#sewgoodintentions project 1 is my Deer & Doe Plaintain tee, with twin needle hems and cuffs! I also made Rose @sewingforthesoul‘s too cool for school ‘turband headband’ with the scrap cotton jersey fabric left over from the project.

For the images in this post, I decided to give a proper glimpse at my new sewing corner, as I usually take my sewing photos in front of a neutral wall – this is truly where the magic happens!

Here are my tips for first time twin needle sewing:

• Read the pattern carefully to identify the distance from the hem you’ll need to sew before you start (this will have been calculated exactly to create the effect you need, bridging the hem inside the garment to create a slightly raised edge);
• Check the needle type (i.e. jersey twin needle) and the mm distance you need to sew between the two lines of stitiching before purchasing (the gap between my needles was 4mm);
• Read Sewessential‘s blog post and watch their twin needle video tutorial, and a more in-depth twin needle video tutorial by Easy Sewing for beginners;
• Let that knowledge settle and practice threading, and sewing on some scrap fabric (ideally from the project you intend to sew);
• When threading from two spools thread the first spool feeding left from the bobbin or spool in the usual way into the left hand needle, then thread the other emerging right from the spool in the normal way to the right hand needle (don’t thread this into the thread guide directly above the needle -see my picture above and the video tutorials for further guidance;
• Use a steam iron on a high heat to even out your sewing at the hem, run the iron over the ‘bumpy’ stitches a cm or two from above (there’s no need to press), run your finger over the hem immediately after sewing (make sure that the fabric has cooled a little first – we don’t want any burns!).  This action will remove the gathered effect of the hem you’ll notice when sewing – see my image above. You can press the hem and sleeves later;
• Don’t panic if your bobbin jams or if you come to the end of the thread on any spool or bobbin, pause, trim the ends and re-thread, you can neatly sew over the stitching you have already made without causing problems, it appearing unsightly or noticeable.

Thoughts on the pattern – this is the first Deer & Doe pattern I have used, and it was excellent. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, the steps preparing you for sewing and diagrams to ilustrate the steps were really useful as I prefer visual instructions. The top is a very flattering style for my shape, it creates a nice silhouette at the bust and flows out at the waist and hip. The gorgeous (and very soft) pink cotton jersey fabric was purchased from Harriet @sewmesunshine.uk. I can’t wait to sew another Deer & Doe pattern in the future, I have my eye on the Chardon skirt and the Belladone dress…

I am very glad that I launched my challenge #sewgoodintentions2019 this new year to improve my skils, and looking forward to sewing my first pair of trousers and a coat. I’m still looking for flattering patterns for a pear-shaped body, if you have any suggestions?

Thanks for reading my post, and happy sewing!