Philippa's Foundations

Philippa Naylor shares her thoughts and advice on foundational tools and techniques required for garment making. We will be adding new videos to this series as we come across foundational topics which would be usefully covered by Philippa.

We have categorised the posts so that you can find topics more easily.Ā Click the buttons to see the posts on each topic:

Equipment
Fabric
Patterns
Sewing Machine Basics
Drafting a grown on facing

This video was filmed in response to questions on the blouse class about how to draft a grown on facing.  There is a shorter video included in the class, but this version includes additional information on drafting the back neck edge which is not included in the version...

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Cotton

Fantastically versatile, but with some ecological drawbacks?.

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Linen

How it is made and what it is useful for.

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Wool

Philippa talks about possibly her favourite fabric type.

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Fabric Weights

What are light, medium and heavy weight fabrics? Philippa gives you an overview of some of the fabric in her collection to help you decide which fabric to use for your project.

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Machine Care

Philippa talks about how and when to clean and oil your machine.

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Loading Different Types of Thread

Philippa offers advice on how to load different types of thread into your sewing machine.

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Vintage Patterns

Vintage patterns offer some great designs, but as you will see there are some differences to modern patterns.

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Garment Patterns

Philippa shares her thoughts on patterns - how to choose them, and how to read and use them.

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Stitch Plates

Philippa offers her advice on stitch plates for garment making.

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Scissors

Philippa talks about what types of scissors and shears you may require for garment making.

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Interfacing

Philippa Naylor discusses the many types of interfacing and some of the ways they might be used.

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Dress Forms

Philippa discusses types of dress forms (tailors dummies)n and how to use them in garment making.

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Bits And Pieces

Philippa advises on extra 'bits and pieces of equipment you might need for garment making. 

 
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Filling Bobbins And Threading Your Machine

Philippa shows you how to fill your bobbin and thread your machine.  

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Changing Stitch Plates And Sitting Advice

Philippa shows you how to change your stitch plate and offers advice on the best way to sit while sewing. 

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Top Tension

Philippa talks about top thread tension and how to solve common issues. 

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Bobbin Tension

Philippa talks about signs your bobbin tension is wrong and how to adjust it.

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Sewing Machine Feet

Philippa discusses which sewing machine feet she uses for garment making.

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Equipment for working with sewing patterns

In this video Philippa Naylor talks about the equipment she uses to create and modify patterns.

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Thread

Philippa offers her advice on thread for garment making.

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Pins and Needles for Garment Making

In this video Philippa Naylor shares the exact types of pins and needles which she uses for garment making.

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Pressing Equipment

In this video Philippa Naylor chats about pressing tools for garment making - and which ones you might consider purchasing.

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