Placing a piece of wax paper between the pieces of fabric
you are sewing keeps them from sliding around.
Once the pieces have been sewn, tear the wax paper away.
Using wax paper or freezer paper under your sewing (on
top of the feed dogs) will allow the fabric to glide
right through your machine.
This can be helpful if you are sewing curves.
Ironing pieces right sides together will make them
stick together when you sew them.
Smaller pieces may not need to be pinned at all.
Collect your threads as you sew:
A small paper bag taped to your sewing table
A damp washrag on a plate
A small piece of batting
Masking tape, folded sticky side out