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Blog – sewing tips and haberdashery guides

Practical guides to buttons, zippers, elastics, labels, ribbons and all sewing accessories – sizes, types and how to attach them.

Foil stamped hang tags: how hot foil works and the design rules Foil stamped hang tags: how hot foil works and the design rules Foil stamped hang tags are the quickest way to make a cardboard tag look expensive. Read more → Hang tag cardstock types: coated, uncoated, kraft, textured and black Hang tag cardstock types: coated, uncoated, kraft, textured and black Hang tag cardstock types shape the character of a brand almost as much as the logo does. Read more → Hang tag GSM: which paper weight to choose for clothing tags Hang tag GSM: which paper weight to choose for clothing tags Hang tag GSM is the first thing a shopper feels when they pick up a garment, long before they read the price. Read more → Rivets for Jeans and Bags – Types, Sizes and How to Set Them Rivets for Jeans and Bags – Types, Sizes and How to Set Them Rivets for jeans and bags are small metal fasteners that reinforce the most stressed points of a piece – pocket corners, handle... Read more → How to Choose Sewing Thread – No. 80 or No. 120 and Which Colour How to Choose Sewing Thread – No. 80 or No. 120 and Which Colour How to choose sewing thread is a question many people underestimate – yet the thread decides whether a seam holds, puckers or... Read more → Bra and Swimwear Strap Sliders – How to Choose and Replace Them Bra and Swimwear Strap Sliders – How to Choose and Replace Them Bra strap sliders, also called strap adjusters, are the small slides that let a strap be shortened or lengthened on bras and... Read more → Types of Rings for Clothing and Bags – O-rings, D-rings and More Types of Rings for Clothing and Bags – O-rings, D-rings and More Rings for clothing and bags are among the most versatile sewing accessories – they connect belts, straps, handles and decorative ties. Read more → Cord Ends (Aglets) – Types, Sizes and How to Attach Them Cord Ends (Aglets) – Types, Sizes and How to Attach Them Cord ends are the small detail that turns a plain hoodie drawstring, anorak toggle cord or backpack lace into a finished, professional... Read more → How to Sew Ribbon or Trim onto Clothing – Step by Step How to Sew Ribbon or Trim onto Clothing – Step by Step Sewing ribbon or trim onto clothing is one of the easiest ways to refresh an old top, lengthen a child's dress or... Read more → How to Choose Ribbon Width – A Chart for Sewing and Decorating How to Choose Ribbon Width – A Chart for Sewing and Decorating How to choose ribbon width is one of the most common questions when ordering ribbon online. Read more → Cotton Herringbone Twill Tape – Uses and How to Sew It Cotton Herringbone Twill Tape – Uses and How to Sew It Cotton twill tape, also called herringbone tape, is a strong woven tape with a distinctive diagonal zigzag pattern and almost no stretch... Read more → Organza Ribbon – Ideas for Wedding Decor, Gifts and Bouquets Organza Ribbon – Ideas for Wedding Decor, Gifts and Bouquets Organza ribbon is a light, sheer polyester ribbon with a delicate sheen that gives any decoration an airy, festive look. Read more → Grosgrain Ribbon – What It Is, How It Differs from Satin, Uses Grosgrain Ribbon – What It Is, How It Differs from Satin, Uses Grosgrain ribbon is a firm woven ribbon with distinct crosswise ribs, and it holds its shape far better than smooth satin. Read more → Elastic for Sleeves, Cuffs and Hems – Choosing Width and Length Elastic for Sleeves, Cuffs and Hems – Choosing Width and Length Elastic for sleeves and cuffs turns a plain sleeve into a puff sleeve, keeps the wind out of a jacket cuff and... Read more → Fitted Sheet With Elastic – How to Sew or Convert One at Home Fitted Sheet With Elastic – How to Sew or Convert One at Home A fitted sheet with elastic is much easier to sew than it looks – and if you have a flat sheet that... Read more → How to Sew Elastic With a Sewing Machine – Zigzag, Needles, Settings How to Sew Elastic With a Sewing Machine – Zigzag, Needles, Settings Learning how to sew elastic with a sewing machine directly onto fabric is quicker than making a casing and gives a flatter,... Read more → Why Elastic Loses Its Stretch and How to Wash It Properly Why Elastic Loses Its Stretch and How to Wash It Properly Elastic loses its stretch faster than the garment itself wears out, which is why the waistband of your favourite trousers or pyjamas... Read more → Waist Elastic Length – How to Calculate It Without Guesswork Waist Elastic Length – How to Calculate It Without Guesswork Working out the right waist elastic length seems easy until a garment ends up too tight or keeps sliding down. Read more → Snap Fasteners for Bags and Cases – Choosing and Fitting Tips Snap Fasteners for Bags and Cases – Choosing and Fitting Tips Snap fasteners for bags and cases are a quick, strong and neat closure for flaps, wallets, pouches, phone cases and glasses cases. Read more → How to Remove and Replace a Snap Fastener – Step by Step How to Remove and Replace a Snap Fastener – Step by Step Knowing how to remove a snap fastener without damaging the garment comes in handy – the snap has worked loose, the spring... Read more → Snap Fasteners for Jackets and Outerwear – Which Hold Best Snap Fasteners for Jackets and Outerwear – Which Hold Best Snap fasteners for jackets have to cope with far more strain than those on shirts – thick layers, wadding, being fastened with... Read more → Snap Fasteners for Baby and Children's Clothes – Safe Choices Snap Fasteners for Baby and Children's Clothes – Safe Choices Snap fasteners for baby and children's clothes are the most practical closure for bodysuits, rompers, sleepsuits and pyjamas – they open in... Read more → Snap Fastener Sizes – How to Choose the Right Diameter in mm Snap Fastener Sizes – How to Choose the Right Diameter in mm Snap fastener sizes are given in millimetres and refer to the diameter of the visible top cap. Read more → Common Eyelet Setting Mistakes – Causes and How to Fix Them Common Eyelet Setting Mistakes – Causes and How to Fix Them Eyelet setting mistakes are very common, especially when you're using a hand tool or working with a new material. Read more →