1. place silk between sheets of thin paper 2. put your patterns on all that 3. pin the paper and silk around the form on the seam allowance 4. use thin needles and silk thread 5. sharp scissors or micro serrated 6. use walking foot for machine 7. smaller needle for machine (75-11/65-10), make sure it’s sharp 8. test your fabric with all tools 9. use smaller, 1.5-2mm stitches 10. don’t use backstitch - tie knots 11. stitch seam allowances with French seam 12. fabric stabiliser can be used just like tissue, especially for starting seams 13. try changing the throat plate if machine sucks in fabric 14. try increasing pressure foot pressure 15. 100% silk can be stained by moisture, be careful with steam 16. press seams with pressing cloth / organza
After watching this, I took apart the partially finished Haori (Japanese jacket) that I've been off and on working on for a year. I had given up because of issues with my inexpensive machine. The jacket looked lumpy and clumsy. Now I own a new to me Husqvarna Viking with all the attachments and feet you can imagine. I am redoing the lining seams as french seams to contain the fraying of the fine silky fabric using tissue paper and the walking foot. I've managed four new seams in two hours, but they are flat and not fraying. Thank goodness for internet lessons from experts such as you. I've subscribed.
Excellent video. What makes all of these videos great is that Aneka anticipates where problems may arise and WHY she takes the measures ahead of time. She does not only tell you how to but Why to or why not. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ instruction!!!
Thank you so much. Love your comment. It is always my aim when teaching to explain the WHY! Then you can apply that skill to other issues in the future. Aneka xx
I regret paying for the wrong dumb sewing class in my city. You teach so professionally and the little things that matter a lot. All my doubts get cleared. Thanks a loooooooot
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’m on a tight schedule making an evening dress for my daughter and my poor sewing teacher is ill. My ensuing panic has been calmed with your detailed tutorial. Practice one done, 🤞for the real thing
I am so glad I watched this before I started sewing on the silk I have. It seems you covered some trouble shooting that is good to know before-hand about the walking foot and the size of the needle, the thread puckering if the needle is too big (with an immediate demonstration, you couldn't have planned that better) and the type of thread you use, the tissue paper work around for those of us without walker feet. I am so grateful for the time you took to share your knowledge.
I regret paying a €30 workshop. This is soooo much better than that and it made me realize those little attachments included when I bought my sewing machine. Thank you!
Wow this is VERY helpful. I've been trying to sew an organza dress and it has been giving me SO much trouble from cutting the pattern properly to getting the machine to stop catching on the fabric and this helped me figure out how to fix all of it! I never knew about the needle sizes!
Just want to thank you so much for this very clear run through of sewing silky fabrics. I had never known these wonderful tips. From having bad experience a few years ago sewing alot of silky fabrics that I was tasked with and did not get the hang of it and it was a nightmare, it left a very bad taste for me! But now I am sewing up a beautiful burnout silk fabric (very slippy!!) scarf for a family member and ofcourse the main sewing component is needing to finish the edges!! - silly me I had a go at it without brushing up my silky fabric skills and it was a DISASTER!! Since watching this video (and your rolled hem video which you recommended) stepping away and getting a good night sleep I am having another crack at it this morning and cannot believe I am achieving what I thought was going to be impossible!!! Key factors you taught me to make my sewing life easier here was using the tissue paper to help in the beginning stitches, changing my needle to a NEW and MUCH FINER needle (70/10), setting my stitch length smaller and NOT BACK STITCHING. thankyou so much !!
Fantastic video you have given me confidence to sew with a fine fabric. I also noticed you did a reverse stitch with the walking foot which I have always wanted to do but was told when I bought the walking foot not to sew a reverse stitch but obviously you can . Thank you Anekayour instructions are brilliant .
Hi Eileen, thank you for your lovely words and comments. I'm so glad you found my tutorial useful and I hope you have got the hang of your walking foot. Aneka x
I’m late to this party, but I’d just like to say thank you for posting such a helpful video. I’m part way through a skirt that I’m making with a Charmeuse fabric, and it’s not going well!! Watching your video has shown me all the ways I’ve gone wrong (i.e. pretty much everywhere!) and rather than feel like I’ll never try sewing with any silky fabric ever again, i now feel ready to give it another go. Thank you again! ☺️
Thanks so much for this helpful video. Have so many silks I’ve collected and have yet to use because I’ve found them to be so intimidating. But now there is hope and even some inspiration.
Thank you so much for this channel. I just bought my first sewing machine Juki HZL-F600 and I was so intimidated by it and the only thing that made me get it on was ur channel!!! I hope I learn alot as I have always wanted to sew.
Oh I am so pleased that I have been able to help you. Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. Good luck with your sewing. Aneka x
I get excited every time there is notification for a new video. They are very informative. I just started a sewing classes and I've got the same machine as you so is nice to see how to properly set it. I did struggle with slippery lining. A tip to share that I got from technician, if you don't have a plate with small hole and the fabric sinks true - move the needle to the left (only option on this machine) so there is less space for the fabric to sink. I apologise if wasn't clear English is not my native language.
Hi Katinka, thank you SO much for your lovely comment - you have made my day!! What a great idea, moving the needle to the far left so there is less room for the fabric to sink in! I hadn't thought of that. However I don't have a plate with a small hole for this seeing machine and I don't think I've ever needed one. I'm so pleased your enjoying the videos & that you have the same sewing machine. Thank you! I wish you all the best on your sewing journey!
How wonderful is your teaching?! Brilliant. I had no questions by the end. You had covered everything and in such an easy, informative and useful way. Thanks so much 👏👏👏
This was really useful for my new project. I sew with nylon recently and it was a bit of a mess of an experience or sewing with see-throough polyester. I was now about to start sewing a pair of viscose summer pants and this advice is great. I'd say if you don't have tissue paper but need something thin to start and finish seams a great alternative could be parchment paper. It's thin enought and rips off easily enough.
Can I say thank you coz i never actually bothered about the adjustment of pressure on presser foot? Now i can see clearly why i had a lot of trouble sewing with sheer fabrics.
Thank you so much for your help on how to sew with silk and light weight fabric very useful. i am making a silk dress for a wedding i am going to and i am glad you have given me all the tips i need to know. Great demonstration Made To Sew i will be back for some more tips and helpful demonstrations
Hi Sarah, Thank you for your lovely message. I am really pleased I could help and I wish you all the best making your dress, it sounds beautiful. Good luck and I would love to see the finished item, if you feel like sharing :-)). Thank you, Aneka x
I will be adding a silk lining to a pair of pants, and this information is very very helpful! Hopefully I can do the silk justice and not waste too much in the process.
I got this gorgeous micro satin fabric, but unbeknownst to my newbie sowing skils, it would not work with me like other fabrics. The thread would get bumpy and coil up and I could NOT figure out what to do about it, especially since I could not find a guide about how to sow in micro satin. But it is very light and silk like, so I gave this tutorial a shot. That tissue paper has saved my sanity and now I know better than to try and backstitch. It sows beautifully now. Thank you for this!
I'm working with a poly, faux satiny material & was starting to get puckering. Dropping the stitch length fixed it :) ! Thank you so much. I have a walking foot in my online shopping cart now. Also subscribed!
Oh bless you, you are so kind. I am really pleased you like my tutorials. Yes I teach in person classes at my studio in Somerset and at a location near Oxford (United Kingdom). It would be a pleasure to meet you. Aneka x (my email is info@madetosew.com if you would like to get in touch).
Ty for the fab info I'm taking on doing my daughters prom dress I'm a fairly new sewer x Someone else said if the materials being pulled into the machine put a piece of clear tape over the bigger hole
I know this was made 8 years ago but of course the advice is perfectly on point. Thank you for a much needed breakdown of helpful tips. I'm considering making my wedding dress out of fine silk. It is soooo thin! I know I need an underlay as well as a lining but I'm always confused by what gets sewn into the hemline at the bottom of the dress. Do I roll hem the underlay and silk together or separately. Or do I have to hem the silk, underlay and lining altogether.
What a fantastic video! I was gifted with a couple pieces of 100% silk but have hesitated to use it. You've covered everything - so helpful! Now I'm looking forward to sewing with it. New sub here 🙂
Hi Janet, thank you for your lovely comment. I am really pleased that you enjoy my teaching style and have learned something form my tutorials. Thank you for taking the time to comment, good luck with your sewing! Aneka :-))
Thankyou for a very informative tutorial. You explain it in such a good way, on top of that you have a lovely voice and accent. All I want to make is some scarves as Chrissy presents and feel more confident in giving it a go now. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year
Hi, great tutorial and tips, thanks for sharing, you mentioned some links on how to do french seams etc on slippy fabrics, I can't find them unfortunately, am I looking in the wrong place? many thanks again
Hello, Since English is not my first language, I watched the video, but it seems that it did not explain this. I have a question: When cutting the fabric, should I cut the upper layer of paper and the fabric together, or should I cut all three layers (both layers of paper and the fabric in the middle) together? Also, I was taught that fabric scissors should not be used to cut other materials to keep them sharp. Will cutting both paper and fabric at the same time damage my fabric scissors? Thank you very much for your help and for sharing your expertise. I really appreciate it!💖
You should cut all three layers. And yes, the fabric shears are not supposed to cut non-fabrics, but this is the only method for cutting slippy fabric that works for me, so I'm going to make the tradeoff. And I will get my scissors professionally sharpened. Many non-sewists get their kitchen knives professionally sharpened anyway, and IMO it is worth it.
Thank you so much! It is most helpful 🙏🏽 (I should have watched it before losing my mind trying to cut my fabric 😂) could you comment on the type of thread you use for machine sewing silk? I was given matching colour standard thread (the beige Güteman) in the shop but am wondering if it should have been a silk thread? Many thanks 💕
Hi Anila, you don't need to use silk thread for sewing silk fabric. I usually use either polyester or cotton. Cotton thread can be nicer on silk garments that might take some stretch or strain, as the cotton thread is generally believed to be weaker than polyester thread so the thread would ideally break before the silk. Does that help? Aneka x
@@MadetoSew That is most helpful, as always, Aneka! I don’t think I would have ever sewn anything wearable if it wouldn’t have been for your beautiful, genuine tutorials! You make a real difference! 😊 Thanks for your quick response and stay safe x
I love all your videos. I have subscribed. I’m so new at sewing and you are a perfectionist, which I love and admire, you are an amazing teacher! Thank you!
You are so good at explaining things in a precise way, it’s my first view of your videos n I love it. By the way I m a beginner, often would need to come to you 😀
I sew with silk (from silkworms) a lot. Mostly silk chiffon and silk satin. It is impossible to keep the warp and weft threads at right angles without some kind of strategy. I starch the fabric heavily and iron it damp on a blanket and sheet on a table before cutting out the garment. I don't believe in dry cleaning, so the starching doubles as pre-shrinking. Starch washes out easily after the garment is finished. If the garment is a little bit crisp on the first wearing that is OK.
Thank you for all your info. Nothing like learning from a professional. I subscribed right away. I intend to start working on silk and satin very soon. A question, though: How it will work if I use zig-zag and those 3 stiches zigzags? Will I be using the same techniques, needles and foot?
