Category: Tutorials: Sewing Basics

These are primarily non-doll-related sewing tutorials. For example: how to backstitch; how to sew snaps; etc…

ON a swatch of wool fabric, we see patterns for a jacket front, a jacket back, a hat top, and a hat crown. All of these are Barbie doll sewing patterns from Simplicity 7601 hat and coat set. Because the swatch of fabric is quite small, we see that the coat front has been aligned with the nap arrow facing East and west, while the coat back has its arrow facing north and south. The hat top arrow faces east-west while the hat crown's nap arrow faces north and south. The fabric is a burgundy color with black chevron-shaped print.
Crafts and Hobbies, Interviews With Crafters, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Crafts, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern Part 3 (What do the arrows mean?) #Sewcialists #Sewing

Since Monday, I’ve been revisiting some older blog posts that teach some basics for cutting out a commercial sewing pattern. Today’s blog post is part of that series. I do have good news, though… My computer is back up and running after being in the fixit shop for most of the month of March. What does this mean? It means I have a LOT of … Continue reading How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern Part 3 (What do the arrows mean?) #Sewcialists #Sewing

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
In this photo, we see two pairs of scissors lying next to an uncut pattern for a doll hat's brim. One pair of scissors has a grey handle; the other pair of scissors has a purple handle.
Crafts and Hobbies, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Paper Crafts, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern PART 2 (How do you cut out the tissue paper pattern?) @ ChellyWood.com #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #ChristmasCrafts

This week’s series of blog posts will break the process of pinning and cutting a doll clothes pattern, into several carefully explained steps. These are re-posts from 2022 because I’m still living my life without a working computer. Sorry about that. Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more … Continue reading How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern PART 2 (How do you cut out the tissue paper pattern?) @ ChellyWood.com #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #ChristmasCrafts

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
In this thumbnail image, the Chelly Wood doll (really a Spin Master Liv doll that has been repainted and had its wig hair color altered to look like the real doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood) stands beside and points at the Simplicity 7601 doll clothes (Barbie sized doll clothes) pattern envelope. The words over the envelope say "simplicity 7601" and the Chelly Wood dot com logo appears to the left of the photo. The entire image is framed by a purple and turquoise blue quilt.
Crafts and Hobbies, Fan Mail, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Paper Crafts, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics, Uncategorized, Vintage Barbie

How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern PART 1 (How do you read a pattern envelope?) @ ChellyWood.com #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #ChristmasCrafts

First, I need to say that today’s post is from 2022. My computer has gone back to the repair shop, for I think the FIFTH time! I’m still without a computer, which makes it hard to blog and make videos. So I’m very sorry for all the repeats. I created this blog post when a non-sewing mom reached out to me, asking me how to … Continue reading How to cut out a Barbie doll clothes sewing pattern PART 1 (How do you read a pattern envelope?) @ ChellyWood.com #SewingTips #DollClothesPatterns #ChristmasCrafts

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Various sewing and crafting notions like thread, a tape measure, scissors, and a writing utensil swirl around the words "Sewing Vocab" in a thumbnail frame. This is the default thumbnail for the sewing picture dictionary (or sewing glossary with pictures) on ChellyWood.com, a website that offers free printable PDF sewing patterns for making doll clothes to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What does boot cut jeans mean? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

DEFINITION: A pair of pants or jeans that flare from the knee to the hem, allowing room for a pair of boots under them. This is my own definition. Of course you can google this term to find other definitions as well. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can learn more about my affiliate marketing program on the Privacy Policy page. … Continue reading Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What does boot cut jeans mean? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

Chelly Wood10 Comments
Various sewing and crafting notions like thread, a tape measure, scissors, and a writing utensil swirl around the words "Sewing Vocab" in a thumbnail frame. This is the default thumbnail for the sewing picture dictionary (or sewing glossary with pictures) on ChellyWood.com, a website that offers free printable PDF sewing patterns for making doll clothes to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What does boatneck mean? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

