How to sew: 6 steps to choosing the right needle for sewing

The Needle
Your project and the fabric you purchase will determine the choice of a needle and thread. If you are sewing a project requiring batting or a project which requires heavier fabric the choice of your needle will be totally different than compared to when you are sewing a fabric or project which is medium weight or light weight. Although most of the patterns do not mention the needle and thread size, the following guideline will help you make a fair choice of a needle and thread for any project.

1) There are three types of needles
Sharp point for woven fabrics
Ball point needles for knit fabrics
And wedge point needles for leather and vinyl material

2) Delicate fabrics like silk and lace need size 9 needle of Sharp Point needles

3) If your fabric is Light weight for example Chiffon, Organdy, Crepe or Batiste then the Sharp point needle size would be 11/80 and thread size would be 60.

4) For medium weight fabrics such as muslin, wool crepe, linen, gingham, gabardine, flannel or corduroy use Sharp point needle of size 14/90 and thread of size 50.

5) For medium to heavy fabrics like bonded woven, canvas, coating, denim, duck, sailcloth, or for projects with batting use needle of size 16/100 and thread size 40 or heavy duty thread.

6) Knits such as jersey tricot, bonded or double knits you need to use Ball Point needles which are specifically designed for knits and are available in sizes from 9 to 18 the larger the needle size, the more "rounded" the needle point is. Ball point needles push between the fabric yarn rather than cutting through the fabric yarn.

Before starting any new project always use a new needle and be sure to use the same size and type of thread in the bobbin as the top thread. For most fabrics cotton wrapped polyester size 50, thread can be used. If in doubt ask the stores clerk when you purchase the fabric on the size of the needle to be used.


Express yourself

Jini Pinto

How to sew a ribbon bow or flower

Learning to Sew is easy. But if you are just starting out, it helps to take one step at a time. When I was learning how to sew in school what I could associate with it is that learning to sew requires a lot of hard work and patience and is for older people with little to do. As time passed by, I realized I was wrong. Sewing is not just for old aunts and grandmas but for anyone who is fashion conscious, trendy and wants to be unique and different, sewing is an essential skill.

With a little skill and creativity the possibilities just seem endless. For example the ribbon flower I have below can be used for anything you want to embellish you can use it for your curtain or your pillow case, your dress or your sash, tie it around a gift wrap, attach it to a child's dress - whatever you can think of.

There are some good projects on sites of sewing machine makers such as SINGER or stores such as Joann Fabrics, Michaels and they are all great sites to learn to sew at different levels. But if one is a beginner the sewing jargons and levels can deter you and thats when you need something that is simple to start and something you can see quick results to start your love for fabrics and enhance your personal creativity. Just like any other skill, learning to sew requires some practice. If you start small with fabrics found at home and sew your own projects you will be more confident to take on bigger challenges.

I am glad to share this project of making flowers out of ribbons. You can even teach this to small children especially if you want to keep them occupied in summer or if you need many of these flowers for a special home or fabric décor. It is an easy way of making flowers for your headband or for your fabric pouch or your sash. You just need to know how to use a needle and thread. I had made these (in ivory color) for the flower gals’ baskets for my wedding day.

Materials:
Ribbon measuring 3/4 yard about 24 inches and at least 1 1/2 inch in width

Matching Thread (I have used white for the picture)















Instructions:
1) Sew running stitches (of medium length) along one long edge of the ribbon

















2) When you reach the end don't remove the needle or tie a knot.














3) Pull the thread from the finished end gently to form a gather














4)Pull the thread taut until the ribbon forms into a circle (shaped like a flower)
5) Stitch both ends together and adjust the petals from the front side facing















6) Secure the stitch and tie knot at the wrong side and cut the thread

7) If you want you can sew a button in the center to embellish your ribbon flower

You can use this ribbon to decorate your plain head band or your sash or just to embellish a gift wrap. If you have any such projects to share you are welcome to write to me.

Express yourself!

Jini

For more information on how to sew or learning to sew click http://www.step-by-step-sewing.com/.