I recall the first couple of years I started sewing. I had a tendency to do things the hard way, as I had never been taught the sewing tips and tricks that could make my job a little easier, even though with practice, I did learn a couple of nifty sewing hacks to speed up the process. Whether you are experienced at sewing or a complete novice, here are 15 simple sewing tricks you won't be able to live without.
Source: worldofpineapple.com
1. Sewing leather is not the same as sewing fabrics. When sewing leather bear in mind that it cannot be pinned as any holes you make in this type of fabric will remain. Use paperclips or office clips to hold any pieces together instead.
Source: craftypod.com
2. Over time, I noticed that my pins and needles start to lose their sharpness due to the pin-cushion used. But, I discovered a sewing hack that served as both a pin cushion and a pin-sharpening tool. Simply sew a pin cushion together and stuff it with torn up steel wool pads.
Source: red-bolly.com
3. Washi tape can be used for more than a crafting tool - it can make for an invaluable handy item in the sewing room too - just use it to mark out seams, lines for topstitching and also a seam allowance guide. It makes for a great tool for people who have trouble seeing the seam allowance marks on their sewing foot (the tape happens to be 1/4"wide) - just place a strip of washi tape on your machine to use as a mark.
Source: malesomething.dritz.com
4. A bodkin can prove to be a handy tool to have in the sewing room. One of its nifty uses can be to insert elastic into a waistband or sleeve (while the garment is in its construction phase) or to draw an elastic band out. Simply insert an open bodkin into the waistband, grab the elastic and slide the ring down.
Source: vanillajoy.com
5. Fabric weights can be especially useful (they tend to make cutting long pieces of fabric incredibly easy) but they are also pretty expensive to buy. For just $0.60 you can make your own, using washers. Purchase two types of flat washers - 3/4" and 1/2" - or the largest and heaviest you can find. Using hot glue, glue the two washers (of the same size) together (flat sides touching). Finish off the look by wrapping the washers with any leftover material you may have.
Source: showtellshare.blogspot.com.mt
6. Make your own hemline tool using a piece of cardstock. Simply cut a rectangle (we suggest 8 x 5 inches or larger) and mark every half inch from two sides. This technique will enable you to iron folds or hemlines evenly. It can also be used for pintucks.
Source: sew4home.com
7. Store your filled bobbins together and keep the threads from dangling by storing them in a foam toe separator. For an added tip - every time you change the bobbin, use a tiny brush to remove any lint that may have built up inside the bobbin case.
Source: macgyverisms.wonderhowto.com
8. Keep your buttons from falling off by adding a coat of clear nail polish, to keep the thread from unraveling and to keep your buttons in place for much longer. It will also save you the trouble of having to sew them back on.
Source: sewmccool.com
9. There's a simple technique you can use to easily create a seam allowance. Simply rubber-band two pencils together at about 8mm apart. Once you have drawn in all the seam allowances (using this nifty technique), cut out your pattern pieces and store until you are ready to place them on the fabric.
Source: simplesimonandco.com
10. With this simple technique, pin across the end of a buttonhole before ripping the stitches. This will ensure that you do not cut too far!
23 Clever Sewing Tips and Tricks to Make Your Life Easier
Take note of these cool and easy sewing hacks and crafts that can come in real handy for all of us.
These Cosmetic Products are Cheap to Make & Chemical Free
Ready-made cosmetics may be convenient, but not only are they expensive, they tend to contain toxic products. Here are 8 products you can prepare yourself.
Here's How to Make Pretty Opaque Window Frosting!
If curtains aren't really your thing, then why not give opaque window frosting a chance? Here's how to make your own at home.
23 Creative Gardening Ideas to Inspire Your Spring Garden
Gardening can be enjoyed by anyone! These creative gardening ideas and hacks which might be just the inspiration you need for your spring garden.
Genius DIY Smartphone Hacks and Tricks You Need to Try Out
Easy and cheap tricks and lifehacks for smartphones
Make Sure Never To Use a Vacuum On These Household Items
Vacuum cleaners are the most effective tool against spills and messes but it can have disastrous results if you decide to clean up these spills with a vacuum
The DO'S and DON'TS of Gardening During the Heat
As the temperatures soar, make sure you don’t commit these to your garden.
For Perfectly Boiled Eggs, This Guide Is All You Need
Follow these 8 simple steps to make perfectly boiled eggs.
19 Household Items You Need to Change Now
It's high time you change these household items.
Can't Stop Overthinking? This Insightful Guide Is For You
Do you overthink? This guide will help you manage your thoughts better.
50 Culinary Tips That'll Make You a Kitchen Master!
50 great little culinary tips and tricks you can print and hang in the kitchen!
8 Terrific Additional Uses For Rubbing Alcohol!
Unsure about what you're meant to use rubbing alcohol for? Wonder no longer, as we've listed 8 brilliant uses of rubbing alcohol in this article.
