Sewing threads, tools and machines

In the blog post, ‘A sneak peak at making clothing’, I shared the basic steps of sewing clothes.  Today I will continue the process by introducing you to the basic instruments used in sewing.

1.   Thread

Thread is a basic part of sewing.  Even without sewing machines you could fix some of your socks or tops with a hand needle and thread.  It is also used with the sewing machines.  For the Plain sewing machine you only need one reel and for the overlocker you will need 4 reels.

The first threads were made from twine, animal tendons, thin leather or sinew, and later materials were twisted into thread like cotton and silk.  Today we also use synthetic materials, nylon and polyester as well as 

the natural fibers.

2.   Needles

When starting to make or mend your clothes you will need hand sewing needles and needles for the machine.  You will learn to master both as we go along.

The first needles were made from wood or animal bones and later bronze and steel were used to make perfectly sharp needles.

 
3.   Sewing machines   

•  Your hands

Your hands could be used as a sewing machine, so to speak.  With the correct needle and thread you can mend holes, attach two pieces of fabric and do some basic sewing.

The plain machine

• Plain sewing machine

See the single row of stitches made by Plain Machine

The plain sewing machine is used for most sewing for beginners.

It makes one row of straight stitches, to attach one piece of material to the other, which a bit more professional than hand sewing.  It can also make a zigzag stitch that could be used to keep the material from fraying on the edges. 

• Overlocker

An overlocker is used to make a more secure stitch when attaching two pieces of fabric, and it keeps the material from fraying on the edges by oversewing it.

An Overlocker

An overlocker using two needles to overlock seams

See the overlock stitch on the inside of the garment

    

  

4.   Pins

     Pins will definitely be used when starting the hobby, and I still use them today.  It keeps the pieces together until it is sewn or cut. (when cutting out the pattern on the material).

5.   Iron

     I love my Iron, and I do not like to use someone else’s because I know that mine will not burn anything that I iron.  Be careful not to set it too high, else it might.

   6.   Scissors

   You will need a big, sharp pair of scissors to do the cutting out of the material, and one to cut out the pattern paper, else the material scissor will get blunt very quickly.  Another useful item is a small scissor to keep with your machines, as handling a big one while sewing can become heavy and uncomfortable.