10 Things to Know Before You Sew

When you learned to type, the first thing to master was the home keys. If you skipped this part your typing would be compromised forever. Everything is built on the home keys - similar to having a good foundation when building a house. In the same light, sewing can be VERY challenging if you don’t take the baby steps. 

Here are some basic things Marshall Dry Goods wants you to know BEFORE YOU SEW. For those who are more experienced, there is still a call to review the basics. Here we go:

1. Baby Steps Are OK

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when you begin sewing is that slow is good. Small steps are best. Mistakes are made more often down the road when you bypass some of the essential small things that literally hold the sewing project together. You may be frustrated at times, but eventually you’ll benefit from a soft start. Take the baby steps!

2. Say What?

Understanding terms and phrases commonly used in the sewing community is a must. Words such as baste, binding, bobbin, finish seams, knit fabric, notch, seam allowance, topstitch, understitch are just a few examples of what you need to understand. There are many resources online that explain each term, as well as many YouTube videos that are very beneficial.

3. Simple Sewing Supplies

Unless you inherit an expanded sewing kit, starting with the simple, basic supplies will suffice. It is important to have the right tools as well when you start learning to sew. You don’t need everything, just the basics. This list could include the following:

• Bobbins

• Dryer sheets

• Fabric

• Iron and ironing board

• Needles - machine and hand sewing needles

• Needle threader

• Pin cushion and magnetic pin holder

• Rotary cutter and mat

• Scissors - fabric, pinking, embroidery

• Seam ripper

• Square quilting ruler

• Straight pins

• Tailor's chalk

• Tape measure

• Thimbles

• Thread

  
  

4. Easy Does It

Many projects can take hours - especially when you are a beginner. Be sure your room is inviting and that you have a comfortable place to work and learn. Enjoy the process. Take your time!

5. Stitch-Meister

Master the stitches - hand stitches and sewing machine stitches. Before most people had a sewing machine, they learned to sew by hand. This can be extremely beneficial - as most patterns can’t be completely sewn by just the machine. You need to learn various hand sewing techniques, many of which are demonstrated and taught online. Some basic hand sewing skills include:

• Threading a needle

• Using a needle threader

• Knowing how to knot the end of the sewing thread

• How to sew a backstitch

• How to baste

• Sewing slip, blanket, and chain stitches

• Sewing on buttons

  
  

When you graduate to your sewing machine, one of the most common stitches to master is the zigzag stitch. This stitch is usually used for decorative purposes, but does serve to help hold the fabric together in a more sturdy fashion. Other stitches to learn include french seams, mitered corners, scalloped edges, etc. Practice practice practice.

6. Sewing Machine Boot Camp

Your sewing machine needs to become your best friend. Since there are so many models to choose from, each with specific features/bells/whistles, spend lots of time studying the ins and outs. Whatever machine you wind up with, choose simple projects that use the basic functions. Being able to adjust the tension, knowing how to thread it, inserting and removing the needle are just a few things to accomplish. Watch online tutorials, get first hand guidance from someone with sewing experience, do anything you can to understand what your machine can and cannot do.

7. Shortcuts Can Be Good

There are several things that help make life easier in the sewing world. One of these ideas include putting hairspray on the thread for easier threading through a needle. Also using a needle threader may seem like you’re cheating, but you’re just speeding up the process. Use a magnetic knife strip to keep tools organized and handy. Brace buttonholes with a simple pin. Pin perpendicular to the seam. The list goes on and on… 

8. Shortcuts Can Be Bad

There’s nothing wrong with being efficient and using tips and techniques to speed up the process - BUT there are some things that you just can’t rush. Some shortcuts will cause you to speed through the process, causing frustration and botched projects. Spend adequate time on the things that are easier - and avoid shortcuts if they are going to trip you up.

9. Know Your Fabric

Here’s a biggee… fabric types! As you can imagine, Marshall Dry Goods does have every kind of fabric imaginable. But as a beginner, you must learn what fabrics work best with your chosen pattern. Also, knowing what fabrics wear well in certain seasons is important. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to accomplish a simple task but using the wrong fabric type, OR finishing a project, only to realize you’ve mismatched the fabric to the time of year it’s to be worn. Do your research. Call us. Just make sure you are matching apples to apples. 

10. Good Housekeeping

Most of us spend time once a year doing the spring cleaning around the house, giving much-needed attention to the cracks and crevices that are ignored. The same attention should also go to your sewing room, your sewing machine and to other tools you use day in, day out. It’s important to clean the bobbin area where dust bunnies love to live. Also consider repairing or replacing anything torn or broken. There is no sense in hoping your thimble has enough metal for one more project. Replace it. Give attention to the sensors in your sewing machine, using a pipe cleaner for the hard-to-reach places. Keep it clean!

We Can Help!

Regardless of what sewing stage you’re in, utilizing these 10 simple tips will help to guarantee more success. Understanding and not forgetting the basics is the key. If you have questions, or simply need to gear up for your next project, come see us at 310 West Main Street in Batesville, Arkansas, or give us a call and let our staff help guide you in making your next project a success!