Tag: youtube

JUKI Posts, Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

Upgrading your Sewing and Quilting YouTube Page

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on Upgrading your Sewing and Quilting YouTube Page

With so many channels on YouTube, it can be difficult for new sewists and quilters to find your page! That’s why in today’s blog post, we’ll go over some tips you can put in place for your channel that will encourage viewers to stay and engage with your page.

Follow along as we go over pieces you can start editing today!

Cleaning Up Your Channel

Have you been posting videos for a while? We bet your skills in filming and editing have upgraded, so let’s review those old videos! Cleaning out videos that are low quality, outdated, or have a low amount of views can help your channel seem cleaner and build credibility.

Sometimes, those low-quality videos can turn a viewer off your page and prevent a new subscriber from joining, so it’s best to keep up to date with your content!

What’s Your Brand?

Having a brand goes beyond color scheme and font, but what viewers see in the background of your video and what you may even be wearing! Think of the space you’re creating and what viewers can see when you film. Remove pieces that may bring attention away from your projects, and add items that promote your brand or shop!

Here, you can focus on placing past projects, items that speak to your personality that allows viewers to feel like they know you, and wearing pieces you may have created or matched your personality. It’s these details that build a larger picture for your audience. When viewers like your personality, they’ll come back and watch just for you, even if the project isn’t something they’re interested in!

Lean into your brand; for example, if your page focuses on garment creation, try wearing past pieces you’ve created that encourage viewers to watch your old projects videos!

Creating a Channel Trailer

JUKIHomeSewing Trailer

Creating a promotional video for your page is a great way to share your goal and brand with new visitors. This video will automatically play for visitors that find your channel and pinned at the top of your page. We recommend creating a short trailer that covers about a 2-3 minute length!

Some items in your video are past video footage stitched together, a “pitch section” where you share what your channel is and what viewers can expect to see, and a section where you can request new viewers to join your page and subscribe. Focus on your tone and the script, and let your personality shine through!

Thumbnail Designs

Help your channel look coherent and professional with consistent thumbnails! Following a design theme, you can create thumbnails that attract viewers looking for projects.

While YouTube comes with preset options, creating your own on free software like Canva can help your channel feel clean, showcase your personality, and help viewers get an idea of what your video will be about.

Collaborating with Those in Your Community

Are you looking for exposure to a new audience? Then, reach out to your fellow sewist and quilter YouTubers!

Suggest an idea to another creator where you can cross-promote your channels while creating a fun project or pattern that viewers will love and engage with! Of course, the best way to do this is to appear on each other’s channels. We recommend introducing your new friend to your audience and where they can be found before diving into your video so viewers can see why you’re endorsing one another.

Using Binge Watching

Binge-watching is an excellent tool for encouraging new viewers to watch and follow your page. By creating playlists that viewers can follow along too, they can get a better idea of your credibility and have more time to decide if they’d like to join your channel. In addition, viewing multiple videos of yours will give viewers a better sense of why they should follow you.

Creating a playlist for your channel will also upgrade your SEO, depending on what keywords you use to title them. Your content can be organized by project type, level type, sewing or quilting, etc. Curating your playlist will depend on what videos you post and how you want viewers to watch and enjoy them.

Two ways binge-watching can encourage subscribers is by creating a playlist where you control the next video viewers are watching, stopping them from transferring over to a new channel or two; you can focus on a video series that is posted over a period of time, encouraging viewers to subscribe and get notified when the next video posts.

YouTube Video Cards

Easy to add to any video, YouTube cards are the perfect way to promote another video from your channel and a subscription from the viewer. While YouTube offers the option that automatically chooses the best video from your channel, you can also pick a specific video yourself that correlates with your project.

For example, if your video is on a new project for quilting, you can place a past video with another similar project or a different video you want to promote.

Be Consistent

Whether you’re posting once a day, a week, or a month, having a consistent schedule is needed! The key to success is consistency.

Beyond the theme and content of your channel, consistency will help viewers figure out your style and what you’re about. Viewers subscribe not just because they loved your video but because they hope to see more like it!

