Howcast

How to Turn a Hoodie into a Bag

Howcast — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:01:16 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Lay on flat surface Lay your hoodie on a flat surface with the zipper closed.
Step 2: Slide the belt Slide the belt through both sleeves, then buckle the belt.
TIP: The belt will serve as the bag’s shoulder strap, so buckle it at a length that will be comfortable for you.
Step 3: Pull the strings Pull the strings on the hoodie tight.
Step 4: Unzip the zipper Unzip the zipper and place your items inside. Close the zipper and go. It’s fast to make and still doubles as a hoodie for when you get cold.
FACT: San Francisco was the first city in the United States to ban plastic bags from grocery stores and pharmacies.

You Will Need

Flat surface
Hoodie with a zipper
Belt

How to Make a Beanbag Chair

Howcast — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:31:06 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the fabric Prepare the fabric. Measure and cut two circles with 3-foot diameters and three 3- by 3-foot squares. Then, cut a 1½- by 1 ½-foot square.
TIP: Experiment with different fabrics to make beanbags that complement any room.
Step 2: Start the fill hole Cut a foot long slit in the center of one of the 3-foot square panel. Pin the zipper over the opening and sew it into place.
Step 3: Sew the inner flap Center the 1½-foot piece over the zipper on the inside of the 3-foot panel. Then pin and sew it into place on three sides.
Step 4: Attach the Velcro Sew Velcro along the opening between the 1½-foot square and the 3-foot square.
Step 5: Sew the squares together Pin and sew the two 3-foot squares without zippers together along one edge, forming a 3- by 6-foot rectangle. Sew the remaining 3-foot square to a short side of the rectangle.
Step 6: Finish sewing Sew the short ends of the rectangle together, forming a tube. Turn the cylinder inside out, and sew the round pieces on either end. Go over each of the seams again for added strength.
Step 7: Fill it and enjoy! Pull the beanbag through the filling hole so it’s right side out. Then, using a paper-towel tube as funnel, pour the “beans” into the bag until it’s roughly 80 percent full. Seal the Velcro, zip the zipper, and relax on your new beanbag chair!
FACT: New York City’s Museum of Modern Art has a beanbag chair designed in 1968 in its permanent collection.

You Will Need

8 u00bd yds. fabric
Measuring tape
Scissors
12″ zipper
Straight pins
Sewing machine
1 u00bd’ of Velcro
Paper-towel tube
18 cubic ft. beanbag filler

How to Choose a Cross-Stitch Craft Kit

Howcast — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:15:48 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Identify your skill level Identify your skill level before searching for a kit. The art of cross-stitch may be learned by children as young as five, as well as elderly crafters.
Step 2: Determine project type Determine the type of project you wish to stitch, whether a masterpiece for framing, a baby bib, a tree skirt, or any number of other items.
TIP: Small projects are easier and require less time to complete, making them suitable for young and novice stitchers.
Step 3: Choose design style Choose your design style from the limitless selection, ranging from heritage reproductions, Celtic art, Art Nouveau, and everything in between.
Step 4: Identify your budget Cross-stitch kits range in price from $5 to $100, so decide how much you wish to invest in your project.
Step 5: Examine kits Examine kit selections available at stores and online, making sure to note what supplies are included and what extra supplies you might need to purchase.
Step 6: Select kit Select your kit based on your preferences. Now all you have to worry about is becoming one of the many confessed cross-stitch addicts around the globe.
FACT: Girls in 18th century America were trained in needlework and expected to create at least two sampler projects during their youth to demonstrate their stitching skills.

