This is for those who can avoid the sewing machine as much as possible. Also, there are situations when hand stitching is necessary compared to sewing with a machine.
1) The even Back stitch:
This is one of the strongest hand stitches and can be used when you want the same effects as a machine stitch.
Make three evenly spaced points at the beginning of the line. X, Y and Z. Push the needle and bring it out from the centre point Y.
Next insert the needle to the point which is to the right of the centre point that is point X and Push the needle out from point Z.
Continue the above for the rest of the fabric remembering to keep even spaces between the stitches. Use double strands of thread to add strength.
2) Slip stitch:
Is nothing but closing together two pieces of fabric as neatly as possible with as little amount of thread being visible. In order to do that you need to bring the threaded needle out from the inside of one edge of the fabric you are closing that is if you are closing the mouth of a pillow case you bring it from inside (the opening or the edge your are closing) to the outside seam line and now you have the needle on the seam facing the front.
Insert the threaded needle from outside on the opposite seam line (edge) taking care to be as close to the other seam as possible and draw the thread taut.
Repeat the next stitch of bringing the needle from inside seam to the outside seam.
Take fine stitches and always draw the thread taut. If you are right handed work from right to left; and vice versa.
Repeat until you have closed the opening. Then stitch at least two or three secure stitches to finish.
3) Secure stitch:
Every time you hand stitch you need to secure your stitch at the end of your work by sewing a knot with a needle. Regardless of your stitch be it slip stitching Hem stitch running or basting stitch all thread work must be finished with the secure stitch.
To tie a knot, just as you near the end of your hand stitching take the needle out of the fabric and insert it through the fabric so you can see both the ends of the needle but a bit of the needle is covered by the fabric, now take the thread which is hanging out of the needle and loop it around the front end of the needle.
You can loop it once or max twice to give a smooth finish and pull the needle out.
Repeat the stitches for a couple times and you would have the thread firmly secured.
4) Hem stitch
Fasten the thread to the hem allowance by poking the needle through the fold of the hem edge and bringing it up through the fabric.
With the point of the needle pick up one thread from the garment and work the needle back into the fold of the hem edge. Then repeat the process. This is more like a slip stitch.
You can also stitch the hem from inside the garment and take care that the stitches don't show on the right side of the garment. This means you stitch normally from inside but when you pull the needle out through the right side of the garment you put the needle very close back to where you have pulled out the needle so the thread is hardly visible from outside and the stitch is a very tiny one from the right side of the garment.
Express yourself!
Jini Pinto
If you need more information and tips on how to sew, learning to sew, tips to improvise your sewing, sewing for beginners, reading sewing patterns, embroidery and beads and sequins to embellish your sewing projects and instructions how to sew a sash or how to make a homecoming sash, how to sew a tea cozy, sew beauty pageant sashes, how to sew a headband or hair band, different techniques to improvise and to learn how to sew, free sewing patterns, headbands with ribbon bows, fabric jewelry pouch, place mats, napkins, no sew projects with fabric and many more visit http://www.step-by-step-sewing.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
How to sew a tea cozy? Video Tutorial
The above is the beginning of my video tutorial. I have video tutorials on how to sew a tea cozy and other projects as well.
We are offering free video tutorials for a limited time only so quick subscribe to our weekly tips at www.step-by-step-sewing.com before the offer period is over.
Express yourself
Jini
P.S. Once again this is a limited time offer www.step-by-step-sewing.com won't be responsible for requests made after the offer period is over.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
5 tips at the fabric shop when selecting fabric for a tea cozy
1) Look for fabric after you have chosen your pattern. Check for fabric care instructions. If your lifestyle doesn’t permit dry cleaning your fabrics let go of it. Look for washable fabrics which can be thrown in the washer and dryer and do not require special care.
2) Fabrics that wrinkle easily will require extra care. Crush a corner of the fabric and hold it tightly for several seconds. If it wrinkles let it go unless of course if that’s what you want. Also, look for preshrink requirements. It is always advisable to preshrink the fabric and it is best to buy ½ yard extra to avoid the loss of fabric due to shrinking.
