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Unit 5 Sewing Techniques
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Notions
Notions are items other than fabric
that become part of a garment or project.
Thread, zippers, buttons, snaps, hooks and
eyes, hook-and-loop tape, tapes, trims,
elastics, and interfacings are notions. The
pattern envelope lists the notions for a
project under notions or supplies.
Buy notions at the same time you buy
the fabric. This way you can match colors.
When you are selecting notions, keep in
mind the care of the fi nished garment. If
the garment is washable, make sure that
the notions are also washable.
Thread
Thread comes in a wide variety of col-
ors. If you are using solid-colored fabric,
select thread that is slightly darker. (Thread looks lighter when it is stitched
into fabric.) If the fabric is a print or a plaid, try to select thread that matches
the background color in the fabric, 24-7.
Choosing the right fi ber content of thread to prevent stitching problems is
just as important as choosing the color. There are three main types of thread
available. They are polyester/cotton, polyester, and mercerized cotton. There
are several types of specialty threads also available.
• Polyester/cotton thread. This all-purpose thread can be used for sewing
almost all fabrics. It is strong, stretchable, and has minimum shrinkage.
This thread is often used to sew on knit and stretch fabrics because of its
strength and ability to give. It has a polyester core that gives the thread
strength. This core is then wrapped with cotton to give it smoothness and
luster. It comes in an extra-fi ne weight for sewing lightweight fabrics. An
all-purpose weight is useful for medium- to heavyweight fabrics.
• Polyester thread. This thread is also considered an all-purpose thread. It is
strong, abrasion resistant, and has the ability to stretch and recover.
• Mercerized cotton thread. This thread is used to sew on woven fabrics
made of natural fi bers. It is smooth and lustrous. Although it sews well, it
has limited stretching ability. If there is excess strain on the seams you sew,
the seams could rip. Mercerization is a process that increases the strength,
luster, and colorfastness of threads.
Specialty threads are useful for specifi c projects. These threads include the
following:
• Silk thread. Recommended for sewing on sheer and delicate fabrics, silk
thread is also used on wool and silk fabrics.
• Nylon thread. Heavy fabrics such as upholstery are the main use for nylon
thread.
• Rayon thread. This thread is lustrous and silklike, making it appropriate for
decorative stitching. Size 40 rayon thread is suitable for free-hand machine
24-6 Choose a
thimble that has deep
grooves and fits your
middle finger of your
sewing hand.