Introduction to sewing Mrs. Lovelady FACS

Basic sewing kit A tape measure A selection of buttons A selection of needles A selection of threads Sewing scissors Pins and pin cushion A thimble A tape measure Fasteners, such as snaps and hooks and eyes Self-fastening tape

How the Thread a Needle

Threading a Needle Hold the needle upright with one hand, and rotate it in your fingers until you can see the eye. Hold the cut thread about 3/4 inch from the end with the fingers of the other hand, and push the thread through the eye of the needle until about 1/2 inch extends beyond the eye. Pull about 1/3 of the thread length through for a single thread; match the ends if a double thread is needed for the mending job.

Threading a needle cont. Stiffen the thread end by moistening it or running it through some beeswax. Dip the end of the thread into a bottle of red nail polish, and allow to dry. Colored polish will make the thread easier to see and will provide a slick end for threading. Spray your fingertips with hair spray and then stiffen the tip of the thread by rolling it back and forth in your fingers. Try a needle with a larger eye or use a needle threader.

Knotting the thread Slide your needle to the half way point of your thread. Take the loose ends and tie a knot at the end. Tie two to be certain Trim thread past the knot Now you are ready to begin stitching.

Backstitching

Replacing buttons Most buttons can be sewn with general-purpose thread. Buttons should be sewn on loosely to allow for the overlapping garment layer containing the buttonholes. Buttons sewn too tightly will make the button difficult to close. Sew-through buttons usually have two or four holes through which the button is sewn to the garment.

How to Sew on a Button

Buttons continued Take three to six stitches through each pair of the button's holes, depending on how much stress the button will receive. Then bring the needle up through the fabric but not through the button. Hold the button tightly away from the garment, and wind the thread snugly two or three times around the threads under the button. Insert the needle through to the wrong side of the garment, and push the needle under the button stitches. Pull the thread partially through, forming a loop. Insert the needle through the loop, and pull the thread snugly to form a knot. Cut the threads close to the knot.

Buttons continued