No matter whether you're planning on creating your own fashionable garments, cosy blankets, or charming memory project, sewing is a fun and engaging hobby that's about much more than just snipping and stitching!
From fashion accessories to personalised gifts, when it comes to piecing together your next sewing project the possibilities really are endless. Our helpful guide covers everything you need to know when it comes to bobbins, backstitching, and basting.
Regardless of your next project theme, ensuring you're well-versed in the corresponding terminology is equally as important as being kitted out with the right tools. Here are some of the basic key terms you might encounter when starting your next sewing project:
Back Stitch - To create a Back Stitch, you must sew backwards over the loose threads at the beginning of a stitch. This will then secure your stitch. This works by pinning the threads down so they don’t come loose and unravel your stitch. A Back Stitch should be performed at both the beginning and end of a stitch, and whenever the thread is broken.
Baste - Basting Stitches are long stitches, done by either hand or machine, that temporarily hold the fabric in place before they are sewn down. Basting Stitches are then removed once the final seam is in place.
Seams / Seam Allowance - Seams are where two individual pieces of fabric are sewn together. The Seam Allowance is simply the space of fabric between the edge and seam. It's important to remember that the seam allowance may be different depending on the type of fabric used.
Hem - The Hem is known as the edge of the fabric that has been folded and sewn under in order to keep the raw edge of the fabric from unravelling and being seen.
When it comes to decorating your next sewing project, there are plenty of embellishments available to help bring your masterpiece together. Ribbons are great for adding decorative trim, whilst buttons are sure to help upcycle an array of garments. If you're wanting to create beautiful patchwork designs, or simply test out your skills on smaller bits of fabric then Fat Quarters will be great for you.
Stuck for storage? Craft storage items are perfect for filling with threads, needles, pins, and even bobbins. Great too for use whilst on the go, these ready-to-fill craft boxes are sure to come in handy.
To sew a seam, you'll need to be equipped with the right thread. Varying in colour, thickness, and type, there are plenty of threads available that are sure to suit your specific project. Here are the most common options when it comes to sewing:
Polyester Thread - Designed to offer all-purpose performance and suitable for an array of sewing projects, polyester thread often features either a wax or silicone finish that allows them to pass through an array of fabrics with ease.
Heavy-Duty Thread and Skeins - Made from either Polyester or Cotton are more suited to decorative home projects as opposed to direct use when sewing through fabrics. These threads are great for creating pieces of fabric-based jewellery or even for other embroidery projects.
Metallic Thread - Suitable for use with specially designed needles, items such as the Metallic Craft Thread are perfect for adding an elegant sparkle to your item of handiwork.
It's also important to remember that the type of thread you choose to use should also suit the fabric that you choose to work with. Your chosen thread should therefore match the size, weight, and properties of the fabric you will be sewing on. In some cases, it might also be worth matching the thread content to the fabric content - i.e. cotton thread for naturally-fibred fabrics and polyester thread for those of a more synthetic composition.
With plenty of fabric options available to help inspire an array of creative craft projects, the possibilities really are endless when it comes to stitching your next sewing project. Stuck on what to create next? Here are some of our Top Project suggestions:
DIY Fabric Pencil Case
Ready-To-Hang Bunting
Simple-Style Fabric Belts
Summer Tote Bag
If you're thinking of cutting and styling your own fabrics then why look at investing in a die cutting machine, perfect for use with an array of dies, die-cutting is a great way to expand your creative projects. New to die-cutting? If so, then be sure to check out our Guide to Buying a Die Cutting Machine or Die Cutting: A Beginners Guide.
