18mo child!). Any tips / other video to suggest for helping with this?
@@charliedarwintextiles Well i usually get a 3 to 7 oz summer cloth. I don't have allegience to any one supplier, and there are not a lot! But try and get a good price and hopefully you won't have to search far from home, I know the options vary greatly depending on location.
Yes! Tons and tons of times :) I actually plant-dye all of my handmade clothing. The right dyes hold up really well (indigo, tea, cutch) and some others fade quickly (like black beans). I haven't tried using synthetic RIT dye on linen specifically, but I am sure it would definitely hold up after many washings.
Your terms are incorrect. you confuse new sewers. Perpendicular is 90 to a line. Horizontal and perpendicular are NOT the same. Please know your terms.
She confused me too, there…perpendicular means at a right angle - 90 degrees - I think she meant to say “parallel” to the selvedge in her description. Perpendicular to the selvedge would mean she’s talking about the width of the fabric, and not the length, which is how the selvedge runs - lengthwise. 👍. The terms horizontal and vertical do not mean anything close to the definition of perpendicular and parallel. I felt for the new sewers cause the explanation sure confused me, too. 👍
I just came across this video - very helpful. It led me to your website, too. And I really like your site, especially your biodegradable science project - brilliant. Thanks for your content.
A huge benefit to polyester thread: it breaks easily. If a thread on your final garment gets snagged, the polyester thread will break. If you use a really strong thread, the thread won’t break, but it will saw a hole in your garment. I’d rather have a broken thread over a hole in the fabric. Not sure how breakable cotton thread is, but just make sure it’s weaker than whatever fabric you’re using it with. Don’t use silk thread because it’s very strong.
I've never heard it put this way, but really good point! I've heard that cotton thread breaks easier than polyester, but have never thoroughly researched it. Thanks so much for the thought!!
I went to your site to see what qualifies you as a pro before following your advice (because some is contrary to my own experience but I’m open-minded). Your “About” section appears to be completely empty.
Haha, well pro is short for professional, and this has been my dedicated profession for almost 4 years! Of course, many people have been sewing longer than me, and many people for much shorter. It's all relative! Thank you for letting me know about your experience with my website. I'm not sure how you got an empty page (it's got lots on it)! Maybe try a direct link? www.charliedarwintextiles.com/about
@@charliedarwintextiles Thanks! It’s only the “about” section that’s empty, not the whole page. I’m the type that respects both credentials and experience, and usually the “about “ section is where it’s found.
I'm just starting to sew with linen and found this video to be very helpful. I loved the idea of outlining the pattern onto the fabric. How does this work when you are cutting through two layers of fabric? Or do you only cut one layer at a time?
Thank you, glad it has been a help! I do cut two layers of fabric at a time... I draw on the top layers, and I find that as long as my fabric is well ironed, I don't have any shifting as I carefully cut both layers. But (if I remember correctly), I think really lightweight gauze linen is a little bit shiftier and I would probably cut it one layer at a time!
If the linen is scratchy it's made from remie and not flax. Not all linen is made from flax, hemp and remie is also sold as linen. Especially thin fabrics use remie because the flax historically used for gauzes and other thin fabrics have gone extinct after WW1.
I’ve heard of Ramie (from the nettle family). I didn’t know it’s sometimes sold as linen (from the flax plant). Do you know if this is a legal substitution under labeling laws? I’m more familiar with the loopholes in FDA regulations 😠.
@@nightfall3605 It's legal to sell flax, hemp and remie as linnen. They have many of the same properties and are hard to tell apart, so many sellers will only put linnen on them to cover all bases. The place of manufacturing can give you a clue. Flax is harder to dye and print on, so any printed pattern or vivid colour fabric will be remie.
@@nightfall3605 I've seen linen sold online that identifies the plant source as well as weight. Fine, gauze linen is still manufactured and I see it used in liturgical garments such as albs and surplices.
I haven't tried it yet, but I get all my linen from Fabrics-store.com and they offer an eco-friendly fabric softener that you might check out! fabrics-store.com/more/eco-friendly-fabric-softener-volume-3.5-oz-scent-unscented
I iron right there on my cutting pad! Its the Sullivan's Home Hobby table (I got mine from Joanns) and the Sullivan's ironing pad cover that you can buy seperately! Loveee this setup!