3) Check for Colorfastness. Check to see color is rubbed off. Ask the store manager if the color of the fabric will run. If possible rub the fabric against your skin or a wet cloth or paper napkin at the end to check for any color run. Certain fabrics may look good but if it requires that you need to wash it separately every time you wear you may have to consider the time and effort on a long term basis before plunging into buying one. If you are buying it as a gift consider the above as well, is the receiver living a fast paced life and is looking for convenience.
4) Look for flaws in construction, dyeing, color or dirt stains, fading or fold marks. Open the fabric from the bolt and look closely for the flaws on the entire stretch of fabric you may need. Also, check the Texture, flow of the fabric and the stretch. Seeing the pattern or style on your pattern book will give you an idea as to the flow of the fabric.
5) Grain is very important in fabric. Fabric grains refer to the directions in which the threads run. Buy fabrics which are “on-grain” .Woven fabrics are "on-grain," if the lengthwise and crosswise threads are at right angles, for a tea cozy medium weight woven fabrics in soft cotton are best suited. If you are going for knit fabrics know that they stretch and check with the pattern if they recommend knit fabrics. Knit fabrics are made of interlocking loops of thread. Knit fabrics are "on-grain," if the lengthwise rows of loops in the knit are straight.
Once you have the fabric you want, calculate the total cost of the pattern, and fabric needed to make the tea cozy. If it is more than your budget, you may need to look for less expensive or a pattern that uses less fabric. Also check if you can make your project with fabric available at home for example used clothes etc. All in all, the most important thing about sewing is to project your style and creativity. Choosing the right fabric helps in bringing out the best in you.
Have fun selecting the fabric that is perfect for your tea cozy!
Express yourself!
Jini
visit www.step-by-step-sewing.com for more information, tips and video tutorials on how you can improve your sewing.
2) Fabrics that wrinkle easily will require extra care. Crush a corner of the fabric and hold it tightly for several seconds. If it wrinkles let it go unless of course if that’s what you want. Also, look for preshrink requirements. It is always advisable to preshrink the fabric and it is best to buy ½ yard extra to avoid the loss of fabric due to shrinking.
3) Check for Colorfastness. Check to see color is rubbed off. Ask the store manager if the color of the fabric will run. If possible rub the fabric against your skin or a wet cloth or paper napkin at the end to check for any color run. Certain fabrics may look good but if it requires that you need to wash it separately every time you wear you may have to consider the time and effort on a long term basis before plunging into buying one. If you are buying it as a gift consider the above as well, is the receiver living a fast paced life and is looking for convenience.
4) Look for flaws in construction, dyeing, color or dirt stains, fading or fold marks. Open the fabric from the bolt and look closely for the flaws on the entire stretch of fabric you may need. Also, check the Texture, flow of the fabric and the stretch. Seeing the pattern or style on your pattern book will give you an idea as to the flow of the fabric.
5) Grain is very important in fabric. Fabric grains refer to the directions in which the threads run. Buy fabrics which are “on-grain” .Woven fabrics are "on-grain," if the lengthwise and crosswise threads are at right angles, for a tea cozy medium weight woven fabrics in soft cotton are best suited. If you are going for knit fabrics know that they stretch and check with the pattern if they recommend knit fabrics. Knit fabrics are made of interlocking loops of thread. Knit fabrics are "on-grain," if the lengthwise rows of loops in the knit are straight.
Once you have the fabric you want, calculate the total cost of the pattern, and fabric needed to make the tea cozy. If it is more than your budget, you may need to look for less expensive or a pattern that uses less fabric. Also check if you can make your project with fabric available at home for example used clothes etc. All in all, the most important thing about sewing is to project your style and creativity. Choosing the right fabric helps in bringing out the best in you.
Have fun selecting the fabric that is perfect for your tea cozy!
Express yourself!
Jini
visit www.step-by-step-sewing.com for more information, tips and video tutorials on how you can improve your sewing.
5 tips to note before you shop for fabric for a Tea Cozy
1) Find out the latest colors and trends for the coming season. Check online or in magazines. Select the ones that look good and coordinate with your home décor in case you are sewing for your own home. In case you are sewing a tea cozy as a gift look for something that is bright and cute or something that is a favorite of the receiver. Ask a friend or family member to help you in case if you are not sure.
