Sew Easy
I remember the excitement of finishing my first sewing course. I made a
skirt for my nine-year-old daughter and beamed with happiness as she wore
it for the first time. Since then I have collected sewing hints to
make it easier and quicker to sew with my machine. Here are few
of them:
1. Before sewing a row of buttons, tape each one where it belongs
with a strip of transparent tape. After the first stitches are made,
remove the tape.
2. Before you discard pants, cut of the belt loops and use to sew on
the inside of children's coats and jackets for a coat loop. No more
fallen coats at school.
3. To avoid pinholes when hemming delicate garments, mark the hemline
with tailor's chalk and use clips to hold the fold in place.
4. Prevent future errors in sewing by slipping a memo into individual
patterns explaining any size alterations or changes for that item.
5. Prevent fraying by reinforcing the hems with a row of zigzag
stitching in a matching or contrasting color.
6. Sew a large button on each end of the drawstring on pajamas and
sweat suits. This will keep the string from disappearing.
7. Keep a spool of clear nylon thread on hand. Because it is
transparent it will pick up the color of the fabric. This will also
work when a bobbin runs out and the spool is almost empty; just put
the clear thread on your bobbin.
8. Place a thin sheet of foam rubber under your sewing machine's foot
pedal to prevent it from sliding around when you use it on an
uncarpeted surface.
9. Store a magnet in your sewing basket to attract loose pins and
attach one to your sewing machine to hold extra needles. If you glue
a small magnet to the end of a wooden yardstick you won't have to
bend over to pick up any pins that fall on the floor.
10. Thoroughly washed and cleaned mascara brushes can be used to
clean the crevices of your sewing machine.
11. When letting down a garment hem you can diminish the crease by
applying white vinegar to the wrong side of the fabric and steam
press it.
12. Try this economical substitute for custom-cut table pads: Place a
quilted mattress cover over your table top and trim with scissors for
a custom fit. You'll have a sturdy, heat-absorbent table pad to
protect the finish of your table.
13. When shopping for accessories for a recent sewing project, staple
a small fabric sample to an index card and carry it with you to the
stores.
14. A substitute needle threader: push the needle through a sheet of
white paper, the eye will be easier to see.
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