Lesson Two: Tools and Terms

Now that you have gotten your machine out and made friends with her (hopefully you are BFFs by now;), lets talk about tools and terms. These are really basic, but essential to understanding instructions. (Press through the blah stuff and we will be up and sewing the sassy stuff soon, promise!)

Basic Tools: I would reccommend having all of these except pinking shears. You should know what they are and can help you, but aren't necessary.

Cutting Shears: Are used only for fabric and have a straight cutting edge.

Pinking Shears: Are used only for fabric. They have zigzag teeth and they cut fabric zigzag to keep fabric from fraying.

Pin Cushion: A great place to store pins while not in use.

Seam Ripper: Used for removing stitching mistakes. To use, insert only the sharp end under the thread used to stitch the seam. Be careful not to cut fabric threads.

Thread: You will use an all-purpose thread for cotton fabric. Choose a thread that matches your fabric. When matching thread, take your fabric to the store and choose a thread that is slightly darker than your fabric.

Iron and Ironing Board: Ironing the seam after each step makes your project look its best.

TERMS

Back Stitch: A back stitch is used at the beginning and end of a seam to keep the stitches in place.

Basting or Gathering Stitch: Basting is a longer stitch that is used to hold fabric together temporarily or to gather. Your stitch length will be set at 6-8.

Raw Edge: The cut edge of a piece of fabric. This edge will fray if not finished or zigzagged.

Seam Allowance: The measurement from the edge of the fabric to the stitches.

Topstitching: Stitching that shows on the outside of the garment or project.

Wrong-sides Together: Place the two pretty sides of the fabric together and sew along the back of the fabric.

You made it! One more post of instructions and then on to our first project.