The last two days I have been working on another Archer shirt (made here and two here). This time is a plaid flannel from Mood Fabrics:
I wanted to share with you a tip I learned many years ago at a workshop by Louise Cutting. She uses Steam-a-Seam to hold certain areas in place. For instance, on the front button band, when you turn under the seam allowance, place 1/4" steam-a-seam under this seam. Then press in place. Now the front band stays in place and you can topstitch without any worries.
I use Steam-A-Seam in the front band, collar band, cuffs, anywhere I want to hold the seam before I edgestitch or topstitch.
Check out a tutorial at Louise Cutting's site to see more and photos to help explain.
Here is a photo of the Steam-a-Seam I use
It is on a roll with a paper backing on one side.
A question: I have steam-a-seam lite and it is a bear. I have yet to successfully use it. It comes off all over my fingers, etc. I've mostly tried to use it to baste zippers in place. Did I get the wrong steam-a-seam? Or do you have any tips to help klutzy people like me? :)
ReplyDeleteSteam a seam is my 'go to' notion for shirts and any sewing that depends on accuracy. I can never have enough of this notion.
ReplyDeleteYour shirt is going to look real sharp.
Fantastic tip!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tip! Thanks for sharing! Also, my husband picked out that same flannel for a buttondown- funny!
ReplyDeleteI just bought seam a seam for the first time. I can hardly wait to sew another shirt collar (never thought I'd say that)!
ReplyDeleteoh MAN i wish i'd had this tip last night! am seriously considering ripping out some seams......
ReplyDeleteYes I just started using fuseable web to hold cuffs and hems in place and I am loving this little tip! I will certainly keep in mind to use it for blouse front bands.
ReplyDeleteSteam is a great aid in sewing. Your archer shirt will look nice done with this fabric. I am amazed at how much you sew.
ReplyDeleteI recently stated using steam a seam 2 for hems on knits. The hems top stitch easily without any puckering or rolling, and the garment has a better "finished" look.
ReplyDeleteI believe this is the same as "wonder tape". I use it when we sew on zippers. No need to pin. Just use wonder tape and Voila! Perfect placement every time!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip, I love Steam-A-Seam! I mainly use it for sewing knit hems but will definitely start looking at it for more applications.
ReplyDelete