Sewing Basics

Which side is which? Right Side = SeenWrong Side = Unseen

Why does it matter? Right Side The pretty side! Pay close attention to stitch length, tangles, etc on this side Wrong Side Begin all sew lines on this side so the knot falls on the ugly side Tie off on this side so, you guessed it, the knot falls on the ugly side

Stitching Stitches should be the same size, always. They should not exceed ¼ of an inch. Always go through the fabric, not around it. The exception to this rule is the whip stitch Work with one arm length for now. It’s better to rethread than to get tangled, knotted, or exhausted on too much thread.

Patterns Paper pieces are pinned to the fabric for precise, careful cutting Cut out pattern pieces on solid lines Dotted lines indicate where stitches will go Pin perpendicular to the cut line but do not allow pins to cross it Cut fabric after pattern is fully pinned slowly while leaving it on a solid surface, not holding it up in the air.

Sew Cut Perpendicular Pins

Fabric Conservation Position pattern pieces and cuts as close to the corner and sides of the fabric as possible so that more students may share with minimal waste