In any trade or field, some tasks are performed more than others and sometimes multiple times in one day. The same is true for the Alterations Specialist. Mastering the following techniques will aid in quickly completing jobs, but also, keep you working at optimal levels of quality.

Fast Bobbin Winding and Thread Change

When you are sewing one project for a more extended period, you will be able to use the same color of thread for the entire time. It is advisable to keep multiple bobbin spools full of the thread being used, to not slow down the work when one runs out. A replacement bobbin can also be wound continuously as you sew, using the bobbin winding mechanism found on most industrial sewing machines.

Threading a Hand Sewing Needle

The Alterations Specialist will be using ‘sharps' for hand sewing since they are a medium-sized needle. ‘Betweens' are smaller and are used for fine hand sewing and quilting.

The eye on sharps tends to be a bit larger making threading the needle with multiple strands possible. When sewing on buttons and hook closures, you will use a needle threaded with 3 strands folded, creating a stitch that is 6 strands strong. Sewing with multiple strands eliminates the need to sew in the same spot many times to make a secure loop.

Hand Sewing Buttons, Snaps, Hook Closures

Once your needle has been threaded with multiple strands of thread and a knot secured at the end, you are ready to sew on your button or other closure. I like to hide the knot whenever possible. Your first stitch should be on the outside of the garment, where the button is being sewn, therefore the button and thread shank will hide the knot.

This same hiding method can be done when sewing on snaps and hook and eyes.

Suit sleeves require a set of 3-4 buttons being sewn in a row. These buttons can be sewn on consecutively, without having to finish off and knot after each individual button. Begin at the top button position, hide the knot as described above, sew the button on either using parallel or cross stitches, then drop the needle back down into the jacket at the base of the button and slide the needle through the layers of material to the next button position. The thread traveling from one button to the following should be hidden between the lining and the outer material. Once the needle protrudes at the next position, pull through and sew on the next button, just pricking through to the lining layer. On the inside of the sleeve, a small prick from each button thread should show as this acts as tacking to secure the sleeve lining. Continue this until all the buttons have been sewn on and tie off your threads on the inside of the sleeve, under the last button.

Finish off your hand sewing by creating 3 tight back stitches in the same spot. This will secure your work and leave a clean finish.

Ludamy Owo

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