You Will Need

A project type
A design style
A budget
Craft stores
A computer with internet access

How to Embroider a Towel

Howcast — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:31:44 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Apply the topping and stabilizer Apply a water-soluble topping to the design area of the towel while positioning a cutaway stabilizer on the opposite side, out of sight. The topping will ensure your design won’t be lost in the material and dissolves in water, while the stabilizer gives structure and is permanent.
Step 2: Center the work area Center the work area of the towel, where you applied your topping and stabilizer, inside the embroidery hoop.
Step 3: Select a heavy thread Select a thicker or heavier thread when stitching on a thick cloth such as a towel to see the design better.
Step 4: Thread the needle Slip the thread through the eye of the needle letting a few inches dangle, but don’t double up on the string.
TIP: Keep the amount of thread you are working with short to prevent tangling and cut and knot the end.
Step 5: Stitch the design Follow the design pattern using a variety of stitches, the easiest and most common being the back stitch. This may take some time, so be patient.
Step 6: Finish the embroidery Cut any remaining thread with a pair of small scissors and trim the stabilizer. Finally, pop the towel in the washing machine on a delicate setting.
FACT: The AIDS quilt contains over 91,000 names stitched onto 1.2 million square feet of fabric.

You Will Need

Topping
Cutaway stabilizer
Embroidery hoop
Heavy thread
Embroidery needle
Small scissors

How to Turn a Hoodie into a Laptop Bag

Howcast — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:08:36 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Lay hoodie face up Lay the hoodie front side up on a table, with the hood and arms outstretched.
Step 2: Place computer on it Place the laptop widthwise on the chest section of the sweatshirt, just below the neckline.
Step 3: Fold up bottom Fold the bottom of half of the hoodie over the computer and tuck in the sides and edge of the bottom half under the sides of the laptop.
TIP: The bottom half of the hoodie will wrap around the laptop like a cocoon. The laptop should not be visible after tucking the bottom half around it.
Step 4: Fold hood over Fold the hood over the top of the covered laptop and slip the laptop into it.
Step 5: Flip over Flip the laptop over so that the back of the hood is now touching the table.
Step 6: Tie the neck closed Tie the neck of the hoodie to tightly enclose the laptop and secure it.
Step 7: Knot the sleeves Grab the wrists of the sleeves and tie them into a very tight knot to make a carrying strip. Then sling it over your shoulder and head out.
FACT: A study resulting from the “One Laptop Per Child” program found that more frequent use of computers for research was associated with gains in personal expression, freedom, and accomplishment.

You Will Need

Hooded sweatshirt
Table
Laptop computer

How to Turn a Collared Shirt into a Sexy Mini Dress

Howcast — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:32:04 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose shirt Choose a shirt that is long enough to wear as a mini dress when the collar is held just above your bust line.
TIP: Women’s shirts are best, since they have back darts. Shoulder darts, usually found on men’s shirts, will hamper the fit of your dress.
Step 2: Hold it up Hold the back of the shirt with the collar over your chest and have a friend fasten the buttons in back. Then wrap the sleeves around your back. This is the basic dress shape.
Step 3: Fit Have your friend overlap and pin the sleeves together in back. Check the front to make sure it stays fitted and neat. If you don’t plan to keep the collar in front, cut it off now.
TIP: If you’re using a short-sleeved shirt, there won’t be much to cut off.
Step 4: Cut sleeves Mark and cut the sleeves in back, leaving several inches of overlap for buttons, buttonholes, and seams. Then remove the dress, cut the sleeves straight, pin them down half an inch, and hem each one.
Step 5: Lay out buttonholes Lay out the buttons on the bottom sleeve. Draw four slits in a straight line along the edge of the top sleeve to mark buttonholes. Then cut slits just large enough to fit the buttons.
Step 6: Sew Hand-finish the buttonholes by sewing completely around the edge of each slit with doubled thread.
TIP: Use a sewing machine if you have one.
Step 7: Finish Try on the dress and have your friend overlap the sleeves and mark where the buttons will go for a perfect fit. Mark through each buttonhole, remove the dress, and sew the buttons at each mark.
FACT: According to one survey, most men said women look sexiest in a casual sundress.

