By Janna Halioris
Use fancy stitches to making a sewing project that is only one of its kind. And nothing is more satisfying than being able to create individual pieces for your home or as gifts for friends and family.
Here are the easy to follow instructions to make a small drawstring bag. Or by using quilting you can make it a beautiful little evening bag. The bag becomes thicker as a thin layer of cotton wadding is used and the stitching gives a decorative effect. Decorate the bag with either a French knot or a nice bead and you have a home sewing project to be proud of.
Although using fancy stitches may be time consuming, but the results can be stunning. Below are a variety of fancy stitches to make this small drawstring bag unique.
The instructions for a small drawstring bag are:
- Cut out piece 12 x 28 inch and lining piece 12 x 26 inch.
- Fold in half crosswise, right sides together, and stitch ½ inch from edge up two long sides on both pieces.
- Turn right side out and put lining in bag, wrong sides together.
- Pin together at side seams and bottom, and baste lining to bag at top to hold in place.
- Turn down 1/2 inch on top, baste, then turn down two inches, baste and stitch.
- Clip one stitch of seam on top hem on both sides and stitch two lines above and below opening 1/2 inch apart.
- Cut two strips of ribbon or tape 30 inches long. Insert one with bodkin or safety pin through one side and draw all the way through, pulling out on same side.
- Do the same with the other on the other side.
- Knot ribbon edges or fasten with decorative stitches, and pull to draw.
Some fancy stitches that make your drawstring bag unique.
Twisted running stitch: Outline the line of design with running stitches, and with contrasting thread go over and under stitches, using a blunt needle, but not through fabric, to get an effect like twisted cord.
Chain stitch: Bring thread out from wrong side, insert needle at same point and take a stitch, holding loop of thread with left thumb. For a different effect, whip over chains in a contrasting color. Used for stitching in a line especially on peasant type clothes.
Couching: this is actually sewing on a thread or cord for decoration. Fasten a heavy thread on wrong side, leave loose on right side. With a second thread, usually finer, tack it in place at regular intervals with small stitches. Used often to outline an edge.
Magic or checkered chain is made like chain with two contrasting threads in needle. Keep one color to left holding thread under thumb, make stitch with other color. Bring second color to the left for the next stitch and hold under thumb. Continue. Stitches of chain are in alternating colors.
Quilting: Baste fabric to cheesecloth or muslin with thin layer of cotton wadding between. Draw design on wrong side and stitch on wrong side. Do all the lines in one direction first, then the cross lines. Use long stitches and heavy, slightly loose bobbin thread for puffy effect. Machine quilter attachment may be used. Do not press.
French knot: Bring needle up from wrong side, wrap thread around needle one or more times, and insert needle close to point where it came out, keeping thread taut to prevent looping. Used to fill in spaces and to make centers of flowers. Or in case of quilting in the cross stitching.
These are only a few ideas of how fancy stitching can make your sewing projects only one of its kind. For more information about home sewing projects visit to buy this book. I can't recommend it enough.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janna_Halioris
Showing posts with label Sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sewing. Show all posts
Get All Your Fabrics and Sewing Notions at a Great Price
By Myrna Peterson-Schmidt
Are you an avid sewer, knitter or someone who likes to crochet? Now supplies can be found all in the same place. What's better than this.
What's better than having a 100% guarantee on what you need. With there is free shipping and handling. Free return shipping. If you are reluctant to buy with out really knowing what you are getting they have swatches that are available. Now you will know exactly what you are buying and if it is suitable for you personal project.
All orders are shipped within 48 hours. This is a great way to save money on running all over the city to find the just the right material you need. What a great time saving way to help you in you very busy day.
Available are apparel and fashion fabrics. Here are all the latest and most fashionable patterns and fabrics needed to add new fashion to your wardrobe. Also available are children's fabrics. If you are looking for some quality fashion fabrics with a great reduction this is the place to visit.
Large selection of quilting fabrics and quilting notions are available. You can buy novelty and conversational quilt fabrics. Also available are bulk fabrics for those that are experienced quilters that make many quilts per year. If you needing quilt backing or broadcloth this is the place to go to. But for those that are just wanting to get into the quilting experience they also have beginner kits and contact support.
Home decor fabric of every description is available for you to complete our own home decorating. Including the tassels, trims and fringes needed to finish off the project.
