Maudy Paden

Sewing & Tailoring Expert

Maudy Paden is a Sewing & Alterations Specialist based in Sarasota, Florida. She provides a tailoring concierge service, where she offers in home/office fittings and pick up/delivery for alterations. She has over 30 years of sewing experience. Before starting her business in Florida, she ran her clothing alteration shop for 14 years in Vermilion, Ohio. Maudy has a wide tailoring repertoire; wedding dressings, formalwear, suiting, professional clothing, off-the-rack, ready-to-wear, clothing repairs, and patches all fit her skill set.  In all her work, she follows the high-quality standard outlined by the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals. She received an MA in Lay Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and a BA in Religious Studies from Wittenberg University.

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Q&A Comments (7)

How can I do a straight stitch?
To do a straight stitch, align the fabric layers, thread the needle, and bring it up from the underside. Then, push the needle down through the fabric, forming a straight line. Repeat this process, maintaining even stitches along the desired seam or edge.
How do I make sure the button doesn't fall off?
To sew a button securely onto a piece of clothing, position it where desired and thread the needle, bringing it up through one of the buttonholes from underneath the fabric. Decide whether to sew parallel lines or create a crossed pattern over the button. Opting for efficiency, consider using four strands of thread on the needle, allowing you to sew through all four buttonholes simultaneously. Once all holes are sewn through, ensure the threads are tight and secure, then tie a knot on the underside of the fabric to finish. This method ensures the button stays firmly attached and reduces the likelihood of it coming loose over time.
How do I secure a blanket stitch?
Start by aligning the edges of the fabric. Thread a needle with a strong thread and insert it from the back side, leaving a small tail to secure later. Pull the needle through until the knot catches. Then, bring the needle back down through both layers of fabric, leaving a small loop on the edge. Bring the needle through this loop, creating a knot that secures the fabric edges together. Repeat this process along the edge, spacing the stitches evenly to create a decorative border and ensuring they catch both layers of fabric.
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Co-authored Articles (10)

How to

Ladder Stitch

A ''ladder stitch'' is used to complete a project that requires an open seam for turning or stuffing. It is often used to sew stuffed toys, pillows or lined hems. Begin sewing around most of the perimeter of the project ...

How to

Pack a Garment Bag

A garment bag is a long, zippered hanging bag that allows travelers to carry clothing items such as jackets, suits and dresses. Because the bags fold in half or thirds, they are relatively easy to carry. Garment bags can...

How to

Sew a Belt Loop

Whether you're finishing or repairing a garment, sewing the belt loops only takes a few minutes. If you're making your own, choose any material you want and sew them any size you like. In general, most clothes have betwe...

How to

Sew a Mitered Corner

A mitered corner is a way to finish corners on pillow cases, curtains, napkins, and many other types of sewing projects. Creating mitered corners will make the edges of your project look neat and clean. Sewing mitered co...

How to

Sew Lock Stitch

Lock stitch is a stitch used to hold lining or interlining fabric together. Loose by nature, it is a stitch that gives and allows for movement between layers. For this reason, it is good for heavier fabric items such as ...

How to Sew a V Neckline: A Beginner’s Guide

Quick ways to sew a flattering V-neckline The V-neckline is a classic for a reason. Blouses, dresses, and T-shirts all look great with this simple neckline which flatters any figure.

How to

Sew a Button on a Suit

If your suit is missing a button, don't worry! In this article, we'll explain the easiest way to sew a missing button back on so your suit looks perfect again. Keep reading for our complete guide!

How to

Get Glue Off of Clothes

It’s common to get glue stains on clothes after doing crafts or repair work! Despite the sticky mess that glue stains can cause, it’s easy to get rid of them once you know the right process. If the glue is water-base...

How to

Hem a Shirt Sleeve

Hemming a shirt sleeve is easy, economical and takes little time. This article has tips on hemming shirt sleeves and for sewing in general. As with all things, the following tips are for a basic shirt made from basic fab...

How to

Make Upholstery Piping

Upholstery piping is found on a variety of sewing projects, from small pillows to couches. It’s the border of fabric that’s stitched to the edges of upholstery, often in a contrasting color.. 06 February 2024. Within...