Control of fabric

If you are new to sewing this can be a little daunting but not for long!

1. It is very important to keep the raw edges together at all times whilst matching the stitch lines at the beginning and end of the seam.
2. Use pins at right angle to the raw edge of the fabric. It is easy to pull them out as you approach them. (Sewing over pins will blunt or break the needle.)
3. Keep the bulk of the garment/fabric to the left of the needle.
4. Use your left hand to smooth the fabric away from the needle.
5. Use your right hand to guide the fabric towards the needle. Take care not to allow the layers of material to wobble.
6. Never grab or pull the fabric towards you. 
7. Use your foot to control the speed of the machine and keep your fingers a safe distance away from the needle.

If you are really nervous, sew without thread for a few times to get the feel of the machine.

Credits
Producing/Demonstrating: Claudette Davis-Bonnick
Filming: Nick Sargent
Editing: Nick Sargent Stills: Nick Sargent, Junior Bonnick
Thanks to: Oliver Furlong, Media Services, CLIP CETL "Making a Difference" funding at the London College of Fashion

How to make a Welt Seam

This is a fairly strong functional seam and the top stitching (single or multiple rows) will add a decorative finish. Try experimenting with different types of threads for top stitching, e.g. satin thread.  This seam is suitable for medium to heavy weight fabrics and seam allowances may vary.

PRESS ALL STAGES FOR A SMOOTH, PROFESSIONAL FINISH

1. Using a 1.5cm seam allowance, place right sides of fabrics together and stitch.
2. Press seam flat on the wrong side to set the stitches and smooth out any seam pucker;  then press open; now press both layers of seam allowance to the desired side as for a closed seam. Trim away approx 7mm from the under layer of seam allowance and overlock or zig-zag the top layer of the seam allowance.
3. Press the overlocked edge flat.
4. From the Right side of the garment. top stitch to enclose the shorter seam allowance. The raw edge will now be concealed.
5. Extra layers of topstitching may be added for a more decorative finish.
6. Top press and underpress for a professional finish.

Only press the seam to avoid overpressing the entire garment.

Credits
Producing/Demonstrating: Claudette Davis-Bonnick
Filming: Nick Sargent
Editing: Nick Sargent Stills: Nick Sargent, Junior Bonnick
Thanks to: Oliver Furlong, Media Services, CLIP CETL "Making a Difference" funding at the London College of Fashion