Fundamentals of Sewing (Teen & Adult)

Dates: Thursday October 10,17,24 (skip Halloween) November 7th & 4th

Instructor: Jacquetta Owen

This Course is for you if:

• You've never sewn a garment before or if you have limited sewing experience.

• You're interested in expressing your personal style.

• You're tired of paying extra money to have your clothes altered by a tailor.

• You're looking for a new hobby.

• You need a refresher because you forgot what you learned in home economics class years ago.

• You never learned to sew the proper way so your garments don't look great

This six week long class will cover the basics of the sewing machine functions and proper operation.  Participants will practice stitch length and width, along with stitch variety.  Skills will include demonstrations of seam allowance adjustments, French seams, double turned hems, lining techniques, elastic insertion, pattern reading, proper pinning and cutting, patch pocket application. Professional finishes will be emphasized for a quality look. Projects include making a pillowcase with decorative band, pajama pants/shorts with elastic band, reversible bib apron with patch pockets.

Week 1

1.  Machine terminology, threading, tension, winding bobbin, changing needle, safety issues, attendance

2.  Use teacher provided striped material to sew straight lines, rotate to sew 90 degrees.

Experiment with stitch length and width, stitch variety. Trim to use as mug rug or elbow protector

3 .  Material selection for pillowcase (2 pieces)

****3/4 yard of main fabric, 1/3 yard for band*****

4.  Wash/dry fabric for next session.

5. Bring sewing supplies for next session (scissors, thread, seam ripper, hem gauge, pins)

Week 2 - pillowcase --choose cotton or flannel, wash and dry before class

1.  Pattern reading, fabric placement, cutting techniques

2.  Select size, measuring tape readings, pattern placement(?)

3. Demo cutting fabric, main case and band

4. Demo french seam procedure, flip fabric over and stitch

5.  Students sew 1/4 inch bottom seam  - wrong side to wrong side, flip to finish using

3/8  inch seam.

6.  Students sew side seam - wrong side to wrong side, flip to finish

7.  Students sew band, joining short sides together, fold seam to inside to form circle,

Then match raw edges to main case fabric(3 layers with raw edges stacked).

8   Students stitch band to case, matching wrong sides, then flip & stitch again

Finish at home if needed, Bring finished case back for next class

Discuss next project -wash and dry fabric before class.

Week 3 and 4 - pajama pants—select a pattern with an elastic waistband

choose cotton or flannel(not fleece) , wash/ dry before class, purchase 1 yd wide elastic (1 inch)

1.  Pattern reading, fabric placement(nap???), pinning safety and direction

2.  Select size, place pattern following grain and pin/cut selected pieces

3.  Stitch (french seams) side seams(if given), then inseam,

4.  Turn top of waist down 1/2 inch, stitch on fold using 1/4 inch seam

5. Turn stitched edge down/pin 1 inch (or enough to enclose elastic) to make casing

6.  Stitch folded edge, leaving 2 inches open to insert elastic.

7.  Demo directions for inserting elastic into casing using safety pin

8.  Hem - turn up double fold and stitch close to folded edge

Finish at home if needed. Bring finished pants back for next class.

Discuss next project - Wash and dry fabric before next class.

Week 5 and 6 - lined apron with pocket –choose a pattern with neck and side ties

***choose light to heavyweight cottons, two different for  reverse(double yardage)

1.  Pattern reading, fabric placement

2.  Select view, place pattern pieces on and pin

3.  Follow directions from pattern cut two pocket pieces, make lined pocket(s), pin/ apply

4. Cut straps, fold in half , matching long sides together, stitch top & sides, grade seams, turn

5. Topstitch all straps, using 1/4 inch seam allowance

6.  Place straps at markings with raw edges of strap and apron aligned, pin then stitch to hold

7.  Place one apron  fabric over other, right sides together, matching sides and top, pin in place

8.  Stitch all around, leaving 6 inch opening at bottom for turning

9.  Turn, tucking bottom edge inside, pin closed, top stitch all around, using 1/4 inch sea

Supply List

Participants will need to purchase the following supplies so they can choose fabrics they desire to work with. We do have a limited number of sewing machines, first come, first serve. They cannot be taken home.

Sewing machine, scissors, thread, bobbins, seam ripper, hem gauge (6 inch ruler), straight pins or clips, size 12 sewing machine needle

Project 1

Pillowcase (2 pieces)

3/4 yard cotton for main fabric, 1/3 yard cotton for band

Project 2

Pajama bottoms

choose 2 yards of cotton or flannel(not fleece) , wash/ dry before class, purchase 1 yd  of 1 inch wide elastic

Project 3

Reversible apron

choose 1 yard of two different light to heavyweight cottons(lightweight denim, twill, etc.) Avoid one-way designs.