Find what your focus is and how you’re going to communicate this to viewers. Find the best schedule, and focus on your analytics to see what’s working.

For example, depending on your viewership, you might have better luck with views posted in the morning on the weekend than on weekdays in the afternoon. Your schedule should work for you and your viewers.

Sharing and Promoting Your Videos

While we can make beautiful videos, they can go nowhere without proper promotion! This is why posting your content in the right places is essential when looking for your audience.

The first location you can focus on is your go-to social media page. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. These are popular platforms that creators rely heavily on when looking for project inspiration and new ideas.

Another format can be diving into niche community pages. Think of fellow Facebook pages, Reddit pages, or specific quilting and sewing communities you’re a part of that would love to see your creation! Remember when posting in niche communities to share who you are (the creator) and what you do (your page); this way, members of those groups accept your posts and join your channel!

Implementing These Tips

While some of these tips can be implemented immediately, like creating a playlist for your seasonal projects or how-to’s, building your channel takes time! Focus on what you want viewers to learn and feel when they watch your channel, and create a brand you are proud of. Don’t worry about the number of viewers when you start off and prepare to be consistent and keep creating!

Looking for inspiration? Check out our JUKI Youtube page here today! Follow along as we showcase how we implement these tips on our page!

JUKI Posts, Triple T: Tips, Tricks, and Training

Tips for Creating a Sewing or Quilting Video

by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment on Tips for Creating a Sewing or Quilting Video

When we first begin creating videos for our projects, we might not be sure where to start. Creating a video for our socials can go beyond the camera and your current project and step into pre-planning, long editing, and finding the right places to publish.

Today we’ll review tips and things to keep in mind when you want to shoot your next video! From planning your videos to editing, shooting, and posting, follow along as we go through the steps it takes to get your project video going.

What to Film?

Before we can step into the studio, let’s begin with brainstorming. It all starts with an idea! This idea doesn’t need to be perfect but think of a specific project you’d like to work on and create. From there, figure out the goal of your video.

For example:

  1. Is this video being created to present how to create a project for each step?
  2. Are you creating this video project to showcase a specific machine or accessory?
  3. Are you going behind the scenes?

Once you know why you’re creating this video, we can jump into the how.

Some ways you can plan your videos are scripting certain scenes, creating a storyboard that allows you to see what flow you want to make for your videos, and designing the production space and location. For scripting, think of certain spots like introductions, saying goodbye, or even a script for your whole video! The storyboard process can be as simple as breaking down your video into parts and seeing where you’ll be changing positions or locations to film. Once you find your filming location, ensured good lighting, low outside sounds, and a room that looks inviting to viewers, you can begin filming.

Deciding what projects to focus on can be difficult, but the great thing is you can always keep creating videos! Sometimes we’ll want to focus on a WOW project that can cost us big bucks and involve a lot of editing. Other times we might create a piece that is short, easy, and to the point. So choose a project you love doing, no matter what form of project or video you’re creating!

The Equipment

When you’re ready to begin filming, there are a few tools every studio should have. Some might think they need to start with a professional camera, but when you’re first beginning, a smartphone can be the best option! With any standard smartphone, you should be able to create excellent video content that can be used for YouTube videos, Instagram Reels, TikTok, and more.

However, if you have a budget and are ready to dive in and buy equipment, we recommend a few of the basics below.

  • Camcorder or DSLR
  • Camera lenses: These can be used for different shots. An example would be purchasing microlens for close-up shots of your needlework!
  • Memory cards: we recommend having a few on hand for those long shooting days.
  • Tripod or stabilizer: different versions can be purchased. You can find ones for tabletop views and bird-eye views.
  • Microphone: make sure you’re viewers can hear you well! We also recommend captioning your videos for viewers to follow along.
  • Lighting: Lighting can break or build a video! Proper lighting will help sewists see where you’re stitching, the needle, your stitch types, and more.

If you use your phone camera, you can still use this extra equipment! Multiple accessories will Bluetooth link to your phone for microphones and new lenses can be attached to your smartphone camera. Remember phone tripods and good lighting, and you’ll be creating your professional videos soon!

