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September 7, 2009

Sewing Tips – Stitches

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , , — @ 8:48 am

Star Stitch

Work straight stitches into a central point. Stitches can be the same or different lengths.

Shadow Work

Work a row of closed herringbone stitches from either the right side or the wrong side of the fabric.

Cross Stitch

Work one half of each cross stitch in a row, then return and complete the remaining half. Ensure the upper half of all stitches lies in the same  direction.

Trellis Stitch

Tack two pieces of fabric to paper, leaving space between them. Stitch fabric edges together.

Hem Stitch

Draw out a few threads. Bring out a working thread two threads down from the drawn threads. Take needle behind four threads then atound the same four threads, coming out two threads down.

Buttonhole Stitch Loop

Take two or three stitches as long as desired loop. Work buttonhole stitch over the threads without catching the fabric.

Wool Rose

Work a block of four satin stitches for rose centre. Work stem stitches around the centre block, curving them and keeping tension loose.

Bullion Stitch and Grub Rose

Bring the needle through the fabric from back to front at a desired point. Doing a small running stitch go down and back through the fabric and then come back up. Leave the needle in the fabric. Wind thread around needle point six to eight times. Pull needle through fabric and thread, keeping thread twists in place. Position twists and insert needle, arrange a group of bullion stitches to form a grub rose.

Happy Stitching :)

August 25, 2009

Hand Applique

Filed under: sewing,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , — @ 8:03 am

Hand applique produces a softer, slightly puffier look than machine applique, and it has a distinctly handmade look that makes sewing heirloom items even more special.

If you like you can add a layer of lightweight wading under the shape for a added softness or make it standout by adding iron on interfacing.

When sewing applique by hand a narrow seam allowance around the shape is tucked under before the shape is slipstitched in place on to your item.

Cutting the shape – Mark a 3mm seam allowance around your chosen shape, then cut out just beyond this line.

Prepare the shape – Stitch round the shape just outside the seamline using tiny running stitches. This reinforces the shape and helps to prevent fraying.

Trim the fabric – Trim your shape along the inner marked line. Cut small notches up to the stitched line on outer curves, and snip to the stitched line on inner curves. Clip across any outer corners and snip to the stitched line on any inside corners.

Tack the edges – Turn the raw edges under just at the stitched line so it can’t be seen. Press down the edges by hand and tack them down.

Attach the shape – Place your prepared shape onto the background fabric or item in its desired position.Tack into place with diagonal stitches across the centre of the shape. This will ensure your shape is sitting flat and smooth on its fabric background,. Using a thread that matches your shape slipstitch all the way around with tiny stitches.

Happy Sewing :)

August 20, 2009

Sewing Tips – Seams

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , — @ 6:15 am

French and Fell Seams – These are both enclosed seams, which means that the raw edges are enclosed within the seam. This makes very strong and neat seams that are ideal for sheer fabrics, such as net curtains, as well as clothing that needs to with stand heavy wear, making it perfect for children’s clothes.

Both fell and French seams fall on the reverse of the fabric. With fell seams one stitching line is visible on the right, with French seams, no stitching line is visible.

French Seam

  1. Stitching the wrong sides… With wrong sides together, stitch a 1cm      (3/8 in)seam. Trim the seam to 3mm (1/8 in), then iron it.
  2. Completing the seam….Fold the right sides together so that the seam line is exactly on the fold. Iron. Stitch 6mm (1/4 in) from fold. Iron the seam to one side.
  1. Fell Seam Stitching the seam….With right sides together, stitch a 1.5cm (5/8 in) seam. Iron open and trim off half of one seam allowance.
  2. Enclosing the allowances……Fold the other seam allowance over the trimmed one, and tack it down so that the raw edge is enclosed. Stitch through all layers.

August 11, 2009

Fabric

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , , — @ 6:23 am

If you have decided to make your own clothes or furnishings follow a few simple rules to ensure your time and effort produces a successful item. When choosing fabric follow the patterns suggestion. Many patterns will not work if the fabric does not match the patterns in weight, texture or design.

