Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Sewing

image courtesy of AllFreeSewing...

Sometimes, it's like a blog post just writes itself. Well, almost... don't I wish!

Several weeks ago, I opened up an email from AllFreeSewing and found the unexpected bonus that I'm about to share with you today. Given that we've just flipped the calendar to September, it's also an apt celebration of National Sewing Month.

I have to admit that the mailings from AFS come too fast and too often (several times a day) and I'm more likely to delete them than look through them. Whenever I do open one, it's to scout out new projects, but I'm glad I read further in this particular edition.

This collection is not new, but I had never previously seen all of this stuff gathered together like this.

The best part is, whether you've been sewing for two months or two decades, something here is sure to be new and informative to you.

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History & Basics

From absolute basic stuff like how to sew buttons — divided up into shank buttons, two-holed buttons and four-holed buttons — to what finger to put a thimble on (there's really no right answer to that, by the way, it's wherever you feel it provides the best protection for you), there is a section that answers basic questions about sewing in general. It even includes an article on the origins of sewing; the earliest evidence of threading cord through holes in material dates back to 45000 BC.

Sewing Notions & Stuff

Did you ever wonder why the word "notions"? I mean, if you look the word up in a dictionary, it doesn't give you the meaning that it has with us sewers. Unfortunately, while one of these articles does go in depth on what sewing notions encompass — i.e., basic supplies, cutters, fasteners, trims, measuring implements, and pressing tools — it doesn't go into why the word itself was chosen. Too bad.

image courtesy of AllFreeSewing...

Among the collection of articles found here is one that covers unconventional sewing tools. You know those hacks that we've come to adopt and use? (Binder clips, anyone?) Maybe there's something new for you to discover.

There's also a discussion on the best glues for fabric. Obviously, it's going to be the kind that's been developed for fabric, but I had an issue with their dismissive assessment of glue sticks. No, they're not going to hold anything together permanently, but they are quite handy for temporary adhesion.

 

Fabrics

What are fat quarters? Well, I certainly asked that question about a decade ago! A few seconds on Google got me the answer then, but this article not only describes the iconic rectangle that's been so personally useful to me, it also includes a guide to the other oddly named precuts of the quilting world. (Which must have been named by some poor soul who was on a diet depriving her from various sugary baked goods.)

Apart from the ways in which fabric can be cut and sold, this section provides tips on how to care for various types of materials from felt to vinyl.

One of my favourite discussions? How to "thrift" fabric; i.e., how to find and purchase unconventional sources of material. I started my sewing journey that way and have made it a priority to conclude it that way.

Sizing & Measurements

If you're into making clothing, this section is for you. Information on all aspects of sizing and measuring, from body types to types of clothing can be found here.

One of the articles tackles the subject of whether making your own clothing is cheaper than buying. If you're of a certain age, you already know the answer to that. (At one time it certainly was cheaper, but not now.)

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All About Sewing Patterns

Again, this section may be of more interest to you if you're a sewer of clothing and need to interpret a traditional "pattern". (I haven't sewn with a clothing pattern in decades.)

image courtesy of AllFreeSewing...

I like how the articles acknowledge the fact that sewing patterns are very expensive these days and give you guidance on how to alter and reuse them.

My favourites here? Two articles on how to draft your own pattern to make clothing. I've covered the method here on my blog with a pair of shorts, but the process is the same with any item of clothing.

Simply choose something that fits you well and you're off to the races.

Sewing Machine Essentials

It's debatable whether or not you'd be reading any of this if you didn't already have a sewing machine, but perhaps if you've outgrown the one you have, you may want consult this section for some sewing machine and serger essential facts.

image courtesy of AllFreeSewing...

I took a quick glance through the "choosing a sewing machine" article and smiled when I came upon a heading that stated, the best sewing machines last for decades. I truly don't know how the adage of "you get what you pay for" applies to modern day sewing machines, because I've never had to consider buying a machine in today's marketplace. I was a teenager when I purchased the sewing machine that I am currently using and I'm pretty sure I won't be needing to buy another one before my personal sewing journey is done.

Important one not to miss: how to clean your sewing machine. I've covered the question of tracking when here on my blog, but if you need a refresher course on the "how to" part, give this a gander.

Stitching & Hemming

This part covers everything from hand stitched embroidery to mending in terms of stitching.

And while I know what topstitching is, it never occurred to me that people might do it by hand. (I suppose it's the same as hand quilting.)

I like the suggestions for topstitching using a decorative stitch (as in the photo here). I have often thought to do my "next" bit of topstitching using the decorative stitching cams that came with my sewing machine, but the plan has never come to fruition for some reason. Maybe next time! ◔ ⌣ ◔

Miscellany

The first article listed under the last section has to do with covering up mistakes. I'm a true believer in that when something is done, it should be done right, so never hesitate to take out the seam ripper and do it over. (If need be, put it aside and wait until you're in the proper frame of mind.) But sometimes, things are just hard to fix and you may need a work-around.

Other articles here run the gamut from how to prevent puckering to how to sew elastic. It finishes off with a compilation of fifty-plus sewing "hacks", many of which are fun to explore and have in your sewing toolbox (some of which were covered in this previous post of mine).

The entire collection of links that I've described above can be found here in one central "index" at AllFreeSewing.

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One final link that I'd like to share today is this one for historical sewing patterns.

image courtesy of AllFreeSewing...

It's a collection of sewing patterns through the decades spanning styles from pioneer and Victorian days through to the 1990s.

Even if you don't make any of them, it's an interesting read. (And I'm not just saying that because one of my projects was featured in their 1980s collection!)

In closing, I'd like to express my gratitude to the folks at AllFreeSewing for their support over the years... and for providing me with enough material for a post that almost wrote itself. ◕‿↼

Oh, and mustn't forget: you can join in on the National Sewing Month 2022 celebrations throughout September (with giveaways galore as usual) over at AllFreeSewing by clicking here. 

'Til next...