Basic Sewing techniques

1. BASIC
SEWING
STEPS FOR BASIC HAND SEWING

2. EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Basic Equipment Needed
Sewing Needle
Straight Pins
Fabric Shears or Scissors
Needle Threader - optional

3. FABRICS & NOTIONS
For basic puppets and toys
Felt – a nonwoven fabric that does not work well for
clothing, but is great for toys.
Thread (String) – We use an embroidery thread that is made
up of 6 single strands of thread. You may be use to this from
friendship bracelets.

4. PATTERNS
Sewing patterns are traditionally paper.
These patterns are PINNED to the fabric that is to be used to
make project.
Steps to using patterns: 1. Choose pattern
2. Cut Pattern out of paper
3. Pin pattern onto chosen fabric
4. Cut around solid cutting line

5. BASIC STEPS TO
SEWING
1. Decide on pattern
2. Cut pattern pieces out of paper using paper scissors
3. Choose fabric colors and get fabric
4. Pin pattern pieces to main fabric
5. Cut fabric by using pinned pattern
6. Sew detail pieces of design onto main fabric pieces –
after pinning them to fabric. Pinning keeps them from
moving
7. Sew main pieces of project together
8. Tie knot at end of seams
9. Stuff if required, and close up 3 inch opening
10. Trim all excess thread from project

6. TIPS FOR GOOD
SEWING
1. Use thread that is no longer than the length of your arm
(not your wing span).
2. Tie a knot at the end of the thread – don’t knot the thread
at the base of the Needle Eye.
3. Stitches should be a small as possible – preferably ¼ to
½ inch. The smaller the stitch the better – it will keep all
fluff from coming out.
4. Knots must be tied at the end of every seam; this keeps
the seam from coming out.
5. Fabric shears need to be kept sharp – do not use them
for cutting anything except fabric.

7. TYING KNOTS
Overhand Knot – at end of thread
Knots need to be tied at end of thread before you begin
stitching, then at the end of the seam to keep the thread from
coming out of the fabric.

8. BASIC STITCHES
Running Stitch Overcast Stitch
Blanket Stitch Backstitch