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Chapter Six: Page 3
NOW WE'RE SEWING!
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All Patterns, images and instructions are copyright protected.
Please read our Terms & Conditions before using our patterns.
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QUICK INDEX
The following are basic sewing techniques as well as some good tips, listed alphabetically, continued from page 2.
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Properly attached ribbing is finished inside and out (no seam showing inside the cuff). Ribbing allows a snug fit around
a wrist, ankle, neckline or waist, while still allowing flexible movement of the body.
For instructions on properly attaching ribbing, go to our free lesson: Attaching Ribbing.
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The first three methods finish the raw edges of the seam allowance after the seam has been stitched. Pin seams in place before
sewing; trim and press open after stitching. The final two methods encase the entire seam. Binding a seam is a very nice way to finish bulkier seams, such as when working with double-sided prequilted fabric. The French seam method is a fabulous
way to finish delicate fabrics that have a tendency to fray (sheer curtains for example).
Choose one of the following finishing methods.
Pinking Shears
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| Used to cut a zig-zag edge on the fabric. This gives a finished look and helps prevent fraying.
NOTE: It is a good idea to add a line of stitching inside the pinked edge to add more protection against fraying.
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Zig-Zag Stitch
A machine sewn zig-zag stitch on fabric edging to help prevent fraying. Zig-zag should be sewn close to the edge,
allowing the outer zig-zag to fall over the edge of the fabric.
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Clean Finished Seam
A nicely finished, sewn edge. Iron under 1/4" along edge of seam allowance. Then iron under another
1/4" and sew close to edge. This prevents against fraying and gives the most finished appearance.
Binding Seams
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| Binding is stiched onto the seam allowance in the same way that it is stitched around a quilt or placemat. The raw edges are totally covered. Use this method for heavy fabrics, such as very heavy denims or other bulky fabrics. It can also be used for delicate or lightweight fabrics, however.
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View inside bag
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In the photo above right, the side seams are encased in binding.
For more information on using this method, go to Free Totebag Pattern.
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French Seams
By totally encasing the seam that holds the raw edges within a second seam, the raw edges are protected. The second seam
provides a backup to the first seam. The inside of the garment or other item is nicely finished; there are no raw edges showing.
1. Stitch seam with layers WRONG sides together. Fold back fabric layers so that they are now right sides together, with seam allowances between
the two layers.
2. Stitch a new seam so that the first seam edges are totally inside the new seam allowance.
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Sewing / Embroidery Stitches
Basting
The purpose of basting is to temporarily hold fabric in place until the permanent stitching is in place.
Example: Baste a seam that will later hold a zipper. For a center back dress zipper, the back of the dress
is made in two halvs. A center back seam is sewn from the bottom of the dress up to the point where the zipper will be installed. From that point
up to the top, the seam is basted. This holds the seam edges in place until the zipper in installed.
The basting is removed once the final stitching is completed.
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Hand Embroidery Stitches
Hand embroidery adds a beautiful finish to items. Embroider a quilt; add decorative embroidery to tote bags, apparel, pillowcases,
placemats and just about any other item you sew. See our Free Embroidery Glossary for a fully
illustrated, alphabetized list of embroidery stitches.
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Free Motion Machine Embroidery
Free motion embroidery can be done with any machine that has zig-zag capability.
A darning foot is used, the feed dogs are lowered, and your hands guide the fabric under the needle. It is easy to learn. A stabilizer must be used
to add body to the fabric. Learn how to free motion embroider with our free Sedona Landscape project.
Free Motion Embroidery
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Gathering
Gathering can be done by hand or by machine. Most people find it easier to use
the machine. The gathering stitch, like the basting stitch, is an extra long, straight stitch.
Gathering is done to ease in fabric along curves, such as when sewing in sleeves, and for adding fullness, such as with curtains.
The gathering can be very subtle (just enough
to ease in the sleeve) and not show along the seam, or can be much fuller, such as for a puffy sleeve or a skirt.
The permanent stitch is placed right on top of the inside gathering stitch (away from the fabric edge).
An important note in gathering: Proper gathering for full skirts or puffy sleeves calls for two lines of gathering
stitches (gathering for use in gently easing in a sleeve uses only one gathering line). Don't omit the
second stitch line! The second stitch line serves two important functions.
- It is a back-up in case the first line breaks.
- It makes for a much nicer row of gathers. They are easier to control in spacing, and have a much tighter,
rounded appearance, instead of a flat, folded look.
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Hem Stitch
See Quick Index at top of page for link to hem stitch page.
Stay Stitching
Stay stitching is used to prevent stretching and fraying in fabric. Stretching can occur when handling
and sewing curved areas. Fraying can occur where curves are clipped. Start at the edge and stitch to the center.
Repeat on opposite side.
Stitch Locking
When sewing any seam, always lock the stitch at both ends. To do this, sew in reverse at each end. This will
hold your seam, so it does not come apart at the ends.
Topstitching
Topstitching refers to stitching done on the top side of the garment. In other words, it shows. It serves
two main purposes. It can be a straight stitch,
zig-zag or any other stitch you choose. If a straight stitch is used, it is usually done with a slightly longer stitch length.
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1. Hold Seams Flat
It is used to hold seams down flat, such as topstitching around the sleeve or waistband seam.
2. Decorative
Use topstitching to add a decorative touch to a garment. Make it more noticeable by using contrast thread color.
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Your machine may have several decorative stitches to choose from. The photo below shows several decorative
stitches available on a Pfaff sewing machine. |
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Straight stitch topstitching is usually done close to the edge. The example on the right shows a place mat with topstitching
1/8" from the edge.
Easy place mat pattern.
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Stitch Length and Width (from Chapter 5: Setting Up Your Machine)
Stitch length refers to how long each individual stitch is.
Regular 11 - 12 stitches per inch
Basting 6 stitches per inch (i.e. a longer stitch, so fewer per inch)
Gathering 6 - 8 stitches per inch
Generally, heavier fabrics work best with a longer stitch length, and finer fabrics are best with a shorter
stitch length. Proper stitch length is important and is a first place to start if you do not like
the look of your stitching. For example, a slightly puckered seam in the fine fabric could be
caused from too long of a stitch length - the feed dogs are feeding too much
fabric through each stitch, making a puckered look. To correct this, a shorter stitch length should be used (also
check tension - more on this later).
Remember that the higher number of stitches per inch translates to a short, tighter stitch.
Stitch width refers to how wide the stitch is. A regular straight stitch has no width,
but a zig-zag or decorative stitch can be set to any number of widths.
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Tools For Sewing
Common tools for sewing include: cutting mat, rotary blade, large sewing ruler, pins, tape measure, sewing scissors,
fabric markers, sewing neeedles, seam ripper, thread and sewing machine. Other tools might include embroidery hoops, quilting needles,
a quilter's square, embroidery scissors, magnifying lights plus many more items that can make sewing much easier.
Keep your tools and sewing items in a safe place, where they will not be damaged (such as a tupperware box with lid).
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