In the clearance fabric section are available everything you could want. There is fashion, home decor and notions. Some fabrics can be bought for under $2.00 per yard. What better way to help save money on you family budget but get exactly what you are looking for to make yourself and your home beautiful.
In the Notions and Patterns section many items are available. Buttons, crafts, sewing patterns by category or designer are available. Also there are quilting books and CD's available for those that are novices. If you are looking for hand embroidery suppliesm there available too.
Knitting and Crochet books and patterns are available. All kinds of wool available for all your knitting and crochet patterns. If you are needing the tools to complete or even start these projects, everything that you need is available at the click of your mouse.
There are many, many more items and ideas for you to choose from at Fabric.com. Sewing machines, decorating trim, sewing craft supplies and much, much more. So get the motivation and the time and you can get all your supplies in one place. Save time, energy and keep within your budget. For further information on how to get these great deals log into website at Step By Step Guide To Sewing Basics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Myrna_Peterson-Schmidt
Are you an avid sewer, knitter or someone who likes to crochet? Now supplies can be found all in the same place. What's better than this.
What's better than having a 100% guarantee on what you need. With there is free shipping and handling. Free return shipping. If you are reluctant to buy with out really knowing what you are getting they have swatches that are available. Now you will know exactly what you are buying and if it is suitable for you personal project.
All orders are shipped within 48 hours. This is a great way to save money on running all over the city to find the just the right material you need. What a great time saving way to help you in you very busy day.
Available are apparel and fashion fabrics. Here are all the latest and most fashionable patterns and fabrics needed to add new fashion to your wardrobe. Also available are children's fabrics. If you are looking for some quality fashion fabrics with a great reduction this is the place to visit.
Large selection of quilting fabrics and quilting notions are available. You can buy novelty and conversational quilt fabrics. Also available are bulk fabrics for those that are experienced quilters that make many quilts per year. If you needing quilt backing or broadcloth this is the place to go to. But for those that are just wanting to get into the quilting experience they also have beginner kits and contact support.
Home decor fabric of every description is available for you to complete our own home decorating. Including the tassels, trims and fringes needed to finish off the project.
In the clearance fabric section are available everything you could want. There is fashion, home decor and notions. Some fabrics can be bought for under $2.00 per yard. What better way to help save money on you family budget but get exactly what you are looking for to make yourself and your home beautiful.
In the Notions and Patterns section many items are available. Buttons, crafts, sewing patterns by category or designer are available. Also there are quilting books and CD's available for those that are novices. If you are looking for hand embroidery suppliesm there available too.
Knitting and Crochet books and patterns are available. All kinds of wool available for all your knitting and crochet patterns. If you are needing the tools to complete or even start these projects, everything that you need is available at the click of your mouse.
There are many, many more items and ideas for you to choose from at Fabric.com. Sewing machines, decorating trim, sewing craft supplies and much, much more. So get the motivation and the time and you can get all your supplies in one place. Save time, energy and keep within your budget. For further information on how to get these great deals log into website at Step By Step Guide To Sewing Basics.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Myrna_Peterson-Schmidt
Simple Easy Craft Ideas
By Henrika Van Aardt
Coming up with simple, easy crafts ideas is not always that easy. Fortunately, with a little help many different kinds of crafts can be adjusted to become easy crafts. Always think of the most elementary items you can make with a craft and almost any craft will do.
Examples of crafts that can be used:
1. Making small objects with Fimo clay
Fimo clay can be used to make magnets, decorations and more. It is a non-toxic medium and easy to use.
2. Silk painted greeting cards
Silk painting is fun and you can make lots of small items that do not require too much expertise on your side. You can even get cool kits that have everything you need. This makes it very easy as you then do not have to buy a lot of supplies and equipment.
3. No sew fleece scarves
Once again this is a very good option if you are looking at simple easy crafts ideas. With very little supplies needed and with the basic skill of cutting and knotting your can come up with and amazing fleece scarf as a gift for a special person.
4. Beginners mosaics using seeds and beads
There is no need to get a lot of expensive supplies and equipment to try your hand at mosaics. You can use seed that you have colored, pretty beads and a pattern of your choice and make a delightful mosaic to use as a decoration or a gift.
