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Sewing/Questions Answered by Expert Claudia Buchanan
| Subject | Date Asked |
| bobbin ? | 12/20/2011 |
| Q: Do you know what size bobbin would typically go into a 8-9 year old singer machine (medium size) and ... A: Richie, I suggest that you by the bobbin for that model # of sewing machine. If you go to a singer ... | |
| lined pinch pleated drapes | 9/18/2011 |
| Q: I'm making a lined drapery panel that will require 2 and a half lengths of face fabric to be seamed ... A: Shelly, You have 2 choices: 1. cut your face fabric down. 2. add the extra four inches to the ... | |
| lining silk drapes | 8/23/2011 |
| Q: I like my soon-to-be next door neighbor, but don't care to look directly into his house. My ... A: Pat, Seam all the lining together as one piece,same with fabric and lining then hem each piece. ... | |
| lining silk drapes | 8/23/2011 |
| Q: I like my soon-to-be next door neighbor, but don't care to look directly into his house. My ... A: Pat, Interlining will still give you drapes a soft look, the most important thing about interlining ... | |
| drapes and valance | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: I am doing window treatments for a living room. In one window there will be full length drapes and ... A: Michelle, You will need 16 yards for the draperies and you only use buckram in the header of the ... | |
| thread breaking | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: . i have it threaded correctly, the needles facing the right way and inserted correctly.. the ... A: Did you try adjusting your tension? The tension should not be on 0. Change the needle it might have ... | |
| Follow up: Sleeveless finish and lining | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: Reply: Sorry for reposting. I just read that the message cannot process a reply in e-mail. I'm ... A: Gina, I'm not a expert in clothing, but here it goes! I would make the pattern in old fabric and ... | |
| Pillowcase | 4/9/2011 |
| Q: I know how to make pillowcases. What I need to know how do you get the finished size of a ... A: Brenda, I think you are starting your project backwards, you should determine the finished size ... | |
| Bobbin | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: I'm sewing the bias & the bobbin gets all tangled up where the top is perfect. I do hear a noise ... A: Kim, Several things could be going on with this machine. First always remember that when the thread ... | |
| doll clothing patterns | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: I have doll patters for 18" dolls. (Ex: Simp. 5276) All I have found for dolls. The doll is 24". ... A: I do not sew doll clothes but a suggestion from my friend Angie is to take the patterns and in large ... | |
| inserting a bobbin | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: Miss Claudia, I am having a hoorible time inserting tnis bobbin into a 600 singer. at least that ... A: Louis, I'm glad I could help. Looking forward to hearing from you again. If you are looking for a ... | |
| inserting a bobbin | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: Miss Claudia, I am having a hoorible time inserting tnis bobbin into a 600 singer. at least that ... A: The bobbin casing should not be loose. It sounds light you might be missing a part that hold the ... | |
| Bobbin | 1/26/2011 |
| Q: Why doesn't the needle pick-up the bobbin thread? A: Melissa, Most likely the machine is out of time and you will need the timing adjusted by a repair ... | |
| Curtain Headers | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: I'm in the process of making curtains for our home. I would like to hang sheers and instead of the ... A: Joi, The in the photo the fabric has been cut in a curve across the top to create the scoop. The ... | |
| Bobbin Case | 1/12/2011 |
| Q: I have a question Re: the bobbin case, I was sewing along just fine and then the material got thick ... A: Lori, I have several 401A and you can remove the entire casing that holds the bobbin and clean it. ... | |
| Bobbin Case | 1/12/2011 |
| Q: I have a question Re: the bobbin case, I was sewing along just fine and then the material got thick ... A: Lori, Does the Wheel move when the bobbin case is out? It sounds like it could be the timing. ... | |
| patterns | 12/21/2010 |
| Q: My Dad is a 4XLT size man and I would love to know where to find men's clothing patterns for him. I ... A: Stacey, Patterns for 4XLT are difficult to find. I suggest you take apart a piece of older ... | |
| sewing table runner | 11/21/2010 |
| Q: Does all material ravel? How do you make it ravel? Will just machine washing it work? A: Irogers, No all fabric does not ravel. Cottons, linens and natural fabrics are the best to use if ... | |
| bobbin | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: The bobbin on my old singer zig zag model 648 keeps bunching up. A: Margaret, I'm not a machine expert but here are a few tips to try. 1. Change the Needle 2. Check ... | |
| CONVERT Queen Quilt into King? | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: I was given a very beautiful King comforter set with matching dust ruffle, shams and pillows, but ... A: Fran, Depending on where the trim is placed, you will most likely need to remove the trim and re ... | |
| One piece jumpsuit | 10/14/2010 |
| Q: I used a pattern to make a one piece jumpsuit with a zipper down the front. When fitting it, the ... A: Heather, Lay the pattern on your cutting table and at the waist, cut the pattern in half and extend ... | |
