Learn the basics of tailoring including stitches, using a thimble, and more.
Welcome to Tailoring Basics, a course designed to take you from being a complete tailoring beginner to being able to construct various garments. The course is designed to be followed roughly in order, but feel free to skip ahead if you need a particular stitch.
You’ll find a supply list below, but it’s very flexible. Find some remnants or scraps if you can from a variety of fabric types and use those to practice on in order to gain the most experience.
Supplies
- Various fabric scraps in wool, linen, silk, and cotton. Ideally 5″ by 12″ (two layers)
- Various thread in silk, cotton, and linen
- Thimble
- Sewing needles
- Scissors
- Beeswax
- Tailor’s chalk
- Quilter’s ruler
- Iron
- Cast iron ‘goose’ iron (optional)
- Water spray bottle
Tailoring Basics
Tips on fabric selection, using a thimble, threading a needle and more.
Lessons
Fabric Selection Fabric Preparation Thread Selection Needle Selection Tailor's Chalk Laying Out the Patterns Using a Tailor's Thimble Waxing and Pressing Your Thread Threading a Needle Pressing Open SeamsThe Essential Stitches
With these stitches you can get through 95% of a sewing project.
Lessons
Running Stitch Back Stitch Back and Fore Stitch Felling StitchBasting Stitches
These handy stitches help you mark or hold your work together.