Sewing is a fun and useful skill, but it can also be a bit tricky at times. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sewing for years, there are always new tips and tricks to learn that can make your projects easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll share five simple sewing tips that you may not have heard before:
- How to keep your fabric from slipping while cutting
- A clever way to prevent tangled threads
- A surprising use for hairspray in sewing
- An easy trick for sewing perfect corners
- A handy tool to help you sew straight lines
Ready to learn some new sewing tips? Let’s get started!
Prevent Fabric from Slipping
When cutting out fabric pieces for a sewing project, it can be really frustrating when the material keeps slipping and sliding around on your work surface. Here’s an easy tip: Place a piece of sandpaper (rough side up) under your fabric before cutting. The slight grip will hold the fabric firmly in place.
Stop Thread Tangles
Tangled and knotted thread can really slow down your sewing. To prevent this, try using a small piece of paper towel tube as a thread holder. Just slide the loose thread end through the tube when you’re not using it. The tube helps keep the thread tamed and untangled.
Unexpected Hairspray Use
Here’s a surprising use for hairspray when sewing: Lightly mist the inside of slippery fabric (like satin or silk) with hairspray before cutting and sewing. The hairspray provides a slight tackiness that allows the fabric to grip better and prevents excessive sliding and shifting.
Sew Perfect Corners
Sewing nice, crisp corners on things like tote bags or pillow covers can be tricky. An easy trick is to sew to the corner, stop with your needle down in the fabric, lift the presser foot, and pivot or turn the fabric before lowering the foot and continuing to sew.
Sew Straight Lines
Having trouble sewing in a perfectly straight line? Here’s a handy tool – a bolt of ribbon or piece of masking tape placed on your machine acting as a sewing guide. Just line up the edge of your fabric with the ribbon/tape and sew alongside it. Straight lines made easy!
FAQs
What are some essential sewing tips for beginners?
Start with easy projects to build confidence. Learn to use patterns correctly. Practice seam allowances and pressing techniques. Invest in good quality tools.
How can I prevent the fabric from shifting while cutting?
Place a piece of sandpaper under the fabric with the rough side facing up. This will grip the material and stop it from sliding around.
What’s a clever way to keep the thread from tangling?
Use a small paper towel tube as a thread holder. Slide the loose end through the tube when not sewing to keep it tamed and knot-free.
How do I sew perfect corners?
Sew to the corner, stop with the needle down, lift the presser foot, pivot fabric, lower foot, and continue sewing for crisp corners.
Conclusion
See, sewing doesn’t have to be overly complicated! Hopefully, these five simple tips will give you some new ideas for your next project. Do you have any favorite sewing hacks of your own to share? Let me know in the comments below!
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Main image: pexels
