{"id":34604,"date":"2023-07-14T07:00:14","date_gmt":"2023-07-14T06:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/countrycowdesigns.com\/?p=34604"},"modified":"2025-07-31T15:34:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T14:34:21","slug":"first-sewing-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/countrycowdesigns.com\/blog\/first-sewing-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Your First Sewing Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scroll down for the French translation \u2013 Faites d\u00e9filer l\u2019\u00e9cran vers le bas pour voir la traduction fran\u00e7aise de l\u2019article.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this week’s blog post we’re discussing first sewing projects. If you’ve been following us for a while but you’ve been holding off making your first bag, today is the day to give it a go!<\/p>\n

This week we’re introducing our new sewing pattern, the “My First Tote” or “MFT”. This pattern is perfect for your very first sewing project, or if you’re looking for a sewing project to make with kids. I designed this bag when my four year old niece wanted to sew with me and I needed something quick and easy that would cultivate her interest in sewing. Of course, I needed to guide her through the process, but she did almost all of the sewing herself.<\/p>\n

Grab the MFT sewing pattern here<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Beginner<\/p>\n

Bag Sewing Terminology<\/h2>\n

If this is your first ever sewing project, we’ve included a glossary to explain the sewing terminology used in the pattern and the video tutorial.<\/p>\n

Seam Allowance:<\/strong><\/em> The distance between your stitch line and the edge of the fabric.<\/p>\n

Backstitch:<\/strong><\/em> At the beginning of each stitch line, to secure stitches in place and ensure they don’t come loose, we sew a few stitches backward before sewing forward.<\/p>\n

Baste:<\/strong><\/em> A temporary stitch to hold something in place which is usually sewn properly later. As it’s a temporary stitch we usually use a small seam allowance so it will be hidden in the seam when the bag is finished. Backstitching isn’t required.<\/p>\n

Topstitch:<\/strong><\/em> Sewing a row of stitches on the top side (or right side) of the bag. This is where your stitching will be on show and ideally needs to be neat.<\/p>\n

Press:<\/strong> <\/em>We use an iron to “press” seams open, flattening them to ensure they are neat. We also “press” the bag when it’s finished, to remove creases and give it a neater appearance. When using fabrics that you can’t iron, such as vinyl, leather or waxed canvas, you can “press” seams open with your fingers or a seam roller.<\/p>\n

Stitch length:<\/strong><\/em> The length of each stitch in a seam. This is adjustable on your sewing machine and is usually measured in millimetres. We tend to use a 2-3 stitch length for construction of the bag and 4-5 stitch length for topstitching. However, this can vary depending on the materials you’re using.<\/p>\n

Clip Together:<\/strong><\/em> We use wonder clips to hold two or more pieces of fabric together and ensure they stay in place when sewing.<\/p>\n

Turning Gap:<\/strong><\/em> A gap left in the seam of a bag so you can turn the bag right sides out. The gap is then sewn from the outside, usually with a topstitch or by hand stitching.<\/p>\n

RST:<\/strong><\/em> Right Sides Together.<\/p>\n

WST:<\/strong><\/em> Wrong Sides Together.<\/p>\n

\"My<\/p>\n

Supplies<\/h2>\n

What materials do you need to make this bag? These supplies should all be available at your local sewing shop:<\/p>\n