5. Beading
Beading is another craft that really lends itself to simple, easy crafts ideas. Make a simple bangle with a variety of cheap beads and you have a lovely craft. This is also a craft that you will find many kits for, once again making it easier because you do not need to buy everything separate.
Think about these and other simple, easy crafts ideas and have a lovely holiday crafting session.
Make use of easy Fimo Clay Ideas or fun No Sew Fleece Crafts and make your own Christmas gifts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henrika_Van_Aardt
Coming up with simple, easy crafts ideas is not always that easy. Fortunately, with a little help many different kinds of crafts can be adjusted to become easy crafts. Always think of the most elementary items you can make with a craft and almost any craft will do.
Examples of crafts that can be used:
1. Making small objects with Fimo clay
Fimo clay can be used to make magnets, decorations and more. It is a non-toxic medium and easy to use.
2. Silk painted greeting cards
Silk painting is fun and you can make lots of small items that do not require too much expertise on your side. You can even get cool kits that have everything you need. This makes it very easy as you then do not have to buy a lot of supplies and equipment.
3. No sew fleece scarves
Once again this is a very good option if you are looking at simple easy crafts ideas. With very little supplies needed and with the basic skill of cutting and knotting your can come up with and amazing fleece scarf as a gift for a special person.
4. Beginners mosaics using seeds and beads
There is no need to get a lot of expensive supplies and equipment to try your hand at mosaics. You can use seed that you have colored, pretty beads and a pattern of your choice and make a delightful mosaic to use as a decoration or a gift.
5. Beading
Beading is another craft that really lends itself to simple, easy crafts ideas. Make a simple bangle with a variety of cheap beads and you have a lovely craft. This is also a craft that you will find many kits for, once again making it easier because you do not need to buy everything separate.
Think about these and other simple, easy crafts ideas and have a lovely holiday crafting session.
Make use of easy Fimo Clay Ideas or fun No Sew Fleece Crafts and make your own Christmas gifts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henrika_Van_Aardt
Sewing Patterns and Trouble-Free Tote Bags
By David Urmann
Sewing is a well-known craft that dates back to olden times. Its beginning stemmed from as
early as the Paleolithic age. The advancement of sewing machines had made sewing procedures much quicker and simpler. There are various stitches and methods used.
Patterns are graphical sketches in a paper that will be basis for a sewing project. Sewing patterns are normally comprised of two elements:
1. The individual parts that make up the item
2. The instructions for fitting together the item.
Use a dressmaker chalk to transfer patterns onto cloth/fabric, or trace the pattern with a tracing wheel.
Three Methods of Making Patterns:
• The drafting pattern method entails sketching or outlining a pattern straight onto paper pattern with the use of lines and curves. This is common in sewing apparels.
• The draping pattern method is three dimensional. A fabric is actually draped onto a subject to see the actual flowing effect. This method is best for more decorative and intricate designs that a sketch can not capture.
• The flat pattern method starts with the crafting of a sloper. A sloper is a pattern for a tight skirt or fitted corsage or bodice customized to the measurements of the user. Slopers are often made of cardboards with no specified styles or seam allowances.
Here is an easy project to hone your sewing skills:
TROUBLE-FREE TOTE BAGS
Tote bags can are functional small bags fit for traveling. Here's how to make one:
Materials:
(Feel free to alter materials to your taste)
a. Nylon fabric
b. 20 pieces of 1-inch thick nylon webbing. You can decide for the length of the straps that can go well with your needs. With the use of a candle or lighter, melt and unify the nylon webbing's raw edges to thwart it from disentanglement.
c. Thread. (Choose one that fits your fabric material)
Procedure:
• Fold the fabric in half.
• Sew the two side seams with a ½ inch margin
• Turn the raw edges by ¼ inch and sew.
• Turn under 1 inch of the upper border to the inside portion of the bag.
• Pin in position and stitch edges.
• With the wrong sides of the bag out, fold the sides such that they only on top of the underside fold of the bag.
Strap Placement and Finishing:
• Cut bag strap to desired length.
• Position the straps at an even gap from the side seams.
• Sew a square shape to the strap ends connecting the side seams.
• Accentuate your new bag with laces or beads.
