Hobbies And Interests
Preparation
Novices should prepare in advance the sewing materials and the machine before attempting a sewing job. Threading the machine correctly will avoid problems while sewing. The pattern needs to be selected and the guide studied in advance. Measuring up and cutting the fabric follows studying the instructions to avoid redoing the cutting. The fabric needs to be washed, dried and ironed before cutting because fabric shrinks when washed after sewing. Use pins to hold the cut pieces in place or to hold the pattern in place. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the fabric and prevent jagged edges.
Binding
In sewing, binding is a technique used to tidy up raw edges on the fabric. A different piece of fabric in a contrasting color should be used for this purpose. Bias strips refer to fabric folded diagonally and then cut into strips. Fabric cut in this manner tends to stretch slightly; hence making the strips ideal for binding. Each bias strip should be cut to four times the size of the actual binding width needed. Binding needs to be folded over the raw edge of the fabric on the wrong side, pinned in place and slip stitched to complete the process.
Measuring
In sewing, measuring is crucial; if the measuring is wrong, the finished product will not be a correct fit. For example, curtain measurements need to be taken from the pole to the floor or to a midway point, in centimeters or inches, but not in a mix of both. Windows may look identical, but seldom have similar measurements; each window should be individually measured for a curtain. Measurements should include inside and outside the window recesses, adding extra for any overlapping.
Mitering
Mitering is a sewing technique used to finish fabric corners neatly and in a less bulky manner. It is a technique that is useful when the fabric is heavy. Mitered edges are clean and precise; begin the hem by leaving a wide enough amount of cloth for the hem width. Add a quarter inch to every side that requires a hem for a clean finish. For garments, the vertical hems replace facings, and interfacing is necessary when there are buttons and buttonholes on the garment.