Basic Sewing: How to read a pattern tutorial-PART 3

 

Steps:

· Baste: Can be used to hold pieces in place until garment has finishing seams. Longest stitch length on sewing machine or a long length stitch by hand.


· Seam: Regular length stitch to attach two or more pattern pieces together. Typical seam allowance is 5/8 inch, unless specified in pattern.

· Hem: Fabric folded twice and sewn to prevent edges from fraying to to give a clean, professional and finished look.

· Stay stitching: Regular-length stitch done on individual pattern pieces at points of great stress (ex: underarm, crotch). Adds extra strength and lengthens the life of the finished garment.

· Gather: Fabric is sewn using baste stitching and then pulled together to form fullness in finished garment. (Below: sleeve at shoulder and at hem near elbow)

· Pleat: Fabric folded over itself to allow for fit at fold (ex: waistline) and still have extra fabric at opposite end.

· Dart: Sewn folds in fabric to make garment fit over fuller parts of the body (ex: hips and bust)