+



                                                                                                                                 


















    Your guide sheet will tell you, step by step, how to construct your item. But keep in mind that
    these instructions are very basic. For instance, the instructions may not tell you to finish the
    raw edges of your seam allowances or when to trim and clip them (see further down). So keep
    this in mind as you sew.




















    And as your skill increases, you’ll often find you can deviate from the pattern instructions,
    perhaps finding a more efficient order in which to complete the steps. You may even reach a
    point where you can work without the pattern instructions entirely.


    Terms you may see in your guidesheet:

    Staystitching
    This is a seam that is stitched slightly inside the seamline of a fabric piece to keep the
    edge from stretching out of shape as it’s being handled and sewn. Staystitching is often
    used on curved areas such as necklines and armholes.

    Easestitching
    This is a type of stitching that’s used to fit one section of a garment into another, such as
    a sleeve into an armhole. To easestitch, baste 5/8” from the edge of your fabric
    (assuming you’re using a 5/8” seam allowance). Pull the end of one of the thread tails to
    take in the fabric slightly.

    Gather
    This technique is used to pull a length of fabric together for a shirred effect, such as for a
    ruffle or a full skirt. To gather fabric, make two rows of basting stitches about 1/2" and
    3/4”from the fabric edge. Pull on either the top thread tails or the bottom thread tails
    (not both) to take up the fabric.





















Press as you sew
                                                                                   

    Pressing is a necessary part of sewing. You’ll be spending about as much time at your ironing
    board as you will at your sewing machine. So before you start to sew, set up your iron and
    ironing board close to your sewing area for convenience.

    After sewing each seam, stop to press it before moving on to your next sewing step. Press
    seams open unless otherwise indicated in your pattern instructions.

    Pressing is a step that’s tempting to skip, but it’s very important if you want your finished item
    to look nice. If you don’t press as you sew, your item will likely end up looking very
    “homemade.”

    For detailed instructions on pressing as you sew, see How to Press.


Trim and clip seam allowances as necessary
                                                                                   

    Sometimes you’ll need to trim or clip a seam allowance. This is done to reduce bulk in the seam
    allowance so it lies flat when it’s turned.



Apply interfacing as needed
                                                                                   













Fit as you sew
                                                                                   

    If you’re making a garment, make adjustments to the fit as you construct it. Pin sections
    together first, try the garment piece on (carefully, so you don’t get stuck by a pin), and make
    adjustments to the fit before sewing the permanent seams. Or you may want to baste sections
    together first, then try your garment piece on. Remove the basting stitches once the
    permanent seams have been sewn.

    The desire to whip through a project quickly to finish it can be overwhelming. But it really is a
    good idea to “fit as you sew.” You wouldn’t want to end up with an item that’s well-made and
    beautiful, but doesn’t fit quite right.


Finish your seams, if desired
                                                                                   

    A seam finish is used on the raw edge of a seam allowance to keep it from raveling. It can also
    add a professional-looking touch to an item, producing a neat, clean seam edge that makes an
    item look as nice on the inside as it does on the outside.

    It’s not necessary to finish your seams, it’s a personal preference. You also don’t need to finish
    seams that will be enclosed or on fabric that doesn’t ravel.

    Your pattern instructions likely won’t tell you when or how to finish your seams. But as a
    general rule, finish a seam before crossing it with another seam.

    For detailed instructions on various seam-finishing techniques, see Seam Finishes.


Good luck!
Sewing Information, Advice, How-to
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Learn to Sew Lesson #11:
Sew Your Project!
So, now you’ve done all of the necessary prep
work and it’s finally time to do what you’ve been
eager to do – sew your project!

Here are a few more important things you need to
know:


Follow the instructions in your guide
sheet
                                                                           

    It’s best to read through your entire guide
    sheet before starting your project. This is so
    you'll be familiar with any special terms or
    instructions the guide sheet may provide.
Get FREE Sewing Patterns! Click here.
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