DEFINITION:  This is my own definition. Of course you can google this term to find other definitions as well. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can learn more about my affiliate marketing program on the Privacy Policy page. An elasticized boatneck is also sometimes called a “elastic boatneck” or a “relaxed boatneck.” Often this type of neckline can be worn below … Continue reading Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What does boatneck mean? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Various sewing and crafting notions like thread, a tape measure, scissors, and a writing utensil swirl around the words "Sewing Vocab" in a thumbnail frame. This is the default thumbnail for the sewing picture dictionary (or sewing glossary with pictures) on ChellyWood.com, a website that offers free printable PDF sewing patterns for making doll clothes to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: Bloomers… What are they? #Couture #HistoricalSewing

DEFINITIONS:  A woman’s undergarment worn during the Victorian era, designed like trousers but having gathers below the knee, often worn to allow freedom of movement when riding a bicycle Discretionary short pants worn under a cheerleader’s skirt Underpants (esp. those with ruffles, often for young girls) This is my own definition. Of course you can google this term to find other definitions as well. As … Continue reading Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: Bloomers… What are they? #Couture #HistoricalSewing

Chelly Wood2 Comments
An apron is a simple Christmas gift to make. You can usually whip one up in a couple of hours. On ChellyWood.com, the doll clothing designer, Chelly Wood, offers advice for making aprons for the whole family for Christmas. This image shows a quilted background with the photo of Simplicity Apron pattern 2691, showing an apron with a pocket and contrasting colors of fabric, along with a quilt-look table runner and a placemat pattern. Visit ChellyWood.com to join the chat.
Crafts and Hobbies, Holiday Crafts, Links, Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

How to Sew Apron Ties — Aprons make great gifts for the whole family! #HolidaySewing #ChristmasGiftIdeas

Maybe you’ve been thinking about sewing an apron for each of your family members as Christmas gifts, or even to use at Thanksgiving, when the whole family is visiting. It’s definitely not too early to start planning your holiday sewing projects! And honestly, aprons don’t take long to make. Before I go on, I need to make my required disclaimer statement: As an Amazon affiliate, … Continue reading How to Sew Apron Ties — Aprons make great gifts for the whole family! #HolidaySewing #ChristmasGiftIdeas

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
A woman in a long dress with a bustle is silhouetted in white on a purple background with a turquoise blue frame. She holds a bouquet. a man in a top hat holding a cane stands beside her. The Word "History" is in all capitals, stylized in a historical font, beneath the two silhouetted figures in white on the purple background.
History and Research, Sewing and Fashion History, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Men’s and Women’s Fashion in History #EuropeanHistory #AmericanHistory

The video above comes from the Catherine Sews YouTube channel. I love a good romp through fashion history, and Catherine (who like me is retiring from her teaching career to focus on her own creativity) takes us on a wonderful journey through fashion history in this video, which chronicles both men’s and women’s fashion, from the 1700’s to the 2000’s! I hope you enjoy this … Continue reading Men’s and Women’s Fashion in History #EuropeanHistory #AmericanHistory

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
The thumbnail, framed by a turquoise blue and purple quilt, shows the front of the envelope for Simplicity 5861, a vintage doll clothes pattern for Skipper, from 1964. The text in this thumbnail reads, "Vintage Skipper Simplicity 5861" and under this, we see the Chelly Wood dot com logo.
Old Patterns from Chelly's Collection, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics, Tutorials: Sewing for Dolls, Uncategorized, Vintage Skipper

What is a hook and eye closure, and how do you sew one? #SewingHacks #SewWithMe

Today I’m going to explain how to sew a hook and eye onto the back of a doll’s garment. Specifically, I’ll be working with the bodice for Dress View 6 in the Simplicity doll clothes wardrobe pattern 5861 for vintage Skipper dolls. Let’s stat with a quick explanation of the notion referred to as a “Hook and eye” or “Hook and loop.” The pink arrow … Continue reading What is a hook and eye closure, and how do you sew one? #SewingHacks #SewWithMe

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
Various sewing and crafting notions like thread, a tape measure, scissors, and a writing utensil swirl around the words "Sewing Vocab" in a thumbnail frame. This is the default thumbnail for the sewing picture dictionary (or sewing glossary with pictures) on ChellyWood.com, a website that offers free printable PDF sewing patterns for making doll clothes to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What is bias tape used for? #SewWithMe #SewingVocabulary

DEFINITION:  Bias tape is fabric that has been cut on the bias, making it very flexible. When folded and sewn around a circular edge, its flexibility keeps it from winding in waves (as can be problematic in a rolled hem). This is my own definition. Of course you can google this term to find other definitions as well. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from … Continue reading Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What is bias tape used for? #SewWithMe #SewingVocabulary