For more information on Make your own sewing patterns and Sewing Pattern Reviews please visit our website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Urmann
Sewing is a well-known craft that dates back to olden times. Its beginning stemmed from as
early as the Paleolithic age. The advancement of sewing machines had made sewing procedures much quicker and simpler. There are various stitches and methods used.
Patterns are graphical sketches in a paper that will be basis for a sewing project. Sewing patterns are normally comprised of two elements:
1. The individual parts that make up the item
2. The instructions for fitting together the item.
Use a dressmaker chalk to transfer patterns onto cloth/fabric, or trace the pattern with a tracing wheel.
Three Methods of Making Patterns:
• The drafting pattern method entails sketching or outlining a pattern straight onto paper pattern with the use of lines and curves. This is common in sewing apparels.
• The draping pattern method is three dimensional. A fabric is actually draped onto a subject to see the actual flowing effect. This method is best for more decorative and intricate designs that a sketch can not capture.
• The flat pattern method starts with the crafting of a sloper. A sloper is a pattern for a tight skirt or fitted corsage or bodice customized to the measurements of the user. Slopers are often made of cardboards with no specified styles or seam allowances.
Here is an easy project to hone your sewing skills:
TROUBLE-FREE TOTE BAGS
Tote bags can are functional small bags fit for traveling. Here's how to make one:
Materials:
(Feel free to alter materials to your taste)
a. Nylon fabric
b. 20 pieces of 1-inch thick nylon webbing. You can decide for the length of the straps that can go well with your needs. With the use of a candle or lighter, melt and unify the nylon webbing's raw edges to thwart it from disentanglement.
c. Thread. (Choose one that fits your fabric material)
Procedure:
• Fold the fabric in half.
• Sew the two side seams with a ½ inch margin
• Turn the raw edges by ¼ inch and sew.
• Turn under 1 inch of the upper border to the inside portion of the bag.
• Pin in position and stitch edges.
• With the wrong sides of the bag out, fold the sides such that they only on top of the underside fold of the bag.
Strap Placement and Finishing:
• Cut bag strap to desired length.
• Position the straps at an even gap from the side seams.
• Sew a square shape to the strap ends connecting the side seams.
• Accentuate your new bag with laces or beads.
For more information on Make your own sewing patterns and Sewing Pattern Reviews please visit our website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Urmann
Sewing Machine Repair Manual - Why Should You Get One?
By Rachel Newman
In order to repair a sewing machine by yourself at your home, you need to have a deep understanding of how they work and what each part in them does. A sewing machine is made up of a large number of parts which include the following part:
Motor
Stitch cam
Stitch Selector
Drive belt
Hand wheel
Presser
Needle bar
Feed dogs
Bobbin
Race
Case
And it doesn't stop there, for a sewing machine has more small parts, all of which must work in perfect unison in order for it to function properly. Taking such a contraption apart and reassembling it can be quite complicated, which is exactly why it's important to use a sewing machine repair manual when trying to fix it. Of course, you can take it to a repair service, but that will cost you a lot of money especially when considering that sewing machines tend to breakdown often, or at least need a good cleaning or reseting. Some people need to make adjustments on a monthly basis.
Using a manual will save you all that money and make sure that you can keep it operating smoothly. I wouldn't try to fix things yourself, since even a little mistake can cause even more damage ad end up costing your more money. It's just like taking a car to a certified mechanic. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to fix your car yourself and save all that repair money? Of course, fixing a car is very complicated so you don't dare to do it yourself. And since you're not going to sign up for a sewing machine repair course, using a manual is the best thing you can do in order to save money.
Get a sewing machine repair manual and save a lot of money and time in the process.
To read more about sewing machine repair, click here: Sewing Machine Repair Manual.
Rachel Newman writes about sewing and sewing machines. To read her review of Sewing Machine Repair, click here: Sewing Machine Repair - Do It Yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Newman
In order to repair a sewing machine by yourself at your home, you need to have a deep understanding of how they work and what each part in them does. A sewing machine is made up of a large number of parts which include the following part:
Motor
Stitch cam
Stitch Selector
Drive belt
Hand wheel
Presser
Needle bar
Feed dogs
Bobbin
Race
Case
And it doesn't stop there, for a sewing machine has more small parts, all of which must work in perfect unison in order for it to function properly. Taking such a contraption apart and reassembling it can be quite complicated, which is exactly why it's important to use a sewing machine repair manual when trying to fix it. Of course, you can take it to a repair service, but that will cost you a lot of money especially when considering that sewing machines tend to breakdown often, or at least need a good cleaning or reseting. Some people need to make adjustments on a monthly basis.
