Needle Crafting/ Sewing/ Knitting/Crocheting/EmbroideryLets devote this directory to our sewing and all projects that require needles. Some simple guides to help the beginner and intermediate. I am sure there will be something for everyone. Sewing is a unique hobby because it can be both fun and practical all at the same time. You can sew clothing items and decorative items for your home also simply by learning the basics of sewing.Ever since the day where man began walking upright, people have been sewing. Sewing started out as a very primitive and simple stitch to make clothing and utilitarian items. As time passed, people began to sew more advanced and interesting clothing and decorative items. Today, people all over the face of the globe sew, both men and women. The majority of people today do not need to sew their own clothing. Clothing is readily available in most of the world. However, many people enjoy sewing and enjoy the fact that they can make something themselves. Every home should have a basic sewing basket at the ready for those times when you need to sew on a quick button or fix a ripped seam. By having a sewing basket will all of your basic sewing essentials in one place, you can be ready for any small sewing emergency which might crop up at any time. The first thing you will need to have is a sewing basket itself. You do not need to go out and purchase a basket made especially for sewing; any box with compartments will work great. Many people prefer to use a fishing tackle box because they give you a lot of small compartments to store your various items in. By having many compartments you can keep your sewing basket in order and free from clutter. A sewing box is a must for all households, in my opinion. Whether you sew or just simply mend things from time to time, a sewing box to keep your supplies in will save you a lot of time and money. By having a dedicated sewing box for your supplies, you will always know where things are when you have to sew back on a button or hem a pair of pants. Once you have your sewing basket or box, it is time to start acquiring the necessary basics you will need to sew. There are a few things that every sewing basket should have. They are: Sharp Scissors Using dull scissors is one of the most frustrating things you can do when you are sewing. Dull scissors make your project much harder than it needs to be. A good quality pair of very sharp scissors will save you a ton of frustration and time. Your projects will also turn out better and have cleaner lines to them. Having a sharp pair of scissors available without having to hunt around the house for them is a must for any sewing basket. Pinking Shears Pinking shears are a special type of scissors which cut fabric so that the edges are zigzagged. This zigzagging keeps fragile fabric edges from fraying. If you will be working with a fabric with a tendency to fray, such as satin, you will find that pinking shears make your life a whole lot easier. A Variety of Pins and Needles What you will be sewing dictates which needles you will need. Needles come in a variety of sizes and sharpness to be used with different fabric types. In your sewing box you will want to have very sharp needles and some which are blunt ended. You will also want to have large needles and small ones. In addition to needles you will want to have plenty of pins to use to hold things together while you are sewing them. Magnetic Pin Holder Rather than a traditional fabric pin cushion, a magnetic pin holder can make your use of pins and needles easier. Also, when you are finished for the day, you can simply wave your magnetic pin holder over your work area and attract up all of the stray pins before they end up on the floor and in someone’s foot. A magnetic pin holder is a staple for any sewing basket. Threads No sewing basket is complete without threads. You will want a selection of a variety of colors and thread weights. The last thing you want to do is find yourself needing to sew on a dark button and only having white thread to do it with. Many stores sell a package of small spools of various thread colors. In addition, there is some wonderful denim thread available if you will be sewing on jeans. Stitch Gage A stitch gage looks like a small ruler with a sliding gage on it. The stitch gage is used to help you measure and also to help you sew straight seams and hems every single time. Taylor’s Chalk Taylor’s chalk is a must for making markings on your fabric and cutting out patterns. The chalk is easily removed from your final product . Anti-Fray Solution Anti-fraying solution can be applied to the edges of your fabric to keep it from fraying while you work with it. The solution resembles super glue and can safely be used on most fabrics. Elastic Puller Elastic pullers are used to pull elastic through casings in your projects. They are very inexpensive and indispensable if you will be working with elastics. If you take the time to stock your sewing basket with the above items, you will be ready for any sewing emergency or project. And, you can be the hero of the house when a button falls off ten minutes before your