Sewing signs
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Sewing signs |
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Double ended Arrow |
Dot |
Dot |
| This means lay the pattern out to the straight of the grain of the material - lining up with the double-ended arrow. | This means mark the dart by sewing a tailor tack at each dot to mark the whole dart. | This means mark the center by sewing a tailor tack at each dot. |
Tailor tacksBefore removing the pattern (and cutting out) from the double material, take a long double thread and tack (like doing one stitch of "back stitch") to mark positions of darts, etc... On commercial patterns dots are used to show where to put a tailor's tack. Open the doubled material (after cutting out) and cut the threads between, so marking both sides.
Back stitchThis is a good strong stitch to use if you are sewing seams by hand.
Hemming (blind) stitchMost hems have the raw edge neatened by machine first, then pressed up and slip-stitched by hand. Stitches should be long, not tight and with only single thread caught through to the right side.
Oversewing stitch
Gathering stitch
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Handmade ButtonholesOversew cut edges with shallow stitches, (as shown in Fig. 1).Starting with a length of thread long enough to complete the buttonhole, work buttonhole stitches from left to right along its length. *Insert the needle into the back of the work and before pulling it through, bring the thread from the needle under the point to form a loop. Pull forward into a small knot, placing it on the cut edge, (as shown in Fig. 2). Do not pull the loops too tight or the edge will roll and the buttonhole will not meet properly.** The spacing of the stitches is important . If the stitches are worked too close together the edge will cockle. Judge the distance of the stitch by the thickness of the thread you are using and the grain of the fabric. The depth of the stitch depends on how easily the fabric frays. A firm fabric can be worked with a very shallow stitch. At the ends make a small bar across both rows of stitches using the same method as from * to **.
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Some sewing tips for sewing for Barbie-type dolls:
*Buy pinking shear scissors-they cut the material in zig-zag fashion.
*Always use lightweight fabrics.
*Always pin before sewing - it's very important to sew exact with smaller dolls and press after you have sewn seams.
*Do you like using your sewing machine - but sewing with extreme lightweight fabrics like for evening gowns - you get fustrated with the fabric puckering? - No more tears! - just put paper (tissue preferable) underneath material as you sew seams etc.; saves changing the thread tensions and just pull paper off when you've finished.
Here is a personal measurement chart you can download below in PDF format: -use for yourself or for that Barbie-type doll. Just click on the link below. You can print it off or save it to your computer.
Feedback & Enquiries: kiwi_fdp@kiwifashiondollpatterns.co.nz
Last updated: 16 February 2010Kathleen Williams*Kiwi Fashion Doll Patterns*P.O.Box 11098*Hastings North*Hastings 4158*New ZealandThe free patterns on this site may not be used for commercial financial gain.However these free patterns can be used to sell as made up items/garments (not the written patterns themselves) by charitable organisations to raise funds and by individuals who would like to raise a few funds for themselves at market days or at their own private garage sales.Printouts of my free patterns may be distributed freely, as long as myself as author remains intact and as long as as my free patterns are not distributed with the purpose of commercial gain.All other products mentioned on this site are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2005-2010 Kiwi Fashion Doll Patterns. |
