Before you head to college, equip yourself with the necessary life skills to help you get by. Get a sewing machine and learn to stitch so that you’ll look put together in hemmed pants and know how to fix torn shirts. Here are some basic techniques to learn before you get to campus.

3 Sewing Skills Every College Student Should Know

1. Running Stitch

A running stitch is a basic pattern that can be used to shorten pants, sew two pieces of fabric together, or fix a falling hem. This stitch involves poking a needle through both sides or pieces of fabric and poking it back through again every quarter of an inch in a repeating, running line. Practice on scraps of fabric to master the movement.

2. Button-Sewing

Learn how to save your shirt or jacket if a button falls off. Using 18 inches of thread and a needle, sew through each hole in the button four to five times so that it fits snugly against the fabric. When you’re finished, tie off the thread on the backside of the material and snip the spare string.

3. Sewing Machine Basics

Having your own sewing machine in the dorm will come in handy, as you can fix garment holes and make alterations. Take a class to become familiar with the machine’s parts and how they work together. Getting to know the foot pedal, spool holder, bobbin, and pattern selector will help you move through the basics and sew with confidence.

If you want to get a sewing machine before going to college, turn to the team at Sew Special Maui in Kahului. These professionals offer reliable, high-quality models from the industry’s leading brands, like Janome® and Necchi®. Their team will also help you pick essentials to complete your sewing kit, like needles, thread, and spare buttons. To get more information about their inventory, visit the website or call (808) 877-6128.