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!
Who Knew Duct Tape Prevents Blisters & Has All These Uses!
Is any one object more multitasking than duct tape? We really doubt that, and here are just 18 genius ways you can start using it right away
10 Essential Tips to Revamp Your Home on a Budget
Looking to renovate your home? Here's how to do so on a budget.
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.
Last Minute Gift Wrapping and No Paper? Don’t Worry at All
This Christmas, don't use conventional wrapping paper. Give these amazing DIY wrapping tricks to keep your gifts looking extra festive
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.
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
Tea Is Much More Than a Drink. It Has MANY Other Uses!
Tea isn't just for drinking, it's one of the most helpful materials in the house!
I Never Knew Scarves Could Be Tied in This Many Ways!
25 creative ways to tie a scarf in less than 5 minutes
6 Stress-Relieving Cuddly Companions for Your Home
You must have these stress-relieving companions for your home.
Guide: The Alternative Uses of 21 Common Food Products
This guide will give you the useful tips and helpful information you need to find alternative uses for most of your common food products. You'll be amazed at the surprising uses for some of these common food items.
Save Money with These 15 Great Fuel Economy Tips
These 15 great tips will help improve your fuel economy, saving you money in the process.
How to Help Prepare for a Snow Storm – 11 Vital Steps
Don't let a winter storm take you by surprise. Prepare with these important steps.
These Common Habits Make Our Anxiety Worse
Experts believe that certain attitudes and habits are amplifying your stress levels.
These Aromatic Oils Will Do Wonders For Your Sleep
I've suffered with sleep problems for years, and no treatments seemed to work until I stumbled across this one. Take a look.
After Watching This, You'll Stop Pouring Fat Down the Sink
Pouring grease down your drain can do real damage to your pipes and the sewer system. Here's what you need to know.
11 Reasons Why Garlic Is a Gardener's Best Friend
Not only is garlic extremely tasty, but it is also very effective in the garden. Check out its uses here.
Stop Wasting Avocados By Learning This Simple Trick
This excellent video will show you the simple way of freezing the quick-decaying avocados so you can enjoy them later.
Loop, Knot, Drape: Fall Scarf Tying 101
This lovely woman demonstrates the better versions of how to wear a scarf, what not to do and how to easily make beautiful fashion choices.
Video Guide: Peel a Potato in Less Than a Minute
In this video guide, you will learn how to peel potatoes as quickly as possible.
How to Remove Ugly Water Stains from Wooden Furniture
Water stains can destroy the look of your wooden furniture and floors. Here's how you can remove them.
How to DEEP CLEAN Your Windshield Perfectly
Clean windshields are not just nice to looks at but also important for your safety! So if it's time to give your windshield a scrub, check out these important tips.
Choose the SAFE Way to Remove Mold From Your Home
Mold is not only unsightly, it can also be a health risk. Learn how to recognize it and get rid of it with ease.
Important: How to Stay Calm Under Pressure
This video will teach you one of the most important skills in the world - how to stay calm under pressure
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! This is What the Bar Code on Produce Means
What do the stickers on your produce mean? Find out here.
Replace These Popular Drinks With These Healthier Ones!
The most popular cocktails contain alcohol and a lot of calories. Thankfully there are healthier cocktail alternatives. Take a look! The most popular cocktails contain alcohol and a lot of calories.
Clear a Clogged Drain Without Using Any Chemicals
The clogged drains of your house don't always need chemicals. These natural homemade cleaners provide great results, too.
Body Language Guide: 17 Mistakes We All Make
We give ourselves away all the time. Learn the common body language mistakes we all do so you can protect your inner thoughts.
WATCH: 10 Amazing Life-Hacks You Wish You Knew Years Ago
If there were only 10 life-hacks you needed to learn, these would be them.
A Smarter Approach to Measuring Body Mass Index
The body mass index can actually be misleading. Here’s what you should use instead.
10 Ingenious Uses for Your Old Rubber Bands
These are the rubber band uses that you never considered. Some of these are amazing!
12 Myths We've Been Told About Intercourse that Aren't True
It's time to expose some of the myths we've all been told but are actually boldfaced lies.
9 Ultimate Methods for Stain Removal around the House
Things we;ve had for a long time tend to lose their fresh-out-the-box look but this can be remedied! These methods will help you remove those stubborn stains!
The Essential Cheat Sheet for Every Fashionista
Everyone will be able to get something useful from these fashion and clothing care infographics.
6 Home Ingredients You Can Use to Clean Your Carpet
Got a carpet stain? Forget the dry-cleaners, try one of these methods instead.
24 Zip Tie Hacks That'll Make Your Life Much Easier
Zip ties have an array of different uses. The following 24 zip tie uses will change your life for the better.
Dog Can't Stay Alone? 5 Tips to Help Resolve Their Anxiety
When your dog shows anxiety when left alone, here are some tips to help you deal with the problem.
We Bet You Don't Know Just How Useful Your Microwave Is
3 great additional uses for microwaves you never knew about.
Click to See Unbelievable Uses for These Household Items
Click to learn more! We've collected Ba-bamail's best list of tips and alternative uses for things you've got lying around the house.
Exploring the Fascinating History of Popcorn!
exploring the history and evolution of this irresistible snack - popcorn!
10 Fantastic Tips for Perfectly Folded Clothes
Folding can be such a chore, and hard to get right. Here are 10 incredibly easy ways to fold your clothes fast and right!
STOP! Before You Throw Your Egg Shells, Read This...
Egg shells have a plethora of useful properties.
16 Human Foods You Can Share With Your Dog or Cat
In this article, we will present you with 8 foods for dogs and 8 foods for cats.
Do This to Revive a Drying Houseplant
Whenever one of your houseplants suddenly looks ill, do this trick.
Financial Planning for Widowhood - 7 Important Tips
Losing a spouse can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. But there are some important financial steps you must take immediately.
This Ice Cube Hack Will Keep Your Burger Juicy
Check out these essential tips to ensure a juicy burger.
Learn How to Grow Your Favorite Fruit and Veggies Indoors
All these plants are delicious, packed full of healthy nutrients and easy-to-grow even if you don’t have a yard or garden