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This series for beginning sewers provides a complete course in mastering the basics. Our experienced Threads editors walk you through the fundamentals, from threading your machine through attaching that final button. The skills explained in Teach Yourself to Sew are perfect for new sewers or for those looking to brush up on the basics. Lessons include hemming, attaching buttons and zippers, how to iron, and sewing a jacket from a pattern.
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i’m sorry but this just got confusing... you lost me in the (very basic, i’m aware... 😳) terminology whilst describing setting up that first stitch.
can you reiterate...?
thx again for this... it’s amazing. 🙏🏻💕
If you're asking about how to set up the French seam, here are the steps. This assumes your pattern has a 5/8-inch-wide seam allowance.
1. Place the fabric layers with wrong sides together, and edges aligned.
2. Sew the seam with a 1/4-inch-wide seam allowance. Then, trim the allowances to 1/8 inch wide.
3. Fold the fabric with right sides together, placing the seamline you just sewed right on the edge. Press flat.
4. Sew the seam again, this time with a 3/8-inch-wide seam allowance. Press the seam as sewn, then press the allowances to one side.
This encloses the fabric's raw edges within the seam allowances for a clean, non-raveling finish. It's best on straight or gently curved seams.
Carol J. Fresia, Threads Senior Technical Editor