Using a manual will save you all that money and make sure that you can keep it operating smoothly. I wouldn't try to fix things yourself, since even a little mistake can cause even more damage ad end up costing your more money. It's just like taking a car to a certified mechanic. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to fix your car yourself and save all that repair money? Of course, fixing a car is very complicated so you don't dare to do it yourself. And since you're not going to sign up for a sewing machine repair course, using a manual is the best thing you can do in order to save money.
Get a sewing machine repair manual and save a lot of money and time in the process.
To read more about sewing machine repair, click here: Sewing Machine Repair Manual.
Rachel Newman writes about sewing and sewing machines. To read her review of Sewing Machine Repair, click here: Sewing Machine Repair - Do It Yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Newman
Sewing Pattern Symbols - What On Earth Do They Mean?
By Barbara Evans
The symbols marked on paper pattern pieces look to some of us like they have been written in a foreign language and can be somewhat bewildering.
Let me explain in simple terms what the most common symbols on the paper pattern mean.
Cutting Line. This is found on the edge of each pattern piece and often has a symbol of a pair of scissors. Cut out each paper pattern you need for your garment from the large paper sheet. Use paper scissors, not your good material scissors. Paper can blunt scissors quickly.
Stitching Line. This is the line to stitch along when joining fabric together
Seam Allowance. This is the width of fabric that extends between the stitching line and edge of the fabric or cutting line. The normal seam allowance is 1.5cm or 5/8in, but check your pattern seam allowance before stitching.
Directional Sewing. The stitching line is marked with small arrows showing you what way to stitch, eg. always stitch the skirt side seams from waist to hemline, the fabric will sit better and have a more professional look.
Grain line. This is a straight line with an arrow at one or each end.The strong or warp threads run parrallel to the selvage. The selvage is the woven edge of the fabric.
The weaker or weft threads run from selvage to selvage.The arrows at each end of the grain line must be the same distance from the fold or selvage. Many a garment has been sewn and "will not sit straight' because the grain lines are "off centre." There are also grain lines on the fold, on the bias (45o) and on the weft threads.
Dart Fold Line and Dart Sewing Line. Darts are a stitched fold of fabric tapering to a point and are used to shape the garment to fit the curves of the body. Fold the dart along the dart fold line and stitch along the dart sewing line and press. Press skirt and shoulder darts towards the centre and bust and elbow darts downwards.
Notches. Notches are diamond shapes situated along a seam line and are used to match seams together, eg. joining the centre back seam together. The notches are cut out in a diamond shape from the seam line.
Pattern Piece Name. Indicates the name of each pattern piece. Please get in the habit of having the pattern piece name facing upwards as you pin the pattern onto the fabric.
The Number. This indicates how many pieces to cut out, eg. Sleeve Cut 2.
Shorten and Lengthen Lines. These lines indicate the position to shorten and lengthen the pattern pieces.
Gathering Lines. These are usually broken lines beginning and ending with a notch. Gather between the notches.
Buttonhole Positions. These are the markings to stitch the buttonholes. Always try on garment first to check the buttonholes positions are in the correct place for you. Some of us like them a bit lower or higher.
When you have cut out the pattern and removed it from the fabric, always fold it up neatly and place back in the envelope. Attach a piece of the garment fabric onto the envelope so in months to come you will always know what pattern you used for what garment. Place patterns neatly in a storage box, they are expensive to purchase and we can be used time and time again.
I hope you have now untangled some of the strange markings, dots and dashes you will find on paper patterns so remember Sewing is fun, so be creative and in no time your wardrobe will be bulging with lovely designer clothes.
Happy Sewing and Enjoy your Day.
Barbara Evans
I have been sewing for nearly 40 years and have a NZ Diploma in Fashion Design and Pattern Drafting with Merit, have worked as a pattern maker, clothing cutter, a tailoress, taught sewing in a training intuition, helped many friends with the sewing problems and fixed their machines... and have stitched countless garments.
I have written an e-book called 'Sewing Easy' which is a valuable sewing course crammed full of easy, practical methods with loads of diagrams. In it I take you by the hand and show you how to sew, create your own clothes and make your own gifts in a Sewing Easy way.
