STITCH STARTERS

~Beginning To Sew~

Sewing is just a normal part of life. If you have never attempted to sew then you really don’t know what you are missing. Anyone who has ever tried to learn can be a little overwhelmed. So if this is you don’t fret.

For this first month I am going to give you some helpful explanations, meanings of words, and uses for all of the sewing tools available. So let’s go!

To sew you need to first know what the tools are that you will need in doing so!

MATERIAL/ FABRICS-There are hundreds of types of fabrics. Most sewn projects have certain types of materials that are made especially for them. Most clothes and household materials are made from the following: Cotton, Cotton Blends, Broad Cloth, Knits, Linen, Silks and Silk Types, Denim, Lace and Sheer Fabrics. You can buy almost any kind of material at department stores like Walmart or K-Mart. Any special kind of materials can be purchased at Craft stores or material stores like Joann’s Fabrics or Hancock.

PATTERNS- There is probably a pattern for anything you could want to make. If you want to make clothes or a purse, curtains or bedding, you can find a pattern for it. Common patterns include McCall’s and Simplicity. These patterns can be bought at most craft stores and online. But don’t limit yourself to only using patterns. Half of the fun of sewing is coming up with your own creation.

Most patterns give you drawn or cutouts to help trace the right size for your project. They include information about what type of material you need, notions like zippers or buttons and give you the actual instructions to sew the project together (WITH PICTURES!).

If you are just starting to learn how to sew I suggest looking for patterns that say EASY and 1 Hour Projects. This will be a little less confusing while you are learning.

 SEWING MACHINES- You have probably seen a hundred different kinds in department stores. But here is some helpful advice. If you want to sew simple things like clothes, accessories or household things don’t go for fancy. Nowadays the most simple machines have the basic stitches that most sewing projects require. Of course as you become proficient or find projects that require more, look out! They make machines that can do almost anything, from almost sewing a project by itself, embroidery machines and even computerized sewing machines that all you have to do is download clipart off a computer and Voila!

NOTIONS

 Usually on the back of a pattern there will be a list of the type of notions you will need. They will specify what types to purchase for your particular project. Just make sure to read it before you leave the store. No one wants to get home and find out they needed snaps instead of buttons.

Zippers- There are plastic, polyester and metal zippers. They come in all different sizes and colors. Check your pattern and fabric color when purchasing.

Buttons- Buttons are sold in different quantities, sizes and colors. Check pattern to purchase appropriate size and fabric to match colors.

Snaps- Snaps are like buttons in that they hold parts of the project together.

There are two parts to each snap and they are generally hand sewn. Always Check Your Pattern!

Thread- Thread comes in different forms. There is thread for quilting, basic sewing and for certain types of sewing machines. So check the spool before purchasing to make sure it is made for whatever you are making. Also, if you are using a sewing machine, you need to use the same thread for the top as well as the bottom.

Elastic- If your pattern needs elastic it will tell you what type, what width and how much you will need. It is better to buy new elastic for a project because over time elastic can lose its stretch. 

Ribbon- Ribbon is sold by the yard and on rolls. You can usually find basics on rolls. The more elaborate and fancier ribbons must be measured and sold in pieces.

Appliqués- Some projects call for decorations, like purses or bags. You can find many appliqués in the craft or fabric stores. But appliqués are really fun to make on your own. Some are made to sew onto projects and others may just iron on. Just be sure to read the back of a appliqués before you purchase it.

IRONS- You probably already have an iron and really there is no certain one you have to have. But here are some important things you aught to know! Always check that the iron is set to the type of material you are using. Some materials cannot be ironed because they will melt or ruin. Some materials need more steam to iron out wrinkles where other fabrics may only need a little heat and NO steam! Irons are very needed in sewing. They will help put in pleats or turn down hems/seems when you can’t hold them. Always have your stick pins close by when ironing just in case you need to hold something together.

Well, this is your first look at what to buy when you start on your sewing adventure! There are a lot of sewing kits available where you don’t have to buy all of the tools individually. These are really nice for starters. They usually come with a little of everything and directions on how to use them.

So don’t be afraid and go have fun! Craft stores usually have clerks that know about the tools they sell so don’t be afraid to ask them. Also if you see other shoppers looking around, ask them too! You may find the help you need is standing right there.