TELEVISION

Startup Library: Sewing - Season 1

Series: Startup Library: Sewing
4.8
(144)
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Episodes
17
Rating
NR
Year
2020
Language
English
Publisher
Craftsy

About

Ready to explore a new craft? Learn to sew with author, designer and sewing expert Sara Alm in this comprehensive beginner's class. Sara will guide you through all the basics, from essential tools and materials to choosing patterns, cutting and marking fabric and so much more. You'll make a simple tote bag and stylish dress - even if you've never sewn before - and acquire a full set of garment-making skills that you can apply to any project. Your sewing journey is just getting started!

* Important Pattern Information

The dress sewing pattern on which this class is partially based - McCall's 7120 -is not included and may be out of print - check with online retailers. This class is rich in essential sewing techniques, so if the pattern is out of print, we encourage you to look for an alternative pattern with similar style details. You might also be able to find the original pattern through a private reseller.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. 01–What You Need: Essentials

12m

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Meet author, designer and sewing expert Sara Alm and begin class by going over a few essential tools, including a sewing machine, good fabric shears and an iron.

2. 02–What You Need: Patterns

15m

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Sara shows you how to select the perfect beginner-friendly sewing pattern, measure for your correct size and, using McCall's dress pattern 7120 (included with your class), read a paper pattern envelope. She'll also discuss the pros and cons of downloadable PDF patterns.

3. 03–What You Need: Fabrics

11m

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Find out how to buy fabric like a pro! In this lesson, Sara shares the best types of fabrics to use for beginners, as well as the more challenging ones, before explaining how fabric is measured in width and length.

4. 04–What You Need: Interfacing

11m

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Underneath it all, interfacing supports fabric and keeps it stable in areas such as necklines and armholes. With so many varieties to choose from, Sara helps you drill down to just what you need. She even shares tips for successfully adhering fusible interfacing to fabric with a steam iron, an essential sewing skill.

5. 05–What You Need: Notions

14m

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See how to choose thread and other essential smaller tools, including pins, needles and a seam ripper. Sara also covers twill tape for tote bag handles, and other trims and closures you might find useful as you continue to sew.

6. 06-Practice: Machine Threading & Operating

19m

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Ready to start operating your sewing machine? First, wind a bobbin, thread the machine, load the bobbin, insert a needle and attach a presser foot. Then, select a straight stitch, set the stitch length, and let 'er run as you practice stitching straight lines, pivots, curves and backstitching on no-risk paper.

7. 07-Practice: Stitches & Seams

16m

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Learn to pin, sew and press accurate, beautiful seams as Sara explains seam allowance, an essential concept for successful sewing. You'll also learn three options for easily finishing the raw edges of the seam allowance. And if you make a mistake, not to worry! You'll learn how to use a seam ripper to remove errors.

8. 08-Method: Grain Line & Pattern Layout

15m

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Once you've pretreated your fabric, you're ready to lay out the pattern pieces on the fabric for cutting, arranging them for the most efficient use of your cloth. Sara walks you through reading the pattern layout diagrams and aligning the all-important grain line, found on each pattern piece.

9. 09-Method: Cutting & Marking

12m

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It's important to cut the pattern pieces out smoothly and accurately. Using the tote bag class project as an example, Sara shows you how to cut with fabric shears. Then discover various techniques to trace the dart markings and transfer other key symbols from the pattern to the fabric.

10. 10-Make It: Tote Bag Part 1

21m

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Now, put your newly learned techniques to use by sewing your first project: a tote bag! After a quick recap of the cutting and marking process, start your bag by preparing and stitching the pocket to the front. Then add shaping to the bottom of the front and back with darts.

Extended Details

  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

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