| cording without piping | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: how do I sew cording to a pillow without using piping? I found some cording that matches my material ... A: Janet, 1. If the cording that you selected has a lip of fabric attached then you can just sew it ... | |
| Bradford sewing machine model 7786 | 10/10/2010 |
| Q: please just got this machine and need instructions A: Pasty, Here is a link for Bradford Sewing Machines. I'm not familiar with this machine. ... | |
| Sewing on slinky stretch fabric | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: I'm making pants out of a stretchy/slinky fabric of acetate and lycra. My regular thread doesn't ... A: Tommie, This is not my forte, but I think a size 12 ballpoint needle work work on this fabric. A ... | |
| Convert skirt pattern for overskirt | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is to be married next June, and has asked me to make her bridesmaids' dresses. The ... A: Teresa, You are a brave mother.. I made bridesmaid dresses for a wedding which had 11 bridesmaids ... | |
| singer golden touch and sew 620 bobbin will not move | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: I have been searching on the net, youtube, everywhere for 2 hours now trying to figure out what is ... A: Rebecca, 1. Try changing the needle, sometimes that can make a difference. 2. Is the machine ... | |
| learning to sew | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: I am currently a teen, and I love dresses. I would like to learn how to sew them--is sewing very ... A: Michelle, Sorry to say, I don't sew clothing anymore. Have you searched google for a sewing ... | |
| sewing leather and upholstery | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: Was looking at the Singer 7256. Need it to sew awnings -- but also plan to sew leather ... A: Michael, I hate to disappoint you but I would not even recommend that machine for even doll ... | |
| singer golden touch and sew 306 | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: this machine was bought in 1967. it was given to me recently. I've heard these machines had alot of ... A: Margie, I'm not familiar with the 306, I grew up sewing with a Singer 401A and it was a great ... | |
| replacing sewed in elastic | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: I am replacing elastic that was sewed in with 4 rows of stiches. It was an alfred dunner suit. Any ... A: Peggy, To replace the elastic you will need to remove the old, purchase the same width of elastic, ... | |
| cocktail dress too short | 9/8/2010 |
| Q: I purchased this adorable party dress to wear to a wedding but it's about 2" above my knee and ... A: Krystal, Your best bet is to search for a local alterations business and they can help you. ... | |
| sewing pants | 9/7/2010 |
| Q: I am making capris and have two pattern pieces and can't remember how to sew the two sections ... A: Jeanne, 1. You have a front and a back pattern, cut 2 backs and 2 fronts. 2. Sew the 2 front pieces ... | |
| Ranchslider curtain hems | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: I bought some calico ranchslider curtains on the weekend but they are a hem width too long. I don't ... A: Urshula, Well I was going to recommend a product call Sealah Tape but the freight would to costly to ... | |
| pattern sizes | 8/28/2010 |
| Q: where can i get 6xlg or 7xlg mans patterns , I need one for shirts, Pants, and a suit coat or jacket A: Cindy, There are not many patterns for 6-7x men, so I would suggest that you purchase a few pieces ... | |
| altering clothes | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I need to learn how to alter my shirts to fit with a "tailored" look, I could use all the ideas and ... A: Cheryl, I would suggest creating 2 darts about 10-15 inches long in the back and front. I placed a ... | |
| Blind hemmers & industrial sewing machines | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: I have been fabricating custom window treatments in my home for several years, using only basic home ... A: Melissa, I have been in the home furnishings business for 12 years no and I still use a portable ... | |
| 401a wont stitch | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a singer machine around a 1960ish model 401a..everything seems to operate fine...but it will ... A: Bob, I love my 401A I received it as a gift in 1961. A couple of things you can try, first change ... | |
| Blind Hemmer - HELP! | 8/6/2010 |
| Q: I have a Columbia 300 commercial Blind Hemmer. I am side hemming silk draperies that are interlined ... A: Zoe, I have a TackSew blind hemmer and you can adjust the depth of the stitch by adjusting the knob ... | |
| Sewing ribbon onto nylon webbing for pet collars and leashes | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: My finished products isn't as smooth as I would like. It isn't as noticeable on the collars but it ... A: June, I would suggest using Sealah Tape and tapping the ribbon to the leash. Sealah Tape comes in ... | |
| box pillow in shape of Letter b | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: I am trying to create a box pillow in the shape of the capital letter B. I am stuck because I can't ... A: Christine, I think you are right to hand stitch the last side. I'm out of town teaching this week ... | |
| Thread Build-up by tension | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: I have been trying to sew a cover for a tool box and I keeping getting stuck. I can start to sew ... A: Arianne, Have you tried a new needle? You might take the bobbin casing apart and clean it, and the ... | |
