Sewing tips
Test Your Stitch Before You Sew
There’s nothing more frustrating when you’re sewing than having to stop mid-way through and rip out the stitches because you forgot that you set the stitch width and needle in the wrong position. You can save yourself loads of time if you just test those stitches before you go all out on a sewing project. Source and more info: sew4home
Sew A Basic Zipper
Is sewing in a zipper just the most difficult thing? I think so, but there is a great tip that will help you to get those zippers sewn in in about half the time that it typically takes. Learning to properly cut long zippers to make them fit and learning how to quickly and effectively sew them in is a trick that you’ll need, especially if you tend to sew a lot of projects. Taping the zipper onto your fabric and using a zipper presser foot are things that will make the process much easier. Source and more info: makeit-loveit
Sew Buttons With A Machine
Okay, so you know how to sew buttons by hand, but if you have several buttons to attach, a machine might be a better choice. I didn’t even know you could sew buttons with a machine, but there’s a way to do it and it will save you loads of time. Learning this technique not only saves time but will help you to really get those buttons sewn in tight. Source and more info: sew4home
Use A Serger
A serger is great – you can sew to stitch and finish your seams at the same time. If you’ve never used a serger, you are really missing out, especially if you sew lots of clothing. The best thing about using a serger is you can sew to stitch the fabric and finish the seams at the same time, so you’re saving yourself a few hours of work when you use one. Source and more info: positivelysplendid
Sewing Buttons By Hand
Let’s face it, no matter how good you are with a machine, there is going to come a time when you need to sew a button on by hand. While most of us mastered this art in high school, there is always something new to learn. If you’ve never sewn buttons by hand, you’ll find it easier than you thought. The secret is in getting the thread the right length and watching to ensure that it doesn’t pull through the fabric. Source and more info: sewmccool
Use A Skirt Length Chart
It’s never a bad idea to have a standardized chart for sizing, especially for kids’ clothing. I found this amazing skirt length chart that tells you every possible size for skirts, from short to mid-calf, to long. It’s the same one that Children’s Place uses for sizing so if you’re planning to sew a skirt for your little girl or anyone’s little girl, this length chart is sure to come in handy. Print it off and keep it close to your machine. Source and more info: crafterhoursblog
Neatly Store Bobbins
I have so many bobbins with so many different colors of thread. Organizing these things and keeping them neat can be difficult. They’re so small that you can easily lose them without even knowing it. You can use toe separators, which you can get at the Dollar Store for around a dollar or less, to keep bobbins separated and in place. This makes it much easier for you to find the color that you need. Source and more info: sew4home
Keep Trim Neatly In Place Before Use
If you sew a lot then you likely have tons of trim just cluttering up your sewing space. I’m all for organization, so I love this hack to keep trim in place. Just cut a piece of cardboard, from a cereal box or whatever you have on hand, and wrap the trim around it. Depending on how much you have, you may get all of your trim on one board. Then just pin it in place until you need it. Source and more info: craftsy
Keep Buttons In Place
Buttons tend to come lose and fall off at the most inconvenient times. You can keep them snugly in place by simply adding a thin layer of clear nail polish. The polish, when added to button tops, keeps the threads in place so they won’t unravel and cause your buttons to come lose.
Make Patterns Last Longer
If you tend to use patterns more than once, and let’s face it, you totally should use them more than once, you may notice that the delicate paper tears easily. You can make those patterns last much longer by simply ironing interfacing onto the back of them after you’ve cut them out. This is a great way to save money if you tend to have to purchase patterns over and over again due to tearing. Source and more info: sewaholic