15 Immensely Helpful Things You Can Do With Baby Oil
Learn about these 15 helpful uses for baby oil!
Sustainable Innovation: A 7-Seater Solar-Powered Bike
Now here is an example of sustainable innovation. This guy built a seven-seater solar bike bus from scrap.
Did You Know You Shouldn't Store These Foods in the Fridge?
Contrary to popular belief, these 10 foods shouldn't be stored in the refrigerator for a variety of reasons. Read this post to find out more.
These Tips Will Make Your Grocery Shopping a Breeze!
Grocery shopping alone can be a stressful task. Learn the tricks of how to do your shopping with ease, even if you have kids around.
The Best Time of Day to Eat Healthy Foods!
In this article we have outlined the best time of the day to indulge in some of your favorite foodstuffs.
Ever Thought of Using Vaseline in These Practical Ways?
Did you know Vaseline would have so many purposes in the house, in cosmetics, and in beauty? Check out the amazing list of uses!
50 Ways to Unwind Without Spending a Cent
Here are 50 different ways to help you unwind which are totally free of charge.
14 Incredible Egg Tricks For Egg Lovers
14 tricks and tips for cooking eggs!
The Perfect Morning Guide: How to Start Your Morning Right
Are your co-workers not allowed to talk to you before you’ve had a cup of coffee? You probably need to change up your morning routine!
These Sleep Secrets Are Only Known to a Few...
What are the things that will help make your sleep better?
WATCH: Grow Your Very Own Tomatoes Using This Method
Watch this video to learn how to grow your very own luscious and juicy tomatoes from the comfort of your own home.
14 Surprising Foods You Can Indulge Without Gaining Weight
Here are 14 nutritious foods you can eat as much as you want without feeling guilty or afraid that you’ll gain weight. Enjoy!
Ten Things You Can Do With Sugar You Never Knew About
Sugar can do a whole lot more than just make things sweet.
Cucumbers Are Incredibly Versatile: 7 Ways to Use Them
Cucumbers may be nutritious, but they are incredibly versatile too! Here's how you can use cucumbers outside of your salad.
This Bizarre Soap Trick Can Alleviate Leg Pain
Did you know that placing a bar of soap under a bed sheet can help reduce restless legs syndrome symptoms? Learn more about this odd trick.
If You See a Baby Choking, Do You Know What To Do?
If you see a baby choking, do you know what to do? This guide explains.
Tired of Feeling Angry? Use the Following Pressure Points
Learn the pressure points that help relieve feelings of frustration, anger, and worry.
Your Ultimate Guide to Wearing that Suit!
A beginner's guide to wearing a suit the right way.
The Easiest Way to Clean and Freshen Your Mattress
There are thousands of small reasons to clean your mattress, and one simple way to do so!
Knowing These 12 Warning Signs Could Save Your Pet's Life!
If your pets exhibit any of these 12 symptoms, you should take them to the vet immediately!
Give Your Shoes a New Life with These Clever Hacks
Everyone should know these life-changing shoe hacks.
Make These Baby Products Naturally at Home!
To help you create your own natural remedies for your little one, we suggest trying out the following homemade "recipes".
If You’re Taking Apple Cider Vinegar, You Must Know This
There is a right and wrong way to take apple cider vinegar, and doing so incorrectly may not just be ineffective, it could be harmful to your health.
6 Simple and Important Flexibility Exercises for Seniors
Regain flexibility after 60 with these easy exercises.
Calculate How Much Food & Drinks to Serve Your Guests
Planning out the perfect quantity of food for a party can seem like a tough task, but this guide makes it as easy as pie!
11 Household Lifehacks You Should Never Forget
These 11 tips are complete life savers!
How to Use Ice Cube Trays to Make Delicious Dishes!
I had no idea there were such creative and delicious uses for the ice cube tray!
Learn the Banana Tricks You Always Wanted to Know
You're Going to Love This Handy Banana Trick
Do You Know All 22 Unique Ways to Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda is amazing - Baking soda can help clean grease off floors, freshen your breath, and even relieve insect bites!
Is Your Bathroom as Clean as It Could Be? Probably Not!
Is your bathroom as clean as it could be? Follow these 10 tips to ensure a cleaner bathroom.
Shocking! How Thieves Steal Card Details at the ATM
Take note of some of the most common ways thieves will try to steal your credit card details.
20 Cooking Tips Everyone Should Be Aware Of
These cooking tips will hopefully close a lot of little holes in your kitchen knowledge.
6 Useful Tips for Wearing Sneakers for Seniors
Health experts say that seniors should wear sneakers. Follow these tips to learn more about how to wear them comfortably.
How to Clean Your Jewels at Home for Free
Enjoying clean jewels used to be a tedious chore, or an expensive visit to the jeweler's, but this way you can do it at home, for free!
How To Prevent Roaches From Entering Your Home
Learn some useful tips as you struggle to keep roaches out of your home.