BASIC SEWING TIPS/TERMS Teen Living

SEWING MACHINE TIPS Remember that the presser foot keeps fabric in place while sewing. Sewing machine needles should only be replaced when bent, damaged or rusty. Thread guides on a machine keep the thread from becoming tangled.

MORE TIPS To change appearance of a stich, use stich width or length (width for zigzag stich). Needle should be DOWN IN FABRIC when beginning to sew. While sewing, use the edge of fabric and seam allowance guides on throat plate to guide you.

PRESSING Remember, pressing vs. ironing: Ironing is back and forth motion Pressing is a down and lift motion Pressing cloth can be used to prevent shine on fabric from the iron.

CUTTING, PINNING, MARKING Cut fabric using long even strokes with fabric shears. Use tailor’s chalk, transferring paper, or a tracing wheel to mark your fabric. ALWAYS make sure pins are perpendicular to the fabric. Once pattern is secure to fabric cut out with fabric shears. Then mark fabric and remove pattern, repin fabric to itself.

PATTERN GUIDE SHEET Set of instructions and tips on how to construct your garment Found in the pattern envelope Includes instruction for cutting, marking, and sewing Includes step-by-step instructions Includes any notions you might need

READING A PATTERN Cutting Line – solid dark line on pattern Dotted lines are for other sizes Notches – diamond shapes in pattern for matching pieces Grain Line – arrow on pattern piece – pattern should always be put on fabric with grain line parallel to selvage edge Darts – points sewn into clothes to give room for curves Notions – small parts for sewing like thread, buttons, etc.

HAND SEWING BUTTONS Shank – leaves wiggle room for what button is closed Shank is either a metal loop under button or one that you create yourself for added security. This is called a thread shank. Use two strands of thread to sew a button (fold one in half and tie a knot at the end for extra strength)

EXTRAS First step of hemming is to mark the new place for your hem A bolt of fabric will include care directions for the fabric Standard seam allowance is 5/8 of an inch!!! Always backstitch at the beginning and end of a seam for security.