Sewing 101

Newsletter #5

A Stitch In Time

By Mavis Cox, author of the book
'Sewing 101 A Step by Step Guide
to Sewing Basics'

Mudgee, Australia

Hello,

Today I'll be talking to you about something you absolutely must know about to sew, and that's stitches. There are a variety of stitches that you will use when hand sewing or machine sewing, and each is used for a very distinct purpose.

Once again, before looking at today's topic, I'd like pass on a bit more trivia that you may find interesting about Mudgee and its history. If you ever decide to visit Australia, then you may discover that one of our best known poets that grew up here in Mudgee itself!

The name Henry Lawson is much revered in Australian folklore, and for the people of Mudgee his name is synonymous with the region, as this is where he grew up until the age of 15. To find out more about one of Australia's literary icons I've given you some links that you may wish to go to after reading this week's newsletter:

1) History Of Henry Lawson

2) The Lawson Collection

3) Readings of Henry Lawson by David John Wotherspoon

Because of his status in the Mudgee-Gulgong region, you will still find his name referred to in many of our nearby landmarks, including the new wineries that now surround us.

And now...back to the sewing lesson!

Whether you are using a sewing machine or not, you will need to know which stitches are appropriate for the type of sewing job you are doing. For today's newsletter I've taken some excerpts straight out of my book 'Sewing 101', but there are many more you need to know about.

Each type of stitch is unique and used for a specific purpose. Depending on the sewing machine you purchase, some will have a multitude of stitches built in.

With this, you simply choose what you need and the machine does all the work for you. However, even so it is important that you understand the various stitches and how they work so as you begin your next project, you will know which stitch is needed for which fabric and type of project.

Hand Stitches

As I mention in my book, you will most likely find common hand stitches available on many of today's sewing machines. Here are a couple of basic hand stitches to look at.

Backstitch

The backstitch is considered the strongest of all hand stitches. Generally, this stitch results in a tight, straight line, much of what a sewing machine would do. To create a backstitch, you would work from the right to left, starting with a few stitches worked at the same spot.

Then you would make a stitch and move over a small space. Next, take the needle back to the last space, bringing it out the same direction but in front of the thread. This stitch would be continued until you reach the end of your seam. Once you reach the end, simply create a few more stitches in the same spot to hold the end.

Running Stitch

Of all the stitches, the running stitch is by far the easiest and most basic to work. This stitch consists of a single stitch between two points, ideal for fine detail and outlining. To create a running stitch, pass the needle over and under the fabric. Usually, the upper stitches are worked with an equal thread length while in an even manner.

Machine Stitches

Now I'd like to show you a couple of stitches that are more commonly used on a sewing machine.

Basting Stitch

This is the longest stitch the sewing machine can make. Generally, this stitch is up to 2.2 cms (1 inch) long or more. Speed basting makes stitching seams go quickly, but keep in mind that some sewing machines tend to produce empty stitches between long ones. When this happens, you might see a line of needle holes or have a bulked up thread on the underside of the fabric. To eliminate the problem, hold the fabric firmly in both front and back.

Stitch in the Ditch

This stitch involves stitching on the right side of the fabric, in a pressed, open seam, as a means of fastening another piece of fabric to the underside. With this stitch, you would use matching thread and a regular length of stitch. The result will be that the outside stitch becomes invisible, as it disappears in the "ditch", thus the name.

Finally, I'd like to finish off today by talking about the zig-zag stitch, which you'll find very useful for finishing raw edges. It can be used in varying widths with long or short stitches, which will help if you don't own an overlocking (serger) machine.

I hope you've enjoyed today's short history lesson, and an introduction into the various stitches that you'll need to know. If it has been of help, you will find this and much more in 'Sewing 101'.

Next week I will be discussing patterns, and give you a little more trivia about Australian fashion which comes to the forefront in our springtime. Be sure to watch out for next week's newsletter. Have a good week ahead, and keep up the good work in your sewing journey.

Best wishes and God Bless,

Mavis Cox
www.i-sewing.com