One way that I've gotten great results is with the eco-friendly fabric softener from Fabrics-store.com! www.fabrics-store.com/more/eco-friendly-fabric-softener-volume-3.5-oz-scent-unscented
Easy at-home pattern weights: Take 6" squares of fabric and fold them in half. Sew the long side shut to create a tube. Sew one of the short sides shut to create a cylinder pouch. Fill the pouch with 1.5 cups of uncooked rice. Sew the remaining side shut -- poof, you have 3" by 6" pattern weights that weigh about a half a pound.
Nice!! Thanks for sharing the additional tip! I might have to make these someday :) The slate coasters that I'm using now as weights tend to brake when I drop them on the floor, and someday I'll only have pebbles lol.
I have some bad tasting rice that this is perfect for!! Thanks for the idea 😊
I saw in a couple of sewing videos homemade weights done with small, flat rings of metal, bought at the hardware store, and glued together in stacks of 5 or 6. The resulting stacks are heavy enough to really secure the fabric in place, and small enough that you can store a lot of them in a tight space. Some were decorated with colorful strips of cabbage, which also made them more comfortable to handle and less likely to scratch your fabric.
Even easier pattern weights: collect some choice smooth stones during your travels. Free souvenirs and excellent pattern weights.
@@jn9850😂bad tasting rice
I love linen so much, one day it’s my dream that all my clothes are made with linen 😌
I do too!! And I am slowly getting to that point... everything just becomes a new challenge... like can I make a coat or underwear out of linen?? Someday I'll get there lol
I'm working on that now. I want to start sewing with wool, too.
@redvli8746 I hope that you make your dream a reality soon. I'm fairly new to sewing and it has become my mission to make all of my wearable using undyed organic natural fabrics which is very expensive. I have even replaced all my bedding with organic natural fabrics. One would think that I am insane for paying the prices that I have paid for my sewing items😅. I just really want to move away from toxic chemicals like the ones found in polyester and AZO dyes. Since I have a lot of polyester thread, I use that on my mockups and use I my cotton thread for my finished garments.
The same here. I have lots of dresses.
I am too! My daily wear will be all linen or a linen/cotton mix and the rest of my clothing will be organic cotton or perhaps hemp. Organic cotton is said to have the frequency of 100 which is the same as a healthy human body, but linen has a frequency of 5000. Wool has a frequency of 5000 but is not to be worn with linen as they will cancel each other out.
I've only sewn with linen for years. It's very easy to sew with. I do French seams on everything. I have an Etsy store where I sell costumes and dresses, etc., from linen. I have done a lot of dying, but not any natural dying. I love the hand linen has, but if you love crisp, ironed fabric, linen is not that unless it is starched! I love it for hand work, especially smocking.
Linen is the king of fabrics, I think. Feels great, phenomenally durable, really string, can be washed in very hot water if you need to get rid of stains - and it gets drapier and more satiny the more you wear it.
It’s sad to see that high-street stores are starting to sell “fast fashion” linen clothing that isn’t finished with French (or felled) seams any more. That will reduce its lifetime substantially. On the bright side, it’s gonna be great for remaking!
From the 15th century on, Linen was the basics of all bed sheets. Boiling linen helps fluff it up, and it has a life of decades rather than years.
So boil the fabric, as if I am dyeing? Instead of prewashing in the machine? I love this idea! Have you tried it or only read about it?
Linen has been the core textile in Europe for millennia. They didn’t suddenly discover it in 1400. It’s what they had, you can’t grow cotton in high latitudes.
Back in the 1950s, to iron linen, we would first spritz the piece with water, then let rest for 10 minutes before ironing with that hot heat. Basically you are steaming wood.
Tip 4.5: use distilled water in your iron or else you'll end up with limescale in it
The self-clean feature on the CHI iron is amazing!!! I’ve had mine for almost six years and have only ever used tap water… and I use it all the time.
Also--if you read the instructions for the iron, you will see that they tell you NOT to use distilled water.@@tracir4920
It depends on your iron. Check your manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. Some advise using tap water (which I was surprised to learn).
@@karenneiman856 Yes, some irons are made for using tap water only.
Very helpful! Thank you! ❤
I just don't dry my linen! Take it out of the washing machine and iron right away. It self-steams! Try it!
