Monday, January 26, 2026

Applique Patches

Applique patches are the decorative pieces of fabric stitched or fused on a foundation fabric by machine or sewn by hand. The primary purpose is to add texture and embellishment to the garments, linens or quilts. The technique is derived from the French word 'to apply' and involves layering on to the fabric and securing it with stitches, often satin stitch around the edges. The iron on applique requires setting the iron to right temperature, followed by ironing and cooling. These versatile patches are perfect for decoration and also repair.


Cocoon Silhouette

A cocoon silhouette is a unique silhouette in fashion, creating a voluminous, oval-like shape, broad at the shoulders and tapering slightly towards the thigh like a cocoon or inverted teardrop. Its unique construction features minimalistic lines, dropped shoulders, wide sleeves and no defined waist focusing on the drape of the fabric. It is commonly seen in coats, jackets, dresses, capes etc. for comfort, protection and stylish statement look perfect for all body types.


Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Cap Sleeve

A cap sleeve is a very short sleeve on the garment, forming a small cap like extension only a short distance from the shoulder and tapering to almost nothing under the arm. The stand short sleeves extend further down the arm a couple of inches, whereas cap sleeves stop short hugging the shoulder closely providing good air flow ad breathability. They are more suitable for arrow builds highlighting toed arms and collar bones. Cap sleeves are versatile and suitable for both casual and formal wear.



Rangoli


Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Cap Sleeve (Extended)

A cap sleeve extended has a small extension cut on the front and back sections of a blouse that covers the shoulders. It consists of a seam at the shoulder and under the arms fastening front and back of garment together but not a set-in-sleeve.



Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Open Toe Foot

An open toe foot is a simple sewing machine presser foot with a wide-open front which provides a clear and unobstructed view of the sewing area and hence ideal for embroidery, surface embellishment, applique, decorative stitches, free-motion quilting, thick and heavy satin stitches, top and edge stitching etc. A tunnel underneath the foot allows thick trims, embroidery and decorative stitches to feed smoothly without getting stuck and to precisely guide the fabric.

To use it, draw the stitching guideline with the help of fabric marking tools on the right side of the fabric. Attach the open toe foot to the machine instead of standard foot and start sewing with the desired stitch following the stitching guideline that has been marked on the fabric. This versatile toe foot is also great for applying trims and ribbons.



Friday, January 2, 2026

Sleeve Length

Sleeve length in clothing refers to the measurement from the shoulder down to the wrist. Common types include short sleeves for casual wear and long and extra-long according to specific needs.


1- Sleeveless
2- Cap
3- Short
4- Elbow
5- 3/4th
6- 7/8th
7- Bracelet
8- Long
9- Extended



Monday, December 22, 2025

Sleeves

Sleeves are the primary components of the bodice that covers all or part of the arm. Sleeves have been used as a means for changing the silhouette of the garment throughout the history of fashion. In early times sleeves were cut as a part of the main garment, as the clothing construction techniques became sophisticated in the late Middle Ages, the sleeves were cut separately and set into the armhole of the garment. Today's garments are designed with a wide variety of sleeves which differ in the way they are made and in looks. A garment may have armholes that are merely finished to produce a sleeveless look.

Basic Types of Sleeves:

Set-in sleeve - Are the most widely used type of sleeves. As the name suggests, the sleeve is a separate piece of fabric that joins the bodice at the armhole. A properly made set-in sleeve allows enough ease for free arm movements.

Raglan sleeve - It is another type of sleeve that is attached to the garment. Unlike the set-in sleeve, which is inserted to the armhole, a raglan sleeve is joined to the garment in one continuous seam, which runs diagonally from the front neckline to the underarm and up to the back neckline. Raglan sleeves are comfortable to wear and ideal for hard-to-fit shoulders, making it popular in sportswear like hoodies, t-shirts and also in casual jackets like trench coats.

Kimono Sleeve - It is one of the easiest types of sleeves to construct as it is merely an extension of the main bodice. The sleeve is cut as one piece with the bodice with a deep 'armhole' opening for a relaxed and comfort fit. 

                                       



Friday, December 12, 2025

Invisible Hair Comb Clips

The invisible hair combs or hair clips are hair styling tools typically made of flexible metal wire and are used to secure updos, bangs, puffs, buns or control flyaway. They can also be used to achieve the princess hair style. The U-shaped design helps them to be inserted into the hair and conceal within the style. It comes in size 3.5cm☓3cm and the wavy design helps to grip the hair firmly. The clips are primarily used as an alternative to traditional bobby pins to provide a non-slip hold and to be invisible within the hairstyle. They can also be used as attachments for wigs or veil trimmings and are useful for both daily use and special occasions like parties and weddings. Ther are convenient to carry and use.



