Sewing Classes for Beginners

USE YOUR SEWING MACHINE

Every home sewing machine uses a variation of the same basic threding system, but each one is slightly different. When my machine is not stitching well, I immediately check to see that both the bobbin thread and neend needle thread are properly set, wich usually is couse for the problem.

Learning to threade your machine properly is moste importent!

www.howstuffworks.com (how a sewing machine works)

Tension setings:  

·         the needle 'thread' tension is too tight

·         the bobbin tension is to loose

When the tension is properly adjusted, the two threads will make a tiny knot between the two fabric layers.

TOOLS YOU'LL NEED

·         measuring tape

·         tailor's chalk

·         seam ripper

·         shears

·         pinking shears

·         pins

·         hand sewing needles

·         thread

SEWING TECHNIQUES

Basic hand sewing stitches

Thread a needle with a single strand of thread, and make small knot in the end of one thread.

(Back stitch, straight stitch or runing stitch, zig-zag stitch)

Machine stitches

Straight stitch is most commonly used in sewing and you can adjust the stitch's length. Regular stitch lenght is 2.5 mm – 3 mm and longer lenght 3.5 mm – 4 mm.

Zig – zag stitch it is little stretche stitch. Used for sew edges of the seam. That prevent the fabric to tear  on edges.

Back stitch we secure the beginning and of the row of stitching to keep the stitches from raveling.

Position the needle a couple stitches ahead of where you want to start stitching. Then press the machine's reverse button to stitch backwords to the point where you want to stitching line to start, release the revers button, and start stitching forward as you normally would. At the and of your stitching line, again push the machine's reverse button, and sew a couple stitches in reverse.

 

CHOOSING FABRIC

A woven fabric is made on a loom from threads that run vertically and horizontally.
Woven Fabrics Woven fabrics are made by using two or more sets of yarn interlaced at right angles to each other. Much variety is produced by weaving. Woven fabrics are generally more durable. They can be easily cut into different shapes and are excellent for producing styles in garments. However the raw edges ravel or fray easily and need to be protected. Fabrics having more fabric count (number of wrap and weft yearns present) keep the shape well. Low count fabrics are less durable and may snag or stretch. - See more at: http://www.textileschool.com/School/Fabrics/WovenFabrics.aspx#sthash.ZvaAIYdj.dpuf

A knit fabric is made on an industrial knitting machine, generally from a singel, continuously looped, or knitted, thread, in much the same way as a sweater is knitted by hand.

knit fabric

jersey

Stretch vs. Non-stretch fabric

Two basic fabric categories: fabric with or withaut stretch. Any fabric can be manufactured with stretch. And many traditionally nonstretch fabrics are made with added Laycra or spandex, which are thin rubber threads that run through one or both directions of the weave or that are worked into the knit.

How to sew a stretch fabric?

The seams must be able to stretch, or they will pop and break.

You can use:

·         a longer lenght 3.5 mm – 4 mm straight stitch

·         a very narrow zigzag stitch

·         a special stitch

Which needle do I use?

For sewing stretch fabric I use a ball – point needle or Jersey needle.

Which thread do I use?

I use polyester thread. That thread is used for all fabric.

PREPERING FABRIC FOR SEWING

We need to wash all fabric with natural fibers (cotten, line, denim) that preshrinks  the fabric. It's importent to wash and dry befor we start cutting patteren pieces from it.

Lay the fabric flat. And smooth it from the center towards the selvedges and cut edges. On one sid is fabric's straight grain/grain line and on the other side is fabric's fold. Up and down cut edges.

TRANSFERING, LAYING OUT A PATTERN ONTO FABRIC

Pin the cut pattern pieces on the fabric, and cut around the pattern pieces to cut the fabric out. It's key to line up the pattern pieces with the fabric's straight grain. Most patterns have a grain line arrow printed on them. Make sure the pattern's grain line arrow runs parallel to the fabric's selvedge edges.

MY SEWING BOOK