Owen - Home sewing techniques essential sewing skills to make inspirational soft furnishings

It is important to check that you have all you need before you embark on your home sewing endeavours. There is nothing more frustrating to find that once you have started making something you are missing a vital piece of equipment or that you dont have enough fabric for a project, especially if you then discover that your chosen colourway or pattern is no longer available.

When it comes to basic sewing skills, there is more to home sewing than just stitching. Cutting out the fabric is a major part of the process too, and will often give you a sense of how the finished item will look.

Even if you are a novice needleworker, you will probably have some basic sewing equipment. Gather these items together and store in one place, using this equipment only on fabrics and trimmings so they dont become dirty and blunt. Work on a clean, flat surface that is well lit daylight-simulation light bulbs are kind to the eye and wont distort the colour of fabrics and threads. Keep sharp implements out of the reach of young children or pets.

Pattern-making papers

Pattern paper is available from haberdashery (notions) stores; some large department stores will also sell sewing materials and tools. Tracing paper or greaseproof (wax) paper can also be used, and is especially useful when you need to see through the pattern, for example, when positioning motifs.

Pattern-making tools

Draw patterns with a fine pen or a propelling pencil. Draw straight lines against a ruler and describe small circles with a pair of compasses. Use a set square for accurate angles.

Pattern-making tools

Measuring tools

Use a plastic-coated or cloth tape measure to measure curves and to check fabric measurements. A transparent 30 cm (12 in) ruler is a handy size for making patterns and checking measurements. Draw against a metre (yard) stick for long lengths and to measure fabric quantities. A retractable steel measure can be used to measure windows and beds, and is also useful when measuring long lengths of fabric curtains for example. A 15 cm (6 in) long sewing gauge has a slider that can be set at different measurements for marking hems and seams, and as a guide for quilting.

Rulers and tape measures

Scissors

Cut paper patterns with paper scissors. Bent-handled dressmaking shears are the most accurate and comfortable to use for cutting fabric the angle of the lower blade allows the fabric to lie flat. Shears are available in different sizes, so test before buying find a pair that feels comfortable to your hand. The best-quality shears are expensive, but if cared for they will last a lifetime. A small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors are indispensable for snipping fabric and threads. For protection, keep them in a cloth case when not in use.

Scissors

Fabric markers

Marks made with an air-erasable pen will gradually fade away and those made with a water-soluble pen can be removed with water. Traditional tailors chalk comes in different colours in wedge and pencil form; the marks will mostly brush off but a slight residue will remain. Always test fabric makers on fabric scraps first. A fine, sharp pencil can be used on fabric, but the marks will stay.

Fabric makers

T IP: A good iron and ironing board are essential pieces of sewing equipement. Use a sturdy ironing board. Since you will often be handling large and weighty pieces of fabric, the board must be able to take the strain. Buy the best-quality iron you can afford, ideally a steam/dry iron that has a variable and reliable heat setting.

NEEDLES
Sewing machine needles

These needles come in a range of sizes with different-shaped points, the lower the number the finer the point. Universal needles in size 7090 (914) are the most commonly used. Stitch non-woven fabrics with a ball-point needle. Replace sewing machine needles regularly, as they soon become blunt and put strain on your sewing machine.