If your students don't know a seam ripper from a seam gauge, this video is a perfect place to start teaching the skills needed for sewing by hand. All of the basic tools of the trade are identified, including measuring instruments, tracing wheels and paper, fabric markers, scissors and shears, needles, ballpoint and sharp pins, basting tape, pin cushions, thimbles, irons, pressing cloths, and steamers. Once students know how to measure, mark, and cut fabric and smooth out a finished product when it's done, they'll be ready to put their needles to work making one-of-a-kind clothing that's uniquely their own.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on Dec. 15, 2005. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Sewing Basics (4:20) -- Sewing Tools (1:28) -- Sewing Needles, Pins, and Thimbles (2:31) -- Ironing and Fabric Steaming (2:26) -- Summary of Sewing Basics (3:03).