Needlework is a type of handicraft that involves creating any craft using a needle, ranging from traditional sewing to more refined practices such as crocheting with a hook or embroidery. It can be a relaxing activity that anyone can get into, leading to a more steady heart rate and a sharper mind.
Whether you’re hoping to master embroidery stitches or simply repair your women’s jeans or Guess hoodie, here are practical tips to remember when diving into needlework – for seamless creation and fewer needle pricks.
Image by Anita Smith
Must-Haves In Your Sewing Kit
Well-known must-have items that every sewer (sewing artist) or needlework enthusiast needs are safety pins, cutting tools, needles, and thread. However, uncommon necessary items that many seem to forget to include the following:
Make A Guide for Hand Stitching
Whether for embroidery or fixing a hole in a shirt, hand stitching can be challenging, especially when you plan on making evenly spaced stitches. You can achieve the perfect spaced stitches by machine basting a stitch line and use it as a guide. All you need to do is set your preferred stitch length, pull the machine stitches a couple of times beforehand sewing, then following the holes behind. You can do this for blanket stitches, topstitches, or herringbone stitches.
Rubber Bands for Seam Guide Allowance
A seam allowance is an area between a fabric edge and stitching line of different pieces intended to be sewn together, like when you’re making a pair of pants. This gap needs to be correctly sized as it determines how a person can use the final product you intend on making. A simple way you can achieve a perfect seam allowance every time is by using a rubber band around the base of your sewing machine, marking your ideal seam allowance.
Perfect Top Stitching with Tape
Topstitching is an advanced sewing technique where you need to sew threads uniquely to make it appear like the stitching line is outside the garment, whether for decorative or functional purposes. Sewing a perfectly straight topstitch on fabric can be challenging, leaving many with lopsided stitches. A simple way to remedy this is by placing masking tape on the fabric you’re using to create a topstitching guide to follow. All you need to do is stitch along the edges of the tape and remove it afterward.
Embrace Your Mistakes
If it’s your first time taking up needlework, you’ll likely end up with knots, and when this happens, don’t worry because it happens to everyone. Remember that mastering the broad art of needlework, especially embroidery and crocheting, takes time – and patience even for the most experienced. The practice shouldn’t be intimidating, and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes as it helps you find a way that works best for you.
The art of stitching and other needlework crafts is a re-emerging favorite past-time for many sewists and modern DIYers, allowing them to create thread masterpieces by hand and enjoy a much slower paced world, savoring life. Whether you’ve been sewing since you were a child or recently took up needlework as a hobby, the tips mentioned can streamline the process – making it more fun and memorable.