family leaves for a special occasion. In addition to the above gadgets, you should also consider a good cover for your sewing machine to keep out dust and dirt. This will help your machine running well for years to come without having to pay for costly maintenance. Another good item to have in your sewing room is a comprehensive book on sewing techniques. As you sew more, you want to try out new things and add extra excitement to your items. With a good sewing book you will have a reference on hand that you can use. Sewing isn’t really that hard to master, and when you have all of the tools you will need, it is just that much easier. Embroidery101 Some of the most famous civilizations for creating brilliant embroidery creations are the Japanese and the English. They both used embroidery to decorate ceremonial garments as well as decorative home items. 2008 Sewing Projects The look coming in Spring 2008 appears to be a throw-back to the 1950's. Such items as high heeled pumps, slim skirts, large belts, and loose blouses with puffy collars and sleeves appear to be becoming all the rage once again. Cross Stitch Embroidery Beading One of the most interesting ways you can embellish your embroidery projects is by adding beads onto your stitches. Adding beads brings a three dimensional look to your needlework and adds a unique form of beauty and visual interest. Avoiding Hand and Wrist Injuries While Embroidering One of the only dangers to sewing and embroidery work is something called "repetitive stress injury" (RSI). Repetitive stress injury is believed to be caused by someone performing the same tasks over and over. Beginners Cross Stitch Embroidery Tips Cross stitch is one of the most popular forms of embroidery today. Cross stitch is embroidery which is stitched using small "X" stitches to form a design. Create Personalized Gifts with Simple Embroidery One of the easiest ways to present your recipient with a personalized gift is through personalization with simple embroidery. Creative Couching Adds Pizzazz to Your Sewn Projects An interesting way to add color, texture and dimension to your sewn items, is to add couching. Designing Your Own Cross Stitch Embroidery Patterns As you learn to cross stitch embroider with more skill and precision, you often find that you would like to cross stitch something unique or something which you cannot find a pattern for. Embroidery Digitizing Basics The art of creating custom machine embroidery is called embroidery digitizing. How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Sewing Project Choosing the right fabric for your sewing project makes all the difference in whether or not your project will be a success or a failure. How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine Because every sewer is an individual, it is impossible to say there is one "best" sewing machine out there for everyone. Your sewing needs should ultimately dictate the machine you purchase. Matching Plaid and Designs for Your Sewing Projects Plaid and patterned fabrics are all the rage once again. This means that if you are going to sew with either plaid or a patterned fabric then you need to learn how to match-up the fabric so your resulting project looks the best it possibly can. Sewing 101 – Just the Basics It is always fun to learn a new skill or craft. In the case of sewing, it can be both a household skill and a fun craft at the same time. Sewing as a Business Congratulations on your decision to start a home sewing business; before you is a very exciting time in your life! Sewing Elastic Made Easy One of the most challenging things for new sewers is sewing in elastic to their craft projects and garments. Sewing for Charity Causes One of the best ways to use up those extra swatches of fabrics, fabric scraps, and embellishments, cluttering up your sewing room, is to sew some items for a charitable organization. Sewing Tips For All Beginners By learning basic sewing you can ensure that when your button pops off, or your hem comes out of your pants, that you can quickly and easily fix it. Learn To Sew Zippers New sewers often avoid patterns with zippers, fearing that they will not be able to successfully sew the zipper into place. Start An Embroidery Business At Home As more and more people become disenchanted with working for disloyal American companies, many are finding themselves going out and starting their own small home-based businesses. Teach Sewing / Viable Home Business Because many young people of today were not taught sewing by their parents and grandparents, there is a real need for those who know how to sew to teach others. Embroidery on Paper Paper embroidery has been around for thousands of years; however it has found a new resurgence with the popularity of scrapbooking. Embroidery to Enhance Your Scrapbook Pages Adding embroidery to your paper crafts and scrapbooking pages gives them a new dimension and unique look. Your Very First Sewing Project The easiest project for a brand new sewer is to make a simple pillow or dress. Pillows can be made from two squares of fabric simply sewn together and then stuffed. info@grandmascraftguides.com |