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Click on the "Website Navigation Guide" button to learn more about how to navigate on ChellyWood.com, to find the free doll clothes sewing patterns and tutorial videos you need, to make a whole wardrobe of doll clothes for your doll or dolls.
11-inch doll clothes patterns, Barbie Patterns, Crafts and Hobbies, Fan Mail, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Fashion Doll Clothes Patterns (Free Barbie Patterns) and How to Find Them Online #FreeStuff #SewingPatterns

Today’s tutorial video shows how to find free sewing patterns for fashion dolls like Barbie (and others) online, using ChellyWood.com’s library of free PDF sewing patterns. Sometimes people come to my website and leave a comment that says, “I’m looking for free Bratz doll clothes patterns” or “Do you have any patterns for the Disney Princess ten inch dolls?” I designed today’s tutorial video to … Continue reading Fashion Doll Clothes Patterns (Free Barbie Patterns) and How to Find Them Online #FreeStuff #SewingPatterns

Chelly Wood2 Comments
A simple graphic of a turquoise blue button sits atop a purple gingham fabric background, with the Chelly Wood dot com logo in the lower left corner of this thumbnail image.
For Sale in the Store, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Crafts, Tutorials: Sewing Basics, Tutorials: Sewing for Dolls

Here’s how I sew a miniature button on a doll’s shirt, coat, or dress… #Miniature #Sewing

Please scroll down to the bullets for links to any additional relevant tutorial videos. *Please note: when you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include Amazon, Etsy, and the eBay Partner Network. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about … Continue reading Here’s how I sew a miniature button on a doll’s shirt, coat, or dress… #Miniature #Sewing

Chelly WoodLeave a comment
The image shows a close-up of a Barbie doll's tummy with a tie-style belt wrapped around her waist. She's wearing a pink bathrobe under the belt. The text says, "DIY Belt" and the whole image plus text is overlaid on top of a purple cotton background with tiny white polka dots. The Chelly Wood dot com logo appears in one corner.
Crafts and Hobbies, Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: BELTS — What’s the best way to make a belt? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

DEFINITION:  Typically used to close or hold up a garment, a belt is usually wrapped around one’s middle section (like the waist or hips) and often clasped or fastened at the front, side, or back of the waist. This is my own definition. Of course you can google this term to find other definitions as well. And as you can see in the images that … Continue reading Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: BELTS — What’s the best way to make a belt? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

Chelly Wood4 Comments
Various sewing and crafting notions like thread, a tape measure, scissors, and a writing utensil swirl around the words "Sewing Vocab" in a thumbnail frame. This is the default thumbnail for the sewing picture dictionary (or sewing glossary with pictures) on ChellyWood.com, a website that offers free printable PDF sewing patterns for making doll clothes to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What are bell bottoms? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

DEFINITION:  A pair of pants or jeans that flare from the knee to the hem, like a bell shape. This is my own definition. Of course you can google this term to find other definitions as well. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please learn more about my affiliate marketing program on the Privacy Policy page. The term “bell bottoms” refers to … Continue reading Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures: What are bell bottoms? #SewingChat #SewingVocabulary

Chelly Wood2 Comments
Various sewing and crafting notions like thread, a tape measure, scissors, and a writing utensil swirl around the words "Sewing Vocab" in a thumbnail frame. This is the default thumbnail for the sewing picture dictionary (or sewing glossary with pictures) on ChellyWood.com, a website that offers free printable PDF sewing patterns for making doll clothes to fit dolls of many shapes and all different sizes.
Crafts and Hobbies, Glossary of Sewing Terms with Pictures, History and Research, Sewing Chat, Tips for Beginners, Tutorials: Sewing Basics

Sewing Glossary with Pictures (Gallery)

Please click on the vocabulary term you’d like to learn more about. It will take you to a page that offers even more pictures (sometimes videos), a more thorough definition, and some discussion questions about that sewing term. As of 25 June 2025, this page is under construction, so please keep coming back to see what words I’ve added! Not what you’re looking for? Please … Continue reading Sewing Glossary with Pictures (Gallery)

Chelly WoodLeave a comment