Needlework Skills Flashcards
Chain stitch
A chain stitch is used for outlines.
- Begin with a backstitch at the top of the outline.
- Work downwards, holding the thread with your free thumb to form a loop.
- Insert the needle inside the loop, beside where the thread emerged.
- Finish with a secure stitch, bringing the needle through to the back of the fabfic. Weave the thread through a few stitches on the wrong side of the fabric. Cut the thread.
Stem stitch
A stem stitch is used for outlines.
- Start with a backstitch.
- Make even, slightly slanted stitches along a line, working from right to left.
- The thread must always be kept at the right of the needle.
- The thread should come out above the previous stitch.
Fiur types of embroidery stitches (by hand)
Stem stitch
Chain stitch
Satin stitch
Long and short stitch
Satin stitch
A satin stitch is used to fill in shapes.
- Insert the needle through one side of the shape and cut through the other.
- Stitches may be straight or slanted but must be very close together.
- To give extra thickness, work a running stitch around the design before beginning the satin stitch.
- Stitches which are too long drag the fabric. Long and short stitch is more suitable for wide shapes.
Long and short stitch
This is used to fill in shapes and give a shaded effect.
-First row:
Make a long stitch and then a short stitch.
-Second row:
Make a short stitch and then a long stitch so that the rows fit into each other.
Selecting fabric for home sewing
- Consider cost
- Consider colour & pattern
- Fabric should not fray too much
- Should be easy to sew and should be non-slip and not too stretchy
- Avoid fabric with nap or one-way design.
Naps
Naps means that the fabric has a raised surface and the fibres lie in one direction.
It feels smooth if you rub it one way and rough if you rub it the other way.
One-way designs
One-way designs are patterns on fabric that all face the same direction.
Guidelines for hand sewing
- Use a single thread which is not too long
- Pin seams and hems before tacking
- Begin and finish sewing with secure stitching to prevent ripping
- Protect your finger with a thimble when sewing thick fabrics
- If you are right-handed, work from right to left, if you are left-handed, work from left to right.
List of hand stitches
Tacking Running Gathering Backstitching Hemming Slip hemming Top sewing Tailor tacking
Tacking (basting)
A temporary stitch used to hold fabric together while permanent stitching (machining) is being done.
Running
The same as tacking but smaller. It is used for seams or for gathering fabric by hand.
Gathering
Used to make a wide piece of fabric fit a narrow piece. Eg. to fit a gathered frill into a cushion.
Backstitching
A strong stitch that can be used instead of machining to sew seams.
Hemming
Used to hold down facings, bindings, waistbands and collars.
Slip hemming
Used on the hems of clothes because it is a almost invisible on the right side. It can be made more secure by sewing a backstitch every now and then along the fold.
Top sewing
A small, secure stitch which is worked on the right side of the fabric.
It is used to join finished edges together.