5 sewing tips no one tells

Jan 23, 2024

Whether you're just starting your sewing journey or looking to refine your skills, today's blog is tailored just for you. Sewing can be a delightful hobby or a rewarding profession, but everyone begins as a beginner, and that's where the adventure starts. Here are five often-overlooked sewing tips that can make a significant difference in your sewing projects.

1. The Magic of the Seam Ripper's Ball Tip

A seam ripper is indispensable in your sewing kit, not just for undoing stitches but for doing it efficiently. Most beginners are introduced to the pointy end for stitch removal, stitch by painstaking stitch. Here's a better way: use the ball tip. Flipping the seam ripper and sliding the ball tip under the seam, you can glide through the stitches swiftly, cutting them without damaging the fabric. This method saves time and reduces the risk of frustration.

2. Threading Your Machine with the Presser Foot Up

An easy mistake to make when threading your sewing machine is doing it with the presser foot down. This engages the thread tension mechanism prematurely. For smoother threading, keep the presser foot up. This keeps the tension mechanism disengaged, allowing the thread to slip into place effortlessly. Once you're done threading, you can lower the presser foot and begin your project with the tension properly set.

3. Prevent Fabric from Getting Stuck

It's not uncommon for fabric, especially stretchy knits, to get caught in the throat plate at the beginning of a seam, leading to a tangled mess under the presser foot. Instead of abandoning your project in dismay, try this simple trick: hold the thread tails at the back of the machine as you start stitching. This gives you more control and prevents the fabric from being pulled into the machine.

4. Manual Control with the Hand Wheel

For sewing intricate parts or navigating tricky fabric areas, the hand wheel is your best friend. Instead of relying on the foot pedal, which can lead to overstepping and mistakes, manually turning the hand wheel offers precision control. This method is particularly helpful for ensuring accurate stitch placement and avoiding errors that could require time-consuming corrections.

5. Leveraging the Presser Foot's Hidden Button

Have you ever noticed a button on the side of your presser foot and wondered about its purpose? It's not merely decorative; it's a functional tool designed to help you navigate thick seam allowances. This self-leveling feature of the presser foot allows you to smoothly transition over bumps without pulling on the fabric, ensuring even stitching across varying fabric thicknesses.