So we have talked about some of the sewing basics in previous posts. Like some essential tool you'll need, some great ideas on where to buy fabric and even tips on sewing in a straight line! Now it's time to talk about a few more basics before we jump into sewing zippers, cutting corners, etc.
Understanding the basics will really help as you move onto other, more difficult techniques.
Let's talk about basic seams first.
-Seams are basically the line where your fabric meets and you sew along.
-Look at your clothes you're wearing, you'll notice the seam lines on your sleeves, the sides of your shirt, the hem of your pants, etc.
-When sewing, make sure to account for your seams. You will always need to leave room when measuring to ensure your projects don't turn out too small.
-Say you're making a sunglasses case, measure your sunglasses (width & length) and add perhaps a half an inch all around. You can decide how much extra fabric you'll want, it might vary from project to project.
-Remember you can always adjust your adjustments if it's too large but if it's too small, you'll have to start over.
Next, your bobbin. Such a silly word, but what an important part of your sewing machine!
-Before you can sew, you'll need to have your bobbin filled with thread. The bobbin provides you with your bottom thread, it'll catch the top thread once you start sewing, which together will make your stitch.
-Each machine will be different, so reference your handbook before you begin.
-You'll typically want your bobbin and your top thread to match when you begin unless you want to spice things up and have dual color stitching. Feel free to experiment!
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-The key, is to make sure your bobbin is being threaded evenly. You don't want the top portion to be filled up before the bottom. Rather, pay attention so that the thread is gently going up and down & up and down, etc.
-Watch your machine as you're doing this. It'll tell you when the bobbin is full and can be used. When I'm filling up my bobbin, my machine will let me know it's done when the bobbin and the winding spindle meet. It'll slow down, make a few weird noises and that prompts me to stop pushing the pedal.
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-Now that it's ready, you can place it where it's supposed to go. Each machine will vary, but it'll typically be placed in a compartment under your needle.
Reverse, Reverse!
-Your sewing machine should have a reverse button, which comes in great use! I use my reverse button constantly, especially when I'm sewing handles onto yoga mat bags, wine totes, etc. Going over my stitches a few times helps ensure that it will be sturdy, durable.
-You don't have to do this for every project. Utilize this option when you want something to be extra secure, such as when adding handles.
-Go slow when you're in reverse so you can easily go over your original line.
-If you're a righty, you'll be using your dominate hand to push the reverse button while your left hand will be guiding your fabric. Don't worry and don't get anxious! Keep in mind that your machine feeds your fabric through, so go slow, keep steady and just keep an eye on what you and your machine are doing.
Lastly, lets chat about your fabric's wrong and right sides.
-The right side of your fabric will be the brighter more vibrant side of the fabric. When your project is complete, this side will be the visible side.
-The 'wrong' side to say, will be what is dull. It's the wrong side that will end up on the inside of the project you're working on.
-Just be aware when you're pinning and sewing your fabric as to which way your fabric is facing.
-We'll get into more detail about tips on pinning and placing your fabric in another post!
So there it is, a few more basic tips on sewing! Keep coming by to learn more basics as we work towards more advanced techniques, tips and tricks!
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