The Textile Artist's Studio Handbook

(RAY)

(Fogra 39) Job:02-28051 Title:RP-Textile Artist Handbook

#175 DTP:225 Page:140

138-151_28051.indd 140 3/6/12 8:54 PM

(RAY)

(Fogra 39) Job:02-28051 Title:RP-Textile Artist Handbook

#175 DTP:225 Page:141

138-151_28051.indd 141 3/6/12 8:54 PM

(Text)

Sewing, Quilting, and a ppliQ uét he t extile a rtiS t'S Studio h andbook

140

The Sewing Machine

The sewing machine was invented for speed and effi-

ciency and can do amazing things. Of course, ver y de-

tailed work and precise pattern matching is best done

by hand, but almost everything else can be done on a

basic sewing machine that can execute a straight, re-

verse, and zigzag stitch. Be sure to review the instruc-

tion manual to understand how your machine works.

Even the most basic sewing machines will have

these important features:

• Power switch

• Foot, knee, or touch pad control to start and stop

the machine

• Bobbins and bobbin winder (You’ll want to wind

different color threads onto a selection of bobbins.

The bobbin sits below the needle and presser foot

in the bobbin case.)

• A needle that lowers and rises to create stitches

• Several presser feet come with a sewing machine,

usually a general-purpose foot, a straight stitch

foot, and a zipper foot. The presser foot keeps the

fabric in place while the feed dogs (on the base of

the sewing machine) move the fabric forward.

• Thread spool pin and thread guides to hold the up-

per (or needle) thread—there will also be a thread-

ing guide printed on the machine or illustrated in

the manual. It is very important for the thread to

follow the correct path.

• Tension and stitch regulators or dials that you ad-

just to change the thread tension, stitch type, stitch

length, and stitch width

• Reverse stitch button or dial

• Balance wheel, which turns as your needle moves

up and down—you can use the wheel to manually

control your needle.

With a sewing machine, there are two threads (as

opposed to sewing by hand, which uses only one

thread): the needle thread and the bobbin thread. The

two threads interlock between the fabric layers. The

key to successful sewing is knowing how to work your

machine, so keep the instruction manual handy.

LEFT Draping is the method of creat-

ing a garment by tucking, pinning,

and pleating fabric over a dress form

to sculpt a garment.

RIGHT Shown here is a serger, which

can be used to finish edges.

(RAY)

(Fogra 39) Job:02-28051 Title:RP-Textile Artist Handbook

#175 DTP:225 Page:140

138-151_28051.indd 140 3/6/12 7:32 PM

(Text)

Sewing, Quilting, and a ppliQ ué

141

The TexT ile ArT isT 's sTudio hAndbook

Storage

You will need storage for fabric because all sewers

hoard fabric! It needs to be far away from the wet

area of your studio. You’ll also need containers and

labels. The tools needed are few, but they are small

and should be kept in labeled drawers, tins, boxes,

and the like. Whatever storage method you choose, it

just needs to be organized! Revisit chapter one (page

19) for some pointers on organization.

The Basics of Hand Sewing

To stitch by hand, simply thread a hand needle with

an 18 inches (45.7 cm) length of thread and knot one

end. Keep your stitches uniform in size and don’t pull

the thread too tight or leave it too loose. Knowledge

of the following four stitches will allow you to do any

hand sewing, but there are many more that you can

learn over time. Some of the following are also used

in embroidery and for decorative stitching.

Straight or Running Stitch

A straight or running stitch is basic for hand sewing.

It is the quintessential stitch formed in equal lengths

either for construction or for decoration.

Basting Stitch

A basting stitch is a very long, loose straight stitch

used to hold something in place temporarily. Use it to

quickly stitch something together to see what it will

look like. It’s easy to remove the stitches by snipping

and pulling the thread. A basting stitch can also be

used to gather fabric.

ABOVE Here is a basic stitch sampler

that is a great way to practice

stitches, but also a great way to

remember them for future reference

or to show others.

(RAY)

(Fogra 39) Job:02-28051 Title:RP-Textile Artist Handbook

#175 DTP:225 Page:141

138-151_28051.indd 141 3/6/12 7:32 PM