Yes, I would still recommend most of the same techniques. Small, sharp needle like a microfibre needle. A walking foot can also help to feed the fabric through the machine. Seams that you will be sewing might be different, but most other things can be the same. 😊
Thats perfect i look forward to sending it to you once i have finished the garment look forward to viewing more of your tips on sewing techniques and videos. Take care
Thank you for all the great tips, I note you recommend cutting out in a single layer but what if the pattern pieces are for cutting on the fold such as for an overskirt?
Hi Jenefer, yes you will find it easier to cut out your fabric in a single layer if it is a very lightweight slippery fabric. If your pattern pieces are cut on the fold I would recommend making them into a single piece, trace off the pattern piece and then stick them together along the cut on fold edge, so that you have made a 1 piece pattern that will then be cut 1. Does this help? Aneka x
Thank you. It possibly could, people seem to have different opinions about whether paper can damage fabric scissors. I usually have a separate pair that I use for this.
Hello! I really enjoyed this video of silky fabrics, do you have a tutorial on sewing an overlay onto a dress? I have gotten the bodice almost sewn together and my pattern is now saying to sew the overlay onto the bodice with "right sides together" and I am thinking how can I do this without making a hideous seem that will be seen.Please say you have an overlay tutorial!
I am so sorry to say that I don't have a tutorial at present. Feel free to email me (info@madetosew.com) and I will try and help you. Great idea for a tutorial though. Thank you and pleased you liked this one. Aneka x
@madetosew thank you for this. You are so clear in your directions. Perfect. I want to underline my silk crepe de chine with a silk habotai. Would you recommend temporary fusing the fabrics before cutting?
Hi there, glad you found it useful. Yes, you could temporarily fuse the fabrics together before cutting, this would make it easier. Just be cautious if using something like a spray adhesive that it doesn't damage the silk, or is visible from the right side. Test it first. Hope that helps.
I noticed that all of your fabrics are organized in clear plastic totes. I think the organization is awesome and the totes will definitely keep the fabric dry and dust free over time. What was your specific reasoning for deciding to organize your fabrics that way?
Oh thank you. I was a good way to stay organised in the space I had! It was actually my fathers idea, he made the shelving to fit the Ikea boxes. Since moving to Australia I still store things in the boxes, especially fabric here because it is tropical where I live so I need to protect my fabrics. Unfortunately I don't currently have the amazing shelving system, so I need another way to organise the boxes neatly! :-))
I'd also like to see this. I bought a few patterns labeled "very easy," but it turns out they use stretch fabric, and I don't understand what's supposed to be very easy about it. The edges curl up so badly that I can't manage to sew them.
I've found that if the needle is sucking the fabric down into the feeder it helps to put tissue paper between the machine and fabric - the transport works just the same, only there's zero wrinkling and seams are immaculate. I sometimes have this issue even when the needle is thin enough and sharp.
Hi Clare, oh thank you so much for your lovely words. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the tutorial. Here is an example of a French Seam: ruclips.net/video/fhogUaCBJOE/видео.html basically it hides all the seam allowances inside the seam and is therefore great to use on lightweight fabrics that fray easily. Especially those that are sheer and where the overlocker (serger) might look 'cheap' or not as professional. You can also insert a sleeve with this technique: ruclips.net/video/NOUKqHY8RqA/видео.html Hope this helps! Aneka x
It really depends how you plan to wash / look after the silk in the future. That might be hand washing, or using the delicate cycle in the washing machine, or it could be dry clean. Whatever you plan to use afterwards for your garment (once it's made), you ideally want to treat it first with this method. Silk wise, it really depends I have some silks that are dry clean only that I do hand wash - just test first! Thanks, Aneka
I am brand spanking new to sewing and just getting to know my cheap machine as it was bought to do repairs. Already I have some slippery material to work with and I am curious to know which scissors you use to cut out pieces/patterns. Do you use the Fiskars or the Gingher for that? I purchased some 8 in. Mundials, which although very sharp, very sadly make my hand ache. I take notes for future reference as I am determined to learn. I appreciate your thoroughness and ability to explain so clearly and concisely. Thanks in advance.
Thank you so much. So glad I can help you on your sewing journey. Do you mean paper or fabric? I have a pair of Fiskars Universal scissors that I use for paper and card. Then for fabric I will either use Fiskars, Ginghers or I have another brand like the Ginghers. I am not personally a fan of the heavier metal scissors as I find them sore to use for long periods of time (but some people love them). The Ginghers are not heavy and sore like other metal scissors. Hope that helps! Aneka x
You will have to clip into the seam below the French Seam to finish it, and allow the seam allowances to separate. I would suggest adding a facing, or binding to the edges or you could simply turn them over twice and stitch. Aneka
You are so talented. I along with the other viewers also appreciate your time and thank you for sharing! I'm hoping you have the time to help me with an on going project. I need help with a robe I've made. It is silk and I drafted the pattern myself. This was my first attempt and probably the last with pattern drafting. Lol Any how my problem is my sleeves!! My sleeve does not look good at all. It does not lay right underneath the arm. Do you have any suggestions on how I can fix this or even how to draft a sleeve that fits right into the arm hole? I sure would LOVE TO FIX IT since it is silk. I have so much money and time invested. Thank you for your time and efforts. Ruth
Since you drafted the pattern yourself, try redrafting and sew on muslin fabric. This is the first thing that even experienced sewers do. Never cut on actual fabric first, always try on muslin to learn and correct mistakes. Good luck 👍.
Great idea Cherry, yes I have used cloth instead of tissue paper in the past. I just find tissue paper to be cheaper when I buy it in bulk. Thank you for sharing a great idea. Aneka x
What is your opinion on directional stitching with silk? Is it necessary? If the silk is already stabilized with staystitching, starch, etc, does it matter to the whole finished garment?
