SANDY'S SEWING TIPS
Do you like to sew? Or have you ever wished you had learned earlier in your life? Maybe you would like to learn now but don’t feel you have the time. Let me encourage you; it’s never too late!
A VALUABLE SKILL
I realize sewing (by hand or machine) is not something we seem to have time for these days, including myself, but I believe it’s important that older women, especially, take time to motivate and teach children, teens, and young women this wonderful and useful skill. Creating works of art such as clothing. curtains, tablecloths, and quilts for our households is an extremely fulfilling aspect of womanhood and homemaking.
MY BACKSTORY
Over the years, actually since age 10, when my mother taught me to sew on a machine, I’ve sewn many garments for myself and my children. Skirts, dresses, (a corduroy suit, even, in Home Ec class, lol), blouses, shorts, pajamas, housecoats, nursing apparel, curtains, pillows, and more…oh! And my wedding dress! Thinking back, I’ve done way more than I realize, and I miss it. Sadly though, because it’s cheaper today to buy clothing at 75% off sales, for example, and because fabric, notions, and patterns have become so expensive, I don’t sew like I used to, but I pray this trend will reverse itself in our culture.
ANYONE CAN SEW!
Let me say first, sewing is not just for a talented few! Anyone can learn to sew proficiently and enjoy it if we understand the basics and know a few tips & tricks to make it easier and more understandable. All it really takes is a commitment to begin, practice, and patience to stick with it. I promise, it’s worth the trouble! There’s nothing like the satisfaction that comes from doing a job well for the ones you love. And when you finish your project, you’ll be so proud that you’ve created something original, useful, and beautiful. Perhaps you may even save yourself and your family a little money!
REMEMBER THESE TIME-SAVING TIPS
So, my purpose here is to simply encourage you to begin! I’ll list a few pointers below that I’ve picked up over the years. You may think they will prolong the time it takes to finish, but you can actually save time doing it right the first time. If you follow them, you can consistently produce a professional-looking item you’ll be proud of that may eventually become a treasured heirloom. Also, one thing to remember before you start: do begin with something easy! Pattern companies are very good at explaining and illustrating each step clearly, so have confidence! You can do this!
- Always wash and dry fabric first. This prevents possible shrinkage. If this step is skipped, it could result in a bad fit after completion.
- Read through all directions before beginning! Assemble all notions and tools.
- Take time to identify pattern pieces before cutting. On the instructions, check off each piece for the view you choose, cut out the corresponding pieces of the pattern, and lay them aside together.
- Pin each pattern piece onto fabric carefully. Space pins close enough to keep the fabric stable while cutting. Usually, the sharp end of the pins should face the edge of the fabric and be placed perpendicular to the edge so as to easily sew over them.
- Cut CAREFULLY--cutting your garment accurately is fundamental. If you’re careless at this step it will affect the rest of your project.
- Pay close attention to dots and triangular markers. While you learn, if desired, use the chalk pencil to mark your fabric until you gain confidence. (Opt.) Instead of using a fabric pencil, make tiny cuts on the edge of the fabric where dots and triangles appear. It sure saves time.
- Use machine markings on the needle plate to guide your seam in order to keep them straight and even. Normal seams are 5/8” wide.
- Either pink (use pinking shears) or sew a zigzag stitch ¼” from stitching to keep seams from fraying. Cut off excess unless directed otherwise. I don't skip this step because even though no one will see it, I know it's there! I want my project to last too (and I love to do my best as unto the Lord:)
- PRESS, PRESS, PRESS. Press each seam as you progress. If you wait until you’re completely done, the project will have an unprofessional, home-made look.
- To avoid missing a thread, also cut them as you go.
- Start with simple projects and graduate slowly to more difficult levels. I highly recommend this!
- As you gain skill and experience, you will discover you can make anything you set your mind to—HAPPY SEWING!!
SEW WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE!
While you’re learning to sew, it’s fun to include your children and grandchildren! Pictured here is my granddaughter wearing her first skirt. She was excited to pick out her own pattern and fabric—she knew exactly what she wanted! We met together 3 times while she learned the basics of sewing her pink-checked skirt with the big pink rickrack! We both loved spending time together doing something practical and pretty. I hope you are inspired to learn the art of sewing, too, and find another way to love your family well!!
“She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.” Prov. 31:13 “She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.” Prov. 31: 21-22