Recording Your Video

There is no real right or wrong way to filming, but there are tips for creating clean and fun videos! When it comes to filming, you want to start by allocating time for it. Filming time always depends on your projects, the angles you’re shooting at, and what your video storyboard is.

For example, if you’re shooting a quick tip video, that won’t require camera move changes or machine adjustments, it can take 15 minutes to film your new tip video and 10 to edit. Now, you have fun short videos for your followers and other sewists!

However, if you’re planning to create a project video like a garment piece, be prepared to allocate a larger amount of time for filming and post-production. Editing and the theme of your video style will change as you learn new techniques and features, but it’s best to create consistency in your videos for your viewers to follow. Whether it’s a standard opening sequence, the way you style the shots, or the theme of your projects, consistency is what begins to build a following.

Once you’ve planned your sewing space and managed your time, you can start setting up! The setup process is important when you’re creating because this will help build the momentum for your video and make the correct layout. Focus on lighting, how the sounds of your space are (are you getting a lot of outside noises in your film location?), and decide If you’ll be using a script so you can plan to have a mini prompter to read off, or finding a screen large enough to assist.

Lastly, do some test runs! Have fun and practice first by creating mock videos and testing your sewing location, audio, lighting, angles, and more. Then, once you feel you’re ready, go ahead and film your video!

Film Tips

  • If you’re shooting a sewing technique, use a lens like the micro one we mentioned above! Simple to use, this adjustment can help viewers get a better peak at the stitches you’re using, presser feet, and even stitch length!
  • Bird-eye/Overhead view can be your best friend when creating projects that otherwise wouldn’t be seen on a direct shot. For example, use bird eyes view when making garment projects or quilts to showcase how the projects are truly turning out.
  • Make sure to have your supplies and fabric ready to go before filming! We recommend pre-cutting, pre-washing (if needed), and setting up your workspace for viewers to see what supplies they’ll need while allowing you to be ready to go.
  • Include an opening and closing shot in your videos! This little detail will help viewers feel welcomed to your channel and give them an idea of what they’ll learn when they watch.

Post Production Time

Here comes the fun part! Once we’ve completed our filming, it’s time to move on to editing, planning, posting, and getting those posts and blogs ready. Of course, the first step is importing your video! A tip we recommend is organizing your footage before editing. This way, you can plan the placements, title screens you might need if you choose to use them, and any other graphics you want to be included.

Once you’re ready to edit, choose the film editing software that works best for you! Editing is the most important part of this process, so follow along and mention some things to keep in mind while editing.

Cut out the Quiet and Redundancies

Before editing, watch your footage fully through. Here you’ll begin editing and cutting out pieces like long moments of silence, mistakes made while filming, or repetitive steps.

Adding Elements

From there, decide what elements you want to include in your video. Think of photos, captions, and graphics. Next, consider what background sounds or music you’d like to include. When we have those times without speech, having fun and simple themed music in the background can keep viewers interested. Make sure to choose music that matches the tone of your video! For example, if you’re creating a summery project, look for background music that is more pop than somber.

Next, when adding transitions and video effects, focus on being cohesive! Using multiple types of transitions can make your videos look clunky, so it’s best to find the transitions you’re comfortable with and use those in your videos.

Placing Your Intro and Outro

Place these in your video if you choose to film your intro and outro post-production! Videos give a complete feeling when they have a direct opening and closing, so we recommend having fun with it and creating a guideline you can follow when creating. Whether this includes a common intro phrase, placing your logo, promoting the pattern you’re working on, or something more personal, these two elements will elevate your video!

Staying Consistent

Consistency builds a following! To create a consistent aesthetic for your videos, plan out and design certain pieces that will be repeatedly used.

  • Thumbnail Image Templates that can be edited to fit new videos
  • Color themes for graphics and slides
  • Font choices
  • Logo

Editing Tools

If you’re unsure which editing applications to choose from, we’ve placed a few recommendations for beginner video editors. As you learn new techniques and skills, you’ll be able to upgrade your editing software for more detailed editing.

