Chapter 26 Basic Sewing Skills 471 15. Which type of fastener would you use for an edge that just meets? 16. List two guidelines to follow when pressing during the construction of a garment. Think Critically 17. Analyze seams and fi nishes. Select ten ready-to-wear items of clothing from your wardrobe. Identify the types of seams and seam fi nishes used. Analyze why the clothing manufacturer might have used each. 18. Identify cause and effect. What will happen to a curved, fi tted facing if it is not trimmed, graded, and clipped before it is turned and pressed? 19. Identify evidence. Some people do not like to take the time to press as they sew. How would you explain to them the importance of this practice? What evidence can you provide? Apparel Applications 20. Demonstrate machine know-how. Learning to use the sewing machine with precision is essential for successful sewing. Practice using the sewing machine. Learn to start and stop, sew straight, sew around curves, turn corners, and backstitch. 21. Demonstrate directional stitching. Practice directional stitching. Cut diagonally across two fabric scraps. Stitch up one of the edges. Stitch down the other edge. Compare. 22. Practice easing. Ease one edge of a fabric sample. Gather the edge of another fabric sample. Attach both to a third fabric sample. Practice easing sample without forming any gathers or tucks. 23. Practice darts. Cut two pieces of fabric 6 inches by 8 inches. Mark dart lines on each piece. Sew one dart with three stitches taken along the fold at the point. Sew the other dart without taking these stitches. Tie both dart points to secure. Press over a tailor’s ham. Which dart puckers and which lies smoothly? 24. Demonstrate seams and fi nishes. Make samples of each type of seam and seam fi nish using 6-inch by 8-inch fabric swatches. Use two swatches for each sample. 25. Demonstrate hem profi ciency. Practice securing a hem. 26. Demonstrate pressing profi ciency. With a classmate, practice using various pressing equipment. Then use a camcorder or digital camera with video-clip capabilities to record your demonstration showing how to use various pieces of pressing equipment. Share your videos with the class. Academic Connections 27. Social studies. Investigate the invention of the zipper. How did the zipper impact the apparel industry? Use presentation software to create an illustrated report of your fi ndings. 28. Reading. Obtain an invisible zipper of a short length and the necessary zipper foot. Read through the application directions that come with the package. Practice inserting the invisible zipper. How helpful were the directions? Write a summary about your experience. Workplace Connections 29. Demonstrate zipper application. Presume you are a sewing instructor at a local fabric shop. You will be teaching your beginners class how to apply centered and lapped zippers. Prepare your demonstrations following the chapter guidelines and give your demonstrations to the class. 30. Portfolio builder. Suppose you are applying for a job as a tailor for a major department store. The department manager, who is conducting your interview, requested that you bring a portfolio demonstrating your sewing ability. Create and neatly mount examples of all sewing techniques outlined in this chapter. Put your samples in a portfolio binder to take to your interview. Fashion Construction—Child Prepare a Fashion Construction STAR Event to display your skills in clothing construction. For this event, sew a garment using at least eight sewing-construction techniques for a child’s garment. Follow the FCCLA STAR Event guidelines for Fashion Construction. See your adviser for information as needed.