You Will Need

Large women’s oxford shirt
Friend
Pen or pencil
Scissors
Needle and thread
4 buttons
Short-sleeved shirt (optional)
Sewing machine (optional)

How to Embroider Pillows

Howcast — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:46:05 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Center pillow case in hoop Center the pillow case inside the embroidery hoop, being sure to make the fabric taut to make stitching easier.
Step 2: Locate pattern Locate an embroidery pattern and apply it to the fabric using an iron-on transfer or a disappearing ink marker.
TIP: Disappearing ink markers are available at fabric and craft stores.
Step 3: Choose a thread Choose a string color and weight. The most common string is embroidery floss, which has six separate threads spun together.
Step 4: Thread the needle Thread the needle by slipping the floss through the needle’s eye and letting a few inches dangle. Don’t double the string.
TIP: Keep the amount of floss you are working with to 20 inches to prevent tangling.
Step 5: Stitch design Stitch the design using the backstitch. Insert the needle through the wrong side of the fabric, pull it through, insert it through the right side, just behind the first hole, and come back through the wrong side, just ahead of the first hole.
Step 6: Finish the embroidery Hand-wash your embroidery in warm water with mild soap and let it dry between two towels to shrink the floss.
FACT: In the 1800s, needlework was taught at female academies attended by the daughters of prominent families and was often inspired by engravings of the period.

You Will Need

Pillow case
Embroidery hoop
Design pattern
Iron-on design
Disappearing ink marker
Embroidery string or floss
Embroidery needle
Scissors

How to Turn an Old Sweater into a Strapless Dress

Howcast — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:16:14 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Measure Take your measurements at the largest part of your chest, your waist, and the largest part of your hips.
Step 2: Lay out sweater Lay the sweater on a flat surface. It should be long enough to wear as a mini dress.
Step 3: Mark the sweater Use the chalk to mark a straight line across the chest, just below the collar. Make the line equal in length to half of your chest size. From each end of this line, mark an arc that goes inward at the waist, and extends outward to the bottom of the sweater.
TIP: For example, if your chest measurement is 34 inches, draw a 17-inch line.
Step 4: Fit Check the marks against your measurements, adding 1 to 2 inches. Hold the sweater up to your body, note where the marks are, and make adjustments.
TIP: Use a well-fitting strapless dress from your wardrobe as a template.
Step 5: Cut and pin Pin the front and back of the sweater together on the lines and cut half an inch outside the line for seams. Then turn the sweater inside out. Turn down the top of the dress about half an inch all the way around and pin it into place.
Step 6: Stitch Stitch down the top seam along the edge with your sewing machine, removing the pins as you go. Then sew each of the side seams. Turn the sweater right-side in again.
Step 7: Make shrug Cut each long sleeve at the shoulder. Fold the sweater shoulder-to-shoulder and pin it together at the back seams. Stitch this side together and cut a small oval-shaped opening in the front seams to make a matching shrug.
FACT: In 2007, the world’s largest sweater, made in China, had a chest measurement of about 28 feet and was over 16 feet long.

You Will Need

Your measurements
A large sweater
A flat work surface
Dressmaker’s chalk
A measuring tape
Pins
Scissors
A sewing machine and thread
A strapless dress (optional)

How to Convert Photos to Cross-Stitch Designs

Howcast — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:01:43 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Upload the photo Scan or upload the photo to your computer and open the file in an image editing program. Crop out unwanted portions of the photo.
Step 2: Edit the photo Resize the photo to the size of the pattern. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color levels to make the photo as clear as possible.
TIP: Remove complicated backgrounds in the image editing program to reduce the number of colors and to simplify the pattern.
Step 3: Open the photo Open the photo in a cross-stitch program or upload it to an online converter.
Step 4: Select the colors Select the number of colors for the cross-stitch.
Step 5: Convert the photo Make adjustments until the pattern is satisfactory. Select whether the cross-stitch should be in color or black and white with symbols, and convert the photo to a pattern.
Step 6: Print Print the pattern, thread your needle, and get to stitching.
FACT: After designing an early sewing machine to mass-produce uniforms, inventor Barthelemy Thimonnier’s factory was burned down by French tailors.

