Regardless of the type of seam students are creating, they need opportunities to practice their skills. Practicing on paper first may prove to be an economical choice. Allow students the opportunity to practice making straight and curvy stitches. Additionally, allow them opportunities to practice turning corners while leaving the needle in the paper.

Practicing on paper first will increase students’ confidence, speed, and proficiency (Deaton, 2021).  Consider using the resources located at the end of each chapter as you teach your students how to sew on the sewing machine.

As students become more proficient in sewing straight stitches, allow students to sew fabric scraps together to both increase students’ proficiency and confidence while also reducing the amount of scrap fabric on hand. Remind students of how to thread the sewing machine and model for them the correct techniques for how to problem solve when they hit a roadblock.