Have bought linen from different places and thrift stores. So nice. I wont use the "softeners" as react to many chemicals not needed in different items/foods. I first edge or use pinking shears/rotary to reduce the fraying in wash. Have an awesome bias cut skirt (from thrift store) that is so comfy and get so many compliments on. Had tried to find linen sewing thread. Found some organic natural dyed so would be preshrunk. Yes, finish edges even if just zigzag, or roll over... Found an old stained linen tablecloth and wonder if can make an undershift (selvedge looks handwoven!!) or . Inspiring vid !
Thank you for the extra tips! I didn't know anyone evel sold organic natural dyed sewing thread, that is wild! Did you find it online?
Burnley and Trowbridge has linen thread but they cater to historical costumers and recreations so it’s advertised for hand sewing but they also have silk thread and fabric on their website!
Secret tip #11!! If you use 100% linen or a linen/cotton blend, you can actually compost your linen fabric scraps! Depending on your environment, they can biodegrade in just a few weeks. (Trust me, I had over 150 people do an experiment with me this summer, all across the US! --> www.charliedarwintextiles.com/shirt2dirtexperiment ). Go ahead and give it a try :)
Forget the sewing…I love the art and mirror arrangement of the wall behind you.
I love linen. I'm so glad I found you.
Me too! So happy to have you here!
I love linen. Right now I’m working mostly with hand sewing since my sewing machine is out of commission at the moment. I’m working with a lovely linen thread.
Do you have a source to share for linen thread? And what about shrinkage? Is it preshrunk?
Fun & helpful video! I am a big fan of linen, and for the last 20 years invest in linen bed sheets as love sleeping on it! Made use of a pillow case to patch/mend the worn out area of the flat sheets--when wore out, used the still good edge regions to make a night gown! But also have made some nice shirts & have heavier weight intended for pants... (I collect fabric much faster than I sew! 😂).
Thanks! and ahh I have been reallllly badly wanting to try and make myself some linen bed sheets. I'm just so nervous I will invest in all that fabric and my cats will rip right through them with their claws lol. but so true about the mending!
@sus8e462 - I saw a really good tip from Martha Stewart. Instead of having a set of sheets (a fitted and a flat), she always uses 2 generously sized flat sheets. That way, wear is alternated between the 2 sheets so you will not end up with a worn-through fitted sheet, but still-good flat.
[Flat sheets are also MUCH easier than fitted sheets to put on the clothesline and to fold afterwards. ^_^ )
Thank you for these tips, some of which I had not come across before!
Really nice and educative
Thank you
Excuse me my linen is calling me
It’s possible to find linen thread. Cotton thread eventually wears out. Polyester may eventually cut through the bast fibers that form the linen cloth. Also, don’t press hard on seams, the fibers will eventually break. Although it might take it some years to break and wear out, your collar, hem and placket edges will wear out well before the rest of the garment if pressed too hard. Instead, iron the flat parts of the garment as usual, using pressure, and then hold the seams, edges and hems up off the ironing board and give them a good burst of steam instead.
Thank you for the extra tips! Any advice on where to find linen thread?
@bethkolle1 - I have seen where you must coat linen thread in wax before using it so it will not break. (Beeswax seems to be the most common type of wax used.) Wouldn't that requirement make linen thread unusable with a machine, but good for hand sewing?
@charliedarwintextiles & @bethkolle1 - do you have experience with this?
@@MossyMozartThe only place I’ve seen that has linen thread (Burley and Trowbridge) doesn’t mention machine sewing instead mentioning what kind of hand sewing each thread listing would be good for at what part of a project: ie bottom holes or general hand sewing.
I got linen thread from Handelsgillet. They're a great company out of Europe that I've bought from before.
@@charliedarwintextiles Gutterman make a linen thread for handsewing only (50m spool) I have found some "Londonderry" linen threads finer than that (sizes 30/3 , 50/3, 80/3 and 100/3) each on 50m looking spools, which I use making bobbin lace.
There are also some 500m spools on etsy which are listed as suitable for machine sewing, but some etsy listings are a bit claim happy so I am not sure wheter tot rust them/ I guess I can only buy and try!
Just watched video 🎉. Living in FL tropics - linen is my favorite fabric. I will be following You😊
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you so much for all of these tips. I've never sewn an article of clothing before (former knitter/weaver/dyer) but today, arriving from New Zealand, I have some linen fabric being delivered! I'm very excited! I don't have a serger but I took your suggestion about searching for 'clean finished seams'. Found out - my machine has a foot for this and I tried it and it'll do just fine. Again - thank you so much!!!