You Will Need

A photo
A scanner or digital camera
An image editing program
A computer with internet access
A cross-stitch program

How to Measure Waist Circumference

Howcast — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:32:20 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Remove or raise clothing Remove your shirt or raise it above your waistline and lower your pants.
Step 2: Find your waist Use your fingers to find the top of your hip bone at your side. Your waist is the soft area just above the hip bone, below your rib cage.
Step 3: Measure Hold the end of the tape measure at your navel and bring it around your waist to the front.
Step 4: Read the tape Place one finger on the tape at the point where the zero end of the tape hits your waist measurement and read the measurement.
TIP: Waist measurements play a big role in your health. Women should have a measurement less than 35 inches and men should have a waist less than 40 inches.
Step 5: Repeat the process Repeat the measurement once more to ensure accuracy and the perfect fit for your next purchase.
FACT: Using a corset to “train” her waist, Cathie Jung of Old Mystic, Connecticut, has the world’s smallest waist, measuring a mere 15 inches.

You Will Need

Tape measure

How to Turn a Regular Skirt into a Bubble Skirt

Howcast — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:01:18 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Turn skirt inside out Turn the skirt inside out, fold the hem up 1 inch and pin it into place.
Step 2: Sew the hem Sew the hem into place using the sewing machine, removing the pins as you go. Leave a small hole where you can feed elastic into the hem.
Step 3: Cut elastic Cut a length of elastic the size of your waist or hips, depending on where you want the folded hem to reach.
Step 4: Feed elastic into hem Pin one end of the elastic to the opening of the hole in the hem. Then feed the elastic into the hem until the other end comes out of the hole.
Step 5: Sew elastic ends Sew the ends together with a needle and thread and close the hole in the hem.
Step 6: Turn right side out and try Turn the skirt right side out and put it on. Fold the hem under so that the elastic hem is hidden.
TIP: When the skirt goes out of fashion, remove the elastic and wear it as you did before.
Step 7: Raise hem Lift the elastic hem along your body to shorten the skirt to your desired length. Go out for a fun night wearing your new bubble skirt.
FACT: In the early 1900s, women wore skirts that were wide at the bottom to accommodate walking or riding a bike.

You Will Need

Knee-length or longer skirt
Measuring tape
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Scissors
1 yd. elastic
Needle and matching thread

How to Measure an Inseam

Howcast — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:45:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Take off shoes Put on your best-fitting pair of pants; then stand with your back against a wall.
TIP: Don’t wear shoes when you’re measuring your inseam.
Step 2: Place notebook between legs Hold the notebook or folder between your legs at the very top of your inner thighs. Place it so that one edge of the notebook touches the wall.
Step 3: Have partner measure Have a helper measure the distance from the floor to the top edge of the notebook or folder.
Step 4: Repeat the measurement Double-check the measurement.
Step 5: Buy pants or bike Buy a new pair of pants with confidence, knowing that you are getting the perfect fit.
FACT: In 1990, Susan Molinari was a hot topic when she became the first woman to wear pants on the U.S. House of Representatives floor.

You Will Need

Notebook or folder
Helper
Tape measure

How to Sew a Throw Pillow

Howcast — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:45:41 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Wash fabric Wash the fabric to remove any finishing and to preshrink it.
TIP: Adding white vinegar to your wash will help keep colors from bleeding.
Step 2: Cut front Cut a piece of fabric to the same size as the front of the pillow form. If the pillow is firm, add 1 inch to the width and length for seam allowance.
Step 3: Cut back Cut another piece of fabric just as wide as the front piece, but 4 inches longer, for the back piece.
Step 4: Cut the back in half Fold the back piece in half lengthwise and cut along the fold to make it two pieces.
Step 5: Fold the width and pin Fold the edge of one of the back pieces ¼-inch along the side that is the same width as the front piece. Then fold it over one more time to hide the raw edge and pin it in place. Repeat with the other back piece.
Step 6: Sew pinned edge Sew the pinned edges into place, removing the pins as you go.
Step 7: Lay pieces together and pin Lay the front piece down with the right side up. Lay the back pieces on top of the front with the right sides down and the edges lined up. Pin the edges of the pieces together.
TIP: The back pieces will overlap one another by 1½ inches. The opening will allow the pillow form to be removed for cleaning later on.
Step 8: Sew pieces together Sew the front and backs together along the pinned edges. Remove the pins as you go and then trim away any excess fabric or thread.
Step 9: Turn inside out and fill Turn the cover inside out. Place the pillow form inside and take it for a test drive.
FACT: Historically, many women in Japan used wooden neck supports as pillows so as not to muss up their elaborate hairstyles during sleep.

