10 Things Every Seamtress Should Know

There are basic sewing skills that are so useful that everyone who sews should know them – it doesn’t matter if you sew clothing, fiber art, crafts or quilt, they’re useful!

1. How to use the straight stitch and zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.  Knowing how to change the stitch length is also very useful.  These two stitches are incredibly versatile – in fact, they’re the ones I use 99% of the time!
2. Can you choose a pattern based on your sewing skills? Most pattern companies will list the level of difficulty for their pattern – either on the pattern envelope or in the pattern book.
3. Once you’ve picked a pattern, can you choose the correct fabric, interfacing and notions? Things like the correct fabric choice are crucial to the sucess of your finished project.  Patterns are designed to work with certain fabrics, and they generally won’t work as well with a fabric that’s really different from the one that is called for.
4. Do you know how to change the needle and clean and oil your sewing machine? Machine needles need to be changed after about 10 hours of sewing.  Keeping your machine well maintained will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
5. Can you safely handle things like seam rippers or rotary cutters? Basic safety is so important in the sewing room – it’s easy to get hurt, so learn how to handle sharp things safely.
6. Do you know basic hand stitches? Running stitches, blanket stitch, basting etc can be very hand skills to have.  Can you finish off your stitching with a knot?
7. Ironing seams during sewing as well as the finished garment is one step that will help give you a beautifully finished product.  Do you know how to use your iron with different fabrics?  Do you know how to iron things like collars or hems?
8. Can you make a buttonhole? Most sewing machines these days come with buttonhole settings, even automatic buttonhole settings.  Being able to make buttonholes will give you sew many options for creating your own garments.
9. Do you know how to sew on buttons, attach snaps or use other closures? Buttons aren’t just for garments – they show up on toys, blankets – even decorative accents in home decor.
10. Do you know how to keep yourself comfortable during sewing? Seamstresses and sewers often fold themselves into uncomfortable positions, work in poor light or have tables or chairs that are the wrong height.  If you’re comfortable, you can sew for longer and you’ll be “sew” much happier!

Is there a skill that you want to brush up on, but aren’t quite sure how?  Check out your local fabric or sewing machine shop for classes or demos.  The library or bookstore can be fantastic for learning new techniques or brushing up on old ones.  And of course, the internet is full of great ideas, techniques and videos

image: Stock.xchg