For more information please visit http://www.sewingeasy.com where you will also find a free monthly Sewing Easy Ideas Bulletin for you to download, which is full of great ideas and sewing hints.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Evans
The symbols marked on paper pattern pieces look to some of us like they have been written in a foreign language and can be somewhat bewildering.
Let me explain in simple terms what the most common symbols on the paper pattern mean.
Cutting Line. This is found on the edge of each pattern piece and often has a symbol of a pair of scissors. Cut out each paper pattern you need for your garment from the large paper sheet. Use paper scissors, not your good material scissors. Paper can blunt scissors quickly.
Stitching Line. This is the line to stitch along when joining fabric together
Seam Allowance. This is the width of fabric that extends between the stitching line and edge of the fabric or cutting line. The normal seam allowance is 1.5cm or 5/8in, but check your pattern seam allowance before stitching.
Directional Sewing. The stitching line is marked with small arrows showing you what way to stitch, eg. always stitch the skirt side seams from waist to hemline, the fabric will sit better and have a more professional look.
Grain line. This is a straight line with an arrow at one or each end.The strong or warp threads run parrallel to the selvage. The selvage is the woven edge of the fabric.
The weaker or weft threads run from selvage to selvage.The arrows at each end of the grain line must be the same distance from the fold or selvage. Many a garment has been sewn and "will not sit straight' because the grain lines are "off centre." There are also grain lines on the fold, on the bias (45o) and on the weft threads.
Dart Fold Line and Dart Sewing Line. Darts are a stitched fold of fabric tapering to a point and are used to shape the garment to fit the curves of the body. Fold the dart along the dart fold line and stitch along the dart sewing line and press. Press skirt and shoulder darts towards the centre and bust and elbow darts downwards.
Notches. Notches are diamond shapes situated along a seam line and are used to match seams together, eg. joining the centre back seam together. The notches are cut out in a diamond shape from the seam line.
Pattern Piece Name. Indicates the name of each pattern piece. Please get in the habit of having the pattern piece name facing upwards as you pin the pattern onto the fabric.
The Number. This indicates how many pieces to cut out, eg. Sleeve Cut 2.
Shorten and Lengthen Lines. These lines indicate the position to shorten and lengthen the pattern pieces.
Gathering Lines. These are usually broken lines beginning and ending with a notch. Gather between the notches.
Buttonhole Positions. These are the markings to stitch the buttonholes. Always try on garment first to check the buttonholes positions are in the correct place for you. Some of us like them a bit lower or higher.
When you have cut out the pattern and removed it from the fabric, always fold it up neatly and place back in the envelope. Attach a piece of the garment fabric onto the envelope so in months to come you will always know what pattern you used for what garment. Place patterns neatly in a storage box, they are expensive to purchase and we can be used time and time again.
I hope you have now untangled some of the strange markings, dots and dashes you will find on paper patterns so remember Sewing is fun, so be creative and in no time your wardrobe will be bulging with lovely designer clothes.
Happy Sewing and Enjoy your Day.
Barbara Evans
I have been sewing for nearly 40 years and have a NZ Diploma in Fashion Design and Pattern Drafting with Merit, have worked as a pattern maker, clothing cutter, a tailoress, taught sewing in a training intuition, helped many friends with the sewing problems and fixed their machines... and have stitched countless garments.
I have written an e-book called 'Sewing Easy' which is a valuable sewing course crammed full of easy, practical methods with loads of diagrams. In it I take you by the hand and show you how to sew, create your own clothes and make your own gifts in a Sewing Easy way.
For more information please visit http://www.sewingeasy.com where you will also find a free monthly Sewing Easy Ideas Bulletin for you to download, which is full of great ideas and sewing hints.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Evans
Sewing A Straight Line - Easy Effective Tips
By Barbara Evans
Do you sometimes have trouble sewing a straight line?
Some sewers merrily stitch a perfectly straight line while blithely singing to the radio, while others of us work so hard at it with great concentration and get so frustrated when the results end up looking like the wanderings of an inebriated spider. We end up breaking needles, tangling the bobbin thread and then feel like giving up sewing altogether.
Well, there is no need for all that, as I will show you a very easy way to learn how to stitch a straight line.