You Will Need

1 yard fabric
Pins
A needle and thread
A pillow form
White vinegar (optional)

How to Make Hemp Bracelets

Howcast — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:31:23 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the twine Cut one strand of twine about 6 times longer than the length you want your bracelet to be. Then cut a second strand twice the length of the first strand. Fold each strand at its midpoint and make a knot about 1/2-inch from the top. Hold the knot in place with a heavy object.
TIP: Natural colored hemp twine, typically 20-pound weight, is sold at craft and bead stores.
Step 2: Begin knotting Arrange the 4 twine pieces so that the two shortest strands are together in the middle, with one longer strand on each side. Take the right outer strand and pull it 45 degrees away from the middle strands. Then place the right strand on top of the middle strands and pass it through under the outer left strand, so that it looks like the number 4. This is called an overhand knot.
Step 3: Continue the knots Take the left outer strand and loop it under the middle strands, pulling it through the figure 4. Then pull the outer strands to tighten. Alternate knotting each side to form the bracelet.
Step 4: Add beads Thread a bead onto the two middle strands, and then knot around the bead using the figure 4 overhand knot. Make 2 to 3 more knots before adding another bead. The number of beads you’ll be able to incorporate into the bracelet will vary according to bead size and bracelet length.
Step 5: Finish the bracelet Continue knotting and adding beads until you reach your desired length. Then tie the 4 strands together with a single knot. Wrap the bracelet around your wrist and fasten it by threading the end strands through the loop. Carefully trim away any excess twine from the four end strands. Peace out!
FACT: American presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp.

You Will Need

Hemp twine
Scissors
Heavy object
Beads
Craft or bead store (optional)

How to Make Curtains

Howcast — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:31:07 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Measure Measure the window for which you will be making curtains and determine the length at which you would like the curtains to fall.
TIP: Measure the length of the curtains from the curtain rod to the point below the window where they will end. Curtains should extend out past the window casement to block out sunlight.
Step 2: Add hem allowances Add 6 inches to the length and 4 inches to the width to allow for the hem.
Step 3: Iron fabric Iron your fabric.
TIP: Don’t overlook those nice sheets that no longer fit your new bed.
Step 4: Measure fabric and cut Cut out your curtain panels with the additional length and width for hems.
Step 5: Lay out and fold side over Lay one curtain right side down. Fold the sides over 1/2 inch, toward the wrong side of the fabric, and fold over again.
Step 6: Iron Iron the folded edges into place and pin down with straight pins.
TIP: The rough edge or selvage should be tucked into the fold. This keeps your hems from raveling and prevents loose threads peeking out.
Step 7: Stitch sides Stitch the hemmed sides into place on a sewing machine. Stitch close to the fold farthest away from the edge. Remove pins as you go.
Step 8: Lay out and fold top hem Lay curtain right side down and fold the top over 1/2 inch. Fold it over again and iron. Now fold over 4 inches to create a “pocket,” press, and pin into place.
Step 9: Stitch top Stitch the hemmed top along the inside fold, farthest away from the edge, to make a rod pocket. Remove pins as you sew.
Step 10: Lay out and fold bottom Lay curtain right side down and fold the bottom hem over 1/2 inch, then fold it over again. Press and pin into place.
Step 11: Stitch bottom Stitch the hemmed bottom along the inside fold farthest away from the edge, removing pins as you go and backstitch at the edge. Repeat all steps with the other curtain and hang them. Now your windows are decorated to your style, and your beauty sleep is preserved!
FACT: Air curtains, the sharp downward blasts of air as you enter a store, are intended to keep insects, drafts, and inclement weather out of the interior space. They were first invented by Theophilus Van Kemmel in 1904.

