Practise. Observe. Explain.
A companion to the DMT hand-sewing learning guides. Open the lab at stitchlab.campcodes.com.
Your learning route
| Stage | What to do | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare | Identify the kit, fabric faces, safe handling and a useful application. | A short tool and preparation checklist. |
| Practise | Step through running, basting, back, blanket and blind-hem stitches. Compare both sides; review a button. | A virtual practice record and explanation. |
| Plan | Design a pouch. Separate finished size from cut dimensions. Trace two cord routes. | A cut list, construction sequence and purpose. |
| Make, when equipped | Use a safe supervised kit to make a small sampler or pouch. Test and improve it. | Physical sample or project documentation. |
The six-part sampler
Even basting · backstitch · running stitch · blanket edge · two- or four-hole button · blind-stitched hem.
The guide suggests a 10 × 20 cm cloth. Plan at least four inches (10.16 cm) each of basting, running and backstitch along its long dimension. Digital review is separate from physical stitch-quality assessment.
Look below the fabric
Choose a stitch and answer: where does the needle enter, where does it exit, which thread is hidden, and what purpose does that path serve? Compare the running-stitch rhythm with the backstitch overlap.
A measured two-panel pouch
Let W be finished width, H finished overall height including the casing, S the side/bottom allowance, R the first top turn-under and C the casing fold depth. Cut two panels: (W + 2S) × (H + S + R + C). Each cord is approximately 2W + 2T + 4 cm, where T is the desired free tail at each end; the extra 4 cm is a teaching allowance for knots and adjustment.
Example: W=15 cm, H=18 cm, S=1 cm, R=1 cm and C=2 cm give two 17 × 22 cm panels. With 10 cm tails, start with two cords about 54 cm long. Measure the actual route before trimming. The calculation omits thickness, shrinkage and seam take-up.
- Plan and mark two panels; check fabric grain.
- Finish raw edges as suitable for the fabric.
- Join right sides together at the sides and bottom; leave top casing mouths open.
- Turn the top raw edge inward once, then form a casing on each panel.
- Stitch each lower casing fold without closing its ends or catching the other panel.
- Turn, inspect and reinforce stress points appropriately.
- Take cord A through both casings with both tails on the left. Take cord B through the opposite circuit with both tails on the right.
- Tie each cord’s own ends. Test the opening, seam strain and intended contents.
Machine extension
The machine trainer is additional material. Identify the parts, practise an example threading sequence, inspect the two-thread lockstitch and diagnose a simple fault. Bobbin directions, needle systems and control settings depend on the actual model; follow its manual during physical practice.
Reflection
Name one useful technique. Describe one error and how you corrected it. Explain one design choice. Mark whether your evidence is virtual practice, a paper prototype or physical sewing.
| What I noticed: |
| What I changed: |
| Where I could use it: |
Teacher notes
Alignment: LG 2, Introduction to Sewing (30 minutes); LG 3, Sewing Basic Stitches by Hand (90 minutes) and Supplemental Notes; LG 4, Make: Drawstring Bag (120 minutes). Original instructions and diagrams in the lab correct reversed fabric-face labels and distinguish ladder closure from a hem path.
The suggested original grading weights are 10% for the sampler and 20% for the bag. Teachers decide any access alternative. Simulation records cannot establish physical dexterity, safe manual handling, classroom attendance or a school grade.
For further demonstrations, open Watch & learn in the lab. Video references credit their creators and are optional. Core instructions can be used offline after the site is first loaded online.
StitchLab by Lyndon Bermoy · Created October 2026 · Original learning companion, not a republication of PSHS guide pages. Use your browser’s Print command to print or save this page as PDF.