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Thread: Helpful Tips and Tricks

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  1. #1
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    Helpful Tips and Tricks

    I am a new member who has been reading a lot of your posts, and you are all so talented and such a wealth of information. I am sure that many of you have learned a thing or two in your years of sewing experience. I thought that it would be beneficial to start a thread where you can offer up some of your most helpful tips, tricks, or favorite products. And remember that, even if your idea seems elementary, it might be helpful to a beginner.

    I will start by listing a few ideas:

    1.) If you are using a serger, and you are missing your cone thread nets, try using knee-high nylons and cutting them into tubes.

    2.) To sharpen your dull seam rippers, purchase a fine needle file set, like the ones that jewelers use. Amazon Carries them for less than $10.

    3.) When I worked as a seamstress many moons ago, we used single-edge razor blades instead of seam rippers. They are easy to use once you get in the zone, and they are inexpensive.

    4.) When hemming pants, and to remove stubborn wrinkles and creases, wet a flour sack type kitchen cloth, wring the water out, and use it as a pressing cloth. I know some people prefer white vinegar, but in the Tailor Shop we just used water.

    5.) Instead of cotton batting, use your old towels to make pot holders.

    6.) When sewing by hand, run your thread through beeswax to keep it from tangling.

    And I read recently that if you fold a piece of aluminum foil into many layers and run your rotary blade through it, your blade will be sharper. I don't know if this works, but I thought I'd mention it.

  2. #2
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    good tips thank you
    we can make our plans but the out come is in god,s hands nellie diaz

  3. #3
    Senior Member FabStripper's Avatar
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    I tried that with the aluminum foil but didn't get it to work for one of my scissors. But it worked on another set it. I save my old needles and use them to hang pictures on the wall. I also use elmers glue to baste my quilts now. If I can figure out what makes my house messy when all I do is sew I'll be happy.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by FabStripper View Post
    I tried that with the aluminum foil but didn't get it to work for one of my scissors. But it worked on another set it. I save my old needles and use them to hang pictures on the wall. I also use elmers glue to baste my quilts now. If I can figure out what makes my house messy when all I do is sew I'll be happy.
    I tried that trick and it did not work for me. But I have read where others had success. Maybe just my scissors.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by slbram17 View Post
    I tried that trick and it did not work for me. But I have read where others had success. Maybe just my scissors.
    Instead try cutting fine grit sand paper. Works like a charm.

  6. #6
    Power Poster lynnie's Avatar
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    thanks for starting a new/good thread. I use a lint roller to get cat fur and threads off of things it shouldn't be on.
    put off till tomorrow what you can do today, and if you procrastinate long enough, you may never have to do it.

  7. #7
    Super Member nannyrick's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by lynnie View Post
    thanks for starting a new/good thread. I use a lint roller to get cat fur and threads off of things it shouldn't be on.
    Me too Lynnie!!
    so many quilts to make, so little time.

  8. #8
    Super Member AngeliaNR's Avatar
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    Beeswax for needles is great, but your head is closer--rub the tip of your needle GENTLY against your scalp.
    Courtesy is not optional.

    http://theeclecticabuela.blogspot.com/

  9. #9
    Super Member citruscountyquilter's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by AngeliaNR View Post
    Beeswax for needles is great, but your head is closer--rub the tip of your needle GENTLY against your scalp.
    I used cloth diapers and diaper pins on my children. I always ran the pin through my hair before pinning it in the diaper and it easily ran through the cloth of the diaper. The oils in your hair work wonders on needles and pins.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by citruscountyquilter View Post
    I used cloth diapers and diaper pins on my children. I always ran the pin through my hair before pinning it in the diaper and it easily ran through the cloth of the diaper. The oils in your hair work wonders on needles and pins.

    Yep, this is an old trick for those of us who used diaper pins....and for pins and needles when sewing, too.

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