Free | Introduction to Sewing: Learning sewing basics and techniques

Sewing Machine Basics - the Ultimate Intro!

• 1 hour
• No threading machine, just intro to how machine works
• How needle and bobbin work together to create stitch
• Basic stitches are straight stitches and zig-zag stitches
• By adjusting lengths and widths of stitches, we can construct almost anything
• Begin with fabric that has no stretch - fabrics are generally categorized as knits and wovens; we use wovens when we’re learning because of their stability, just need to control raveling
• Use page 1 of stitch pages and practice running straight stitches - important to guide fabric/paper into machine but keep hands back and allow feed dogs to do their job
• Give students 3 pieces of scrap fabric; first one is to try a few stitches - run a straight stitch with different lengths, and then do a zig zag that is long and wide and one that is short and narrow
• Last, place two pieces of fabric together and sew a straight stitch ½-1” from one edge - show how this creates a seam
• Show students the projects that are sewn in the Foundations 1 and 2 classes, and explain what progression looks like and how each course adds new skills and aims to increase student confidence as new sewist