Question:
I think we've done this before but I couldn't find the thread so I'm starting a new one.
Do you have a favorite sewing tip that has made your sewing life easier? If so please post it here so we can all reap the benefits of your discovery.
One of my time saver and clean-up favorites is a small piece of batting that sits on my sewing machine. Instead of trying to hit the trash can with bits of thread I put them on the batting which acts as a thread magnet. When the batting is completely covered I throw it in the trash and cut a new piece.
Joan
Answer:
Do not donate both sewing machines from your Mother's
estate. You will find a use for them.
Even if you don't sew, like moi.
LOLOLOL
Answer:
I've hemmed and repaired many pairs of jeans over the years. Even using a leather or heavy duty needle, the needles will break easily going over the thick seams.

I learned somewhere to use a hammer, and pound out the seam a bit to flatten some of the bulk. You don't want to overdo it, but it really does help, especially if you need to fold the hem over twice before sewing.

While it's been a few years since I actually made an entire garment, my best "hint" was always to make pressing and ironing a large part of the process. Pressing seams either open or to the side (depending on the seam) as you are assembling the item can make the difference between the garment looking handmade, and a nicely done garment.

Understitching the facing can also help give a cleaner look on the neckline or down the front of a shirt.
Answer:
Fiberguy's tip #26
Don't bump the lady with the rotary cutters.
Answer:
Fiberguy's tip #26
Don't bump the lady with the rotary cutters.
Good topic Joan...but I just can't think of any good sewing tips at all!
I do agree with Meya about pressing being a very important factor in having "homegrown" items come out looking much more professional. I learned that early on.
Answer:
Tip #1: It's much easier to sew without the "assistance" of three kitties.
(I normally keep my sewing machine in my office/craft room, but I don't have a lot of table space in here. I was making some fairly large curtains for the living room, so I toted the sewing machine to the kitchen so I could use the kitchen table. There were curious kitties everywhere! Ooooh! Wiggling cloth hanging off the table! Let's catch it! )
Tip #2: Check your bobbin thread BEFORE starting a long seam. If you don't, the thread's GONNA run out after only 2"-worth of sewing! It never fails!
Tip #3: Don't totally freak out when you feel a "bug" on your arm. It's just a piece of thread.
Tip #4: Larger-diameter straws from Sonic restaurants make great tube-turners for making skinny tubes. Small-sized PVC pipe works great for medium tubes.
Tip #5: The risk of making a sewing error is directly related to how big a rush you're in. BTDT waaaay too many times!
Answer:
Originally Posted by moonrise Tip #2: Check your bobbin thread BEFORE starting a long seam. If you don't, the thread's GONNA run out after only 2"-worth of sewing! It never fails!
And if it doesn't run out after only 2", it'll run out 6 inches from the END of the VERY LAST SEAM on the project. And it'll be the top-stitching on the center front of the item.
I usually fill at least one extra bobbin than I think I'll need for a project. When I start getting low on empty bobbins for new projects, I use up some of the old ones on projects that don't matter, or 'inner' seams.
If you love Mettler Metrosene thread, join one of the buying coops at Yahoo and order the biggest spools at a discount. Unfortunately the buys only occur once a year or so, but the savings are significant.
Elaine
Answer:
I am so glad there isn't a candid camera here sometimes. I do that all the time when sewing
Find some way to not sit in one place and LOOSE your scissors having never ever moved.
And we aren't going into that panic movement when you realize you've lost your sewing needle-IN YOUR BED
What is a tube-turner? Is it kinda like a time-turner?
Originally Posted by moonrise Tip #3: Don't totally freak out when you feel a "bug" on your arm. It's just a piece of thread.

Answer:
Crazy quilt tip...
When working with lightweight silk pieces for a crazy quilt, do NOT let the person sewing the silk pieces together use a backing that can "stretch"... or you will end up using ALL your creative energy trying to make "gathering" stitches look like they belong!
or better yet, choose your own fabrics for crazy quilting and skip the lightweight silks!
eta: And don't let anybody price an item like this (for a craft table) without your consent.
Answer:
Oh, noooooooooo
That's beautiful, though.
Originally Posted by goodworks4music eta: And don't let anybody price an item like this (for a craft table) without your consent.