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Learn To Sew
Like a Pro
with these expert resources.
Secrets
Of Sewing
is a comprehensive
sewing instruction program with over 300 pages
of vital sewing information. To help you
maximize your learning, it comes with a helpful
work book designed to guide you step by step to
learn to sew.
In addition to the core
textbook and work book, there are several very
useful bonuses that you will treasure for years
as you learn to sew.
My
Sewing Dictionary
is a vital tool for you as
you learn to sew. There are many specialty
terms used in sewing, quilting, and crafting
that have special meanings. My Sewing
Dictionary provides both a PDF ebook format and
an easy to use sofware that makes it easy to
acces the definition and explanation of each
sewing term.
The Rotary Cutting
Guidebook
Many beginning sewers
overlook the special skills and details
involved in laying out patterns as well as
cutting out patterns and fabrics. The Rotary
Cutting Guidebook reveals the vital secrets you
need to learn how to sew and cut out your
projects.
To learn more about this
special instruction course CLICK
HERE.
For more learning
opportunities explore the complete sewing
education package.
CLICK
HERE.
To Learn about hand sewing
and needle arts CLICK HERE.
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Sewing
Lessons: Fabric Preparation
Or
How To Prepare your Fabric for Stitching.
Author: Loretta Oliver
Article:
So the first step to stitching is preparing
your fabric and you don't know what to do if
it's your first time doing this right?
So here are a few ideas and tips to help you
get started.
First make sure you have the
right size fabric. Most kits come with fabric
in them so that part is done for you. But if
you bought just a pattern and supplies separate
you want to measure your fabric. Now, most
patterns will tell you what size fabric you
need .... important thing to remember are that
your design will be different sizes on
different counts of fabric. Also if you
stitching on linen or even weave your design
size will change if you are going over one
thread or over two threads of the fabric. You
may need to use a fabric calculator. There are
several gadgets you can buy at your local
needlework shop or you can use an online
version (easily found by doing a search for
"fabric calculator" or "cross stitch fabric
calculator" in your favorite search
engine.)
Remember before cutting that
is always better to measure multiple times than
it is to cut the wrong size and bigger is
better than smaller. You will want to leave 2
or 3 inches on all sides for finishing/framing
your work when you're done as well so don't
forget to add that extra space.
Now your wondering about
those edges...they are so out there and exposed
aren't they? You certainly don't want fraying
to occur while you work. There are a number of
things you can do to prevent fraying. One of
the easiest ways is to use Fray Check (found at
your needlework suppliers online and offline)
which is a liquid that you simply dab on the
edges and once dry it sort of "glues" them so
they don't fray but it will NOT harm your
fabric in any way. Another way of edging your
fabric is to serge the edges on your sewing
machine or serger. (Mini sergers work great for
this task!) Just run an overcast stitch the
whole way around your fabric and ta-da you're
ready to go! A third and classic way to edge
your fabric is to simply baste it with a sturdy
thread. Just do a basic basting stitch by hand
(up, down, up, down) the whole way around the
outside edge of the fabric to hold it in place.
While more time consuming than the other two
ways it still serves the basic purpose.
Now you're almost ready ....
one more thing to do! Find the center of your
fabric. The easiest way to do this? Fold it of
course! Fold in half lengthwise, unfold, fold
widthwise, unfold and where your fold lines
meet is the center of your fabric and your
first reference point for stitching.
Happy Stitching and enjoy
your new hobby.
Loretta Oliver www.stitchingthenightaway.com
© Stitching the Night
Away
About the author:
www.stitchingthenightaway.com
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