| case for singer 401a and manual for 401a | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: I have my grandmother's 401 Singer Sewing Machine. It is in very good condition but I need a manual ... A: Evelyn, I love the 401 singer sewing machines, I have on that my parents purchase for me in 1961. ... | |
| window treatment yardage | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a workroom and have created window treatments for over 7 years. I still struggle, however, ... A: BK, There is no easy way to calculate fabrics, I usually figure my cut lengths for each piece and ... | |
| sewing elastic on fleece material | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I am a beginner when it comes to sewing (very new) and I am trying to sew elastic onto fleece ... A: Shannon, I would suggest a 14 -16 needle. As far as the tread getting caught on the bottom, I would ... | |
| upholstery machine | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I HAVE A SINGER 211W155 IT MAKES TWO STITCHES THE TOP THREAD TRYS TO PULL BACK OUT OF THE NEEDLE SO ... A: Bobby Have you replaced the needle? Next I would take out the bobbin casing and check for any ... | |
| fitted sheets that don't fit | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a queen size bed and the mattress requires an 18"pocket. I buy 100% cotton sheets and after ... A: Kathy, Personally I would take them back to the store and request new ones. Now for my help, ... | |
| Sewing Alteration | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: I have a wide brimmed cotton sunhat which I love, except that the brim is too soft and floppy. In a ... A: Susan, I it could stiffen the brim but it could also add weight to the brim. We us a 20 gauge ... | |
| sewing charges | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: I have been sewing for almost 40 years. I mostly do alterations and home decor now and recently took ... A: Christa I would suggest you call around and get a few quotes for workrooms in your area. Every ... | |
| dense foam pillow | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: 3 questions actually: 1. I have the piping filling and the fabric. The fabric has a stripe in ... A: Mary 1. Yes you should cut the welt cord fabric on the bias. You could make your bias in a accent ... | |
| Tailored twin bedskirt with split corners | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: I want to make a split corner tailored bedskirt for an unusual bed. As you can see from the photo ... A: Mother Barbara, 1. I prefer all of my bed skirts, I don't like the ready-made look and it they ... | |
| Sheer curtains | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: I have to shorten by 10 inches some very expensive decorative polyester sheer window panels. I have ... A: Personally, I send my sheer draperies out to another workroom and I have been sewing draperies for ... | |
| taking in seam | 9/18/2009 |
| Q: Can you help me take in my pants in the legs...they look to baggy and i would like them to be ... A: Start by taking out the hem. Put the pants on wrong side out and have some one pin the area that ... | |
| Singer 401A | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: My Mother's estate includes a Singer 401A we're thinking she purchased in the early 70's. How much ... A: This machine is my favorite machine. I got one for my 8th grade graduation in 1961. I have ... | |
| recycled pillow stuffing | 6/30/2009 |
| Q: I'm on a big budget pinch and I have a project that I would like to do in the cheapest method ... A: Christy, You could stuff your pillows with almost any thing at this point. But think about ... | |
| how turn a narrow tube right side out | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: I am making a cushion for a rocking chair. I need to make the ties to tie the cushion to the chair. ... A: Roberta, It can be done with a lot of patience. Sew one end closed and then use a pencil or ... | |
| Sears model 385.8152X | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if the bobbin case is causing this machine to not stitch properly. needle seems ok ... A: Nick, Even if the needle looks OK, I would suggest that you start by changing it. I suggest ... | |
| crumpled drapes | 5/2/2009 |
| Q: We have just bought some expensive curtains (as we in U.K. call drapes) made for us and they appear ... A: Andy, I have found that some fabrics are not woven on the straight of the grain, so if you ... | |
| crumpled drapes | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: We have just bought some expensive curtains (as we in U.K. call drapes) made for us and they appear ... A: Andy, It could be static, but it looks like the fabric is not hanging straight. If you had a ... | |
| hammock | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: i bought 9 feet of canvas to make a hammock, but I'm noticing that the edges are fraying. I know now ... A: Daren, Yes it would be very important to sew a hem on each side of the fabric. I would suggest ... | |
| sewing | 4/18/2009 |
| Q: Can you please instruct me to make a canopy topper for a double hung window. I purchased cotton ... A: Linda, Could you describe what your canopy topper will look like? or is it a awning topper? What ... | |
| sewing with a ruffler | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm sewing with Pfaff expression 2034. I'm adding a ruffle to already made curtains. I'm going by ... A: Jenny, I understand! You will need to do a test with your ruffler to see the fullness of the ... | |