I will often directionally stitch a garment, due to habit more than anything. But for necklines, or other bias curves, as long as the area is stabilised (I generally use fusible interfacing/interlining), I will sew them in one direction. As long as the area is stabilised/support then you should be ok to sew as the garment requires/easiest way. If you can directionally stitch, then you might as well do it. But if it's simpler to not, then stabilse and sew in the best direction. Hope that helps?
Hi Aneka. You mentioned using the Gutermann Silk Thread for hand sewing. Would this thread also be used when sewing with the machine? Or is there a different kind of thread you would use with the machine when sewing silk/slippery fabrics? Thanks.
Hi Holly, yes you can use Gutermann Silk Thread for sewing silk and use it in the machine. I personally often use poly thread when sewing silk, however some sewers prefer to use thread that is weaker than poly for sewing silk fabric. This could be a cotton thread or a silk thread. The idea being that the stitching would break, before the fabric rips. Other sewers are very strict and like to use the same thread as fabric. Personally I use poly most of the time, sometimes I use cotton and I generally use the Gutermann silk thread for hand sewing and machine sewing (sometimes). I use silk thread when quilting Chanel style jackets, it has a nice texture so blends into the fabric well, as well as being very smooth. I would recommend trying and testing threads with fabric to see what works well. I hope this helps, Aneka x
1. place silk between sheets of thin paper
2. put your patterns on all that
3. pin the paper and silk around the form on the seam allowance
4. use thin needles and silk thread
5. sharp scissors or micro serrated
6. use walking foot for machine
7. smaller needle for machine (75-11/65-10), make sure it’s sharp
8. test your fabric with all tools
9. use smaller, 1.5-2mm stitches
10. don’t use backstitch - tie knots
11. stitch seam allowances with French seam
12. fabric stabiliser can be used just like tissue, especially for starting seams
13. try changing the throat plate if machine sucks in fabric
14. try increasing pressure foot pressure
15. 100% silk can be stained by moisture, be careful with steam
16. press seams with pressing cloth / organza
Thanks for breaking this down Liusila. 💖
Thank you
Thank you.
Thanks
And do not forget wash silk before cutting
After watching this, I took apart the partially finished Haori (Japanese jacket) that I've been off and on working on for a year. I had given up because of issues with my inexpensive machine. The jacket looked lumpy and clumsy. Now I own a new to me Husqvarna Viking with all the attachments and feet you can imagine. I am redoing the lining seams as french seams to contain the fraying of the fine silky fabric using tissue paper and the walking foot. I've managed four new seams in two hours, but they are flat and not fraying. Thank goodness for internet lessons from experts such as you. I've subscribed.
That is amazing, I am so pleased to hear this Nell. Great news. Aneka
wow! funny i came to this video to start my Haori and reading this made me happy ^-^
Excellent video. What makes all of these videos great is that Aneka anticipates where problems may arise and WHY she takes the measures ahead of time. She does not only tell you how to but Why to or why not. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ instruction!!!
Thank you so much. Love your comment. It is always my aim when teaching to explain the WHY! Then you can apply that skill to other issues in the future. Aneka xx
I regret paying for the wrong dumb sewing class in my city. You teach so professionally and the little things that matter a lot. All my doubts get cleared. Thanks a loooooooot
So pleased I could help and you can now feel more confident with your sewing
@@MadetoSew definitely 💗 thanks 🙂🙏
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I’m on a tight schedule making an evening dress for my daughter and my poor sewing teacher is ill. My ensuing panic has been calmed with your detailed tutorial. Practice one done, 🤞for the real thing
Wishing you all the best Carole. You can do it! 🤗❤️
I am so glad I watched this before I started sewing on the silk I have. It seems you covered some trouble shooting that is good to know before-hand about the walking foot and the size of the needle, the thread puckering if the needle is too big (with an immediate demonstration, you couldn't have planned that better) and the type of thread you use, the tissue paper work around for those of us without walker feet. I am so grateful for the time you took to share your knowledge.
Hi Elise, thank you so much for your lovely words. Really pleased you found it useful. Aneka
I regret paying a €30 workshop. This is soooo much better than that and it made me realize those little attachments included when I bought my sewing machine. Thank you!
Sorry to hear that Liz. Glad I could help. Aneka x
Wow this is VERY helpful. I've been trying to sew an organza dress and it has been giving me SO much trouble from cutting the pattern properly to getting the machine to stop catching on the fabric and this helped me figure out how to fix all of it! I never knew about the needle sizes!
So glad I could help. Good luck with your organza dress.
Just want to thank you so much for this very clear run through of sewing silky fabrics. I had never known these wonderful tips. From having bad experience a few years ago sewing alot of silky fabrics that I was tasked with and did not get the hang of it and it was a nightmare, it left a very bad taste for me! But now I am sewing up a beautiful burnout silk fabric (very slippy!!) scarf for a family member and ofcourse the main sewing component is needing to finish the edges!! - silly me I had a go at it without brushing up my silky fabric skills and it was a DISASTER!!
Since watching this video (and your rolled hem video which you recommended) stepping away and getting a good night sleep I am having another crack at it this morning and cannot believe I am achieving what I thought was going to be impossible!!! Key factors you taught me to make my sewing life easier here was using the tissue paper to help in the beginning stitches, changing my needle to a NEW and MUCH FINER needle (70/10), setting my stitch length smaller and NOT BACK STITCHING. thankyou so much !!
I'm so pleased the video has helped and you can now enjoy sewing silky fabrics.
Fantastic video you have given me confidence to sew with a fine fabric. I also noticed you did a reverse stitch with the walking foot which I have always wanted to do but was told when I bought the walking foot not to sew a reverse stitch but obviously you can . Thank you Anekayour instructions are brilliant .