Rangoli

 

                           


Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Shirring Foot

A Shirring Presser Foot also known as a gathering foot is a specialized foot with a heavy metal piece on the front which helps the fabric gather as it is sewn. The shirring foot is used to achieve fullness, soft ruffles and textured effects in garments. It is also ideal for adding stretchy texture to necklines, waistbands etc. where elasticity is necessary.

Using shirring foot one can gather a single layer of fabric or join gathered fabric to a flat second layer simultaneously. This foot works best for soft light weight fabrics. The foot comes with a slot in the front which is open on the left and closed on the right. The bottom of the foot comes in contact with fabric to lock in folds as you stitch. For elasticated shirring, an elastic thread is used in the bobbin and a regular top thread.

To Use It: The gathering foot comes with its own shank so it's necessary to remove the machine's presser foot holder and then attach the gathering foot with the help of a screwdriver. To gather a single fabric set the machine to straight stitch and longest stitch length (around 5) and increase the upper thread tension (to 6 or 7) to control the tightness of gathers. Move the needle to left position with the widest seam allowance. Place the fabric to be gathered under the presser foot and start sewing at moderate speed.

To gather a fabric and attach it to a second flat fabric, first place the fabric to be gathered under the presser foot, lower the foot to hold it in place then insert the second fabric inside the slot to the left side of the foot. Lower the needle into the fabric and then start sewing

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Tiered Silhouette

Tiers refers to several layers of ruffles or flounces placed one above the other and overlapping. A tiered silhouette in fashion refers to a design where the garment is made with multiple horizontal layers or tiers of fabric which gives a ruffled appearance adding volume and fullness to the garment. The tires can be of different lengths and sometimes different fabrics or colors which allows wide array of design possibilities. Used mainly on skirts, dresses, full sleeves or pants the style was popular in 1840s, 1860s, 1950s and at intervals since and also remaining popular today.


Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Hairagami

Hairagami is a hair styling tool which helps to create buns and updos easily and quickly. It is flexible, made of two flat arms open at one end and the snap action creates beautiful hair fashions with ease. It uses a fold, wrap and snap technique to secure hair with no pins or clips. An infinite number of hairstyles such as European bun, hair sushi, spiral bun, bun tail, classic pony, pony heart etc. can be created easily with this tool. A second hairagami along with the first can also be used to create a layered hairstyle.

To use it - Capture the hair between the arms of the hairagami and evenly spread the hair across the arms holding the ends firmly together so that the hair doesn't slip out. Slide the hairagami down the length of the hair and roll it towards the scalp until it does not roll any more. Now snap the ends upward and bend them until they meet to form a circle to create magical bun in minutes. It can be used for all hair types from everyday styles to more formal occasions, for parties and weddings and also great foe athletic action as it just snaps in place.



Rangoli

 

                                                                  


Monday, November 17, 2025

Stitch Guide Foot

A stitch guide foot or a Ruler foot is a presser foot that has a ruler-like metal guide with dents or lines that are precisely spaced (2mm increments). The guide helps in sewing to create accurate, evenly spaced parallel lines for topstitching, edge stitching and quilting, piecing and decorative accents. The foot comes with a wide opening along the front which allows one to use the option of variable needle positions for a straight stitch from far left to far right or anywhere in between. The grooved guidelines close to front also makes it suitable for both straight and curved edges. The flat foot also helps with smooth feeding of fabric layers.

To use it, remove the standard presser foot and snap on the stitch guide foot and position the fabric for the stitch line. To create a new stitch line up the previous stitch line a corresponding mark on the guide. The guide ensures that the new row of stitch is sewn at the exact same distance from the first, creating a desired uniform pattern. It can also be used with a twin needle.



Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Rangoli


Spindle Silhouette

The word spindle means tapering at each end. The term originates from a tool of ancient times that was used for spinning thread, a stick that is thickest in the center and narrows at the ends (spindle). A spindle silhouette in fashion refers to a garment shape that is wide in the middle and tapers at both the top and bottom that is towards the shoulders/neckline and the hemline which creates a distinct fusiform shape.


Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Gauntlet Cuff

The term Gauntlet refers to a medieval armored protective glove that covered the hand and forearm worn in the suits of armor. The meaning of Gauntlet Cuff as on women's wear refers to a wide turned back cuff that slants away from the arm flaring wide at top and tapering to wrist resembling to the cuff of gauntlet.



Pendant Cuff

 A Pendant cuff is a cuff design that hangs down from the sleeve.