AY Honors/Basic Sewing/Answer Key

1. Describe the proper use of the following:

Thimble
Tape measure sewing.png

Tape Measure
Scissors
Pinking Shears
Needles

a. Thimble

A thimble is a protective shield worn on the finger or thumb. A thimble is most usually made from metal, leather, rubber, wood, glass or china.

b. Tape measure

c. Scissors and shears

d. Pinking shears

Pinking shears are scissors whose blades are sawtooth instead of straight. Pinking shears will leave a zigzag pattern instead of a straight edge.

Pinking shears are useful for cutting woven cloth. Cloth edges that are unfinished will easily fray, the weave becoming undone and threads pull out easily. The sawtooth pattern does not prevent the fraying but limits the length of the frayed thread and thus limits damage.

e. Needles of various sizes and types

2. Become acquainted with the sewing machine in your home or school. Identify:

a. Balance wheel

b. Thread take-up

c. Presser foot

d. Presser foot lifter

e. Needle

f. Feed dogs

g. Bobbin

h. Control

i. Backspace lever

3. Demonstrate how to properly thread and run the machine.

4. Put a hem in one of the following items showing neat and even stitches.

a. Towel
b. Apron
c. Flannel baby blanket
d. Flannel lap blanket

5. Demonstrate your ability to properly sew on buttons and snaps.

6. Tell what is meant by selvage, bias, and grain of fabric.

Selvage

Bias

Grain of Fabric

7. Make a laundry bag for camping, or a similar simple item.