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.
