Basic Sewing Information

The following is meant as a basic guide for those who may not be familiar with some of the terms used for the projects you will find Behind The Seam. 

By all means, if you have a better or different way of sewing, please use what you are most comfortable using.

Sewing machine – basic straight stitch machine with or without a zigzag stitch

• use an all purpose thread for seams, not an embroidery thread

Sewing Machine Needles

• for knits use ballpoints
• for woven fabric use sharps
• all purpose needles are great for polyester

Stitches - T-shirt fabric needs to give or stretch a little

• Use a Zigzag stitch
• stretch stitch or 
• regular stretch and hold seam
  

Sewing Terms

• Raw edge – cut edge of fabric
• Right side (RS) – is the outside or correct side
• Wrong side (WS) – is the inside
• TIP - Knit fabric rolls to correct side of fabric
• RST – right sides together
• WST – wrong sides together
• Clean finish – zigzag, serge, or turn raw edge and stitch in place (to prevent fraying)
• Seam Allowances (SA) – use ¼” – ½” 
• Quarter Mark – evenly divide into four sections
• Hand stitch – stitches using a hand needle & thread

Zigzag Stitch – saw-toothed edge

• Use to join stretchy fabrics
• Prevents fraying or raveling on the seam edge
• Decorative edge

Gather – draw up fabric fullness

• Use a gathering foot or
• Zigzag over dental floss

Topstitching – stitching on outside of fabric to outline a seam