MeritBadges/Sewing

Introduction

Learn to mend and create your own clothing, backpacks, furniture covers, stuffed toys, etc.

Once you know the basics, the main requirement for successful sewing is attention to detail (or, alternately, low standards).

Subject Matter Experts

• Emeline/@e_mln_e
• Alaina

Requirements

1. Thread a hand sewing needle; knot the thread ends
2. Sew on a button by hand
3. Thread a sewing machine, top & bobbin threads.
4. Operate the machine to produce various different seams.
   1. straight stitch
   2. zigzag
   3. reverse (backwards) seam
   4. decorative (optional)
   5. buttonhole (optional)
   6. tack (optional)
5. Wind a bobbin
6. Use a seam ripper to remove a seam
7. Demonstrate understanding of these terms (define or show examples)
   1. seam allowance
   2. right/wrong side of fabric
   3. grain of fabric
   4. "straight of grain"
   5. bias
   6. nap
   7. facing
   8. interfacing
   9. lining
   10. backstitching
   11. topstitching
8. Demonstrate understanding of basic fabric types
   1. knit vs woven (extra credit: the 3rd main method of constructing fabric)
   2. various fiber contents
   3. common washing gotchas
   4. flammability
9. Demonstrate minimal knowledge of various fasteners & their appropriateness
   1. zippers
   2. velcro
   3. buttons
   4. snaps
   5. ties
   6. hook & eye
   7. buckles
10. Make a small project. Some suggestions:
    1. pillow
    2. T-shirt
    3. hat
    4. project bag