Oooooh very exciting!! You'll love working with linen, truly addicting, in my opinion! Really glad to hear that the clean finish seams could work on your machine, too. Have so much fun!
❤ great tips
Thanks ✌️
I really appreciated this video. Thank you so much!
Excellent information that I needed. Thank you.
I use smooth clean rocks my kids find as pattern weights. 😂🎉
Under lining and linings...no mentions of the efficacy of that and especially when working with linens and woolens. Would you please give your thoughts on that? Loved the hints and tips in your video. 😊
Great question! My experience is with using cotton (sort of a broadcloth) as a lining for linen to make it even less transparent and have more structure. This tends to work great! Just make sure you pre-wash/dry both before sewing. And apologies if your asking me if linen is a good lining fabric-- I haven't really used it as that yet, so unfortunately can't give better tips. But I think it would make for a very soft and breathable lining fabric!
I bought the exact same iron several years ago for quilting. As any sewist or quilter knows, the 30 minute shutoff timer is priceless!
😂 It really is!!!
Wow, this is a really good tutorial! Thank you for making it! 😊 Good luck in getting more subscribers❤
Great vid! I have plans to make several mini, midi & maxi linen dresses next year; I am online now buying linen! Happy sewing!
Caveat emptor……my first (and last) online fabric purchase was not linen, but some poly-abomination.
Really enjoyed this list of tips Thank you for such good advice ! !
Just stumbled upon your video, and I'm glad I did. This was probably the best tutorial video I've seen on here. Tight, straight to the point, and incredibly engaging. You are a natural!
Thank you! Really appreciate the positive feedback!
I love linen so much! 💞 Thanks for the tips, especially the threads to use. I hadn’t heard about cotton threads being preshrunk. That will be a game changer! 😘
Happy to help! But do want to clarify-- the cotton thread I use is not pre-shrunk--- lol but I agree that WOULD be a game changer! I've always wondered if that exists...
Hello, these are really great tips 👍 I also love your philosophy about sewing your own clothing and linen 💖 thank you so much for sharing your video 🙏☺️
Just come across your video, and checked out your website - really very beautiful clothing.
Thank you! So happy to have you here!
Do you have any recommendations for softening linen thanks for the video :)
Tip 10- if im alive at all? What a strange thing to say. Other wise- good vid
Don’t put tap water in an iron. Wrecks it. That distilled water in the grocery store is for irons. All the minerals are removed. People drink tap or spring water, appliances drink distilled water.
Why are you putting an electrical appliance under running water? That’s a really bad idea.
Charlie! I just found you and I'm so excited to watch more of your channel.
I love linen. Thanks for the tips. Your sewing looks lovely-
Pretty please do a beginners sewing tutorial/tutorials! I am clueless about using a machine but you make me wish I could. ❤
I hope to sprinkle them in, here and there sometime in the future! :)
@@charliedarwintextiles Fantastic!
Thank you inpiring! ( I still use a dress I personally made from a fabric I bought y Fermo, Italy…1996!!!)
That is awesome to hear! Linen holds up so well, it gets better with time!
great video. great info on linen. this is one fabric i will not mess with but it makes me want to do deeper research on it.
Thank you! And you might give it a try, I actually find it is one of the easier fabrics for me since it has no stretch and gets really really flat/crisp when you iron it. Happy sewing!
I bought some linen remnants for scarves, hem 2 edges & fringe the ends. Good way to test weights, lots of it was 54"wide so 1/2 yd makes a scarf.
have you used hemp fabric? If so is there a notable difference between hemp and flax linen?
I haven't used hemp yet! Have heard great things, though!
This is a well done RUclips filled with great information!
Glad it was helpful!
These are general sewing tips/practices. Good information for a beginner but certainly not linen pro tips.
Your sharing is very useful. I am starting a small retailing linen garment business, but am struggling on how to make lots of linen fabric shrink before cutting and sewing. I was not sure that I should laundry them or not, but after I watched your video I think I should do it.
So exciting!! Yes, I definitely recommend that you wash and dry it before cutting and sewing with it. I can usually get away with my home washing machine, but when I do really large amounts I head to a laundromat! Good luck with everything :)
I don’t see a reason why to use a softener when you choose to sew with natural fabric.
