Hello @needleworkmonday, I'm ready to see all the creations you've all been working on during the week. I've also been working on some pieces but today, I won't be sharing. Thought I'd switch it up a bit and share something else. Sewing can be really fun and equally annoying sometimes. It gets annoying to the point where I cry sometimes.
Quite ironic that the one activity that's my stress relief can sometimes make me cry too. It isn't always smooth sailing when sewing as you can hit a lot of roadblocks and make a lot of errors.
Here are a few tips and tricks when sewing:
- When you're tired, stop. This has helped me avoid making silly errors. I find out that when I'm tired and keep cutting or sewing a piece, I usually mess it up. You need to be in a right frame of mind when handling a piece, especially if it's for a client.
- Service your sewing machine. Whatever type of machine you use, it should be serviced. Personally I oil my treadle machine a lot and it runs smoothly.
- Get the right tools. I'm guilty of using paper scissors instead of getting the fabric shears. It makes it hard cutting accurately and can be a problem to the overall garment. Get a long ruler, a French curve, lots of pins, needles, all supplies to make it easier.
- Iron press as you sew. This cannot be overemphasized. I used to be too lazy to iron as I sew and would just leave it for when I was done sewing. I started ironing every step and saw a huge difference. Your garment comes out way nicer and neater when you iron press, plus it makes it way easier to sew.
- Notch curve edges and trim corners. This helps your necklines and armholes sit nicely, avoiding wrinkles. When making V-necklines, notch right under the V stitch to let it sit well.
- Cut out your pattern on paper first. This helps if you're unsure about your pattern and it helps you avoid make mistakes directly on the fabric.
- Remember the little details. Trim off excess fabric, trim off hanging threads and finish your seams properly.
These are my few tricks, please do share some more!
Like a pro, all good tips. I myself which I knew my way around a sewing machine a little more. I would love to be able to make my own bags and pouches for things. We used to have a sewing machine in Cambodia but gave it up during the exodus and visa troubles.
I am still a beginner when it comes to sewing. So this tips really helps. I will remember everything. ☺️ thanks for sharing..
You're welcome 😊
Totally hahaha. I have never cried yet but I was close. It can be very frustrating when things don't go the way you expect.
Regarding greasing the machine, I never did it and I have it since July 😧
Oh I thought you use an electric sewing machine. You don't need to grease that
My machine is electric. Do I have to put oil on it or something? I didn't research the technical part much.
Oh no I don't think you should
well then i won't. 😅
I think you have to clean it from fuzz inside (were the bobbin is) but that's it
Ahhh okey. Thanks. The truth is that I never did research on maintenance 😅
Hello... Excellent tips, especially I agree with you, when you are tired, stop, definitely, but the proposed result is not the expected, and must undo what was done... It is also fundamental to have all the implements, in my case as a knitter, I love to have the accessories, the different types of needles, since that guarantees a good finish in the work. Greetings.
The right accessories are so important but I barely have them. Making do with what I have for now
Thanks for reading
These are really great tips! I appreciate the photos you used for them. Thank you for sharing!
Please remember to source all of the photos you use that are not yours so that you will not be accused of plagiarism. 😊
Thank you ~
Written by @crosheille for the NeedleWorkMonday Community.
I forgot to source the first three photos 🤦🏽
I'll remember next time, thank you!
Absolutely! 😉
Great tips! But...I ....(sorry to say that) sometimes ...all the times...use any tool available since even though I have a wide variety of tools...I tend to forget where I put them..! so, in order not to delay a project I use my imagination and ta-da -da!! Yes, I use all the other tricks all the time :D
Haha...I understand the need not to delay a project
Muy buenos consejos los pondré en práctica gracias
De nada
You wrote this for me or? :-DDDD I think I have made every mistake you mention and I always tell myself I will avoid them in future only to sit down while having headaches and try to sew a sweater... yeah, this seldom works well.
Or sometimes I am so excited to get a garment finished I skip steps... like snipping the curve or ironing meticulously... does not work well either :-DDDD