This week I have some really fun basic sewing projects lined up! New to sewing? Today we're sharing four basic sewing machine stitches and what they are used for. These are the most common stitches that you'll want to learn. Here are some details about what each one can do...
Basting Stitch This stitch is most commonly used as any temporary stitch that you plan to eventually rip out. You can also use the basting stitch to gather and stay stitch.
Straight Stitch This is the most common stitch. You will use the straight stitch for seams, hems and topstitching.
Zigzag Stitch This stitch is great for stretch fabrics, finishing edges and attaching elastic. You can also use it for stitching around appliqués and making buttonholes.
Three-Step Zigzag Stitch This stitch is best for extreme stretch (for example lingerie and swimwear) and attaching elastic.
I'll be sharing lots of sewing projects with you this week! Together we'll learn tips for sewing leather, cotton, stretch fabrics and knitwear. We'll be learning basic skills while making adorable things to wear! I can't wait. xo, elsie
This sewing basics series was created in collaboration with Missy Creed of Momentum Fashion. Missy is a talented seamstress who sews for Red Velvet!
Thank you for posting this! This is really helpful. No one teaches sewing secrets anymore nowadays and I'm always ferreting the internet and books for helpful tips.:)
Posted by: Laura | January 15, 2012 at 10:41 PM
I'm so excited because I just got a sewing machine for Christmas and have been fighting with it trying to figure everything out. I'm determined to learn but it's so much harder than I thought. Keeping up with these projects will be the perfect challenge- divine timing!
Posted by: Mama Smith | January 15, 2012 at 10:48 PM
Thank you!! I just started up sewing and need some pointers :]
Posted by: Allison | January 15, 2012 at 10:57 PM
Cool! I love to sew. Can't wait to see the projects. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | January 15, 2012 at 11:03 PM
One of my new year resolutions this year is to sew more after over a year away from the sewing machine. I'm still a real novice, so I can't wait to see what tips I'll be able to pick up.
Posted by: Forgotten Fancies | January 15, 2012 at 11:08 PM
Yay! You read my mind! I've had a brand new super nice machine for well over a year now that I received as a gift but have been too intimidated to dive in. lots I want to learn and make!
Posted by: Liz | January 15, 2012 at 11:11 PM
I'm so excited for the upcoming posts! I'm working my way through your e-course and I just finished project 1 tonight. I LOVE my bow and am wearing it to work tomorrow! Thanks for sharing!
aforbeslife.blogspot.com
Posted by: Haleigh Forbes | January 15, 2012 at 11:13 PM
Great info, as always!
Posted by: Jonesy @misssavvychic.blogspot | January 15, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Eeep! I'm so glad your doing this! I love seeing how others sew, and I love your creative process. I can't wait to see things you dream up! I will have to do a post about your new series...many people want to learn about sewing basics and you really have a great way of explaining and doing tutorials/DIY's. LOVE it! Hearts, janna lynn
Posted by: Janna Lynn | January 15, 2012 at 11:17 PM
This is very great! You give the best tips!
Posted by: Chloe | January 15, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Oh gosh I'm terrible at sewing, but these seem easy enough! I need to buckle down and learn! Thanks for posting this, Elsie!
Brooke
thebebebirds.blogspot.com
Posted by: Brooke | January 15, 2012 at 11:27 PM
This is perfect timing because I've just starting sewing lessons with my grandmother! Can't wait for what's to come :)
Posted by: Kathryn Shaw | January 15, 2012 at 11:28 PM
OMG! I'm SUPER EXCITED about these posts!! i used to do makeup for a living and now that I'm a mommy of two I find it hard to take sewing classes. I've sewn basic things like curtains and such. but i look forward to learning with you! You're seriously the most amazing blogger in the bloggiverse! XOXO Liz
eachonearth.blogspot.com
Posted by: elizabeth | January 15, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Great tips! If you have any vintage sewing machine instructions/tips, I would love that! I just changed from a computerized Brother machine to a vintage Necchi Silvia Maximatic (eeep!).
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Posted by: Stephanie May* | January 15, 2012 at 11:31 PM
so great! i've been slowly teaching myself over the past few years..not easy!
♥
Krystle
http://dearwinsome.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Krystle | January 15, 2012 at 11:32 PM
Just got a sewing machine for Christmas!! I'm so excited! Thank you in advance.
whosthisani.blogspot.com
Posted by: Ani Barrington | January 15, 2012 at 11:34 PM
yay! I've had my sewig machone 2 years now and still haven't taught myself. I think this is the jump start I need. I am feeling inspired to develop new skills this year, it's invigorating.
Posted by: Megan Lane | January 15, 2012 at 11:56 PM
Awesome! I'm really excited for this. :)
Posted by: Lauren Mary | January 16, 2012 at 12:30 AM
Thank you so much for going back to the basics! It's nice to hear sewing stuff in basic terms. Looking forward to the sewing projects that you have in store this week x
Posted by: Cat | January 16, 2012 at 12:31 AM
Can't wait to see the finished product. I need to get better with my sewing skills!
www.absurdlypeculiar.blogspot.com
Posted by: allison | January 16, 2012 at 12:33 AM