I just recently taught a session of "Sewing First Steps" for students at Texas State University as part of our annual Sustainable Fashion Week. Our focus this year was on ReUse. This meant that introducing students to the sewing facilities in the Alkek Library Makerspace was important, to reduce barriers to sewing for the first time. Sixteen students signed up to attend one of two hour long sessions where I taught the basics of using the machines as well as gave tips to improve success out of the gate.
One tip that I gave them was to have their own set up supplies, since the free supplies at the Makerspace can be a bit hit or miss. For example, there is tons of shiny, slippery embroidery thread that is useful for the complex embroidery machine but will be miserable for a new sewist. 100% polyester thread is strong, for sure, but using a core-spun thread, where the polyester core is covered by a layer of spun cotton means that the thread is less likely to slip around and will give a nicer hand to the finished product. Here are some other supplies that I can recommend:
- Seam Rippers
- Seam gauge (6" metal ruler)
- Pin cushions with needle cushions
- Pins
- Fabric Scissors (pinking and large)
- Thread (core-spun poly cotton)
- Wax for hand sewing
- Hand sewing needles
- Cutting mat and rotary cutters
- First aid kit (rotary cutters are seriously dangerous)
- Clear rulers (long and triangular)
- Measuring tape
- Iron
- Ironing mats (wool mats are easy)
- Fabric pens
- Extra Bobbins
- Clips
Comments ()