Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Another Archer and a Tip


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.  



11 comments:

  1. 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? :)

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  2. Steam a seam is my 'go to' notion for shirts and any sewing that depends on accuracy. I can never have enough of this notion.
    Your shirt is going to look real sharp.

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  3. Anonymous11:04 PM

    That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing! Also, my husband picked out that same flannel for a buttondown- funny!

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  4. I just bought seam a seam for the first time. I can hardly wait to sew another shirt collar (never thought I'd say that)!

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  5. oh MAN i wish i'd had this tip last night! am seriously considering ripping out some seams......

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  6. Yes 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.

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  7. Steam is a great aid in sewing. Your archer shirt will look nice done with this fabric. I am amazed at how much you sew.

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  8. I 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.

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  9. I 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!

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  10. Great tip, I love Steam-A-Seam! I mainly use it for sewing knit hems but will definitely start looking at it for more applications.

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