Sewing Basics

There are lots of articles and tutorials to be found on this site, but to make it easier for you, I’ve gathered all of the basic sewing tutorials here.

What kind of needle do you need for your sewing machine? Plus tips and tricks!

What kind of sewing machine do you need? What features do you want? How much should you spend?

Learn how to thread a sewing machine and use an auto-threader for your needle, plus how to wind and install a bobbin.

Three reasons why you should always pre-wash your fabrics and trims, plus tips for hand washing, drying, and preparing your materials for storage.

Everything you need to know to get started with hand sewing. (Includes an illustrated glossary of stitches.)

Pinning is a vital part of sewing, but it can be difficult to figure out what kinds of pins to use, which direction to place them, and so forth. This article provides ten tips to help you out.

There are many kinds of presser feet, each designed for a specific purpose. This article takes a closeup look at several different presser feet, including the zigzag foot, the pintuck foot, the walking foot, and many others.

Everything you sew has seam allowances. But what are they? (Includes tips!)

For a high-quality garment, you must finish your seams. But patterns rarely include directions for seam-finishing. Here are seven techniques for finishing your seams, ranging from easy to couture.

Pinking shears produce a zigzag edge that is fray-resistant. However, there’s a trick to using them successfully. Here’s an explanation of how pinking works, along with tips for using pinking shears.

Finishing your seam allowances is a must, but the easiest method isn’t well-known! Learn all about the oft-forgotten overlock stitch, including which presser foot to use, and tips for professional results.

Pattern envelopes contain a lot of helpful information, but how do you make heads or tails of the charts and diagrams? Here’s a breakdown of a pattern envelope.

Patterns tend to use a set of universal symbols. But if you aren’t familiar with what those symbols mean, you’ll have a hard time sewing a pattern! Here’s a list of the most common symbols and their definitions.

Those who are new to sewing (or who have trouble with numbers) may struggle with measurements. Here’s a quick guide to help you out.

Whether your sewing area is small or large, you need to keep it organized. In the first half of this article, learn the three pieces of furniture that are essential for any sewing room.

Whether your sewing area is large or small, you need to keep it organized. In the second half of this article, learn how to create a floor plan to help you arrange your furniture, plus tips for organizing all your fabric, tools, and supplies.

Not all sewing tools come from the fabric store! Here’s ten unconventional items you can use in the sewing room.

6 Responses to Sewing Basics

  1. Pingback: Broken Needles | Yesterday's Thimble

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  5. travis ayers says:

    i just need to know how to run a 1921 29-4 singer sewing machine

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