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.

good tips thank you

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.

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.

Beeswax for needles is great, but your head is closer--rub the tip of your needle GENTLY against your scalp.

When hiding a thread knot, hold the knot under your thumb fingernail while pulling with the opposite hand. The knot will pop into the fabric like magic.

If a tool/notion gives you frustration, toss it and buy a new or better one.

Read instructions for cutting twice, measure cutting line twice then cut once.

Don't do complicated math or cutting when you're tired!

Also, very much don't measure how much backing fabric you need in inches, and then have the lady in the store cut it in centimetres. You get less than half of what you need that way!!!!! :mad:

I tried that trick and it did not work for me. But I have read where others had success. Maybe just my scissors.

I have found that using a dedicated brand of bobbin thread (Bottom Line or Gutterman) has made a noticeable difference in my piecing accuracy. It is my best tip to myself.