Depending on where you get linen from, it can be really stiff and scratchy for sensitive skin before it's been softened!
I have a small spray bottle to use as well as steam with Linen which I feel helps
Great idea!! I totally agree, the more steam the better!
Fabulous! Thank you ❤
Newly linen obessed and just found you! Subbed
This was great. I'm allergic to all manmade fabrics so I wear a lot of linen. So durable ❤❤❤
I was always self-conscious about my zigzag stitched edges and recently learned that my home sewing machine has a "fake overlock" stitch that is similar to an overcast and works great to finish raw edges :) just as a recommendation beyond zigzag!
ooooh thanks for the tip! I just googled it, and I think my machine has the same thing. I have an overlocker, but im going to start recommending the "fake overlock" to those who do my sewing patterns without a serger but might have that setting!
I'm glad that I found you. I see these online linen outfits that are adorable, but the sites don't seem legit, so looking into making my own.
Is there not linen thread? Also, have you ever worked with a Jersey knit linen so it's a bit stretchy without being elasticized?
Linen thread for hand sewing isn't hard to come by, but finding a linen thread suitable for machine sewing is a whole other story. I planned to test cabled threads made for sewing leather, but I haven't got to it yet...
Haven't ever found a linen thread for sewing machines (but also havent looked that hard, TBH). I want to try a jersey knit linen someday! Have you ever tried it?
As was mentioned, I haven't found a linen thread for modern sewing machines....however, I used some in my trusty old treadle with no problem whatsoever. (bonus: I can sew when the electric is out! LOL)
Somehow, I did not actually know the "why" of cotton thread caused that texture and poly not.
Even for all the debates about it in quilting magazines, I hadn't come across it. Wow.
I have my thread carefully separated, after burn testing any missing their labels - because I was making microwavable beanbags, and bowl cozies...
And also have noted that using cotton thread - which will take dye, is a terrible idea when sewing synthetics which will be dyed after, using dyes for synthetic. Those dyes eat the cotton threads just enough to cause problems. But not all synthetic thread takes dye, so if you're doing top stitching... plan carefully, test, and decide if you're ok with making it a design choice.
I didn't know why it was happening either, and then my sister googled it and found someone explaining it deep in a reddit forum lol! Thanks for the extra tips on the synthetic vs polyester thread paired with different fabrics and dyes-- that's so helpful to know!
@charliedarwintextiles great video! I really want to make my own linen clothing and also for my daughters. I did try a romper last year and the seams ripped so quickly (squatting 18mo child!). Any tips / other video to suggest for helping with this?
My best advice for stronger seams is to sew each seam with you regular machine and then use a serger right up against that seam!
Do you use Hemp linen? It's the only fabric I wear.
I havent tried it! Is there a place online that you've purchased it from? Would love to check it out sometime!
@@charliedarwintextiles Well i usually get a 3 to 7 oz summer cloth. I don't have allegience to any one supplier, and there are not a lot! But try and get a good price and hopefully you won't have to search far from home, I know the options vary greatly depending on location.
this was so helpful! I havent done much sewing in years but your video came up on my feed and im glad I watched. Very cool!
Have you ever dyed linen? I bought white yardage & was wondering how dying would hold up after many washings.
Yes! Tons and tons of times :) I actually plant-dye all of my handmade clothing. The right dyes hold up really well (indigo, tea, cutch) and some others fade quickly (like black beans). I haven't tried using synthetic RIT dye on linen specifically, but I am sure it would definitely hold up after many washings.
Thanks!
It's important to let your fabric soak in water and become evenly wet before dyeing otherwise the results may be patchy.
Can linen thread be used ?
It could! But I have never come across any machine sewing thread made of linen. If you have, I say give it a try!
Your terms are incorrect. you confuse new sewers. Perpendicular is 90 to a line. Horizontal and perpendicular are NOT the same. Please know your terms.
She confused me too, there…perpendicular means at a right angle - 90 degrees - I think she meant to say “parallel” to the selvedge in her description. Perpendicular to the selvedge would mean she’s talking about the width of the fabric, and not the length, which is how the selvedge runs - lengthwise. 👍. The terms horizontal and vertical do not mean anything close to the definition of perpendicular and parallel. I felt for the new sewers cause the explanation sure confused me, too. 👍
I just came across this video - very helpful. It led me to your website, too. And I really like your site, especially your biodegradable science project - brilliant. Thanks for your content.
