Skills Checklist
Are you new to sewing? Do you have the basics down but want to level up to more complicated projects? Are you returning from time away from the machine and needing to brush up on a few things?
Use this checklist to help you assess what you already know and guide you toward what you need to learn. Also, check that you have the essential tools and supplies in your sewing kit.
CATEGORY
SKILLS TO KNOW
HAND SEWING
Thread a sewing needle with thread.
Thread a large-eye needle with floss.
Tie a knot at the end of a thread.
Tie off the last stitch.
Sew on a button.
Sew on a snap.
Use patterns with fabric: trace, mark, and cut out.
Tools to use: pins, scissors, hem guage
Stitches to make: back stitch, cross stitch, blanket stitch, and slip stitch.
KNOW YOUR MACHINE
(use your Owner's Manual)The purpose of each part of your sewing machine.
Wind a bobbin.
Thread the machine.
Insert the bobbin.
Prep the needle and bobbin threads for sewing.
Use the foot pedal.
Know how a stitch is formed.
Change the needle.
When and how to clean your machine.
When and where to take your machine for regular service.
MACHINE SEWING
Proper posture and machine position.
Pinning fabric.
Feed fabric under the presser foot and through the machine.
Maintain steady hand pressure.
Stitches to make: straight stitch, back stitch, zig-zag, basting, satin.
Stitching types: straight line, curved line, pivoting, fixed seam allowances.
Removing stitches.
NEXT LEVEL SEWING
Interfacings (when to use, which to choose)
Hems
Casings
Buttonholes
Zippers
Clipping, trimming, and grading seam allowances.
NEXT LEVEL TOOLS
Iron (learn pressing vs. ironing vs. steam) + pressing cloth.
Cutting with a rotary cutter and mat.
Specialty notions: bodkin, point turner (and oh, so many others)
GARMENT SEWING
Taking accurate body measurements.
Resizing/altering a commercial pattern.
Working with grainlines.
Transferring pattern markings to the fabric.
Making up a sample ( a "muslin" or "toile").
Prepping the fashion fabric for cutting.
Choosing the best seam finishes.