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match some of your notions (thread, buttons, zippers, trims) to your fabric. And it can be annoying
and time consuming to have to stop in the middle of a project to go back to the fabric store for the
zipper or buttons you’d decided to get “later.”

When choosing your notions, try to match them as closely as possible to the color of your fabric. If  
you’re matching notions to a print, match them to the print’s dominant color. However, depending on
the look you’re going for, you might want to choose a contrasting color.


Choose a thread
                                                                                   

    There are so many different kinds of thread available – silk, polyester, cotton, cotton/polyester
    blends, in different thicknesses and in all the colors of the rainbow. And it can be overwhelming.
    So how do you know which thread to choose for your project?

    A thread labeled all-purpose, 100% polyester, or cotton-wrapped polyester is  fine for most
    general sewing, which is what you’ll be doing.

    And try to match the color of your thread as closely as possible to the color of your fabric.
    Unwind lengths of thread from several spools of different shades and hold them against your
    fabric. If you can’t quite match the color, go with a darker shade. It’s likely to appear lighter
    once it’s sewn into your fabric.

    If your fabric is a print, match your thread to the print’s dominant color.

    And stay away from cheap thread (like those priced “five for a dollar”). Cheap thread tends to
    be fuzzier and thinner. Which means it will likely leave lint all throughout your machine and
    break easily – both in your machine and in your finished item. (For more on thread, see How to
    Choose Thread.)







<<BACK                                                                       NEXT: Sewing Lesson # 5: Prepare Your Fabric>>
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Learn to Sew Lesson #4:
Get Your Notions
Notions are all of those little things you sew into or
onto your item as you're constructing it.

Examples of notions:

  • Thread, elastic, bias tape
  • Closures and fasteners such as buttons,
    snaps, hooks, and zippers
  • Embellishments such as ribbon, lace, and
    fringe

The back of your pattern envelope should tell you
the notions you need and the size, type, and
quantity of each.

It’s a good idea to get your notions when you
purchase your fabric because you’ll likely want to
Sewing How-To:
General Sources:
Buying Sources: