Sewing Skills for STEAM I, II and III
STEAM – I (not eligible for State Fair)
Exhibits must be made from medium weight woven fabrics that will sew and press smoothly, flannel/ fleece is acceptable. Solid color fabrics or those having an overall print are acceptable. NO PLAIDS, STRIPES, NAPPED or JERSEY KNIT. Patterns should be simple without darts, set-in sleeves, and collars. Raglan and kimono sleeves are acceptable
- Identify sewing tools and their purpose
- Using a color wheel
- How to accurately measure your body to purchase the correct pattern size
- Learn to identify knit, woven and felted fabrics
- How to select woven fabric, flannel and fleece in solid colors or all over prints that are appropriate for STEAM – I (plaids, stripes, napped fabric and jersey knits are NOT used in STEAM – I).
- Learn grain lines, selvage and folded edge
- Identify natural and synthetic fibers
- Learn the sewing machine parts and how to properly operate the machine.
- Sewing Skills for STEAM I
- Pattern use: what the pattern markings mean, how to lay out and cut the pattern
- Straight seams
- Seam finishes: Zigzag or Clean Finish
- Curved seams
- Notching and clipping
- Facings
- Under stitch
- Hand stitching: Running, Basting, Backstitch, Whipstitch, Overcast, and slip stitch
- Hemming
- Upcycling – identify and select appropriate recyclable materials and develop ideas for ‘upcycling’
STEAM – II (eligible for State Fair)
- Choosing fabric – STEAM II you can use fabrics used in STEAM I plus knits, and specialty prints
- Learn more about the different fibers
- How to properly press a garment
- Learn how to adjust a pattern to fit your body
- Learn how and when to use interfacing
- Sewing Skills for STEAM II
- Finishes: Over edge or serged
- How to do darts and gathers
- Techniques used to put in buttonholes and attaching buttons
- Clipping and notching around curves and corners
- Hand Stitching: Slip, Catch and Invisible stiches
- Zippers: Lap, Center, Fly-front, invisible and Exposed
- Pockets: Patch, Welt, Inset, Inseam, Flap and Gusset
- Sleeves: Set-in, Raglan, Kimono and Dolman
- Cuffs and Plackets
- Collars
- Waistbands: Straight, Contour, Stretch and Faced
STEAM III (eligible for State Fair)
- Getting to know your serger.
- Learning tools to properly press your garments
- Learn more about fibers, fabrics and special fabrics
- Sewing Skills for STEAM III
- Seam finishes: French, flat-felled and rolled hem
- Boning
- Zipper: Invisible
- Tailoring techniques: Stay tape, lapels, tailored sleeve cap, shoulder pads, bound buttonholes
- Couture Techniques: Hong Kong finish, hand-picked zipper and French tack