Heirloom Sewing: Essential Techniques
Susan Stewart
Class Preview
1:37
- In-depth Instruction; over 157 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction to Heirloom Sewing
9:41
Meet designer and heirloom sewing expert Susan Stewart and learn how simple yet precise techniques on your sewing machine can recreate the look of French-hand sewing. Susan explains the best fabrics to use for a crisp, vintage look and what types of patterns to use.
Sewing Lace
11:48
Delicate, beautiful lace trims and insets are an essential part of heirloom sewing. Susan guides you through the characteristics of heirloom lace and how to choose the best ones for your project. Then you'll learn how to easily stitch lace to lace and lace to fabric.
Sewing Entredeux
16:51
Learn all about entredeux, a beautiful trim used in heirloom sewing. Let Susan show you how to get gorgeous results with entredeux sewn to flat or gathered lace, then to flat or gathered fabric, with perfectly positioned zigzag stitches.
Lace Shaping
21:34
Discover how to add shaped lace to your heirloom garments, from scalloped hem insertions to heart- or diamond-shaped closed-lace embellishments. Then follow along as Susan shows you options for adding a different center fabric or design to a closed-lace motif.
Tucks & Pintucks
24:35
Tucks and pintucks are classic design elements in heirloom garments. Susan demonstrates how to make perfectly aligned released tucks. Then, make beautiful rows of pintucks with a double needle. Finally, have fun with pintuck design options that look much harder to do than they are.
Shark's Teeth
14:58
Susan's original "shark's teeth" technique has been a hands-down favorite of her students over the years. Learn to mark, press and stitch perfect rows of points using the downloadable template for a sophisticated, lovely trim on a garment or home decor project.
Madeira Appliqué
18:40
Learn Madeira appliqué, a beautiful machine-sewn finishing detail inspired by a Portuguese hand technique. You'll ready the garment and template using freezer paper, prepare the appliqué with water-soluble thread, and finally stitch with a large needle to get the look of hand sewing.
Cathedral Lace Windows
15:42
Discover the magical cathedral lace windows technique, with shaped bias fabric strips surrounding lace inserts to create a breathtaking trim. Susan walks you through the process step by step to create precise lace windows or "eyes," then shows you options for decorative details.
Introduction to Smocking
22:25
Susan wraps up the class with an introduction to smocking. Learn the basic steps of pleating and marking, as well as simple hand stitches that create smocking's characteristic designs. Susan's lovely sample garments will inspire you!
Add an air of elegance to any project with heirloom sewing techniques that recreate vintage French styles! Join former Martha Pullen Company designer Susan Stewart, who will begin by showing you how to choose the best fabric, pattern and lace for an authentic heirloom look. You’ll start incorporating delicate details in your work as you discover how to sew lace to both lace and fabric. Continue adding classic touches with entredeux, scalloped lace edges, and shaped-lace heart and diamond embellishments. Want your projects to have perfect pintucks? Susan will show you techniques for stitched or released tucks and pintucks. And you’ll learn how to sew her lovely triangle “shark’s teeth” design! Expand your decorative possibilities as you work with Madeira appliqué and make exquisite cathedral lace windows. Plus, Susan will share the basic techniques for heirloom pleating and smocking.
Susan Stewart
Susan Stewart was a primary designer for Martha Pullen Company for fifteen years, and instructed many of the company’s bi-annual school events through 2012. She has had dozens of feature articles in Sew Beautiful Magazine, including a tips and tricks column, “Sue Says.” In 2004, Susan became interested in incorporating machine embroidery into her quilts, which have been featured in multiple publications and won various awards, notably at Houston International Quilt Festival and the American Quilter’s Society show. Four of her pieces are permanently featured at the National Quilt Museum.
Bonus materials available after purchase