You Will Need

Measuring tape
Iron and ironing board
Fabric
Scissors
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Thread
Bed sheets (optional)

How to Make a Denim Rug

Howcast — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:32:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare jeans Cut the legs off of your jeans and open up the seams on each side of the pant leg with a seam ripper. Measure and cut the fabric lengthwise into long, one-inch-wide strips with scissors or a strip cutter.
TIP: If you don’t have enough denim on hand, shop for inexpensive jeans at your local thrift store.
Step 2: Sew the strips Sew three strips together, end to end, using a sewing machine. If you sew by hand, use a simple whip stitch.
Step 3: Braid strips Braid your strips of fabric together into long, tight plaits.
Step 4: Coil the braids Decide on the shape of your rug — oval or round — and coil the braids accordingly. Stitch the ends of each plait together with heavy thread.
Step 5: Tuck the end Tuck the end of your last plait between the folds of the coils and sew it into place. Find some bare floor and lay down a little piece of country in your own home.
FACT: Levi Strauss, who invented denim in 1873, left $6 million to his family and various charities when he died in 1902.

You Will Need

Several pairs of old blue jeans
A seam ripper
A measuring tape
Scissors or a strip cutter
A sewing machine
A sewing needle and heavy thread
Heavy cotton or nylon thread
A thrift store (optional)

How to Make Hair Bows

Howcast — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:01:13 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Fold the ribbon Fold the ribbon into a figure 8, three times. Trim the excess ribbon with scissors, and repeat to make a second bow.
TIP: Apply liquid fray check, available in craft stores, to the ends of your ribbon to avoid fraying edges.
Step 2: Sew the bows Use your needle and thread to tightly sew the two bows together.
TIP: Create a monochromatic bow with matching ribbon or use a different color for the second bow for a complementary effect.
Step 3: Add a decorative accent Affix a decorative accent piece to the center of the bow, securing it with hot glue.
Step 4: Affix to the clip Spread a layer of hot glue onto the alligator clip. Place the bow onto the clip and hold them tightly together until the glue hardens.
Step 5: Fashion a hair band Make another hair bow by applying a layer of glue onto a small area just off center on the headband. Securely affix a bow to the headband. Now go and rock your girly look.
FACT: Hello Kitty first appeared with her iconic bow on a Japanese coin purse in 1974.

You Will Need

2 15″ lengths of 7/8″ grosgrain ribbon
Scissors
Needle and thread
Decorative accent
Hot glue gun
Alligator clip
Hair band
Liquid fray check (optional)

How to Hem Jeans

Howcast — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:01:47 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Determine length Put on the jeans with the shoes that you will usually wear with them. Cuff the pants to the desired length and then mark the length with chalk or a pin.
TIP: Have a friend assist you. They can cuff the pants, provide feedback on the length, and mark the desired length for you.
Step 2: Measure length of cuff Remove the jeans, measure the length of the cuff, and divide the measurement in half.
TIP: Ignore the original hem when doing your measurements. You are going to keep the original hem and hide the extra length inside the pant leg.
Step 3: Sew new cuff Pin the cuff at the new length and sew it in place. Sew as close to the original hem as possible. You now have a small fold of extra denim inside your jeans.
Step 4: Verify length Verify the new length by trying on the jeans in front of the mirror. If the length is off, mark a new length with chalk or pins so that you can make adjustments.
Step 5: Turn jeans inside out Turn the jeans inside out and press the extra flap of denim upward, toward the waistline.
Step 6: Tack fold Tack the extra fold in place by sewing a few stitches at each side seam.
TIP: If there is now too much fabric inside your pant leg for comfort, trim the extra material, cutting close to your new hem.
Step 7: Turn and press Turn the jeans right side out, put them on, and don’t worry about tripping on the extra length.
FACT: Levi Strauss’ original plan was to sell tents and wagon covers to people moving to California for the gold rush. Since there was no market for these, he instead manufactured durable pants for the miners.