Hi Eileen, thank you for your lovely words and comments. I'm so glad you found my tutorial useful and I hope you have got the hang of your walking foot. Aneka x
I’m late to this party, but I’d just like to say thank you for posting such a helpful video. I’m part way through a skirt that I’m making with a Charmeuse fabric, and it’s not going well!! Watching your video has shown me all the ways I’ve gone wrong (i.e. pretty much everywhere!) and rather than feel like I’ll never try sewing with any silky fabric ever again, i now feel ready to give it another go. Thank you again! ☺️
I made a charmeuse bias cut skirt recently and wish I would have watched this first, but now I know. Your videos are so helpful!
Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Your skirt sounds beautiful too!
Your videos are absolutely amazing. So concise and informative. A million thanks for all your hard work and professionalism.
That is very kind of you, thank you. Aneka
I agree! I "Liked" your comment and came here to say it! ☺️
Glynis Ansara
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Thanks so much for this helpful video. Have so many silks I’ve collected and have yet to use because I’ve found them to be so intimidating. But now there is hope and even some inspiration.
Glad I could help Mario. Aneka 😊
This is by far the best video on yt for slippery fabrics. Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
Best sewing content on RUclips hands down
Thank you so much for this channel. I just bought my first sewing machine Juki HZL-F600 and I was so intimidated by it and the only thing that made me get it on was ur channel!!! I hope I learn alot as I have always wanted to sew.
Oh I am so pleased that I have been able to help you. Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. Good luck with your sewing. Aneka x
Brilliant tips, I am used to working with heavy heavy fabrics so have no idea on lightweight materials. Learned loads from this .thank you so much.
Thanks Lesley. Glad I could help. Aneka
I get excited every time there is notification for a new video. They are very informative. I just started a sewing classes and I've got the same machine as you so is nice to see how to properly set it. I did struggle with slippery lining.
A tip to share that I got from technician, if you don't have a plate with small hole and the fabric sinks true - move the needle to the left (only option on this machine) so there is less space for the fabric to sink.
I apologise if wasn't clear English is not my native language.
Hi Katinka, thank you SO much for your lovely comment - you have made my day!! What a great idea, moving the needle to the far left so there is less room for the fabric to sink in! I hadn't thought of that. However I don't have a plate with a small hole for this seeing machine and I don't think I've ever needed one. I'm so pleased your enjoying the videos & that you have the same sewing machine. Thank you! I wish you all the best on your sewing journey!
This is good. I like these tips it hepls me to do professional finish. God bless you.
Really pleased I could help, Aneka x
wow Mrs Gondwe
FRANCISCA GONDWE I
How wonderful is your teaching?! Brilliant. I had no questions by the end. You had covered everything and in such an easy, informative and useful way. Thanks so much 👏👏👏
Thanks so much Angela. Really pleased I could help. Aneka x
This was really useful for my new project. I sew with nylon recently and it was a bit of a mess of an experience or sewing with see-throough polyester. I was now about to start sewing a pair of viscose summer pants and this advice is great. I'd say if you don't have tissue paper but need something thin to start and finish seams a great alternative could be parchment paper. It's thin enought and rips off easily enough.
Yes! Thanks for sharing parchment paper idea. Great one. Glad I could help. 🙏
Can I say thank you coz i never actually bothered about the adjustment of pressure on presser foot? Now i can see clearly why i had a lot of trouble sewing with sheer fabrics.
So glad I could help.
Wow! You are amazing, no messing about, staraigt to the point and so clear. Many thanks x
Thanks a million young lady you helped me a lot...I even have some tissue paper on hand so I don't have to run to the store. I'm now a fan!
Thank you! Good luck. Aneka x
Well done! I am happy to see that I am not a weirdo for 10 years ago coming up with using silk paper and tearing away afterwards.
Thank you so much for your help on how to sew with silk and light weight fabric very useful. i am making a silk dress for a wedding i am going to and i am glad you have given me all the tips i need to know. Great demonstration Made To Sew i will be back for some more tips and helpful demonstrations
Hi Sarah, Thank you for your lovely message. I am really pleased I could help and I wish you all the best making your dress, it sounds beautiful. Good luck and I would love to see the finished item, if you feel like sharing :-)). Thank you, Aneka x
I will be adding a silk lining to a pair of pants, and this information is very very helpful! Hopefully I can do the silk justice and not waste too much in the process.
Glad I could help, your trousers sound amazing. I am sure you will do a great job; good luck! Aneka
I got this gorgeous micro satin fabric, but unbeknownst to my newbie sowing skils, it would not work with me like other fabrics. The thread would get bumpy and coil up and I could NOT figure out what to do about it, especially since I could not find a guide about how to sow in micro satin. But it is very light and silk like, so I gave this tutorial a shot. That tissue paper has saved my sanity and now I know better than to try and backstitch. It sows beautifully now. Thank you for this!
So glad I could help. Your fabric sounds amazing.
I learned so much today I have been struggling with lightweight fabric like this for years I wish I would have listened to this earlier
Thank you. I'm so pleased it has been helpful.
You are good and professional my friend 👍👍👍 . My best regards from Indonesia.
Thank you very much!
Everything that you teach is gold!!!! 😊
+Aida Strocovsky Thank you, that is ever so kind of you. I am just about to reply to your email :-)). Thank you, Aneka x
nope,its silk =)
Thanks for your help got it done. Not the prettiest but it worked I’ll keep trying to get better.
I'm working with a poly, faux satiny material & was starting to get puckering. Dropping the stitch length fixed it :) ! Thank you so much. I have a walking foot in my online shopping cart now.
Also subscribed!
Who in the hell dislikes this woman's videos? She's a godsend.
