THIS SESSION WILL BE RECORDED

Removing the sewing machine from the equation transports your sewing practice into the meditative realm of handwork (like knitting, crochet, and embroidery), and means you can stitch up garments whenever you have a few spare minutes in your day, or on the couch at night while watching a movie, and carry a project with you so you always have it. Amazingly, you might find you can finish a hand-sewn garment sooner than a machine-sewn one! We will work up a sampler of 3 or more basic hand-sewing hem (edge-finishing) techniques: Bias Tape Facing, Rolled Hem, and Hidden Hem, using only your hands and a needle and thread. Several stitches for each type of hem will be shown, as well as how and when to use which technique. On future projects, you can use your new skills in combination with machine sewing, or entirely on their own. No prerequisite skills.

Supplies needed:

• Fat quarter (or about 18x24” rectangle) of fabric: light-to-medium weight woven cotton, linen or blend. Solid fabric is best to see your stitches, but print is ok too.
• Small scrap of ½” single fold bias tape (8-10” is enough)
• All-purpose thread, can be contrast (to see your stitches) or matching
• Size 8 Perle Cotton Hand-sewing needles in a few sizes
• Your favorite size Pins Scissors Marking tool (chalk, wax or pencil)
• Ruler
• Optional: Thimble