Pattern Making and Fabric Preparation in Sewing Projects
Sewing is a great hobby to undertake, and for those who love making things with their hands there are numerous "Do It Yourself" projects and choices in terms of fabrics, patterns, designs and much more.
The first step when working with fabric and patterns in sewing is to preshrink the fabric and straighten it out well with ironing so that it does not end up skewed after the first wash.
This ensures that whatever you work with, the end result will not be crumpled or uneven hems and seams.
Make sure you know which is the right side of the fabric before beginning as well.
Figure out the right side When working with cotton and liner fabric, generally the right side has the seam folded out.
Wool however will have the wrong side folded out, this is a good way to figure out the side you will be working with on projects.
If it is rolled fabric, then the right side is most often rolled on the side facing the tube, so that's a handy tip to work with.
Texture, colors, and shine are additional features that help you determine which is the right side of a fabric that you have purchased to sew with.
Patterns and preshrinking Once you have it sorted, mark the design with chalk or pencils to avoid confusion while sewing.
You can also use pins if that is what you are comfortable with.
When you have cut out all the patterns and pieces, remember to number or mark them so you can take out the right pieces quickly while working.
All elements of the fabric and project including zippers, interfacing, and the lining need to be preshrunk prior to starting.
To preshrink simply wash them or soak in a bowl of warm water, after which you can air dry it or iron it dry.
Remember to check for color leaks so you don't end up with skewed fabric and color bleeding.
When you have prepared everything check the pattern design and ensure you have all the pieces done, cut with little extra space around the edges for any alterations you may need to do.
Ensure you follow instructions in the pattern set or sewing project carefully, and if you are a beginner stick to single projects.
You can mix and match and experiment with ideas once you have the hang of it better.
Sewing is fun, simple, and easy as you will learn over time.
The first step when working with fabric and patterns in sewing is to preshrink the fabric and straighten it out well with ironing so that it does not end up skewed after the first wash.
This ensures that whatever you work with, the end result will not be crumpled or uneven hems and seams.
Make sure you know which is the right side of the fabric before beginning as well.
Figure out the right side When working with cotton and liner fabric, generally the right side has the seam folded out.
Wool however will have the wrong side folded out, this is a good way to figure out the side you will be working with on projects.
If it is rolled fabric, then the right side is most often rolled on the side facing the tube, so that's a handy tip to work with.
Texture, colors, and shine are additional features that help you determine which is the right side of a fabric that you have purchased to sew with.
Patterns and preshrinking Once you have it sorted, mark the design with chalk or pencils to avoid confusion while sewing.
You can also use pins if that is what you are comfortable with.
When you have cut out all the patterns and pieces, remember to number or mark them so you can take out the right pieces quickly while working.
All elements of the fabric and project including zippers, interfacing, and the lining need to be preshrunk prior to starting.
To preshrink simply wash them or soak in a bowl of warm water, after which you can air dry it or iron it dry.
Remember to check for color leaks so you don't end up with skewed fabric and color bleeding.
When you have prepared everything check the pattern design and ensure you have all the pieces done, cut with little extra space around the edges for any alterations you may need to do.
Ensure you follow instructions in the pattern set or sewing project carefully, and if you are a beginner stick to single projects.
You can mix and match and experiment with ideas once you have the hang of it better.
Sewing is fun, simple, and easy as you will learn over time.
