How To Sew A Seam : 6 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables

Introduction: How to Sew a Seam

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Sewing a seam is the most basic of sewing skills to learn! It's super easy to do, but there are a few things that will make your sewing go nice and smooth. :) To prep yourself for sewing a seam, check out my "how to sew" instructable.

Step 1: What You'll Need:

For this project, you'll need fabric (I'm using 3x5 pieces of muslin for this - the perfect size for practicing), pins, thread and scissors. If sewing by hand, you'll need:

• sewing needles
• beeswax (optional but awesome if hand sewing!)

If sewing by machine you'll need:

• a sewing machine (this is mine - it's the best sewing machine I've ever had)
• a bobbin loaded with the same thread you're using in the needle on the machine (mixing threads can cause problems with tension sometimes)
• an appropriate machine needle for the weight of fabric you're using. Because I'm using muslin, I've got a quilting needle installed.

For both handsewing and machine sewing, I like to use a cotton/poly thread. It's a bit stronger than plain cotton. :)

Step 2: About Pinning

Everyone has their own preference - but I prefer to pin vertically instead of horizontally, especially for machine sewing! (And that's only when I pin - I mostly pin during my instructables to make things look organized, otherwise I run wild with no pinning. It's faster!)

Sewing over pins is dangerous to boot and can break your needle, so you have to pull them out as you go. I like to zip along so pinning vertically is the way to go for me. Also, when sewing on a machine, always points the tips of the pins toward you - this will save you stabbing yourself in the hands.

Step 3: Sewing a Seam on a Machine

The key to a strong seam is backstitching! It's always important to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam. Backstitching on a machine is the equivalent of tying a knot while hand sewing - it locks the stitches in place. Without it, the seam can open up. This happens especially fast if the seam will be under any stress - for example, turning a project right side out after sewing. Here are my steps to sewing on a machine:

• pin your fabric right sides together
• insert the fabric under the needle so your seam allowance is correct and the edge of the fabric is 1/4 inch past the needle and pull the threads to the back of the machine
• use the hand wheel to move the needle down into the fabric
• backstitch to the edge
• sew down the seam to the opposite edge
• backstitch for about 1/4 inch at the end

I've embedded a quick video of me sewing a seam, too.

Step 4: Sewing a Seam by Hand

Sewing a seam by hand is fun, but I tend to avoid it because it can be very slow going and the results (for me, at least!) are rarely as sturdy as a machine sewn seam. There are certain applications where it works great through, including small dolls and toys, delicate hems, and finishing items professionally. Here's a list of things to remember when hand sewing:

• a backstitch is more durable than a running stitch (click through to find explanations)
• tie strong knots!
• pin and mark the sewing line if necessary to keep your stitches straight - this is great for beginners!
• the smaller and closer together your stitches are, the stronger the seam will be
• beeswax is great for keeping your thread from tangling
• I like to hold the fabric taut between two fingers while sewing - it takes a little practice, but allows you to move a little more quickly!

(This is definitely not the fanciest hand sewing I've ever done. It was ridiculously hard for me to film myself and do this! :P I typically hold the fabric up at chest level - that's a much more comfortable position.)

Step 5: Using Beeswax

Here's a quick gif of how to use the beeswax! All you need to do is drag the thread along the top of the chunk of beeswax. I like to do this a couple times just to make sure it's coated well, and sometimes I'll also rub the thread between my fingers to help warm up the wax.

Step 6: Comparing the Seams + Extras

As you can see, the hand sewn seam is looser by far. You can tighten it up considerably by using tinier stitches and more of them! I like to press my seams with a steam iron after sewing because it makes them look a little neater. :) You can also clip the edges with pinking shears to stop them from fraying - I almost always do that. Have you mastered the basic seam and want to level up in sewing? Have a look at my French seam tutorial! It's much easier than it looks, and it's a fantastic way to make clothing and accessories look and feel more finished. :D