Thank you, I'm pleased you are finding them useful
I lOVE YOUR TUTORIALS. I WAS WONDERING IF YOU GIVE SHORT SEWING LESSONS? I LIVE IN BELGIUM AND I WOULDN'T MIND COMING TO CLASSES AT WHEREVER YOU ARE.
Oh bless you, you are so kind. I am really pleased you like my tutorials. Yes I teach in person classes at my studio in Somerset and at a location near Oxford (United Kingdom). It would be a pleasure to meet you. Aneka x (my email is info@madetosew.com if you would like to get in touch).
Ty for the fab info I'm taking on doing my daughters prom dress I'm a fairly new sewer x Someone else said if the materials being pulled into the machine put a piece of clear tape over the bigger hole
Brilliant! Thank you for clear and concise instructions. I now have the confidence to try sheer fabrics.
Really pleased you enjoyed the tutorial and learned lots! I wish you all the best with your sewing projects. Thank you for your lovely feedback. Aneka
I know this was made 8 years ago but of course the advice is perfectly on point. Thank you for a much needed breakdown of helpful tips.
I'm considering making my wedding dress out of fine silk. It is soooo thin! I know I need an underlay as well as a lining but I'm always confused by what gets sewn into the hemline at the bottom of the dress. Do I roll hem the underlay and silk together or separately. Or do I have to hem the silk, underlay and lining altogether.
Omg I never thought of tissue paper for satin ! Thank you for all the tips!
Brilliant presentation. Full of information and no waffle. Very many thanks.
Thank you Helen. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.
What a fantastic video! I was gifted with a couple pieces of 100% silk but have hesitated to use it. You've covered everything - so helpful! Now I'm looking forward to sewing with it. New sub here 🙂
You are so articulate and very helpful. Getting ready to make a polyester top. Was dreading it. Thank you.
Glad I could help. Thank you for the kind words.
you have no idea how much this has helped me. THANK YOU
Thanks Erica, really pleased. Aneka x
Thank you for a very detailed tutorial along with lots of tips. Just what I needed as I struggle alone.
Thank you Beverly.
Awesome! Answered so many questions I had when working with silky fabrics before! Thanks for the great video!
Thanks so much xx
great video, love your communication/teaching style. Ejoyable to watch, ease to learn from. Thank you.
Hi Janet, thank you for your lovely comment. I am really pleased that you enjoy my teaching style and have learned something form my tutorials. Thank you for taking the time to comment, good luck with your sewing! Aneka :-))
This is a fantastic lesson of which I must use with my silk fabrics. Thank you.
Hi Joanne, thank you. I am glad you found it useful :-)
Very detailed and well explained as always ! I bought some very lightweight cotton satin fabric and can't wait to try it. Thanks a lot :)
Thank you. I hope you have fun creating your new garment.
Wow, such an incredibly informative and helpful video! Many thanks for putting it together!
Thank you Beth, happy to help. Aneka x
Thankyou for a very informative tutorial. You explain it in such a good way, on top of that you have a lovely voice and accent. All I want to make is some scarves as Chrissy presents and feel more confident in giving it a go now. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year
Thank you very much. Same to you, and good luck finishing the Christmas gifts. Best, Aneka x
Hi, great tutorial and tips, thanks for sharing, you mentioned some links on how to do french seams etc on slippy fabrics, I can't find them unfortunately, am I looking in the wrong place? many thanks again
Very compressive as always. Your videos are second to none
Thank you very much.
Hello,
Since English is not my first language, I watched the video, but it seems that it did not explain this. I have a question: When cutting the fabric, should I cut the upper layer of paper and the fabric together, or should I cut all three layers (both layers of paper and the fabric in the middle) together? Also, I was taught that fabric scissors should not be used to cut other materials to keep them sharp. Will cutting both paper and fabric at the same time damage my fabric scissors?
Thank you very much for your help and for sharing your expertise. I really appreciate it!💖
You should cut all three layers. And yes, the fabric shears are not supposed to cut non-fabrics, but this is the only method for cutting slippy fabric that works for me, so I'm going to make the tradeoff. And I will get my scissors professionally sharpened. Many non-sewists get their kitchen knives professionally sharpened anyway, and IMO it is worth it.
What an excellent tutorial. I'll definitely try tissue paper. Thank you so much!
Lovely video and very helpful! I recently purchased some brocade and will use your tips! Thank you for posting this.
Thank you so much and good luck. Aneka x
Thank you so much! It is most helpful 🙏🏽 (I should have watched it before losing my mind trying to cut my fabric 😂) could you comment on the type of thread you use for machine sewing silk? I was given matching colour standard thread (the beige Güteman) in the shop but am wondering if it should have been a silk thread? Many thanks 💕
Hi Anila, you don't need to use silk thread for sewing silk fabric. I usually use either polyester or cotton. Cotton thread can be nicer on silk garments that might take some stretch or strain, as the cotton thread is generally believed to be weaker than polyester thread so the thread would ideally break before the silk. Does that help? Aneka x
@@MadetoSew That is most helpful, as always, Aneka! I don’t think I would have ever sewn anything wearable if it wouldn’t have been for your beautiful, genuine tutorials! You make a real difference! 😊 Thanks for your quick response and stay safe x
@@anilahasnain5912 Thank you so much. This comment has made my day. Thank you for taking the time to write to me. Aneka xx
I loved this..you were very clear and concise..and very helpful. Thank you
So pleased you liked it. Thank you very much, Aneka
I love all your videos. I have subscribed. I’m so new at sewing and you are a perfectionist, which I love and admire, you are an amazing teacher! Thank you!
Thank you so much Bruce. I'm pleased that you are enjoying the videos. Have fun with your sewing journey.
You are so good at explaining things in a precise way, it’s my first view of your videos n I love it. By the way I m a beginner, often would need to come to you 😀
Thank you so much.
