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Simply Sewing with Revie |
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Lessons
Lesson 2 - Getting to Know your Machine
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Napkins are easily made because they are square
and require only simple hemming. I hand hem my napkins for two
reasons:
You will need to
decide what size you would like your final, completely hemmed napkin
to be. I make my tea napkin as 9" square finished. One half yard of
fabric will give me eight napkins this size.
1. They look very nice. 2. It's easy to hem napkins almost anywhere - in a waiting room; while watching a movie; while chatting on the phone; etc. If you are interested in machine sewing your napkins - follow the initial instructions and replace the hand-hemming with a straight machine stitch. Choose a material that is appropriate for napkins - cotton or cotton blend are good choices. I highly advise you wash the fabric first; although I know several ladies who don't and have never had a problem with shrinkage.
I will be making
a tea napkin which is smaller
than regular
dinner napkins. Be sure to adjust
your
measurements accordingly - add 1"
to your desired
completed size.
I measured and
cut out 9 and 1/2 inch squares.
A template can
be made using cardboard.
Press 1/2-inch
fold on opposite sides of napkin.
Press 1/2-inch
fold on remaining two sides.
After all four
sides have 1/2-inch folds pressed into them (forming a crease);
begin on the side where you made your first crease and fold raw
edge of fabric to meet crease; press. Repeat on opposite side
and then do both remaining sides.
All four sides
should now have two creases each,
spaced 1/4-inch
apart.
Fold raw edge
to meet first crease and fold again.
Your raw edge
should now be completed hidden in the fold. Pin in place. Repeat
down the side of your fabric.
Pin
opposite sides of napkins.
Using the
"Catch" stitch (taught
here)
begin at one end and work your way to the other placing stitches
approximately
1/4 to 1/2 inch
apart; evenly spaced. It is advisable to place your first two or
three stitches close together to help anchor the corner.
Likewise, place the final two or three stitches
on your row
close together.
When finished
with first two (and opposite) sides,
fold and pin
remaining two sides and stitch.
Anchor the
corner with a pin to help keep your edges even.
When
finished stitching you should now
have a
completed napkin!
Front view of finished napkin.
When choosing a pattern three things need to be taken into consideration: Difficulty Size Fabric Please bear in mind that there may be other considerations, these are the basics and the ones with which we will deal now.
Difficulty For beginner projects it is best to work with larger patterns. Try to stay away from patterns for babies, toddlers, or fancy dresses; as well as patterns with lots of detail. Smaller items are much harder to work on than larger and projects with many details can be frustrating for the beginner. Here is a list of easy projects for beginners: Napkins Pillowcases Lap blankets Aprons Simple jumper
Size If you choose a pattern for an outfit, you will need to consider the size of the pattern. Each manufacturer has their own sizes so it is important to measure well and follow the charts. If possible, try to find someone who has used patterns from the same manufacturer and ask them questions about how true the sizing is.
Fabric Although there are lots of pretty types of fabrics several are not appropriate for certain patterns or even beginning sewers. Fabrics which are easy to use are: Poly-cottons Cotton Most seersucker Most chambray Try to stay away from knits, silks, satins, terry cloth and velvets as a beginner. When using cotton fabrics it is wise to run the fabric through a short rinse cycle to remove excess dye and sizing. I do know several ladies who do not do this and have never had a problem. However, I suggest this because having shrinkage or dye runs after you have completed your project can be frustrating.
For questions related to this sewing lesson, please contact me:
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WHAT'S IN YOUR SEWING BASKET? All sewing baskets, no matter what form the basket itself takes, need to be full of useful and practical items. Here is a list of what is in my basket:
8-inch scissor shears 10-inch pinking shears Assortment of hand sewing needles Quilting straight pins Large safety pins Pin cushion Graphite mechanical pencil - for marking fabric Retractable measuring tape Clear 8-inch ruler Seam ripper Thimble Plastic elastic threader Thread in the following colors: tan, brown, black, white, cream and red
There are many other notions which can be useful to a sewer. These items are what I have used for the past 25 years and have served me well. I encourage you to fill your basket with what works for you. Keep only what you like and will use.
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Lesson 2 - Getting to Know Your Machine Before learning to sew it is important to know your sewing machine whether its an old machine or a new one, each machine has its own feel, directions, and even personality. It is a wise idea to read the manual if one is available. If you do not have a manual, contact the manufacturer because they often make these available many times for free. To be honest, there is no better way to get to know your machine than to sit down with several squares of fabric and start sewing. There are really only three main functions you need to know to effectively piece together most patterns. These three functions are the ones to learn first:
Straight seams various widths Backstitching Buttonholes
Once you become familiar with the feel of your machine doing these functions, you should try other functions on your machine that you intend to use in the future.
For questions related to this sewing lesson, please contact me:
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