  • Apple iMovie: If you’re an apple owner, we recommend apple iMovie! Easy for beginners to use and with features more advanced creators can enjoy, Apple IMovie allows you to create seamless videos, add in elements and music, and if you’re an apple user will directly link with your images and music. For those who purchase a Mac, this application is free.
  • Animaker: an online video editor, this application is perfect for creating simple videos using drag and drop. With no editing experience to work the application, you can easily place music, videos, text, and photos. However, unlike iMovie, this application costs a monthly fee and can range from $10 to $49, depending on your needs.
  • Corel Video Studio: a one-time purchase application for $99, this video editing software is perfect for those who plan to upgrade their video editing skills in the future. Simple to use, this software has everything you’ll find in the previous ones, as well as clean motion tracking. This means you can have the video track specific objects throughout the editing process and place an element like an arrow pointing to a particular spot or blurring.
  • Final Cut Pro: Another Apple product, Final Cut Pro, is a one-time purchase editing program offering a more advanced editing experience than iMovie. Final Cut Pro allows creators to edit professionally finished videos, including a library of transitions, title slides, a music library, and more. This program is an excellent option for those who feel they have mastered the iMovie program or are up to a new challenge!
  • Adobe Premiere: if you plan to work with a team or immerse yourself in video editing techniques, Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the top choices. This program offers many features, including team organization with online elements and Photoshop and After Effects. It is perfect for those who plan to create videos often and want to upgrade their skills. Adobe does require a monthly subscription for usage.

Exporting and Publishing

Now that you have a finished video and are ready to publish let’s talk about the export process. The best file format to export your video is MP4. This file can then work and present a clean video on your social platforms, website, and YouTube.

As for publishing, you need to plan where this will be posted, and how it will be published (a blog, a post, a reel) and focus on how you’ll promote the new video. Depending on where you post is, what dimensions your video will be, what time length the video can be, and what direction the video will lay (vertical for YouTube or horizontal for TikTok,) is how you’ll choose the site location.

Plan the description your video posts will have, what eye-grabbing title you’ll place, and how you’ll share this new video with your audience. For example, if you have a new project video releasing for a holiday pattern, you can create a story, post, and newsletter to promote the new video to viewers.

Once you begin video recording and editing, you’ll see what aspects your audience likes, doesn’t like, and want more of! From there, the process changes until you find your direction and routine where the audience keeps returning.

Now that you have an idea of where to begin, we hope this helps you plan your video ideas, find the right filming tools, and encourage you to try something new! Remember, this can all start with a free editing application on your phone, camera, and an idea; everyone begins somewhere.

Looking for ideas? Check out our JUKI Youtube page here today! Offering how-to’s, behind scenes, projects and so much more!

JUKI Posts, JUKI Spotlight

Catching Up with Rob Appell

by sewinwithjuki2 Comments on Catching Up with Rob Appell

You may recognize this month’s spotlight from “Michael Miller Fabrics Making It Fun” or “Man Sewing,” we’re so excited to spotlight our JUKI Ambassador, Rob Appell, during National Sewing and Quilting month! In today’s blog, we get to speak with Rob about his journey in quilting, his passion for the craft, and how he came to be where he is today.

Robs journey in quilting began when he moved back home from college, spending his free time outside and snowboarding. His mother, the manager and eventual owner of the local quilt shop brought Rob into the business, where he started as a clerk. When his mother began bringing in machines to sell, Rob eventually shifted to machine repairs, and here is where he started falling in love with sewing!

Creating fun Hawaiian shirts as his uniform for the quilt shop, he found himself having fun making them and eventually began looking into patchwork quilting. A fun and easy way to pick up quilting, he began testing his skills in free motion quilting his projects. Again, finding himself loving the hobby. The rest, as they say, is history!

Since he began to quilt, Rob has accomplished a published quilt book, starred in and hosted multiple quilting YouTube shows, created a community for his teachings, and so much more! His videos encourage new quilters to be creative and enjoy their projects! With a focus on basic techniques, his hope when he’s creating for viewers is that they find something they can take away from his lessons and learn how to make their versions.