2) Study the pattern. If you are following a pattern, most of them mention what type of fabric is suitable for that pattern. See the pictures and photographs that will give you a better idea. Look for the flow of the pattern which will enable you to select a fabric accordingly.
3) Have the color coordination’s written down so you don’t get confused at the fabric shop.
4) Take the measurements. Different patterns are drawn for different styles. In order to get the right amount of fabric it is safer to have accurate measurements of the person or the article you are sewing. Do not forget the seam allowance. Always add extra ½ yard cloth just in case you need it in case of errors or additions or for preshrunk fabrics.
5) Always have the pattern in hand before you enter the shop. If you intend to buy the pattern from the fabric shop then walk directly to the pattern catalog section. Patterns mention the skill level so accordingly opt for one that is closest to your comfort level. Read the back of your pattern envelope for a list of suggested fabrics. Some read, "For Knits Only." Look at the colors and characteristics of the fabrics illustrated on the front of the pattern envelope. The envelope will also indicate whether the pattern is appropriate for plaids, diagonal stripes, and border prints
Now you are set to go the fabric shop.
Go ahead. Express yourself!
Jini
P.S. Visit step-by-step-sewing.com for more information and tips
2) Study the pattern. If you are following a pattern, most of them mention what type of fabric is suitable for that pattern. See the pictures and photographs that will give you a better idea. Look for the flow of the pattern which will enable you to select a fabric accordingly.
3) Have the color coordination’s written down so you don’t get confused at the fabric shop.
4) Take the measurements. Different patterns are drawn for different styles. In order to get the right amount of fabric it is safer to have accurate measurements of the person or the article you are sewing. Do not forget the seam allowance. Always add extra ½ yard cloth just in case you need it in case of errors or additions or for preshrunk fabrics.
5) Always have the pattern in hand before you enter the shop. If you intend to buy the pattern from the fabric shop then walk directly to the pattern catalog section. Patterns mention the skill level so accordingly opt for one that is closest to your comfort level. Read the back of your pattern envelope for a list of suggested fabrics. Some read, "For Knits Only." Look at the colors and characteristics of the fabrics illustrated on the front of the pattern envelope. The envelope will also indicate whether the pattern is appropriate for plaids, diagonal stripes, and border prints
Now you are set to go the fabric shop.
Go ahead. Express yourself!
Jini
P.S. Visit step-by-step-sewing.com for more information and tips
Thursday, July 31, 2008
How to sew a tea cozy - Video lessons
Hi,
The other day i was sewing a tea cozy and decided to video tape it so I could share it with you all. How to sew a tea cozy video tutorial is very simple and easy to do. If you need information on any particular project or share something you have sewn yourself, you are most welcome to post it as well.
Until then.
Express yourself.
Jini
The other day i was sewing a tea cozy and decided to video tape it so I could share it with you all. How to sew a tea cozy video tutorial is very simple and easy to do. If you need information on any particular project or share something you have sewn yourself, you are most welcome to post it as well.
Until then.
Express yourself.
Jini
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
How to sew a tea cozy
Hi,
My husband and I love to read and what best place to spend the evening then at the bookstores. We usually ask for a tea pot with green tea. Green tea apparently is supposed to help metabolism. So as we were engrossed in our reading half an hour later our hot tea had turned into ice (ok okie cold) tea. I wished I was home so I could reheat it. Just adding hot water of course means losing flavor.
When we are at home it is easy I just use one of our tea cozies around the pot and not worry about the tea getting cold. So however, long my husband is on the phone or I am caught up with something else one thing we can count on is our tea remaining hot for a longer time.
Sewing a tea cozy is simple and I have sewn a few of my own. I have pictures of them below. If you plan to buy your own tea cozies are priced anywhere from $10 to $60 depending on the type you buy. Sewing your own tea cozy of course has it's own pleasure.
It is a great gift idea for something unique and handmade. There are many more patterns in my eBook and if you are a beginner or just looking for a refresher you will love the easy projects mentioned in the book. If you like more information, please do not hesitate to ask or check my website www.step-by-step-sewing.com.
Until then,
Express yourself,
Jini
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