How to finish seams with a simple zigzag stitch – no overlocker (serger) needed!

by alisonrgreer | Oct 25, 2020

ls-accent-branch

If you want to get neatly finished seams on most fabrics, the simple zigzag stitch will stop your fabric from fraying and mean that you can wash and wear your garments for years.

I demonstrate an open seam and a closed seam in this video.

Alison xx

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Join me for the December sew along in the Love & S

Join me for the December sew along in the Love & Stitches Club 💕 to sew your own version of the @patternscout Brigit Tee.
#loveandstitchesclub #learntosewonline #patternscoutbrigit

You can join us to take part in the Sew Along to m

You can join us to take part in the Sew Along to make the @patternscout Brigit Top seen here in rib from @jellyfabrics See link in bio to find out how you can take part!
#loveandstitchesclub #learntosewonline #patternscoutbrigit #sewingwarmclothes #layeringclothes

Progress of my @roberts.wood Bow Patchwork Elysia

Progress of my @roberts.wood Bow Patchwork Elysia Dress.
I had a bit of time to sew at the weekend and have made a bit of progress - I think the key to a pattern like this is to keep yourself organised! I’ve marked the wrong side of each piece with masking tape noting the pattern piece number and how many of each. It’s definitely a slow sewing project though. You wouldn’t want to make this to a deadline. #robertswoodbowpatchworkdress

📸✨ Swipe to see the amazing creations from my

📸✨ Swipe to see the amazing creations from my lovely students! Each of these pieces was made right here in the studio, from beginners just starting their sewing journey to experienced sewists taking their skills to new heights. From custom blouses to gorgeous jackets, these projects are all about learning at your own pace in a supportive, creative environment.

Want to bring your own sewing dreams to life? Join us at Love & Stitches Studio in Bawtry! Whether you’re interested in our small-group Sewing School or a One to One session, there’s a spot waiting for you. Let's turn those sewing ideas into reality together!

See bio for more info & booking.

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@sewlovepatterns Springe Dress Sew Along coming to

@sewlovepatterns Springe Dress Sew Along coming to the Love & Stitches Club 💕 on Friday.
#sewlovespringe #springedress #loveandstitchesclub #sewingvelvet

➡️ swipe to see these amazing sleeves!!! This

➡️ swipe to see these amazing sleeves!!!
This is the @sewingandthecity Bleeker Sweatshirt in a fab French Terry from @fabricgodmother Frill fabric from stash! #bleekersweatshirt #loveamdstitchesclub #verycutesyverydemure #sewyourown #sewhappy #stashbusting #frillseeker #sewyourstash

Lovely Ruth has just completed this fabulous cape/

Lovely Ruth has just completed this fabulous cape/jacket at Sewing School in Bawtry.
It’s a very generous gift for her friend. 💝 #butterick #b6603 #sewingschoolbawtry #learntosew #handmadegiftsarethebest #sewingislove #bawtry #bawtryisgreat #bawtrybusiness

This is the @stylearc Sydney Designer Dress & Sydn

This is the @stylearc Sydney Designer Dress & Sydney Dress Extension Pack. This great modular mix & match pattern with heaps of options for you to make is our sew along pattern for October in the Love & Stitches Club.

I’ve made a size 22 with the original wider skirt from the Designer Dress with Bodice 3 and Sleeve B from the Extension Pack. The fabric is @fabricgodmother Petula Viscose Crepe.

Get instant access to this and over 40 other sew alongs from different independent pattern designers when you join the Love & Stitches Club. See link in bio for info.

#loveandstitchesclub #learntosew #learntosewonline #stylearcsydney #sasydneydressextensionpack #sasydneydesignerdress #stylearc #loveandstitchstudio #linkinbio #plussizesewing #curvysewing #bodypositivesewing #fabricgodmotherpetula #fabricgodmother #sewingskillbuilder

I made this & I actually make about 99% of my clot

I made this & I actually make about 99% of my clothes and you could too.

This is the @FabricGodmother Fleur Top made from a vintage embroidered tablecloth that I found in a secondhand shop. The instructions are excellent and it’s really well drafted. I made a Size 20 with a D cup. (There is a B cup option too).

I took care cutting the fabric to make maximum use of all the beautiful embroidery and to keep it symetrical. I also used the finished edge of the tablecloth as my hem of the peplum, rather than cutting the lovely shaping away & hemming. I also sewed the seams on the outside of the peplum to show off more of the gorgeous embroidery.

#loveandstitchesclub #learntosew #learntosewonline #loveandstitchstudio #linkinbio #plussizesewing #curvysewing #bodypositivesewing #fabricgodmother #sewingskillbuilder #fgfleur #fgfleurtop #fleurblouse #vintagetablecloth #tableclothupcycle #vintagetextiles #secondhandfind #thriftingupcycle #gannidupe #ganniinspired #tiefrontblouse #sewingisfun #sewsustainably #sewsustainable #slowfashion

Highly recommend the Naomi exhibition at the @vamu

Highly recommend the Naomi exhibition at the @vamuseum in London.

