Strand 2: Sewing Basics Review

A well balanced tension produces a stitch that:

• Appears the same on both sides
• Is loose on the top with loops
• Pulls the top thread to the back of the fabric
• Is loose on the bottom with loop

The seam allowance (width) guidelines on the sewing machine are located on the:

• Stitch Plate
• Stitch Length Control
• Stitch number control
• Feed Dogs

How does a sewing machine form a stitch?

• The lower thread wraps around itself
• Upper thread wraps around the needle and interlocks through the fabric
• Upper threads and lower (bobbin) threads interlock
• The bobbin thread loops around the top of the fabric

The feed dogs:

• Hold the fabric in place
• Move the fabric while stitching
• Push the needle up and down
• Hold the bobbin

What does the presser foot do?

• Forces the fabric to move while being stitched

• Controls the tightness or looseness of the thread

• Holds the fabric firmly in place against the feed dogs

• Controls the speed at which the machine sews

The presser foot lever:

• Raises and Lowers the presser foot
• Is found on the front of the sewing machine
• Raises or lowers the feed dogs
• Should be in the up position when sewing

The function of the thread tension is to:

• Sew straight stitches
• Control the tightness or looseness of the thread
• Move the fabric while stitching
• Sew specialty stitches

What is the best tool for measuring short distances of six inches or less?

• Plastic tape measure/measuring tape
• Yard stick
• Ruler
• Seam gauge

The handwheel on the sewing machine must be turned:

• Towards you
• Away from you
• It doesn't matter which way it is turned
• Should be turned towards you when sewing forward and away from you when sewing in reverse

The best tool to take out problem stitches with is:

• Scissors
• Knives
• A seam ripper
• A rotary cutter