How to Sew

Although mastering sewing techniques may take years of practice, the most basic of sewing techniques can be learned at a very young age. More complex sewing and construction requires a sewing machine, but basic hand techniques are always used, even by the most talented sewers. Follow the instructions below to begin with the most basic and useful sewing stitch.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fabric
• Needle
• Thread

1. Begin by threading the needle. Push one end of the thread through the eye of the needle. Match up the ends of the thread and tie in a knot. Each stitch will then have two layers of thread which will strengthen and reinforce the stitch.
2. Place together the two parts of the fabric that are being stitched together. For a straight, regular stitch, this mean to line up the edges and put the outside or fashion parts of the fabric together.
3. Beginning at one edge of the fabric, push the needle through both layers of the fabric and pull until the knot at the end of the thread catches.
4. Push the needle back through both layers of the fabric on the same side that the thread is currently coming through. Push it back through the fabric about one to two millimeters from the first hole. The smaller the stitches are, the more secure the seam will be.
5. Continue alternating from side to side, pushing the needle through the same side the thread has ended up.
6. Stitch small stitches in a straight line from beginning to end for a straight, regular stitch. This stitch is the most common used.
7. Once the fabric has been stitched from one end to the other, end by tying a knot in the thread at the end, and cut the excess thread being careful not to cut the knot off. It is probably wise to put at least two knots in at the end for extra reinforcement.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure fabric is pre-washed and pressed before cutting and sewing.
• Choose thread that is close in color to the fabric.

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