I sew with silk (from silkworms) a lot. Mostly silk chiffon and silk satin. It is impossible to keep the warp and weft threads at right angles without some kind of strategy.
I starch the fabric heavily and iron it damp on a blanket and sheet on a table before cutting out the garment. I don't believe in dry cleaning, so the starching doubles as pre-shrinking. Starch washes out easily after the garment is finished. If the garment is a little bit crisp on the first wearing that is OK.
Thanks so much for sharing Chris. 💖
Oh it's very informative and i appreciate that! I'm just a very 'get to the point' kind of person. Thank you for replying. Lovely vids
Thank you Eda, that's very kind. Good luck with your sewing! :-))
Thanks I am no longer so stressed out. Great information
+Alexander Canfield Really pleased I could help and make the process slightly less stressful for you! Good luck with your sewing.
Thank you. Very concise and informative. I am going to tackle chiffon now.
Hi Hermine, thank you for your lovely message. So pleased I could help. Good luck with your chiffon! Aneka :-)
Thank you for all your info. Nothing like learning from a professional. I subscribed right away.
I intend to start working on silk and satin very soon. A question, though: How it will work if I use zig-zag and those 3 stiches zigzags? Will I be using the same techniques, needles and foot?
Yes, I would still recommend most of the same techniques. Small, sharp needle like a microfibre needle. A walking foot can also help to feed the fabric through the machine. Seams that you will be sewing might be different, but most other things can be the same. 😊
@@MadetoSew Thank you :)
Thats perfect i look forward to sending it to you once i have finished the garment look forward to viewing more of your tips on sewing techniques and videos. Take care
Thanks Sarah.
Thank you for all the great tips, I note you recommend cutting out in a single layer but what if the pattern pieces are for cutting on the fold such as for an overskirt?
Hi Jenefer, yes you will find it easier to cut out your fabric in a single layer if it is a very lightweight slippery fabric. If your pattern pieces are cut on the fold I would recommend making them into a single piece, trace off the pattern piece and then stick them together along the cut on fold edge, so that you have made a 1 piece pattern that will then be cut 1. Does this help? Aneka x
Made to Sew Brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that, this is why I watch your videos.
No problem at all and always happy to help. :-))
This is, as always, a superb tutorial - thank you. And may I ask, will the tissue paper blunt our fabric scissors?
Thank you. It possibly could, people seem to have different opinions about whether paper can damage fabric scissors. I usually have a separate pair that I use for this.
New to your channel. Its a treasure trove of valuable info. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Hello! I really enjoyed this video of silky fabrics, do you have a tutorial on sewing an overlay onto a dress? I have gotten the bodice almost sewn together and my pattern is now saying to sew the overlay onto the bodice with "right sides together" and I am thinking how can I do this without making a hideous seem that will be seen.Please say you have an overlay tutorial!
I am so sorry to say that I don't have a tutorial at present. Feel free to email me (info@madetosew.com) and I will try and help you. Great idea for a tutorial though. Thank you and pleased you liked this one. Aneka x
@madetosew thank you for this. You are so clear in your directions. Perfect.
I want to underline my silk crepe de chine with a silk habotai. Would you recommend temporary fusing the fabrics before cutting?
Hi there, glad you found it useful. Yes, you could temporarily fuse the fabrics together before cutting, this would make it easier. Just be cautious if using something like a spray adhesive that it doesn't damage the silk, or is visible from the right side. Test it first. Hope that helps.
Thx for detailed explanation and showing the example of each of the tips.
Glad I could help.
I noticed that all of your fabrics are organized in clear plastic totes. I think the organization is awesome and the totes will definitely keep the fabric dry and dust free over time. What was your specific reasoning for deciding to organize your fabrics that way?
Oh thank you. I was a good way to stay organised in the space I had! It was actually my fathers idea, he made the shelving to fit the Ikea boxes. Since moving to Australia I still store things in the boxes, especially fabric here because it is tropical where I live so I need to protect my fabrics. Unfortunately I don't currently have the amazing shelving system, so I need another way to organise the boxes neatly! :-))
I would love to see a video on how to sew with stretch fabric! I just love your videos, they are very helpful!
Hi Katherine, thank you for your lovely words. Yes it is on the 'list' for filming. :-)) Aneka x
I'd also like to see this. I bought a few patterns labeled "very easy," but it turns out they use stretch fabric, and I don't understand what's supposed to be very easy about it. The edges curl up so badly that I can't manage to sew them.
I've found that if the needle is sucking the fabric down into the feeder it helps to put tissue paper between the machine and fabric - the transport works just the same, only there's zero wrinkling and seams are immaculate. I sometimes have this issue even when the needle is thin enough and sharp.
Thank you for sharing your experience. This is very useful. Thanks, Aneka x
Fantastic.... Excellent tutorial. Enjoyed and understood. May I ask what is a French seam. Clare xx
Hi Clare, oh thank you so much for your lovely words. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the tutorial. Here is an example of a French Seam: ruclips.net/video/fhogUaCBJOE/видео.html basically it hides all the seam allowances inside the seam and is therefore great to use on lightweight fabrics that fray easily. Especially those that are sheer and where the overlocker (serger) might look 'cheap' or not as professional. You can also insert a sleeve with this technique: ruclips.net/video/NOUKqHY8RqA/видео.html Hope this helps! Aneka x
Thank you for your precise and detailed tutorials.
Hi Ana, so pleased I could help. Thank you! Aneka x
Thank you for your video. Can you advise how I would pre shrink silk before sewing?