Here are a few tips on different types of fabric.

Cotton – Easy to sew, doesn’t usually fray. Needs to be pre shrunk before cutting.

Linen – Easy to use. Straighten grain before cutting. Use sharp scissors. Can fray so allow for large seams.

Silk - Varies  from soft draping sik to firmer types. Silk is very slippery pin selvedges together before arranging pattern pieces. Keep flat when cutting. Use very fine pins and needles and silk thread.

Wool - Comes in various weights and textures. Garments may need to be lined.

Synthetic Fabrics - Synthetics oftrn have a tighter woven selvedge.To prevent puckering when cutting snip selvedge about every 10cm before arranging pattern. Use fine needles and pins and synthetic thread. Machine tension may need to be loosened to avoid puckering. Use drip dry synthetic trims, zips, bindings and linings.

Sheer Fabric – These include voile and chiffon. Use very fine pins, clip selvedge at regular intervals. Use silk thread and small stitches when tacking. Stitch seams over tissue paper and tear away when finished.

Bondedf Fabric - Suitable for tailored garments it needs no lining and is easy to sew. Does not fray.

Napped Fabric - Includes velvet, needs a one way layout of pattern.

Linings, Facings and Interfacing - These should never be heavier than main fabric. Match colour and use washable linings for washable fabrics.

Enjoy :)

August 10, 2009

Sewing Facts

Filed under: sewing — Tags: , , , , — @ 5:05 am

Taking Measurements for Sewing

Bust (women) – Hold the tape measure slightly at the back around the fullest part of the bust. Also take a back measurement from side seam to side seam.

Chest (men and children) - Measure around the fullest part of the chest when chest is fully expanded.

Underarm to waist - Measure about 2cm below armpit to the waistline.

Armhole - From the top of the shoulder bone straight down to 2cm below the armpit. Keep tape straight.

Hips - Measure the fullest part around the hips.

Neck to shoulder - From the side of the neck to the top of the shoulder bone.

Shoulder to waist (front) - From the centre of the neck to shoulder down across the fullest part of the bust to the waistline.

Shoulder to waist (back) – From the top of the spine to waist.

Arm - Measure upper arm and forearm loosely. Measure wrist exactly.

Sleeve length - From 2cm below armpit down inside of arm to wrist-bone.

Shoulder to shoulder (back) - Across shoulders at the broadest part of the back.

Skirt length - From exact waistline down side of hip to the desired length.

Selecting pattern Size – Choose size from bust measurement for a dress and waist measurement for a skirt or slacks. If hips are broader than pattern size, take a size to suit hips and adjust waist.

July 11, 2009

Checklist for Sewing

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 10:01 pm

Choose the right fabric for the article and its use…

In order to make successful items it is important to select the fabric to suit the purpose you are making it for. So that you can choose suitable material, check the features of fabrics.

Whatever you decide to make its a good idea to ask yourself a few questions first.

  • Why are you making it? Is it for yourself or a gift?
  • What skills do you need? Can you cut out, pin, make the pattern and use the machine? Do you need to sew in a zipper? Can you nick and trim seam allowances?
  • What materials do you need? How much will they cost? Is the cost worth the time and effort?
  • What type of fabric do you need?
  • Carefully read all the instructions. Do you have everything you need? Can you do all that’s required?
  • Solve any problems before you start.
  • Now you’re ready to start. Carefully work through each stage. Solve new problems as you come to them. Adjust your plan if necessary. Work conscientiously to finish your item as efficiently as possible.
  • Evaluate your work. Did you learn some new skills? Do you need to improve some areas of your work? Are you happy with the quality of your item?
  • Consider what changes or improvements you would make if you made the same thing again.

Suggestions for simple articles to make to get you started…

Toiletry Bag, Cushion Cover, Tote bags, Oven Mitt,  Apron,  Pillow Case, Pencil Case, Beach Bag, Summer Tops and Skirts.

Have Fun:)

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