- Sit comfortably at your sewing machine, remove the thread and the bobbin and take your foot away from the pedal.
- Take a piece of firm pad paper and place the bulk of the paper to the left of the machine needle.
- Using the hand wheel turn by hand, until the needle is nearly into the paper
- Measure 1.5cm or 5/8in from the point of the needle to the right hand edge of the paper. This is your seam allowance and is usually the standard on most patterns using woven fabric.
- Now stitch, keeping your eye on the distance between the side of the presser foot and the edge of the paper and keeping the same distance as you stitch along. This will produce a perfect straight seam with the exact width of the seam allowance.
- Never look at the needle going up and down, you will feel dizzy or may even feel sick.
If you do not have a seam or measurement guides on the bed of your sewing machine, place a piece of tape next to the straight edge of paper. You will have a permanent guide to run the edge of the fabric along.
Now try the same with some fabric.
- Cut two pieces of sample fabric about 20cm (8in) x 30cm (12in) and pin edges together.
- Using Tailors Chalk, draw two horizontal lines about 6 cm (2 1/2in) down from the top and up from the bottom of the sample.
- Practise stitching between the lines, keeping the stitch lines 1.5cm or 5/8in apart. Remember to reverse and trim loose threads at the beginning and ends of each seam.
- On other sample pieces of fabric, draw large "S" and "W" shapes and practise stitching around the shapes a few times, keeping the seam allowance the same width as you stitch. You may have to pivot at the corners.
- To pivot, lower the needle into the fabric, lift the presser foot and turn the fabric around, thus turning the corner.
- Lower the presser foot and continue sewing. You will use this method of pivoting a lot in your sewing endeavours.
If you practise these simple exercises you will soon be able to sew straight, accurate rows. Keep your samples in a safe place, so in a few months time you can look back and see how much your sewing has improved. This feedback, the reflection of what you can achieve, provides great motivation for practising in and improving your other sewing skills.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Evans
Do you sometimes have trouble sewing a straight line?
Some sewers merrily stitch a perfectly straight line while blithely singing to the radio, while others of us work so hard at it with great concentration and get so frustrated when the results end up looking like the wanderings of an inebriated spider. We end up breaking needles, tangling the bobbin thread and then feel like giving up sewing altogether.
Well, there is no need for all that, as I will show you a very easy way to learn how to stitch a straight line.
- Sit comfortably at your sewing machine, remove the thread and the bobbin and take your foot away from the pedal.
- Take a piece of firm pad paper and place the bulk of the paper to the left of the machine needle.
- Using the hand wheel turn by hand, until the needle is nearly into the paper
- Measure 1.5cm or 5/8in from the point of the needle to the right hand edge of the paper. This is your seam allowance and is usually the standard on most patterns using woven fabric.
- Now stitch, keeping your eye on the distance between the side of the presser foot and the edge of the paper and keeping the same distance as you stitch along. This will produce a perfect straight seam with the exact width of the seam allowance.
- Never look at the needle going up and down, you will feel dizzy or may even feel sick.
If you do not have a seam or measurement guides on the bed of your sewing machine, place a piece of tape next to the straight edge of paper. You will have a permanent guide to run the edge of the fabric along.
Now try the same with some fabric.
- Cut two pieces of sample fabric about 20cm (8in) x 30cm (12in) and pin edges together.
- Using Tailors Chalk, draw two horizontal lines about 6 cm (2 1/2in) down from the top and up from the bottom of the sample.
- Practise stitching between the lines, keeping the stitch lines 1.5cm or 5/8in apart. Remember to reverse and trim loose threads at the beginning and ends of each seam.
- On other sample pieces of fabric, draw large "S" and "W" shapes and practise stitching around the shapes a few times, keeping the seam allowance the same width as you stitch. You may have to pivot at the corners.
- To pivot, lower the needle into the fabric, lift the presser foot and turn the fabric around, thus turning the corner.
- Lower the presser foot and continue sewing. You will use this method of pivoting a lot in your sewing endeavours.
If you practise these simple exercises you will soon be able to sew straight, accurate rows. Keep your samples in a safe place, so in a few months time you can look back and see how much your sewing has improved. This feedback, the reflection of what you can achieve, provides great motivation for practising in and improving your other sewing skills.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Evans
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