For those of you interested in learning more about sewing…
I have decided to include the parts of the sewing machine here- this is very helpful when following patterns or just working with others to be able to navigate around the machine. Challenge yourself and try to learn a new name!
Interested in advancing your technique? Here is a great article from threads magazine, ’20 Ways to Improve your sewing’.
Check it out http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3748/20-ways-to-improve-your-sewing
Power switch:
used to turn your machine on and off
Presser foot:
detachable metal device that holds the fabric down against the feed dog
Presser foot lifter:
usually at the back of the machine, this raises and lowers the presser foot
Throat plate:
metal plate covering the feed dog, with a hole for the needle to pass through
Feed dog:
small metal device with teeth that carries the fabric forward or backward when sewing
Needle:
moves down to interlock the upper thread with the bobbin thread and up tightening the stitch
Thread take up:
goes down releasing the upper thread allowing the thread to interlock with bobbin thread and then goes down to tighten the stitch
Upper tension regulator:
can loosen or tighten the tension of the upper thread, creates a balanced stitch
Thread guide:
directs thread from the spool to other parts of needle
Spool pin:
the rod that holds the spool of thread
Bobbin winder:
mechanism close to balance wheel for winding the bobbin
Balance wheel {or hand wheel}:
on the right side of the machine, controlled by the belt and if turned will put the needle up and down
Stitch length regulator:
controls the length of the stitches, make this longer for a gathering stitch
Stitch width regulator:
controls the width of stitches, usefully on a zigzag stitch
Bobbin case:
under the feed down, it is a metal case holding the bobbin that directs and controls the tension of the lower thread
Foot control {pedal}:
the gas pedal of the machine, making it stitch
Sew ya later,
Sarah
This is a great way to use up old scraps and come away with a very usable (and cozy!) result
Applying an ornamental device to another surface. Can use this technique to patch up knees on jeans!
SO FUN! This was my personal favorite technique. I had never felted before and did not realize how easy it it! You simply take raw unspun, wool, and use a felting needle to poke it into the surface you are working on. I chose to make a heart on my skirt for Valentines day
You could essentially felt anything under the sun…to the right of the skirt check out the complicated needle-felted art pillow case!
This is anything that adds design interest to the piece. Embroidery is often used in sewing.