Recently starring in ‘Michael Miller Fabrics’ Making it Fun,’ you can follow along with his high-energy videos and view the different patterns and free motion quilting techniques Rob uses. While he offers some design patterns and templates for quilters, his work mainly focuses on organic creation. Going with the flow, his work often doesn’t follow design patterns; the finished design patterns he has sold usually come from these organic works he’s completed after the fact!

“The Free Motion Quilting, I prefer to go freestyle, no pattern, sometimes a plan, but usually pretty random and free.”

Quilting didn’t take him away from the outdoors he loved. Combing two of his favorite things, Rob is known for his landscape quilts. These beautiful pieces focus on nature and showcase views in bright colors. In fact, in 2009, Rob created 12 different quilts that featured faces of endangered species. Using the patterns from his work, he was able to fundraise and advocate for these species through sales that went toward endangered species charities.

He also authored a pattern book, “Making Waves … Adventures of a Surf Quilter,” a self-published print book featuring his landscape and seascape quilts. Early in his quilting journey, Rob was known for his scenic creations. Then, using free motion quilting and applique, he would add fun designs like fish, coral, rocks, lighthouses, ships, and more! Then, bringing in his love for surfing, he created a piece that intertwined surf terms with quilting terms, going above the average and setting himself apart.

Now, as someone who’s been quilting and creating those quilting videos we love for years, we asked Rob what keeps him going. “Videos are free and can be viewed over and over again if you’re learning from them. I love to present my passion for quilting.” Rob likes to focus on basic quilting techniques because he’s often reminded of how many new quilters have emerged in the community over the years. Thanks to video cameras and social sites like YouTube, where Rob hosts, he can teach how to construct quilts and the basic skills all quilters want to know. Keeping himself motivated with fun fabrics and the creative process has pushed him to bring that energy into each episode’s studio. Thankful for the following he’s gained on YouTube that keeps him going!

Rob at his studio with the J-350QVP & J-150QVP

He recently created a new quilt, the “Synergy Remix,” designed by Kristie J. Smith in her pattern book, “Splice Magic,” that he loved! Always excited to try out new and different quilting techniques, like he encourages his viewers, Rob locked himself in the quilt shop, Stitchin’ Heaven, his latest collaboration where he’ll be hosting new quilting episodes, and went to work! In one night, he created a quilt and video, maligning the entire project and finishing it. Yet, this project places a smile on his face when he thinks about it.

While Rob has gone on to try other ventures, like his work in textile design with Free Spirit Fabrics, he vouches for his love of quilting. Sharing his love of fabric and free motion quilting, he focuses on his desire to quilt the top to push him through the construction process. Recently, he’s begun focusing on improving his precision in his patchwork! By creating little half-square triangles and trimming them up, he’s found joy in practicing his skills.

Always learning and growing, Rob has begun a new journey in his quilting career with Stitchin’ Heaven! As their new YouTube manager and Content presenter, he’ll be able to create a team of quilt lovers like himself who can share their passion for the craft while teaching others worldwide. Stepping back from handling all processes by himself, he’ll now have quilting friends who will help him create new and exciting projects for viewers like you. We’re excited to see the different techniques and quilting styles that will emerge from this new partnership!

“The thing I love most about the quilting industry is that there is so much for everyone.”

With the quilting community constantly growing as new members find their passion for the hobby, we asked Rob what advice he has for JUKI Quilters. “Get to know your machine, spend 7me learning the nuances, understand what the different feet do and when to use them. Then, remember – this is a hobby, not a race. Please slow down to enjoy the process.” When you enjoy the steps to what you’re creating and take a moment to appreciate each technique you’ve picked up, you’ll truly enjoy the finished project. As Rob mentions, so many people need something positive in their lives. Take the time to find your passion, teach and work with others in your quilting community, and enjoy the process.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about Rob with us, and we hope this inspires you to join him on an online video one day and check out quilting! A hobby for everyone, we hope everyone enjoys National Sewing and Quilting month with a fun new project!