Yay! Thank you for being here, and excited to have you along for the ride!
A huge benefit to polyester thread: it breaks easily. If a thread on your final garment gets snagged, the polyester thread will break. If you use a really strong thread, the thread won’t break, but it will saw a hole in your garment. I’d rather have a broken thread over a hole in the fabric. Not sure how breakable cotton thread is, but just make sure it’s weaker than whatever fabric you’re using it with. Don’t use silk thread because it’s very strong.
I've never heard it put this way, but really good point! I've heard that cotton thread breaks easier than polyester, but have never thoroughly researched it. Thanks so much for the thought!!
This is wonderful thank you for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for being here :)
Love my white or blue Belgium linen
Is white vinegar safe to use in the wash to soften linen, or maybe i'll just use my wool balls?
I've never tried white vinegar! But I think your wool balls in the dryer will help!
some great tips there!
I went to your site to see what qualifies you as a pro before following your advice (because some is contrary to my own experience but I’m open-minded). Your “About” section appears to be completely empty.
Haha, well pro is short for professional, and this has been my dedicated profession for almost 4 years! Of course, many people have been sewing longer than me, and many people for much shorter. It's all relative! Thank you for letting me know about your experience with my website. I'm not sure how you got an empty page (it's got lots on it)! Maybe try a direct link? www.charliedarwintextiles.com/about
@@charliedarwintextiles Thanks! It’s only the “about” section that’s empty, not the whole page. I’m the type that respects both credentials and experience, and usually the “about “ section is where it’s found.
I'm just starting to sew with linen and found this video to be very helpful. I loved the idea of outlining the pattern onto the fabric. How does this work when you are cutting through two layers of fabric? Or do you only cut one layer at a time?
Thank you, glad it has been a help! I do cut two layers of fabric at a time... I draw on the top layers, and I find that as long as my fabric is well ironed, I don't have any shifting as I carefully cut both layers. But (if I remember correctly), I think really lightweight gauze linen is a little bit shiftier and I would probably cut it one layer at a time!
@@charliedarwintextiles Thank you!
Do you have any videos on where you buy your patterns or do you see patterns?
Hello! I actually design my own clothing, and have three sewing patterns available so far! You can find them at charliedarwintextiles.com/patterns
If the linen is scratchy it's made from remie and not flax. Not all linen is made from flax, hemp and remie is also sold as linen. Especially thin fabrics use remie because the flax historically used for gauzes and other thin fabrics have gone extinct after WW1.
I’ve heard of Ramie (from the nettle family). I didn’t know it’s sometimes sold as linen (from the flax plant). Do you know if this is a legal substitution under labeling laws? I’m more familiar with the loopholes in FDA regulations 😠.
@@nightfall3605 It's legal to sell flax, hemp and remie as linnen. They have many of the same properties and are hard to tell apart, so many sellers will only put linnen on them to cover all bases. The place of manufacturing can give you a clue. Flax is harder to dye and print on, so any printed pattern or vivid colour fabric will be remie.
@@nightfall3605 I've seen linen sold online that identifies the plant source as well as weight. Fine, gauze linen is still manufactured and I see it used in liturgical garments such as albs and surplices.
@@mariaborgvall7350 Thank you! Good advice.
Thank you lady
could you do a review of the chi iron?
I will add it to my list of potential video ideas! Hoping to do more in-depth product reviews soon :)
❤!
Fantastic!!!
Thanks for this video - is there a softners just for Linen?
I haven't tried it yet, but I get all my linen from Fabrics-store.com and they offer an eco-friendly fabric softener that you might check out!
fabrics-store.com/more/eco-friendly-fabric-softener-volume-3.5-oz-scent-unscented
What do you do during the winter months?
I live in Canada and wear medium to heavy linen during the winter as I layer no matter what I wear. Very comfortable!
Do you iron on an ironing mat or your cutting pad?
I iron right there on my cutting pad! Its the Sullivan's Home Hobby table (I got mine from Joanns) and the Sullivan's ironing pad cover that you can buy seperately! Loveee this setup!
How do you soften linen at home
One way that I've gotten great results is with the eco-friendly fabric softener from Fabrics-store.com! www.fabrics-store.com/more/eco-friendly-fabric-softener-volume-3.5-oz-scent-unscented
Great video for beginner!
Thanks for being here, I'm so glad it resonated!