Master the Art of Sewing In with Leave Out: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of your hair looking flat and lifeless? Do you want to add some length and volume without having to commit to a permanent hairstyle? If so, a sew-in with leave out might be the perfect solution for you! This popular hair extension method allows for versatility and natural-looking results, making it a go-to choice for many women. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of achieving a flawless sew-in with leave out. Get ready to revamp your hair game and achieve the perfect blend with this easy-to-follow tutorial. Let’s get started!

Sew in with leave out is a popular hairstyle among women of all ages. It involves attaching hair extensions to your natural hair using a needle and thread, leaving a small portion of your natural hair outside to create a seamless blend. This technique is great for adding length and volume to your natural hair without the commitment of permanent extensions. However, it requires some skills and knowledge to achieve a flawless look. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to do sew in with leave out like a pro.

What You Will Need

Before we dive into the process, let’s first gather all the necessary tools and supplies that you will need for sew in with leave out:

1. Hair extensions: You can choose from human or synthetic hair depending on your preference and budget.
2. Weaving needle: This fine needle has a curved end, specifically designed for sewing in hair extensions.
3. Sewing thread: Black or brown thread that matches your natural hair color will work best.
4. Comb: A wide-tooth comb will come in handy for detangling your hair.
5. Scissors: To trim any excess thread or hair.
6. Hair clips: These will be used to section off your hair during the process.
7. Wig cap or net: Optional but recommended for extra hold and security (especially if using synthetic hair).
8. Hair bonding glue or wig tape: If you prefer extra hold or have trouble blending your natural hair with extensions, you can use these products.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have all the necessary tools and supplies ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process of doing sew in with leave out:

Step 1: Prepare Your Natural Hair
Start by washing and conditioning your natural hair thoroughly to ensure it’s clean and free from any product buildup. Once dry, detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb and section it into two parts: leave out and braided hair. The leave out section should be at least an inch wide.

Step 2: Braid Your Natural Hair
Next, braid the remaining section of your natural hair using the traditional three-strand method. Make sure the braids are tight and close to your scalp, as this will be the foundation for attaching the extensions.

Step 3: Wear Wig Cap or Net (Optional)
For added hold and security, you can wear a wig cap or net over your braided hair. This will also help in blending your natural hair with extensions.

Step 4: Prepare Hair Extensions
Take your desired hair extensions and measure them against your head from ear to ear, making sure they are slightly longer than your natural hair. This will ensure a seamless blend with your natural hair.

Step 5: Thread Your Needle
Thread the weaving needle with a long strand of thread and double knot it at the end to prevent it from coming off while sewing.

Step 6: Start Sewing
Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to start sewing in your hair extensions. Start from one side of your head, near the ear area. Take a small piece of leave out section from the front of your head and secure it with a hair clip. This will blend with the extensions later on.

Step 7: Attach Extensions
Place one extension weft under the first braid and hold it in place using tension between two fingers. Sew along the track of weft closest to you going in one direction (from left to right or right to left). Once completed, sew back along that weft in an opposite direction (from right to left or left to right). This will secure the extension firmly on top of the braid.

Step 8: Repeat Process on Other Side
Continue attaching extensions on the first row along your braids until you reach the other side of your head. Repeat the same process on the other side.

Step 9: Continue Sewing in Layers
Once you have finished sewing in one layer, continue with the second row above it. Repeat the same process until you reach the top of your head. Remember to leave out a small section of hair on each layer to blend with your natural hair later.

Step 10: Blend Natural Hair with Extensions
Once all extensions are sewn in, remove all hair clips and blend your natural hair with extensions using a comb or your fingers. If needed, you can use bonding glue or wig tape to keep your leave out section in place.

Maintenance Tips

Here are some tips to help you maintain and care for sew in with leave out:

– Avoid excessive heat styling as it can cause damage to both your natural and synthetic hair.
– Use a silk scarf or bonnet at night to protect your hairstyle.
– Wash and condition your natural hair regularly.
– Visit a professional stylist for regular touch-ups to ensure seamless blending.
– When removing extensions, be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on your natural hair.

Sew in with leave out is a great way to

What You Need to Know Before Starting a Sew-In With Leave Out

Sew-in with leave out is a popular hairstyle that allows you to add length and volume to your natural hair while still keeping your scalp protected. It involves sewing in tracks of extensions onto tightly braided cornrows, leaving a section of your natural hair out to blend with the extensions and create a more realistic look. This technique requires some knowledge and skills to achieve a flawless finish, so before you jump into doing a sew-in with leave out, here are some important things you need to know.

The Basics of Sewing In With Leave Out

First things first, you need to know the basic principle behind sew-in with leave out. The process involves braiding your natural hair into cornrows in the desired pattern and then sewing wefts of hair extensions onto the braids using a special needle and thread. The leave-out section is usually located at the crown or around the perimeter of your head, depending on the desired style. This section is left out for blending purposes, giving the illusion that all the hair is yours.

