Basic sewing techniques and materials

Basic Sewing Techniques and Materials

You will need to familiarise yourself with three fundamental stitches in order to complete this project. This lesson is an introduction, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to master them throughout the course.

What You Will Need

• Thread
• I use the Gütermann 100% Polyester Extra Strong thread.
• Darner needle
• The ones I use are around 2 inches long. You could try these in size 9.

How to Thread a Needle

Step 1

Cut a length of thread roughly 1 m long. This is the length of thread I find easy to work with when hand sewing, but you can work with smaller lengths of thread in sections if you find that more manageable.

Step 2

Insert one end of the thread through the eye of the needle.

Step 3

Pull the thread through to secure it. If you are using a lighter weight thread, you can double it up at this stage to make it stronger.

Step 4

I personally don't tie a knot at the end of the thread, as I use the doubling back technique which I will show you later on.

The Three Main Stitches

1. Up and down securing stitch

The motion is up through the fabric, down into the fabric then back round in a different direction to secure the stitch.

2. Lampshade stitch

In a scooping motion, move the needle up and into the fabric then move across to create a diagonal stitch.

3. Slip stitch

Insert the needle into the top fabric, feed it through and down, then scoop up.