You Will Need

Jeans
Shoes
Chalk
Sewing pins
Measuring tape
Full-length mirror
Sewing machine
Iron and ironing board
Friend (optional)

How to Make Distressed Jeans

Howcast — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:16:01 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Place a block of wood in the pant leg Place the small block of wood in one pant leg at the spot you want to distress. Near the knee is a good spot.
Step 2: Rub a cheese grater on the spot to distress Rub a cheese grater horizontally and vertically over the wood on the outside of the pant leg to give your jeans a worn look. Rub gently for a mildly distressed look and more vigorously for a seriously worn look, or to start holes.
TIP: Don’t use scissors to cut holes into your jeans. You won’t get the frayed look that you get with a cheese grater.
Step 3: Rub sandpaper around edges of the jeans Rub sandpaper around the edges of the jeans to give them a softer look. Fray the edges around the pockets, knees, and hemlines.
TIP: Practice your technique with a cheap or older pair of jeans that you don’t wear. Work on your practice jeans until you learn the skills to work on your favorite pair.
Step 4: Bleach the outer edges of the holes Add a small amount of bleach to a sponge. Dab the sponge along the worn areas and the edges of holes to add to the faded look.
Step 5: Remove the back pockets Use a seam ripper to remove the back pockets.
TIP: Use a paintbrush to splash a bit of paint or oil on the jeans to add a different stained look.
Step 6: Wash the jeans Turn your jeans inside out and wash them in cold water and let them line dry. Now wear them out on the town and show off your new look.
FACT: The first pair of riveted blue jeans, made in 1873, had one back pocket, a watch pocket, and suspender buttons.

You Will Need

Pair of jeans
Block of wood
Cheese grater
Sandpaper
Bleach
Sponge
Seam ripper
Another pair of jeans (optional)
Paintbrush (optional)
Paint (optional)
Oil (optional)

How to Make a Custom Dress Form

Howcast — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 15:15:40 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Wear the T-shirt Pull on the long T-shirt, which should hang at about knee-length. Have your friend wrap duct tape horizontally around the shirt, starting at the bottom, snug at your thighs and hips, but loose around your waist.
Step 2: Allow for breasts Use smaller strips of tape to cover your bust, since shorter pieces of tape reflect bust contours better. Lay the strips in different directions in an outward radius from the center of the bust area.
TIP: Wrap plastic around your neck to protect it from being taped.
Step 3: Fold around neck and arms Fold the tape around your neckline and armholes.
Step 4: Add layers Add a second layer, vertically, using strips and pressing out wrinkles at the waist. Then wrap once more horizontally.
TIP: Stand straight and face forward the whole time to create a consistent body model.
Step 5: Mark waist and middle line Mark the waistline with the marking pen so that you can locate it later. Mark the midline of your abdomen using the plumb bob hung from the middle of your throat.
Step 6: Cut the form Lie face down and have your friend cut the form along your spine in a jagged pattern. Step out of the form and tape the back closed, ensuring the body form won’t be skewed and the midline remains centered.
TIP: Use a pole attached to a stand to set the form on while working.
Step 7: Fill the form Fill the form with poly batting, sealing the bottom with a cardboard cutout.
Step 8: Fill, sand, cover Fill the cavity with polyurethane spray foam, sand the model, and cover it with the knit fabric.
FACT: Did you know? At the beginning of the 19th century, 75 percent of all women’s clothing was homemade.

You Will Need

A long T-shirt
An assistant
Three rolls of duct tape
Plastic wrap
A marking pen
A plumb bob and string
Scissors
2A pole and stand bags of poly batting
Cardboard
Polyurethane spray foam
Sandpaper
Knit fabric
A pole and stand (optional)

How to Dye Leather

Howcast — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:15:50 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Select a dye Select a suitable dye, which will be depend on the type of leather you are working with. Alcohol-based dyes add a strong color to leather, but tend to stiffen it. Water-based dyes do not add as strong a color, but they are better at preserving the leather’s natural suppleness.
Step 2: Clean the leather Clean the leather surface, taking care to remove any coating or dirt present.
TIP: Use a commercially available leather deglazer.
Step 3: Dampen the leather Spray the leather with water, or dampen it with a moist sponge until it is uniformly wet.
Step 4: Apply the dye Apply the dye evenly with a clean cloth.
Step 5: Let the leather dry Allow the leather to dry. As it dries, flex it occasionally to keep it from becoming stiff.
Step 6: Buff the leather Buff the leather with a soft, clean cloth to remove any excess dye.
FACT: Did you know? Egyptians made a red dye called “madder,” extracted from plants, about 4,000 years ago.

