BASIC SEWINGSTEPS FOR BASIC HAND SEWING

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Basic Equipment Needed

Sewing Needle

Straight Pins

Fabric Shears or Scissors

Needle Threader - optional

FABRICS & NOTIONS

For basic puppets and toys

Felt – a nonwoven fabric that does not work well for clothing, but is great for toys.

Thread (String) – We use an embroidery thread that is made up of 6 single strands of thread. You may be use to this from friendship bracelets.

PATTERNSSewing patterns are traditionally paper.

These patterns are PINNED to the fabric that is to be used to make project.

Steps to using patterns: 1. Choose pattern

2. Cut Pattern out of paper

3. Pin pattern onto chosen fabric

4. Cut around solid cutting line

BASIC STEPS TO SEWING1. Decide on pattern

2. Cut pattern pieces out of paper using paper scissors

3. Choose fabric colors and get fabric

4. Pin pattern pieces to main fabric

5. Cut fabric by using pinned pattern

6. Sew detail pieces of design onto main fabric pieces – after pinning them to fabric. Pinning keeps them from moving

7. Sew main pieces of project together

8. Tie knot at end of seams

9. Stuff if required, and close up 3 inch opening

10. Trim all excess thread from project

TIPS FOR GOOD SEWING

1. Use thread that is no longer than the length of your arm (not your wing span).

2. Tie a knot at the end of the thread – don’t knot the thread at the base of the Needle Eye.

3. Stitches should be a small as possible – preferably ¼ to ½ inch. The smaller the stitch the better – it will keep all fluff from coming out.

4. Knots must be tied at the end of every seam; this keeps the seam from coming out.

5. Fabric shears need to be kept sharp – do not use them for cutting anything except fabric.

TYING KNOTS

Overhand Knot – at end of thread

Knots need to be tied at end of thread before you begin stitching, then at the end of the seam to keep the thread from coming out of the fabric.

BASIC STITCHESRunning Stitch Overcast Stitch

Blanket Stitch Backstitch