🌟 It’s Work in Progress Wednesday! 🌟
No matter what stage your project is at, we’d love to see it! Finished seams, wonky stitches, piles of fabric—it all counts! 💕
Pop a photo in the comments and let us know:
🧵 What are you making?
🎯 What are you hoping to finish next?
💡 Have you discovered a helpful sewing tip this week?
🙌 Give yourself a little pat on the back—what are you most proud of?
Let’s fill the comments with inspiration and celebrate every stitch! 🪡✨
💛 Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to build your confidence, you’ll find a class to suit you. Find the perfect course, workshop or Sew-cial at www.lauraraecraft.com
Laura Rae Craft Co. Teaches Sewing
Fun, friendly and insightful sewing workshops, masterclasses and courses to suit all skill levels. Like many people, I found sewing in some of my darkest hours.
Based in the Peterborough, Rutland and Lincolnshire community. My mum lent a sewing machine and gently nudged to give it a go whilst recovering from a family trauma - I became instantly addicted. There was something about the creativity married with the mathematics and logic that drew me down its rabbit hole. Desperate to know more, I went to college where I studied sewing technique, garment makin
04/08/2026
This week’s Sewing Bee video comes courtesy of Lewis’ drawstring hole:
https://youtu.be/QhUgc95gJZk?si=dQtooD-mVQxxrx9_
Sewing a Drawstring Waistband ✂️ How to Sew a Drawstring Waistband | A Classic Adjustable Waist F...
02/08/2026
Laura was amazing on Thordis Fridriksson show yesterday on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire check
out from 1hr 42(ish).
Thordis Fridriksson on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire - 01/08/2026 - BBC Sounds Sounds of your mid-morning, with top guests, great music and your dedications.
Did anybody hear a familiar voice on BBC radio Cambridgeshire just now?? 🙊
✂️ How to Sew an Elastic Waistband | Quartering Method & Topstitch Finish
An elasticated waistband is a quick, comfortable, and versatile finish for a wide variety of garments. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to attach elastic using the quartering method before securing it with topstitching to create an evenly gathered, professional-looking waistband.
The quartering method is one of the most reliable ways to distribute fullness evenly around the garment, helping to prevent twisting, uneven gathers, and stretched-out sections.
You'll learn:
✅ How to calculate and prepare your elastic
✅ Marking the waistband and elastic using the quartering method
✅ Matching the quarter points for even gather distribution
✅ Attaching the elastic while stretching it evenly
✅ Topstitching the waistband for a secure, professional finish
✅ Choosing the best stitch for sewing over elastic
✅ Preventing the elastic from twisting during construction
✅ Pressing and finishing techniques for a neat result
✅ Common elastic waistband mistakes and how to avoid them
This technique is ideal for skirts, trousers, shorts, dresses, pyjamas, and children's clothing, creating a comfortable waistband that is both durable and attractive. The topstitching not only secures the elastic in place but also helps prevent it from rolling during wear.
Whether you're new to sewing with elastic or looking to improve your garment finishing techniques, this method will help you achieve an evenly gathered waistband with a clean, professional finish.
🧵 How to Sew a Blind (Invisible) Hem Like a Pro 🤯
Want that clean, professional hem where the stitches are barely visible?
A blind hem is your best friend—and it’s easier than you think!
In this Reel, I’ll walk you through a quick step-by-step:
1️⃣ Fold and press your hem allowance
2️⃣ Fold the fabric back so only a small edge is exposed
3️⃣ Select the blind hem stitch on your machine
4️⃣ Align the fold with your presser foot guide
5️⃣ Stitch slowly, catching just a tiny bit of the fabric
6️⃣ Press your hem flat for that invisible finish ✂️✨
Once you get the hang of it, your hems will look store-bought every time!
🎥 Watch until the end and tell me: Have you tried a blind hem before?
✨ Work in Progress Wednesday! ✨
Every stitch is a step forward—whether you’re making your very first project or your fiftieth! 🧵
Show us what you’re working on today and answer these questions:
🌸 What project is on your sewing table?
✂️ Have you reached the fun part yet, or are you still cutting and pinning?
🤔 What’s one sewing tip you’d love help with?
🎉 What’s gone better than you expected?
Let’s cheer each other on in the comments! 💛
🧵 Ready to grow your sewing skills? Find the perfect course, workshop or Sew-cial for you at www.lauraraecraft.com. (Laura Rae Craft Co.)
28/07/2026
This week’s Sewing Bee video comes courtesy of the wonderful Quartering Method. This video relates to a waistband (not knickers!) but the technique is the same! Enjoy.
Sewing an Elastic Waistband: Quartering Method & Topstitch Finish ✂️ How to Sew an Elastic Waistband | Quartering Method & Topstitch ...
✂️ How to Sew an Elastic Waistband with a Channel | Stitch in the Ditch Finish
An elasticated waistband is comfortable, versatile, and suitable for a wide range of garments. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to create a neat waistband channel and secure it using a stitch in the ditch finish, leaving the stitching almost invisible from the right side of the garment.
This professional technique encloses the waistband neatly while keeping the elastic securely in place, making it ideal for skirts, trousers, shorts, pyjamas, and children's clothing.
You'll learn:
✅ How to prepare the waistband and garment opening
✅ Creating an even channel for the elastic
✅ Measuring and inserting the elastic correctly
✅ Joining the elastic securely with minimal bulk
✅ Distributing the gathers evenly around the waistband
✅ Using stitch in the ditch to secure the waistband invisibly
✅ Tips for preventing the elastic from twisting inside the channel
✅ Pressing and finishing for a clean, professional result
✅ Common elastic waistband mistakes and how to avoid them
This method combines the comfort of an elasticated waistband with a polished finish, giving your garment a clean appearance without visible rows of topstitching. It's a versatile technique you'll use time and time again across a wide variety of sewing projects.
Whether you're making everyday garments or adding a comfortable finish to a handmade design, this technique will help you create an elastic waistband that looks neat, feels comfortable, and is built to last.
https://youtu.be/DsbZ2qfb1kQ
Linked video - Stitch in the Ditch: https://youtu.be/ZTVVnq67c8A?si=ww3tivP1h8BTLrds
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