| Ladies jacket alteration | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: I have bought a beautiful suit on clearance and the jacket is a size too small. It is too tight at ... A: Tatjana, If you were to alter the jacket you would only gain 1/2 inch? Would that be enough? Most ... | |
| crotch too long | 3/25/2009 |
| Q: I just purchased a jumpsuit, love the suit, but the crotch is too long and the bottom needs hemming. ... A: Dana, Sorry to say, if you don't raise the pants up to the waist line you will still need to take ... | |
| thread breakage | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: I have an older Singer machine-# 6105. My thread from the top is breaking. I start to sew and it ... A: Monica, Have you tried changing the needle? The next thing I would suggest is to take the machine ... | |
| Singer Stylist 533 | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: How can I adjust the tension of the bobbin, the top stitch looks great, but bottom is extremely ... A: Robin, Let me clarify what you are saying, the stitch on the top of the fabric looks OK, and the ... | |
| polar fleece sewing | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: I keep having trouble with my machine skipping stitches, especially when sewing the velcro, but ... A: Tamara, It sounds like your machine could be out of time, you might need to take it in to the ... | |
| Singer 99K sewing machine | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: I purchased this machine at goodwill for 15.00 it works good, except the bobbin thread keeps ... A: Mysty, When the stitch is a mess on the bottom of the fabric it usually meant that the tension is ... | |
| Lower bobbin trouble | 2/25/2009 |
| Q: I just recently was given a Kenmore sewing machine model # 158.13250. I'm somewhat familar with ... A: Linda, Can you tighten the screw? If not I would suggest taking it to a repair person. There also ... | |
| fitting sleeves of a jacket | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: I am making a jacket and the top of the sleeves had to be increased as my arm is large from the ... A: Bonnie, I would add extra at the side seam. You could add a little at the shoulder seam, but not as ... | |
| Waistband Sewing | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: i make custom boxing trunks for pro boxers and i was wondering if you could tell me what would be ... A: JJ, I don't sew much clothing anymore. But I would sew a longer straight stitch. A ziz zag would ... | |
| reducing size of comforter. | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: How do I go about reducing a full size comforter to twin? It's polyester filled. A: Kathleen, 1. I would suggest measure and mark the comforter to the size needed and allow a large ... | |
| elastic measurements/application | 1/31/2009 |
| Q: How do you measure for and apply elastic to an oval shape. I am trying to make a table cover (oval ... A: Patricia, The elastic length should be 3-4" smaller than the circumference of the table top, so that ... | |
| elastic measurements/application | 1/30/2009 |
| Q: How do you measure for and apply elastic to an oval shape. I am trying to make a table cover (oval ... A: Patricia, 1. Measure the diameter of your table + height of table + inches that it is going to fold ... | |
| Wool Coat | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is making a wool coat for a 4-H project. What type of needle would you recommend ... A: Lisa, Sorry I missed your follow up e-mail. Yes, I would serge them individually before sewing the ... | |
| Wool Coat | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is making a wool coat for a 4-H project. What type of needle would you recommend ... A: Lisa, So glad to hear your daughter is in 4-H, I was a state award winner in 4-H sewing win I was a ... | |
| Prom Dress | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: Ok, I'm a senior in high school, and i wanna make my prom dress for our up coming prom. I have ... A: Kalieah, I suggest that you go to the local fabric store and see if they have any classes. You ... | |
| bobbins | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: i have just been given a singer 720 sewing machine,i am having problems with the bobbin ,it has a ... A: Anne, I'm sure I will not be much help! But did you change the needle? and make sure there is no ... | |
| speed of machine | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: My machine (singer magic 22) is from the 80's but was/ is working fine. However, it seems to run at ... A: Diane, Most likely it is not the foot petal, call the repair location and ask them if the can set ... | |
| replacing a zipper in a jacket , | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: i am trying to replace a zipper in a hunting jacket and the zipper i had to purchase is one that ... A: Jacque, If the zipper pull is plastic maybe a hammer! Just joking of course. If is is metal ... | |
| skating attire | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: I need to know when sewing 2 way and 4 way stretch fabric what type of needle do I use in my machine ... A: Cathy, Use a ball point needle, and a longer stitch but not a basting stitch when sewing this ... | |
| Walking Foot | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: I have a Brother LS-1217 and just tried to install a Creative Sewing Solutions walking foot. The ... A: Becky, Is the walking foot from Brother? Most likely they sell one with a longer shaft for your ... | |
