sewing and textiles -> hand sewing and embellishment- HE

hand sewing guidelines 1.

using single thread, not too long, so will not knot easily. wrist to underarm is good length

hand sewing guidelines 2.

pin and tack fabric in place before permanent stitching , so it doesn’t slip out of place while sewing

hand sewing guideline 3.

begin and finish sewing securely, so it doesn’t rip and become undone

hand sewing guideline 4.

stitches even and not too long. this makes the sewin stronger and less likely to come undone

basic hand-sewing stitches → tacking

temp stitch used to hold fabric together before sewn permanently. 1. pin fabric in place 2. use single contrasting thread so can be easily seen when removing 3. begin with knot. nots can be picked up easily and thread pulled to remove tacking. 4. work stitches 1cm long with 1cm gap 5. don’t pull too tight, fabric will gather up 6. finish with a double back stitch to secure tacking

basic hand-sewing stitches → running

small simple, even stitch that runs back and forth through fabric, without overlapping. can be worked with embroidery thread to decorate. 2 rows of running can be used to gather fabric. 1. start double back stitch 2. work stitches 2mm long , 2mm gap 3. finish double back stitch

basic hand-sewing stitches → back stitching

strong secure stitch, used for sewing seams where machine isn’t available. used for convenience if area is too small or/and difficult to reach with sewing machine. can be used as a decorative stich, e.g. to outline lettering. 1. double stitch, then bring needle up 3mm in front of end of this stitch. 2. put needle back in end of this stitch and come out 3mm in front 3. repeat until end and finish with double stitch

basic hand-sewing stitches → hemming

can be used to sew hems, e.g. table cloths. not normally used on clothes, as visible on outside, but can be used to stitch down collars and waistbands

basic hand-sewing stitches → slip hemming

used for hems on skirts and trousers, as almost invisible on outside

fabric embellishment

decorating fabric in some way

reasons for embellishing fabric

1. makes fabric unique and more attractive

2. some embellishment techniques add texture to fabrics, making them appeal to our sense of touch

3. adding fabric embellishments to textile items can upcycle the item, this makes it more useful or attractive , which can extend its lifespan and sustainability.

4. embellishing can be very relaxing and therapeutic.

embroidery

embroidery stiches are used to decorate pieces of fabric that are then made into household textiles or clothes, e.g. cushion covers. embroidery can also be used to upcycle clothing or household textiles, e.g. embroidering flowers onto a plain pair of jeans.

common embroidery stitches → stem

outline stems, initials, etc. gives a rope-like effect. 1. begin with back stitch. work left to right along stitching line making even, slightly slanted stitches 2. make sure needle always comes out above previous stitch about halfway along it. 3. finish by weaving the thread through the stitches at the back of piece, cut the thread to tidy up.

common embroidery stitches → chain or split

outline areas. rows of chain/ split stitching can be used to fill in areas. 1. begin with back stitch. work down the design, holding the thread to form a loop. 2. put needle inside the loop beside where it came out last. 3. finish by weaving the thread through the stitches at the back of piece. cut the thread to tidy up.

common embroidery stitches → satin

fill small areas, e.g. petals and leaves. 1. start back stitch and then work some running stiches up and down the design to give it extra thickness when complete. 2. threaded needle goes from 1 side of area to be filled t the other. the stitches must be very close together 3. finish by weaving the thread through the stitches at the back of piece. cut the thread to tidy up.

common embroidery stitches → blanket

finish off the edges of fabrics to prevent fraying. can be used to apply appliqué pieces.

1. secure by sewing a small back stitch on the back of the fabric.

2. push the needle through the back, making a stitch 3mm long.

3. insert needle again in same place , bringing it out directly below the edge of the fabric.

4. loop the thread around the needle where it emerges and pull straight, but not tight.

5. to work the next stitch, insert the needle to make a diagonal stitch to the right, 3mm in from the edge. again looping the thread around the needle.

6. repeat to from a line of even stitches. finish at the back with a small back stitch.

applique

the layering of 1 fabric onto another using decorative stiches to create a picture / design

applique stitches

running, stab, cross, blanket, French knots

patchwork

small pieces of fabric stitched together to create a larger piece, e.g. cushion covers, patchwork quilts, table mats

quilting

2 layers of fabric stitched together with a layer of wadding (padded material) sandwiched in between , e.g. bed or cot coverings, padded jackets, table mats

ruffles

strips of fabric, lace, ribbon gathered and applied to the edges of clothing or household items. e.g. cuffs, necklines or hems, edges of cushions

beading

beads, sequins, rhinestones sewn onto fabric to embellish it , e.g. cushions, curtains, wedding dresses

weaving

diff colour yarns woven together on the loom to create different effects, e.g. check and tartans

dyeing

in the past, natural products e.g. berries and leaves were used to dye fabric. Today we can use natural dyes of chemical dyes, e.g. Dylon. chemical dyes, unlike natural dyes, are colourfast ( do not run). Dye can be used to create pattern in batik and tie-dye.

printing

colour applied to 1 side of fabric

textile work and wellbeing -benefits of textile work on person’s social and mental health:

-can develop new skills, giving you a sense of achievement and pride

-working with textiles focuses the mind on something creative and productive, which can take your mind off worries and reduce stress.

-making unique, creative items for friends and family can give great pleasure to both givers and receiver.

-working with textiles allows you to be creative and innovative, which develops self-esteem and a sense of satisfaction