Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Sewing Shortcuts, Tips & Tricks!

Back by popular demand, here are some more sewing tips, tricks & shortcuts!


Always prewash your washable fabrics and zippers. That removes any finish on the fabric that might gum up your needle.

When sewing seams, always sew in same direction. I always sew from the bottom to the top. If you don't do this, and you sew a pant leg from the bottom to the top on the inseam, and from the top to the bottom on the outside seam, it may seem to be slightly twisted.



The easiest way to sew a pair of pants: Sew both the outside seam and inseam of each leg. Turn one leg inside out and put inside the other - the right sides should be together! Then it is very easy to sew the crotch seam.

When easing 2 lengths that are different such as an armscye, always have the longer piece on the bottom. It is then easy to stretch the shorter piece to fit.

When making a tee type top out of a stripe, where the front & back are the same except for the neckline, cut the back first, then flip it over and line up the stripes on the uncut fabric. Now you can cut the front and the stripes will line up at the side seams perfectly. You will only need to cut out the front neckline, which is always lower than the back!


When sewing 5/8" seams, press seams flat, then press them open. If the fabric is thick, press them open over a seam roll or tightly rolled towel. That will prevent the seams from showing on the right side of the fabric.


You can find beautiful fabrics, vintage patterns and other sewing related items in my Addoway store at http://www.addoway.com/DonnasStuffMore/storefront/c/14339 and in my Etsy store at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DonnasStuffMore.

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