Learn How To Sew

How To Sew

For thousands of years, sewing was a crucial survival skill. Men and women depended on sewing skills to keep warm and provide shelter. We often think of sewing as a woman’s domain, however, in primitive times sewing was essential skill for everyone to survive. Fathers and mothers taught their sons and daughters how to sew tents for shelter, clothing for protection against the elements, and blankets for warmth. In time, family responsibilities gradually became increasingly specialized. Men would spend time doing the heavy work of housing construction, hunting or farming, while women took responsibilities for food preparations, garment construction, child care, etc. During ancient times, plant vines, strips of bark, strips of animal hides, and numerous other natural materials were used as “thread”. Wood, bone, and early metal needles were used in often crude sewing efforts. Hides of many kinds were used much like we use fabrics today. Until 1846, virtually all sewing was done by hand. With the invention of the sewing machine by Elias Howe, and the broader industrial revolution, sewing became mechanized. Suddenly, an operator with the new sewing machine was able to produce finished projects equal to the five of the fastest hand sewers. Unlike the hand sewer, the new sewing machine is capable of working hour after hour, never growing tired. By 1900, every home in American viewed the new sewing machine as an essential tool for the welfare of the family. Mothers taught their daughters how to sew, and sewing became a required life skill taught in every school. Knowing how to sew was viewed as an essential life skill. Clothing construction and repair were viewed as vital economic necessities. In recent years, things have changed. Most public schools have reduced or phased out sewing instruction. Women now face huge challenges at home and in the workplace. Most women find themselves having to balance a multitude of family pressures. The rise of sports for girls, has in many ways replaced opportunities to learn how to sew. The days when girls learned to sew from mother and grandmother, are rapidly fading away. The result is a fading art. Sewing and quilting could become lost arts. Today, however, there is a huge revival taking place in sewing and quilting interest. The tide appears to be turning. More people sew and quilt today than for many years. Sewing has changed. In the past, sewing was a necessity, a responsibility, a task to be done out of necessity. The machines were often difficult to use. Sewing was work. Today, sewing has changed. Today, sewing is fun, easy, relaxing, thrilling, creative self expression. Today sewing is easier than ever before. The tools of sewing make sewing more accurate, easier, more productive, and much more satisfying. Modern sewing machines have features that take the work out of sewing. The design of sewing machines takes advantage of the most advanced computer technologies available. Machines have hundreds and hundred of dynamic stitches, built in alphabets, needle up/needle down, easy reverse, start/stop and slide speed control, powerful pulse DC motors, automatic threading, automatic tensions, automatic thread trimmers, even elaborate machine embroidery. Learning to sew and sewing are experiencing an exciting revival across America. The age of sewers and quilters is growing younger. Many schools have reintroduced sewing to their curriculums. Sewing clubs, associations, guilds, retreats, and sewing chat groups are growing. How can you get involved in this new wave of sewing possibilities? Where can you find sewing classes and help? Check out your local church, library, recreation center, school, sew and quilt store, or your local independent sewing machine retailer. Some fabulous books and ebooks are available for easy learning. Check out sewing answers.com to learn more. Enroll in beginning sewing classes. Register for a sewing events or retreats. When you learn how to sew, you will discover one of the most satisfying creative hobbies anywhere.

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