| Fabric Length after Blind Hemming Sides | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: I have a Tacsew blind hemming machine that I use for fabricating draperies. When I stitch the side ... A: Tanya, Yes you can make the bottom hem a tench longer at the outside edge, also using weights will ... | |
| Fabric Length after Blind Hemming Sides | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: I have a Tacsew blind hemming machine that I use for fabricating draperies. When I stitch the side ... A: Tanya, Are you using the guide? Is it eating up the hem edge or is it getting narrower in the width ... | |
| using Velcro | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: I want to attach a fabric skirt to an "L" shaped counter I sew on ---to hide storage underneath. My ... A: Roxanne, Use the sticky side to adhere to the counter and buy the soft side in a not sticky velcro ... | |
| How to thread? | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: I have used a sewing machine before in highschool. But recently I recieved an older model and I'm ... A: Renee, Here is a lead for a instructions manual. Singer 354 Genie Instruction ManualBlack and ... | |
| Singer 401 machines | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: Is there any difference between the 401 and the 401A? Will the 401 Instruction booklet work for the ... A: Anne, I think they are the the same? The A just came out later. I have a 401A and love the old ... | |
| Fringing a jacket | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: I have some fabric that ravels and I want to fringe the collar, sleeve bottom and the bottom of the ... A: I would suggest that you create a stitch line at the breaking point of which you want your fringe to ... | |
| help with bobbin for Kenmore 385.15212400 | 9/18/2008 |
| Q: I am new to sewing and have only sewn one blanket so far. I decided to try another project but I ... A: Weslee, There are several things that could be causing this to happen: 1. Change the needle 2. ... | |
| Making lined drapes | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: I have two windows that measures 34 1/2" wide by 60" long. My fabric is 52" wide. If I cut the ... A: Barbara, I did understand, I own a professional drapery workroom and we sew custom draperies so my ... | |
| Making lined drapes | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: I have two windows that measures 34 1/2" wide by 60" long. My fabric is 52" wide. If I cut the ... A: Barbara, The minimum fullness would be 2.25 times fullness for your panels. If you use a 1/2 width ... | |
| Singer 401A Model | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: I have recently pulled out my mother's Singer 401A sewing machine. Taken it to a repairman & had it ... A: Donna, I have 3 401A machines and I love the old work horse machines. They never let you down. ... | |
| lost Herrschners Kit | 8/20/2008 |
| Q: IN about 1986, my mother bought a kit from a Herrschners catalog. In this kit was a white Baby crib ... A: Ladybuguboo, I forgot all about Herrschners Catalog, It has been so many years. You might post your ... | |
| singer600E/ bobbin holder | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: After filling a bobbin the bobbin case became dislodged I need to know how it goes back. Please ... A: Helen, I think there is a better person to ask, I a have a 401A but I'm not familiar with the 600 ... | |
| there is aproblem with something | 6/20/2008 |
| Q: I properly threaded my string! But evertime i begin to sew my stirng kept on breaking, after about ... A: 1. Have you changed your needle? (should change every 8 sewing hours) 2. Is your machine correctly ... | |
| Altering Pants | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: I have recently lost about 70 lbs and all of my clothes are too big. I would love some information ... A: Bonita, I would take up the side seams and take off the waist band and alter the darts(if any) and ... | |
| i want 20 general safety precautions of sewing machine | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: can you give me some general precatuions how to used the sewing machine properly A: 20 precautions? I can only offer the most important safety rule! Think about it... They have a ... | |
| sewing with lace | 6/7/2008 |
| Q: I am making a long dress to wear at my son's wedding. The dress ( Simplicity 5561) is solid fabric ... A: Vicky, I looked at the pattern and I would suggest using the dress fabric and making a bias tape ... | |
Sewing
Answers by Expert:
Claudia Buchanan
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer most all questions about sewing and fabricating home decor projects. I can not answer questions about kniting,crafts,etc.
Experience
Yes, I have owned a professional interior design workroom for 10 years. We specialize in window treatments, bedding, slipcovers, pillows,etc. I also teach hands-on sewing and business classes in my studio.
Organizations
Window Coverings Association of America, American Sewing Guild, Workroom Association of America, Slipcover Network, Drapery Pro
Publications
Press Release in local news paper
Education/Credentials
Attended workshops and training class at trade events.
Awards and Honors
Slipcover Fabrication awards from the Custom Home Furnishing Conference in Greenville,SC
Past/Present Clients
I sew retail and wholesale for the Interior Desing Trade.
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