The Modern Rosies Guide to Sewing Tips and Tutorials on the Internet.

A little while back, I asked our fans what they would most love to see on Modern Rosies. You all responded with a resounding "SEWING STUFF!!!!!!" and my face went like this o_O. I am the only Union Riveter that wields a sewing needle on a regular basis. Well, now I am gonna (wo)man up, and accept your challenge!

I know how frustrating it can be, wanting to make awesome stuff for yourself and your family and kids, and not knowing what the HECK you are doing. It can be a daunting challenge, and even worse, you don't even know where to look for help! Believe me, I have been there. So I am going to share some of my favorite resources that will not only help you get the tips/tricks/and tutorials that you need to get on your way, but also offer up some amazing support groups, that will be there with a helping hand, a pat on the back, or suggestions on what to do when you get stuck!


This will be a three part series, with today's post dealing with tutorials, and where all the best ones are. There will be two more posts, one focusing on where to source materials and fabrics, and a last one focusing on sewing communities to connect with other crafters! For the most part, you can Google ANYTHING under the sun regarding DIY and sewing, but a lot of times, the people that did the tutorial can cause more confusion then they will help you. This situation can frustrate you even further, and we don't want you giving up!

I cannot talk about sewing tutorials without first directing you all to What The Craft. This website was one of the first places I landed after I decided to really start sewing, and teaching myself different techniques. If I had to choose, I would say this is the holy grail of sewing and crafting tutorial websites. The site is run by the amazing seamstress Alexis, who also runs Smarmy Clothing. Here, you can find tutorials GALORE. Not only are there tutorials, but there resource links to finding supplies, videos, and even some tutorials on how to dye, paint, or bleach fabric.

Lexie seriously has all your bases covered here. My favorite tutorial that she has is how to do a mock coverstitch using a twin needle. No joke, I have used this technique so many times, I rarely convert my serger anymore. There is also a section on how to sell your craft. After you are done with all What The Craft has to offer, you will feel like you are on top of the DIY world, and you are gonna want to share those goodies!!!

Next on my list is Sew Mama Sew! which also happens to have some tutorials on machine selection, and a really cool section on choosing the correct interfacing. This yoga skirt tutorial would be awesome to make for little girls as gifts for the holidays! (Or for yourself, cause I totally have made myself a few of these!) There is a huge section of sewing crafts for the home, and also for kids on that site!

So as to not overwhelm you, as the two sites already discussed have a TON of content, and even I feel overwhelmed by them, I will only give you one more tip. I am a visual learner, and as long as I have a picture or how something is done, I can usually pull it off. I do know that not all people are this way, and I get that. Youtube is full of how-to sewing videos that will give you a visual and verbal explanation as to how to do certain techniques. Anything from how to insert a zipper, how to do a flat fell seam, or even just how to thread your machine! Crafters that sew love to share techniques, so Youtube is full of videos showcasing them!

Make sure you check back later today, because I will be tossing up a tutorial on how to do a simple applique for beginners. This is a really cool way to personalize items that are already in your wardrobe. I do mine a little differently then most people, so I am going to share my technique with you all!

Brooke is the owner and designer at Brooke Van Gory Designs where she makes custom diaper bags and purses. She is also on the fast track to the looney bin with a toddler and a teen in the house, and loving every minute of it!