You Will Need

Leather dye
Water
A spray bottle or sponge
A cloth for dye
Soft cloth for buffing
Leather deglazer (optional)

How to Turn Old Jeans into a Skirt

Howcast — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:01:25 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Measure the length Measure the length you want the skirt to be from the top of the jeans’ waistband down the side seam, adding an inch for the hem. Mark the length across the legs with a pencil.
Step 2: Cut off the legs Cut off the legs along the pencil line for an even skirt hem. Save the legs for later.
Step 3: Cut along inseam Turn the jeans inside out and undo the inside seam with the seam ripper to open the legs and crotch.
Step 4: Cut open side seam Rip open the side seams in the legs to make two scrap pieces.
Step 5: Trim the two pieces to fit the open space Trim the two scrap pieces to fit the open spaces in the front and back of your skirt.
Step 6: Pin pieces in place, then stitch Turn the jeans right-side out and pin the scrap pieces into place with the pins running horizontally. Then stitch them into place, topstitching to match the style of the jeans.
TIP: Fold the inseam ½ inch before pinning to keep the patch from fraying when you stitch it down.
Step 7: Turn inside-out and hem Turn the skirt inside out and trim any remaining fabric at the hem. Then pin the hem up ½ inch and sew it.
Step 8: Turn right-side out, wear Turn your new skirt right-side out, put it on, and show off those gams!
FACT: Did you know? In 1974, Volkswagen introduced a line of special edition “Jeans Beetles” with denim seats, colored stitching, and pockets on the back of the headrests.

You Will Need

A pair of jeans
A ruler
A pencil
Scissors
A seam ripper
Straight pins
A sewing machine

How to Cut a Hooded Sweatshirt

Howcast — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:33:39 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Use an old sweatshirt Use an old hooded sweatshirt, which will look more natural with a little wear and tear. If it’s new, wash and dry it a few times for a broken-in feel.
Step 2: Lay it out Lay it out on a flat surface like a table or a floor.
Step 3: Find center Find the center where the two sides of the neck meet and overlap slightly. Separate the two sides so you can cut directly in the middle.
Step 4: Cut a slit Cut a small slit, about a half inch long, straight down from the center. Try it on to see if it’s still too tight or if the hood doesn’t lay flat.
TIP: Start with a small cut. You can always cut more but you can’t uncut.
Step 5: Make a tear Make a small tear to extend the cut for a more deconstructed or vintage look with slightly frayed edges.
FACT: Athletic wear producer Russell Corporation produced the first sweatshirt in 1926 for use in football practice, replacing itchy wool sweaters.

You Will Need

A hooded sweatshirt
A flat surface
Scissors

How to Hem a Skirt

Howcast — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:59:30 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Let hem out Let the existing hem out of your skirt with scissors or a seam ripper.
Step 2: Determine new hemline Try on your skirt and have a friend pin it at the new hemline.
Step 3: Fold skirt to new hemline Take the skirt off, turn it inside out, and, on your ironing board, fold it up to the pin or new hemline.
Step 4: Iron in new hemline Measure from the pin to the edge of the skirt. Use that same measurement to adjust the fold all the way around. Iron to create a crease.
Step 5: Pin new hemline Fold the hem allowance so the raw edge is tucked in. For a more finished look, iron again, and pin in place.
TIP: Use fabric tape instead of pins to tack up the hem. This tape holds the material in place while you sew but dissolves in the first wash.
Step 6: Sew new hemline Pick a matching thread color and start sewing at the seam. Use a loop stitch that doesn’t go all the way through to the skirt face for a blind hem.
TIP: Don’t pull the thread too tightly or your hem will pucker.
Step 7: Try skirt on Try your skirt on to make sure the new hem is hitting your leg right where you want it.
FACT: Your hemline may be determined by the economy. Historical trends show hemlines head south in bad times and come up in good ones.

You Will Need

A skirt
Scissors or a seam ripper
A friend
Pins
An ironing board
Measuring tape
An iron
Needle
Thread
Fabric tape (optional) (optional) (optional) (optional)