General
Sewing Tips...

This page contains tips related to general sewing and also some
helpful ideas. If YOU have a tip that belongs here just
email me and let me know! I'd love to add YOUR
name to our growing list of sewing friends!

Selecting Thread...

From: Renee'
One of the 2nd biggest problems is thread selection. There are many different thread types each designed for specific fabrics and situations.

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• Cotton- is usually used on natural fiber woven fabrics. I use a very fine cotton on my heirloom sewing to attach the fine laces. Although it's not usually durable enough for main construction of the garment.
• Cotton-covered Polyester - This is the most commonly used all-purpose thread for today's sewing. It's also a good choice for bobbins.
• Polyester - 100 poly is usually quite strong and is often used for knits although it can be used on wovens, too.
• Silk - Silk thread is very stong and has a lovely sheen. Tailors often use it for their fine basting because it won't mark their fabrics. Expensive.
• Rayon - Has the same lustrous look as the silk but it's not as durable. Use it as a substitute for the more expensive silk thread.
• Specialty Threads - Normally used purely for decoration, these metallic threads require a larger needle size and an all-purpose thread in your bobbin.
• Nylon Monofilament - Very strong, wiry, transparent thread sometimes used for nylon tricot, lingerie, and over decorative threads.

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This is by no means all inclusive but it will give you an idea of the many different threads available for your use... =)

Identifying Needle Sizes...

From: Carole
It's getting hard for me to see the #'s on the needles that I'm using in my machine. Now, when I buy a pack of needles, I choose a different color of fingernail polish for each needle size, and lightly brush the tops of the needles as they lay in their container. That way, as I use them, it's easy to see which size needle it is at a glance.
(Thanks Carole!)

4-Hole Buttons...

From: Renee'
When sewing four hole buttons onto a garment, sew only two holes at a time, cutting and knotting the thread between each sewing. Your buttons will stay on longer and if one thread comes loose the other will hold it 'til you can secure it!

Making Care Labels...

From: Natalie (Clarasmom)
I make my own labels with my computer and printer. Use an art/graphics type program that will allow you to reverse your type. Type in what you want your labels to say and choose your font. Then choose to reverse(mirror) the words. Next, copy and paste until you get a whole sheet (8 1/2 x 11")of them. I usually do 3 rows of about 10 or 12 depending on the font size. You can even do them in different colors if you want. Print them out on iron-on transfer paper. Cut them apart and finally, iron them onto white or natural muslin. I use pinking shears to cut my muslin apart after I have ironed them all on and then they don't need edge finishing. I sew these into the back necklines or waistbands of all my garments just like ready-to-wear. For children's clothes, I usually take a fabric marker and mark the size of the garment for passing on to other children.
(Thanks Natalie!)

Scissors Sharpened...

From: Jane
If your pinking shears are dull, you can cut through a double strip of aluminum foil several times and it will sharpen them. This also works for regular shears as well although I'd recommend having them sharpened by a professional. I've also used my sharpening utensil that came with my kitchen knife set with good results.
(Thanks, Jane!)

Hands-Free Directions...

From: Patty
Here is something that helps me so that I can read pattern/directions easier: Instead of putting the sewing pattern/directions on my sewing desk (which inevitably gets knocked down) I hang it up by putting a childs hanger on the wire shelf above my desk and clothespin the pattern to the hanger. The instructions face me and I don't have to worry about it getting in the way or falling on the floor!
(Thanks, Patty!)

Matching Thread/Buttons...

From: Renee'
The next time you need to sew a button back on an outfit try DMC cross-stitch thread for the repair. The thread comes in a huge variety of colors so it's easy to find a perfect match! It's also much less expensive than buying the matching sewing threads. Cross-stitch threads normally cost only 20-25 cents per skein! Just use 1 or 2 strands and you'll be done in a jiffy!

"Traveling" Feet...

From: Renee'
A piece of rubber matting (for kitchen drawers or under area rugs) placed under your sewing machine foot, keeps it from traveling across the floor while you're sewing. It's also a good idea to add a piece of remnant carpeting/matting under your machine, too. It keeps the machine in place and also cuts down on the noise of the machine.

Magnetic Guides...

From: Renee'
Magnetic seam guides are a great addition to your sewing room and are very inexpensive, too. Just measure from the needle on your throat plate, stick the guide on and voila- extra quick seams! If your machine is computerized, do check with the manufacturer to make sure the magnetized strip is safe to be used on your machine. Most are.

Unique Buttons...

From: Delphi
You can make really cute, unique buttons by using the "shrinky-dink" plastic, transfering the prominent design in your fabric (flower, fish, trucks, etc.)to the plastic. Punch two holes in it, color your design, bake as per instructions and voila! You now have unique, one-of-a-kind buttons that coordinate perfectly with your outfit!

Quick Pick Up...

From: Renee'
This is a wonderful tip for those of you who love beading work. If you (or your child) accidentally knocks your beads to your carpeted floor, rather than trying to pick them all up, try using the hose end of your vacuum cleaner, but FIRST take pantyhose and hold or rubberband securely in place over the open end of the hose. Turn vacuum on and suck up the beads, hold over your container and turn off the vacuum cleaner. Repeat as necessary. This works well for many other small items, also. It's also great for getting those small items from the cracks under your cushions on your sofa! Works really well! =)

Needle Disposal...

From: Shelby
The best way that I've found to dispose of needles is to keep an old empty medicine bottle with a child-proof lid near my work area. You can fit alot of old needles into the container before disposing of it. Toss in the trash can worry free!

Threads...

From: Renee'
It pays to use good thread. I'm speaking from experience here, ladies! =) Good thread should be smooth without fuzziness or hairy fibers. Not only is it much stronger but it's much better for your machine. You'll need to clean less often, too!

"Flossing" your Machine...

From: Renee'
Sometimes when changing threads on your sewing machine, it's a good idea to cut the thread at the spool and then pull the thread from THAT cut end, pulling upwards away from the needle below. This actually is kind of like "flossing" & cleaning your machine and will help it run more smoothly.

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