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Sewing and fashion design go hand in hand, as basic sewing skills are necessary to design an outfit and a good design sense is helpful in making new and unique garments. Find out how to use a sewing machine and how to develop a portfolio with this free video series on sewing.
There are 15 videos in this series:
Winding a sewing machine bobbin requires setting up the spool of thread on the spindle, threading the empty bobbin, switching the machine to the bobbin winding mode and pressing the pedal until the bobbin is wound half full. Wind a bobbin on the sewing machine, making sure to wind only empty bobbins, with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Threading a sewing machine depends on the model of the machine, but generally a spool of thread is loaded onto a spindle, the thread is wound through the machine, hooked in place and threaded through the needle, the bobbin is placed in the bobbin casing and the bobbin thread is pulled through the top. Thread a sewing machine, paying attention to the placement of the needle and the direction of the bobbin thread, with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Choosing a needle for machine sewing involves considering the type of fabric and the desired effect, as size eight and 10 needles are best for sheer fabrics, a size 12 is standard and a size 16 or 18 is ideal for heavier materials. Change a sewing machine needle for every project to accommodate the fabric with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
To stock a sewing area, have a bag of thread on hand, a measuring tape, sewing machine needles, thread scissors, fabric scissors, a seam ripper, a box of needles and safety pins. Gather necessary supplies for sewing different types of projects with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Organizing a sewing area requires keeping necessities right next to the sewing machine, such as a seam ripper, thread scissors and straight pins, and keeping other supplies near the cutting area, such as weights, a measuring tape, fabric scissors and a T-square. Keep a sewing area organized for easy accessibility with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Choosing a sewing thread requires considering the strength of the thread and the purpose it will serve, as all-purpose polyester thread works best for most projects using a sewing machine. Pick out all-purpose thread in a variety of colors with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
To choose a needle for hand sewing, consider the type of fabric, the size of the eye and how easy it is to handle, as smaller needles are best for smaller details, but heavier fabrics require a thicker needle. Pick out the right needle for sewing by hand with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Operating a sewing machine depends on the type of machine, but generally, all sewing machines are equipped to sew a variety of stitches, to stitch backwards and to change the size of each stitch. Use a sewing machine, making sure to change the needle and presser foot to accommodate each project, with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Buying a sewing machine involves considering how well it functions, the features it offers, how easy it is to stitch backwards and how it makes a button hole. Purchase a solid sewing machine made mostly of metal parts with information from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
When laying out sewing pattern pieces, consider the direction of the fabric grain for the best durability, the direction of the pattern for the best look and whether the pattern pieces can be turned upside down or not. Lay out pattern pieces onto patterned fabric with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Choosing a sewing pattern and fabric requires considering the personal skill level, finding patterns marked as either easy, intermediate or advanced, and choosing fabric based on its weight, feel and drape. Pick out a pattern and fabric for a great sewing project with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
To make your own sewing patterns, go off of clothes that already fit well, tracing them with a seam allowance for each piece of the pattern, and purchase pattern paper to cut out patterns that can be used over and over again. Create custom homemade patterns with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Making your own clothes begins by tracing clothes that fit well to make new patterns, altering thrift store finds into new garments and adding embellishments to exiting clothing. Personalize a wardrobe using simple sewing skills with a demonstration from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Making a fashion design portfolio requires exhibiting a variety of works, technical drawings, fabric design and runway photographs in a digital format that can be brought to interviews. Develop a website or slide show of only the best designs for a portfolio with information from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
To become a fashion designer, either study fashion design in school and enter the field that way, or get any job in the fashion industry to learn the trade, to network and to make the right connections. Enter the world of fashion, always developing and improving your skill level along the way, with information from an independent fashion designer in this free video on sewing.
Sewing is an ancient craft that still has remarkable relevance in today's modern world. The art of stitching and assembling pieces of fabric together, either by hand or with the use of a modern sewing machine, is still a valuable skill. It is the backbone of the textile industry, it comes in handy for clothing repair, and homemade clothing wouldn’t exist without it. Whether using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, the techniques involved in constructing a well-fitting garment are very specific and involved. Becoming skilled at the craft is a lifelong pursuit. In this free video series on sewing, an independent fashion designer discusses basic sewing and fashion design. Gather the necessary materials to start a sewing project, and find out how to organize a sewing space for efficient use. Get tips on threading and using a sewing machine, including how to choose the right needle and how to wind a bobbin. Find out how to make custom patterns for unique garments, and get helpful advice on developing a fashion design portfolio. Start sewing and creating new and unique outfits with this informative design guide.
Rebecca Farrington Rebecca Farrington is a fashion designer and teacher, and she has her own brand of clothing called Ferinta. She started sewing her own patterns, and later, she attended fashion design school in Sweden. Farrington has created designs for companies in Spain and the U.K. The clothes and accessories for men, women and children are colorful and playful.dkdk
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