It really depends how you plan to wash / look after the silk in the future. That might be hand washing, or using the delicate cycle in the washing machine, or it could be dry clean. Whatever you plan to use afterwards for your garment (once it's made), you ideally want to treat it first with this method. Silk wise, it really depends I have some silks that are dry clean only that I do hand wash - just test first! Thanks, Aneka
Thank you very much for this video, just what I needed for my next project. Using slippery fabric for the first time
Glad it was helpful!
Great tips. Thank you so much.
Thank you Mary! Good luck with your sewing. Aneka :-))
You are a fantastic teacher. Thank you so much.
Thank you Carole. That means a lot.
i thought this would be hard at first until I watched your video. Thank you.
Well I am really pleased I could help. Good luck with your sewing! Aneka
Thank you for this fabulous video! One question - it looked like you used a zigzag stitch on the sample you sewed...is that correct?
Hi Linda, thank you very much. Very sorry if it looked like I was doing a zigzag. I was doing a straight stitch. Sorry. Aneka x
You are my literal savior... amazing video
Thank you. x
NeW subbie here! Fantastic information! I just started working with silk sari fabric and this will help me a lot!
So pleased you enjoyed the video and information. Thank you so much. Aneka x
I learned so much in such a short time! Thank you very much. 😄
So pleased I could help. Aneka
I am brand spanking new to sewing and just getting to know my cheap machine as it was bought to do repairs. Already I have some slippery material to work with and I am curious to know which scissors you use to cut out pieces/patterns. Do you use the Fiskars or the Gingher for that? I purchased some 8 in. Mundials, which although very sharp, very sadly make my hand ache. I take notes for future reference as I am determined to learn. I appreciate your thoroughness and ability to explain so clearly and concisely. Thanks in advance.
Thank you so much. So glad I can help you on your sewing journey. Do you mean paper or fabric?
I have a pair of Fiskars Universal scissors that I use for paper and card.
Then for fabric I will either use Fiskars, Ginghers or I have another brand like the Ginghers. I am not personally a fan of the heavier metal scissors as I find them sore to use for long periods of time (but some people love them). The Ginghers are not heavy and sore like other metal scissors.
Hope that helps! Aneka x
Thank you sooooo much for the tip with the tissue paper! So easy!!
You are so welcome!
Could you please tell me how you would go about hemming a vertical slit in let's say a skirt when the seam above it is a french seam?
You will have to clip into the seam below the French Seam to finish it, and allow the seam allowances to separate. I would suggest adding a facing, or binding to the edges or you could simply turn them over twice and stitch. Aneka
You are so talented. I along with the other viewers also appreciate your time and thank you for sharing! I'm hoping you have the time to help me with an on going project. I need help with a robe I've made. It is silk and I drafted the pattern myself. This was my first attempt and probably the last with pattern drafting. Lol Any how my problem is my sleeves!! My sleeve does not look good at all. It does not lay right underneath the arm. Do you have any suggestions on how I can fix this or even how to draft a sleeve that fits right into the arm hole? I sure would LOVE TO FIX IT since it is silk. I have so much money and time invested. Thank you for your time and efforts. Ruth
Since you drafted the pattern yourself, try redrafting and sew on muslin fabric. This is the first thing that even experienced sewers do. Never cut on actual fabric first, always try on muslin to learn and correct mistakes. Good luck 👍.
some cover cutting table with non slip cloth and cut silk one layer on top of the cloth. works quite well and no fuss
Great idea Cherry, yes I have used cloth instead of tissue paper in the past. I just find tissue paper to be cheaper when I buy it in bulk. Thank you for sharing a great idea. Aneka x
Thank you - super helpful and everything I needed to know to get started!
Glad it was helpful!
Always helpful. Excellent teacher. Thank you 😊
Thank you.
This is an incredibly helpful video thank you SO much!
Thanks Brooke.
It‘s really difficult for me to cut this slippy fabric until I watched this video!
So pleased I could help. Aneka x
What is your opinion on directional stitching with silk? Is it necessary? If the silk is already stabilized with staystitching, starch, etc, does it matter to the whole finished garment?
I will often directionally stitch a garment, due to habit more than anything. But for necklines, or other bias curves, as long as the area is stabilised (I generally use fusible interfacing/interlining), I will sew them in one direction.
As long as the area is stabilised/support then you should be ok to sew as the garment requires/easiest way. If you can directionally stitch, then you might as well do it. But if it's simpler to not, then stabilse and sew in the best direction. Hope that helps?
Thank you for useful tips and demo
Thank you! Aneka
Excellent tutorials!!
Lorena Briel thank you! :-))
hello there, your videos are all great and helpful. May I know how could I possibly reach you further for some inquiries? Thank you!
Hello, that's very kind. My email address is info@madetosew.com, thank you. Aneka
Excellent teacher, easy to understand!
Thanks so much.
Hi Aneka. You mentioned using the Gutermann Silk Thread for hand sewing. Would this thread also be used when sewing with the machine? Or is there a different kind of thread you would use with the machine when sewing silk/slippery fabrics? Thanks.
Hi Holly, yes you can use Gutermann Silk Thread for sewing silk and use it in the machine. I personally often use poly thread when sewing silk, however some sewers prefer to use thread that is weaker than poly for sewing silk fabric. This could be a cotton thread or a silk thread. The idea being that the stitching would break, before the fabric rips. Other sewers are very strict and like to use the same thread as fabric. Personally I use poly most of the time, sometimes I use cotton and I generally use the Gutermann silk thread for hand sewing and machine sewing (sometimes). I use silk thread when quilting Chanel style jackets, it has a nice texture so blends into the fabric well, as well as being very smooth. I would recommend trying and testing threads with fabric to see what works well. I hope this helps, Aneka x
I want to try to sew men's boxers out of a silk like material. Thank you for the advise.
Hi Kimberlie, Wow, what a great idea. Good luck with your sewing project. Really pleased I could help. Aneka