How to Sew Fabric

If you have never sewn with fabric before and you would like to learn how, or if you would like to teach someone how to sew, there are some steps to assure success in this endeavor. Knowing how to sew your own clothes and do simple repairs or alterations can save you money. Dream of designing your own clothes? Start with the basics and build your skills until you have the confidence to create your own wardrobe.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pattern Fabric Thread to match fabric Scissors Sewing machine Table to work on Straight pins Elastic Safety pin

1. Pick a simple pattern; a skirt or shorts with an elastic waist, or drawstring pants. Avoid zippers and button holes for your first project.

2. Purchase the recommended amount of fabric. On the back of the pattern is a chart. Find your size and the view of the piece of clothing you want to make and following the chart, match the width of the fabric on the bolt. Most fabric comes in 36, 45 or 60 inch widths. Pick the recommended type of cloth for the garment you have chosen. This information is also on the pattern above the yardage chart. Information on the fabric is on the bolt label. You can find the width, the type of fabric and washing instructions there. Because most fabric store staff love to sew, ask them for help and suggestions if you need more information.

3. Place pattern pieces on the fabric using the diagram in the pattern. Make sure to pay attention that you orient the pattern pieces with the arrows matching the grain. The grain of the fabric runs along the weave of the fabric as opposes to the bias that runs at 45 degrees from the grain.

4. Pin the pattern down to the fabric about every 4 inches and at every corner. Cut the fabric along the pattern edge. Make sure to cut the notches as well. These are markers that will help you line the pieces up correctly when you sew the pieces together.

5. 
    
   Seam Allowance

   Follow the instructions in the pattern for the item that you are sewing. There is a reason the pieces are sewn together in a certain order. Remove the pins as you finish a seam. Iron your seams open as you go.
   The good side of the fabric pieces are matched at the seams and pinned in place. When you sew the seam the raw edges will be left on the inside of the clothing. Make sure you back-stitch at the end of each seam. A back-stitch is when you get to the end of a seam, using the reverse stitch move back and forth over the end of the seam in order to secure it in place and prevent it from unravelling.

6. To create pants or skirts with an elastic band or drawstring fold the fabric down ¼ inch using an iron at the top of the waist. Fold the fabric down again the width of the elastic or draw string plus ¼ of an inch. For ½ piece of elastic you would need to fold the fabric 3/4 of an inch down. Sew in place ¼ inch from the bottom of the fold. Using a safety pin work the elastic through the casing. Sew the elastic together making sure the elastic isn't twisted by sewing back and forth using the reverse stitching mode.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have never sewn with a machine before, use scrap pieces of cloth and practice making straight lines and back-stitching before beginning your project.

References

• About.com Glossary of Sewing Terms