Straight Stitch Sewing for Beginners – tension, seams, hems

The course covers 5 sections:

1. an introduction

2. how to set up your sewing machine to get your thread tension, foot pressure and stitch length correct (including a quiz).

3. how to do french seams, hems, linings and edgestitching using straight stitch.

4. how to make a lined pencilcase with the skills learnt.

5. how to make a cardholder using the skills learnt.

The course uses video footage of an older domestic sewing machine with simple adjustable parts. Mention is made of how other models may be set up, but reference is to parts and systems that all simple domestic machines have.

The course is meant for beginners that are using a simple domestic machine as a way to make simple items for themselves, friends as gifts and/or items to be made for sale. The 2 items that are made are finished well, so that they are suitable for sale. They are also quick to make in repetition, using only a small amount of fabric and notions. The pencil case and cardholder can be changed in size and fabric type so that other items can be made, like toiletries bags, makeup bags, tissue holders, nappy wallets, and wet bags (instruction not included for these items).

Requirements of equipment to be able to complete the course:

• A sewing machine (only needs to be able to sew straight stitch).

• Sewing machine needles to suit the fabric type and weight.

• Light/mid-weight woven fabric (preferably quilting); 100 x 110cm or 4 fat quarters.

• Small scraps of fabric for testing your machine.

• Matching thread

• 1  matching zip (20 – 30 cm)

• 16cm elastic (3 – 10mm width, as preferred)

• Scissors

• Pins

• Ruler or measuring tape

• Iron

• Pencil (preferable tailors chalk pencil) for marking fabric.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have access to the course materials?

You can view and review the lecture materials indefinitely, like an on-demand channel.

Can I take my courses with me wherever I go?

Definitely! If you have an internet connection, courses on Udemy are available on any device at any time. If you don’t have an internet connection, some instructors also let their students download course lectures. That’s up to the instructor though, so make sure you get on their good side!