You’ll find essential information, useful stitches and key sewingtechniques on these pages.
SEAM RIPPER This sharp blade cuts through and unpicks stitches.
PINKING SHEARS These cut a zigzag edge on fabric to neaten.
SHEARS Keep a pair of sharp shears just for cutting out your fabric.
SMALL SCISSORS Use for snipping threads and cutting notches.
FABRIC WEIGHTS Use instead of pins to hold your pattern in place.
THIMBLE Wear to protect your fingers when handstitching.
TAILOR’S CHALKS Chalk temporarily marks fabric and can be easily brushed away.
FABRIC CLIPS Use these instead of pins when sewing thicker fabrics.
BOBBINS This forms the underside of the machine stitch.
TAPE MEASURE A flexible fabric tape measure will take accurate measurements.
MARKING PENCIL Choose a colour that shows up on your fabric.
PINS Stainless steel pins with sharp points are best.
THREAD This forms the top side of the machine stitch.
HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY
ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside.
Measure yourself in your underwear and preferably in the bra you’ll be wearing underneath your garment as this can alter the measurements slightly. Use a fabric tape measure as it’ll curve around your body well for accuracy. You can measure on your own if you stand in front of a mirror, but, for best results, ask a friend to help so they can check the tape measure is sitting in the right places. Make sure the tape measure sits snugly around you but is not pulled tight.
Take the measurements shown in the diagram and note them down.
HOW TO USE A PATTERN
Preparing your fabric and cutting out your sewing pattern accurately is just as important as the actual sewing. Wash your fabric before you begin as fabric can shrink and run. Once dry, press it well.
PREPARING THE PATTERN
Patterns often come with several options of different finishes so you may have more pieces than you need. The instruction sheet will tell you which pieces to use. Roughly cut out all of the pieces outside the lines then press the pieces using a dry iron on a low heat to remove the folds and creases.
CUTTING OUT THE PATTERN
Choose your size using your measurements and the size chart. Cut along the corresponding lines on your pattern. When you reach
