Assignment 7: Basic Sewing

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Creating a Reversible Tote

Materials Required

This project requires fabric, sewing machine, iron, scissors, pins and thread.

Step 1

Pre-wash and dry fabric. I chose 100% cotton for this project. I selected colors and patterns that would not only look nice together but also provide contrast between the outer side and the lining of the tote.

Step 2

Iron the fabric to prepare for cutting out pieces using pattern.

Step 3

Using pattern, cut out two 4″ x 22″ pieces. Fold in half and press.

Step 4

Open each piece and fold outer edge to the centre.

Step 5

Then, fold in half and press.

Step  6

Next, top stitch each strap.

Step 7

Step 7 Continued

Step 7 Continued

Using pattern, cut two pieces (13 1/2″ X 14)  for tote outside and two pieces (13 1/2″ X 14″) for tote lining.

Step 8

Step 8 Continued

Pin and sew outer pieces right sides together on three sides. Do the same for the two lining pieces.

Step 9

Step 9 Continued

Step 9 Continued

Pinch bottom corner together and stitch across 1 1/2″ from corner for two outer and two lining corners.

Step 10

Place lining  inside the outer fabric right sides together. Place straps in between right sides of fabric on each side about 2 1/2″ from the side edge. Pins straps and top edge of tote. Stitch around top of tote 1/2″ edge. Leave a 2 1/2″ opening on the side for flipping tote right side out.

Step 11

Flip bag right side out.

Step 12

Step 12 Continued

Push lining inside tote and top stitch all the way around the top of tote closing the opening left from flipping tote right side out.

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Finished Product

Reversible Tote Results

 

Reversible Tote Results Continued

 

Reversible Tote Results Continued

 

Reversible Tote Results Continued

 

Reversible Tote Results Continued

 

Note: I chose to not explicitly embellish this tote as it is for casual and practical use. It will be exposed to hard wear carting things around so I wanted it durable and without too many bells and whistles.

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Sources for Instruction on Basic Sewing

“Tilly and the Buttons Dress Handmade: Learn to Sew” (http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/p/learn-to-sew.html)

Sewing Handout (http://www.lovesewing.com/studenthandouts/isstudenthandouts.pdf)

Sewing Machine Parts and their Jobs Handout  (http://misspedeliskifacs.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/1/4/12143109/sewing_machine_parts_and_jobs.pdf)

“Threads: Understanding Thread Tension” (http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4302/understanding-thread-tension)

Some Basic Sewing Stitches

http://www.sewdresses.com/sew-dresses/sewing-how-to-sewing-easy-sewing-stitches

 

“Better Homes and Garden: Sewing Patterns and Tips for Beginners” (http://howtosew.com)

“Simplicity Creative Group: Sewing 101” (http://www.simplicity.com/t-sewing-101-part1.aspx)

“Skip to My Lou: Craft, Create and Celebrate” (http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/07/17/how-to-make-a-simple-reversible-totebag)

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Basic Sewing Class Activity

Textile Arts and Design 7

• Unit 3 in Textile Arts and Design 7  is Textile Production Basics
• General Curriculum Outcome: Students will be expected to develop competency in the selection and use of technological applications in textiles.
• Specific Curriculum Outcome 3.1: Students will be expected to develop skills in the use of technology for sewing, threading and operating a sewing machine, using an iron, using a serger
• Specific Curriculum Outcome 3.2: Students will be expected to apply sewing skills to a project and articulate what they have learned using sewing terminology

Methodology:

• Students will participate in sewing machine activities. They will identify parts of a sewing machine and functions.  The following is an example of a handout. Sewing Machine Parts and their Jobs Handout. Students will be expected to thread a machine, sew a straight line, use reverse function, turn a corner, sew a curved line to achieve their “Sewing License.” Students can first practice such skills on  piece of paper with template according to task. This is called “Paper Stitching Exercise.” See example.

Paper Stitching Activity

Click to access 3316_see_n_sew_worksheet.pdf

• Students will use smaller sewing equipment such as the following tools:  measuring, pinning, pressing, cutting and marking.
• Students will complete a handout on sewing terminology Sewing Handout See n’ Sew Projects (http://www.learningzonexpress.com/documents/worksheets/3316_see_n_sew_worksheet.pdf). Teacher will provide opportunities to practice sewing terminology using handouts and Word Walls.

Resources:

• Nova Scotia Department of Education Curriculum: Textile Arts and Design 7 (Draft)
• http://misspedeliskifacs.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/1/4/12143109/sewing_machine_parts_and_jobs.pdf
• http://www.learningzonexpress.com/documents/worksheets/3316_see_n_sew_worksheet.pdf