Week 2: Tailored Tie Sew-Along

Welcome to week 2 of the Tailored Tie Sew-Along!  If you've made it this far, that's a big step.  I always find picking out my fabric to be the toughest part in any project.  Hopefully last week's videos helped with that.  This week we'll start taking the first steps to making our Tailored Tie including how to alter the pattern, tips on cutting out the Tailored Tie and how to use fusible interfacing.

1) How to Alter the Tailored Tie Pattern (optional)

Not a one-size-fits-all kind of person? Well no worries, because I have some simple tips for making the Tailored Tie larger or smaller depending on who you're making it for.  Just a warning, the video below is a little bit longer, but this takes you through all the steps you'll need to make the Tailored Tie larger or smaller.  Happy with how the Tailored Tie is? Skip this video and head to the next step below.

2) Understanding the Pattern and Tips for Cutting Your Fabric

Supplies:

-Tailored Tie Pattern you cut out last week

-Main Fabric

-Lining Fabric

-Fusible Interfacing

-Heavyweight Interfacing

-Pattern Weights

-Fabric Scissors

-Iron & Ironing Board

-Pressing Cloth

Pattern Markings:

Grainline: The grainline determines how the fabric should align with the lengthwise grain of the fabric. The grainline runs parallel to the selvage.

Tape Line: The tape line is represented by the dotted line. It shows where the pattern pieces should be taped together.

Seam Allowance: The seam allowance is the space between the fabric edge and the stitching line. This is already built into the pattern. The seam allowance for this pattern is 1/4 inch.

Notch: A slit cut in the seam allowance to ensure one seam will match with the corresponding seam. Notches are marked with colored triangles.

Cutting out the Fabric:

This week, we’re going to cut out all of our pattern pieces.  In the tutorial below, I just go over some tips for cutting, so for the full video on how to cut the fabric, check out minute 2:43 in the Tailored Tie video that comes with your pattern. It is unlisted on my YouTube channel, but if you purchased the Tailored Tie Pattern, you have access to that video. The link is on page 2 of the Tailored Tie Pattern. Just click that and it’ll take you right to the video.

Tip 1: Always follow the grainline on your pattern.

Tip 2: Use pattern weights to hold the pattern down while cutting. If you don’t have pattern weights, I’ve linked the free pattern right here. Don’t have time for that? Use pins, but pin them at the edges of the pattern, parallel to the edges of the pattern so it doesn’t leave visible holes once it’s finished. 

Tip 3: Read your pattern pieces.  They'll tell you what type of fabric to use and how many of each pattern piece to cut out.

Tip 4: Make sure the bumpy side of the fusible interfacing is facing up when cutting it out.

Tip 5: If you're using an interfacing or felt for your heavyweight interfacing, you don't have to follow the grainline for this piece.  You also don't have to follow the grainline when cutting out your fusible interfacing.

3) How to Use Fusible Interfacing

Have you ever used fusible interfacing before? If not, it's a magical product that, with just a little bit of heat, fuses directly to your fabric.  No sewing required!  It's great for making thin or flimsy fabrics thicker so they're easier to work with.  Check out the video below on how to properly use fusible interfacing.

What questions do you have about what we went over this week?  I'll be answering common questions throughout the week in my Facebook Group and Instagram stories.

Happy Sewing,