A Stitch in Time

Threading a Needle

• You can purchase self-threading needles and a variety of needle threaders at a nominal cost from a fabric store or from our Aids and Devices Store. You can also use dental-floss loops, which are available at a drug store.
• The wire loop threader is the easiest to use. Just insert the loop of the threader into the eye of the needle and push the thread through the loop. If you have trouble feeling the end of the thread, wet it, or wrap it around the head of a pin and then push the pin through the wire loop. When you pull the loop back out of the needle, the thread will be drawn through the eye, and your needle will be threaded!

Sewing a Button

• Use a pin to mark the place where you want to sew a button onto the garment. As you sew on the button, you can use the point of your needle to locate the holes in it.

Stitching a Hem

• Use a tactile ruler or tape measure to mark a hem. You can buy one from our Aids and Devices Store. If your hem needs to be shortened, measure the amount you want to cut off. Fold up and pin the fabric. Then cut the fabric along the crease. You can tell the size of the stitches you are taking by touch. With a little practice, you can stitch your hem evenly.

Using a Sewing Machine

• Thread the needle and guides on your sewing machine with a needle threader.
• Use the seam guide that comes with your machine to sew straight seams.
• You can also use tactile methods to cut out and sew your own clothes.