Types of Hair Extensions for Sew-In With Leave Out

There are several types of hair extensions that can be used for sew-in with leave out. The most common ones include human hair weaves, synthetic weaves, and clip-ins. Human hair weaves are sourced from real human hair, making them look and feel natural. They come in different textures such as straight, wavy, or curly, so you can choose one that matches your natural hair.

Synthetic weaves are made from man-made fibers and tend to be less expensive than human hair weaves. However, they may not blend as well with your natural hair as human hair does.

Clip-ins are temporary extensions that can be clipped into your natural hair without any sewing required. They are a great option for those who do not want to commit to a long-term sew-in hairstyle.

Tools and Supplies Needed

To do a sew-in with leave out, you will need some essential tools and supplies such as tail comb, rat-tail comb, hair clips, hair extensions, weaving needle and thread, scissors, wig cap, and a flat iron. These tools and supplies can be easily found at your local beauty supply store or online.

The Step-by-Step Process of Doing Sew-In With Leave Out

Before starting the process, make sure you have washed and deep conditioned your natural hair to prepare it for styling. Now let’s break down the steps for sewing in with leave out:

Step 1: Prepare Your Natural Hair

Start by cornrowing your natural hair in the desired pattern. The size of the braids will depend on how big or small you want your leave-out section to be. Make sure to braid tightly and securely to provide a sturdy base for the extensions. You may also want to flat twist the hair around your edges if you have thin or fragile edges.

Step 2: Create the Leave-Out Section

Once your cornrows are done, part out a U-shaped section at the top of your head or wherever you want your leave-out to be. This will be where you will attach the weft of extensions that match your natural hair color.

Step 3: Attach Hair Extensions

Using a weaving needle and thread, sew the first weft of hair extensions onto one of the cornrows. Make sure to pull the thread tight but not too tight that it causes tension on your scalp. Continue sewing in wefts until you reach the leave-out section.

For the leave-out section, use a few clips-ins pinned underneath so that they lay flat against your scalp. This will give a natural-looking blend with the extensions.

Step 4: Continue Sewing Extensions

Once you have attached the leave-out section, continue sewing in wefts until you reach the opposite side of your head. Depending on the thickness of your natural hair and the desired fullness, you may need anywhere between 2 to 4 bundles of hair extensions.

Step 5: Cut and Style

Once all of your extensions are sewn in, use scissors to cut off any excess tracks at the back of your head. You can then style the hair as desired using a flat iron or curling wand. If needed, you can also trim the leave-out section to blend better with the extensions.

Tips and Tricks for a Flawless Sew-In With Leave Out

– Always braid your natural hair tightly and securely to avoid tension on your scalp.
– Use a wig cap under your sew-in for added protection.
– Cut wefts into smaller sections before sewing them in for a more natural look.
– For better blending, use human hair extensions that closely match your natural hair texture and color.
– Take breaks between sewing in each track to

1. What is a sew in with leave out?
A sew in with leave out is a popular hair extension technique where a section of the natural hair is left out to blend with the extensions for a more natural look.

2. What type of hair can be used for a sew in with leave out?
Any type of hair, whether it’s virgin human hair or synthetic hair, can be used for a sew in with leave out. It is important to choose high-quality hair for the best results.

3. How do I prepare my natural hair for a sew in with leave out?
Before installing the extensions, make sure your natural hair is washed, conditioned and completely dry. It is also recommended to trim any split ends to ensure a smooth and seamless blend.

4. Can I do a sew in with leave out on my own?
While it is possible to do a sew in with leave out on your own, it is recommended to get it done by a professional stylist for better results. This technique requires precision and skill to achieve the desired look.

5. How long does a sew in with leave out last?
The longevity of a sew in with leave out depends on how well it is taken care of. With proper maintenance and regular touch ups, it can last up to 2-3 months.

6. How do I maintain my sew in with leave out?
To maintain your sew in with leave out, make sure to use sulfate-free products, sleep on a satin pillowcase or wrap your hair at night, and avoid excessive heat styling. Additionally, schedule regular touch-ups to keep your hairstyle looking fresh and neat.

In conclusion, learning how to do a sew-in with leave out can seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tools, anyone can achieve a flawless and natural-looking result. Throughout this guide, we have covered the step-by-step process of preparing for a sew-in, applying the braiding pattern, installing the extensions, and blending the leave out for a seamless finish.

One of the key takeaways from this topic is the importance of proper preparation. It is crucial to properly clean and moisturize your hair before installing the extensions to ensure their longevity and your scalp’s health. Additionally, understanding your hair texture and selecting the appropriate extensions will also contribute to a successful sew-in with leave out.

We have also highlighted different techniques for installing the extensions, such as using needle and thread or utilizing bonding glue. Whichever method you choose, it is essential to make sure that all sections are secure and neatly aligned to avoid any discomfort or damage.

Another vital aspect of achieving a flawless sew-in with leave out is properly blending your natural hair with the extensions. This involves using heat styling tools or cutting and shaping your leave out to match the texture and length of your extensions. Taking extra care in this step will give you a more natural finish that seamlessly blends with your own hair

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.