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WHY AND HOW TO USE INTERLINING IN YOUR SEWING PROJECT #1 Using interlining is important to stabilize the fabric and maintain the fit - for example at the neckline, on collars and cuffs or on the front of a jacket. #2 We recommend, that you press the interlining on the back side of the pattern parts or areas marked with dots on the pattern sheet. #3 It is important that you choose a interlining that matches the fabric you have chosen for your project . If in doubt, choose a light quality rather than a heavy one. It is also important to observe the pressing time and temperature specified on the in- terlining, otherwise you risk the interlining coming loose in the wash. Also, make sure that your fabric can withstand the same temperature as the interlining requires. #4 Always follow the instructions on the interlining, which you can find on Selfmade.com - or ask the staff in one of our stores. INTERLINING FOR LIGHT QUALITIES If you are using lightweight fabrics, it can be an advantage to press the interlining onto the fabric before cutting out the pieces. To do this, first cut a piece of fabric large enough to fit the pattern piece. Next, cut a piece of interlining that is slightly smaller than the fabric - and then press the interlining onto the back side of the fabric. Place the pattern piece on the front side of the fabric and finally cut out the piece. INTERLINING FOR MEDIUM AND HEAVY QUALITIES If you are using medium and heavy weight fabrics, you can choose to cut out the pattern piece in both fabric and inter- lining and then press the interlining onto the wrong side of the fabric. TIP: Place a piece of pattern paper under the fabric and over the interlining before you iron on the interlining. This will help you avoid getting glue on your ironing board and iron. 1 2 1 Glue side of interlining against the wrong side of the fabric 3 4. Glue side of interlining against the wrong side of the fabric
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SYMBOLS IN YOUR SEWING INSTRUCTIONS: What they mean and how to use them Colours of the drawings: Shows you how to position the fabric pieces and what type of fabric they are. This also shows you how to sew the parts together. For the most part, fabric pieces should be placed right sides together when you sew them together. Right side of fabric Wrong side of fabric Front side of lining Wrong side of lining Right side of bias tape Wrong side of bias tape (1) (1) Seam allowance: Shows the seam allowance which the parts are to be sewn together. Remember to sew with the right seam allowance for a neat result. The seam allowance can also show how much you need to bend over when making a hem on fx. a sleeve or trouser leg. Sewing machine stitch plates often have lines on various seam allow- ance widths that you can let the fabric edge follow when sewing. Stitch line: Some stitch lines have a number shown in brackets on the seam allowance of the sewing pattern. Stitch lines with identical numbers must be sewn together. Sew: Shows the stitching you need to sew. When sewing fabric parts together, use a stitch length of approx. 2.5 mm, not less. When you have to sew a stitch at a hem or make a decorative stitch (decorative stitches are will also keep a seam flat), use a stitch length of 3-3.5 mm. First, sew a sample on a piece of fabric and set your sewing machine to the de- sired stitch length. Press: Shows that you need to press the seam or edge flat with an iron. How to do it: Move the iron across your seam in jerks and press the seam or edge down. It is important that you press your seams during the sewing process, as it makes it easier to continue - and you also achieve a much nicer end result. Remember to set the temperature of the iron to suit your fabric. Pins: It's a good idea to pin your fabric pieces together before you start sewing. Place notches over notches or notches over seams and insert a pin. Also, place a pin at the beginning and end of a seam and place a couple of pins in between. This will prevent the fabric layers from shifting. Place the pins perpendicular to your seam - then you can carefully sew over them with your sewing machine. Overlock/zigzag: Shows which seam edge to overlock or zig- zag. Overlocking or zigzagging your seams is important to keep the fabric from fraying and to achieve a nice finish on the inside. You don't need to have an overlock machine to finish your seams nicely; your sewing machine may have a type of overlock stitch (check your manual). Your overlock or zigzag seam should be sewn on/along the outer raw edge of the seam allowance, so that the threads are enclosed. For example, a zigzag seam can be approx. 0.5 cm wide. Crinkles: The wavy line on the sewing pattern indicates that you need to sew a tacking thread in the seam allowance of your sewing project. A tacking thread is a ordi- nary sewing thread that is sewn in either on the sewing machine with long stitches 5. or by hand with long basting stitches. Cut: Shows where you need to cut a corner or cut into fx. the fabric for a slit. Here you need small, sharp and pointed scissors. Always use sharp scissors that are only used for fabric. If you also use your scis- sors for paper, they will become dull.
