Practical: hand-stitch samples, pot-holder, ironing methods
Hand stitches are sewn to join parts temporarily and to leave permanently. Straight basting is for temporary joining: stitch length 2–3 cm, in light-coloured thread, removed after machine stitching. Overcast stitch keeps the fabric edge from fraying: the needle goes in from the back and the thread is wrapped around the edge, 0.5–0.7 cm from it. Tailor’s tacking transfers marks from one piece to another (loose thread 0.5–0.7 cm, stitch 1–1.5 cm). Slip stitch hides a turned edge (0.5–0.7 cm). Pot-holder: a 16 × 31 cm fabric folded right sides together in half, basted 0.5 cm on 3 sides, 3–4 cm left open, turned out, pressed, divided into three parts (7 × 10 cm) and stitched with basting, then a loop added. Ironing methods: pressing, seam-opening pressing (seams opened to both sides), side-pressing (to one side), thinning press, steaming. Electric iron: check cord insulation, dry hands, never test heat with a finger, cord must not touch the iron, rubber mat, unplug at the end, stand the iron upright or on a stand, never leave it switched on. A child uses an iron only under the teacher’s or an adult’s supervision.
Sample album: sew 4 hand stitches on 5 × 8 cm fabric pieces and glue them in the album (basting, overcast, tailor’s tacking, slip). Sewing is done under the teacher’s supervision: use a thimble with the needle and count needles when done. Ironing – the teacher only.