Sewing is a fun and rewarding hobby, it allows you to create unique and custom-made items that just hit different. Want a dress that flatters your curves perfectly? Sew it yourself! Need a new cover for your throw pillow? Sew one up in a 2.5 seconds (you know what I mean)! The possibilities are endless when you can sew; the best part is, letting your creativity run wild.
Furthermore, sewing is also an eco-friendly option in today's world. By sewing your own clothes or repairing old ones, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable living. This not only helps the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run by reducing the need for constant consumption of new clothing items.
Though sewing is amazing, it can also be a bit challenging at times. Especially for those first starting out. Fortunately, there are plenty of tips and tricks that can make sewing easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
1. Use The Right Needle
Using the right needle for your fabric can make a big difference in the quality of your sewing. A universal needle is a good all-purpose choice, but if you're working with a particular type of fabric (such as denim or stretchy knit), be sure to choose a needle that's designed specifically for that type of fabric and in some cases the weight of the fabric.
2. Mark Your Fabric
I'm guilty of not doing this as often as I should, but marking your fabric with a fabric pen or tailor's chalk
can help you stay on track when sewing. There are also feet that can help guide you. Using a ruler or a straight edge to mark your seams, hems, and other important points on your fabric before you start sewing, is key. This will ensure that you sew more accurately and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
3. Cut Your Thread Tails
This may seem minor, but it really keeps your projects neat and tidy. So, when you're finished sewing a seam, be sure to cut the thread tail as close to the fabric as possible (we are backstitching right?... right?). This will help prevent your threads from getting tangled or caught on other parts of your sewing project. This goes along with removing those gathering or basting stitches after you no longer need them.
4. Secure Your Fabric
There are several ways to secure fabric before it is sewn, and it's important to do so because it helps ensure that the final product will be neat, even, and durable. So whether you're pinning, basting, clipping, or tacking, make sure it's not a step that's skipped. By taking the time to properly secure your fabric, you can prevent shifting or bunching during sewing, which can lead to mistakes or a poorly finished product.
5. Pressing Your Seams
Pressing your seams as you sew can help your sewing project look more professional. Use an iron to press your seams open or to one side, depending on the instructions for your sewing pattern. Also pay attention to the type of fabric you're working and the corresponding settings on your iron. Pressing also helps, to set the stitches, flattens the seam, and gives a more polished finish to the garment or project. As with many of these tips, implementing them throughout the course of your project can make a huge difference in the final product.
6. Use a Walking Foot
If you're working with a slippery or stretchy fabric, multiple layers, or an altogether thick fabric, a walking
foot can help prevent the layers of fabric from shifting or stretching as you sew. It does this by feeding the fabric through the machine more evenly because, the walking foot has its own set of feed dogs.
It's also helpful for matching up designs on the fabric. Take strips, plaids, or any kind of pattern you're wanting to line up and match, on two pieces of fabric. Since a walking foot is applying equal pressure from the top, it really helps accomplish this. Overall, a walking foot can help you sew more accurately and produce a better-quality project. Some sewing machines come with these or have them built-in.
7. Clean Your Machine Regularly
Keeping your sewing machine clean and well-maintained is important for both its longevity and its performance. Be sure to dust off the machine regularly; when lint, dust, and debris accumulate in the machine, they can clog the moving parts and slow down or even damage the machine. This kind of buildup is most of the time responsible for thread breakage and skipped stitches. A clean machine will run smoothly and efficiently. Oiling (usually oil is included with machine) the moving parts according to the manufacturer's instructions can help keep your machine running its best.
You should also change the needle frequently, as dull or damaged needles can cause problems with the stitch quality. There's no set amount of time for needle changes. Just go with what seems best for you and your projects. Generally after large projects with a high stitch count (ex: a coat, corset, quilt, etc.), the needle should be changed.
8. Practice on Scrap Fabric
If you're trying out a new sewing technique or stitch, it's a good idea to practice first on a scrap piece of fabric. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments and refine your technique before trying it on your actual project, which can save time and frustration later on. True story.
9. Have Fun!
Trusting the process, is everything when sewing. It's important to remember that sewing should be a fun and enjoyable activity. Don't get too bogged down in perfectionism or overly worried about making mistakes. It’ll happen, but following these tips and tricks will minimize their occurrence. Enjoy the process of learning, experiment with new techniques and fabrics, most importantly take pride in what you create. I still wear some of my first dresses and shirts (that have unfinished seams on the inside… mmyeah). I love seeing the progression of my skills over the years, you will too. Sewing is a wonderful way to express your creativity and make something truly unique and special. So keep at it!
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