I’ve just shared a few of my highlights so as not to spoil it if you go yourself.

The clothes are beautiful, all that was missing for me was the life and vibrancy that a supermodel brings to those clothes.

#naomicampbell @naomi #naomi #fashionexhibition #supermodelstyle

Started filming the October sew along today. Very

Started filming the October sew along today. Very happy that I managed to fit this @stylearc pattern onto this gorgeous @fabricgodmother fabric I had in my stash!

#waiwot #stylearcsydney #sydneydress #loveandstitchesclub

This might just be my favourite make of the year a

This might just be my favourite make of the year and it’s been a long time coming!

I found the embroidered tablecloth in a vintage/antique shop last October and I knew what I wanted it to become.

I thought I was going to have to hack a pattern until @fabricgodmother released their Fleur dress & top pattern.

Got the pattern printed twice so I could really work on my pattern placement and get the features of the gorgeous embroidery in the right places and as symmetrical as possible.

I believe the tablecloth was hand embroidered which means that it isn’t perfectly symmetrical but that just adds to the finished look.

Watch this space for more updates!

#fleurtop #thriftfinds #charityshopping #tableclothupcycle #vintagetextiles #embroidered #learntosewonline #fgfleur

The September Sew Along in the Love & Stitches Clu

The September Sew Along in the Love & Stitches Club 💕 is the @sussex_seamstress Rodmell Pinafore & it goes live tomorrow.

The Rodmell is an asymmetric scoop-necked pinafore in a wrap-around style, secured with a side tie. With a choice of up to 3 large pockets for practicality and top stitching for detail, you can make this as casual or smart as you wish.

For cooler months pair it with a roll neck for an easy to wear everyday addition to your wardrobe.

Here are just some of the skills you will cover in this sew along:

💕 cutting symmetrical & asymmetrical pattern pieces
💕 topstitching
💕 facings
💕 handling bulky seams
💕 bias binding finish

Click on the link in bio to find out how you can take part.

#rodmellpinafore #loveandstitchesclub #learntosew #learntosewonline

All the fun patches I’ve got to brighten up my d

All the fun patches I’ve got to brighten up my dull fabric and make it more me!

What’s your favourite?

#loveandstitchesclub #sewingisfun #customiseyourclothes

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A feast for the eyes & lots to inspire!!

Thanks to @blondy1105 for the company.

#sewinginspiration #fashionexhibition #sewinginspo #sewjo #erdem

🌟 Meet Alison 🌟 Hey lovely people, whether

🌟 Meet Alison 🌟

Hey lovely people, whether you’re new here or have been part of this community for a while, I thought it’s time to (re)introduce myself! I’m Alison, the heart and hands behind Love & Stitches Studio based in Bawtry, South Yorkshire. 💕

Here’s a bit about me:
✨ I’m a passionate dressmaker, with 30 years of experience in creating clothes that make me feel fabulous.
✨ I run the Love & Stitches Club, an online space where you can find sew-along videos, step-by-step tutorials, a community of supportive sewiist as well as exclusive member only discounts.
✨ My signature course, Sewing School, is all about building your skills, and creativity, in small friendly classes, helping you bring your dream projects to life at your own pace.

I absolutely love teaching and guiding my lovely students and members through their creative journeys. My goal? To empower you to create something amazing that makes you feel fabulous with your own hands. 🧵✂️

If you’re looking to dive into the world of making your own wardrobe, or just want to hang out with a friendly, supportive community, you’re in the right place. Let’s create something beautiful together! 🌸

Drop a comment below and let me know what you’re working on, or just say hi! 👋

#LoveAndStitches #SewingSchool #MeetTheMaker #SewingCommunity #loveandstitchesclub #loveandstitchesstudio #buildyoursewingskills #bawtryisgreat #bawtrybiz #sewingsouthyorkshire

The August sew along in the Love & Stitches Club 💕 is a 2 for 1 in the @namedclothing #kielowrapdress #kielojumpsuit so of course I had some fun editing some mash-up photos of them both! #sewingfun #loveandstitchesclub #sewinginreallife #fatsewing #kielodress

Lovely Lorna completed her @fridaypatterncompany #

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#donnyshirt #scrapbustingsewalong #scrapbusting #learntosewonline #plussizesewing #fatsewing #loveandstitchesclub

I’m always forgetting to add a label at the appr

I’m always forgetting to add a label at the appropriate point! Some I’m super chuffed I remembered today before I used the burrito method on this @fridaypatterncompany #donnyshirt

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