If you love to sew, then you know how important it is to use the right tools for the job. Whether you plan on using a sewing machine or sew by hand, there are certain things you need to ensure that the project you are working on goes smoothly. Luckily, you have some hacks you can use to make the process easier.
You can use a wide range of hacks to make doing various sewing projects that much easier. Some of the hacks you can use include preventing your thread from getting tangles when you hand sew, creative ways to use bias tape, and using various items around your home to make the sewing process easier.
Whether it’s keeping your scissors sharp, finding simpler ways to sew materials, or keeping your material in place, these hacks can help to make your next sewing project a breeze.
1) Simple Sewing Hack to Avoid Pins
In order to avoid hitting the pins you use to hold your fabric together when sewing, place them in horizontally. In this way you don’t risk hitting them with the needle and damaging your machine. For more on how to do this, check Sew4Home.
Source:
Happy Quilting
2) How to Keep Your Scissors Handy
To keep your scissors close by and ready for use when working on a project, attach a cord to the handle of the scissors. Make sure the cord is long enough and you can place it around your neck so it is right there when you need it.
Source:
RubyLane
3) Using Old Blankets as Batting for Quilts
Instead of investing in expensive batting for your next quilt project, use some old blankets instead. Old blankets work just as well as batting and can even make the quilt easier to fold once finished. Check out The Slightly Mad Quilt Lady for more on how to upcycle your old blankets.
Source:
The Slightly Mad Quilt Lady
4) Binder Clip Hack
To hold your fabric in place when sewing, use office clips. These clips allow you to keep layers of material tightly together when sewing around the edge. When you get to the clip, simply remove it and continue sewing.
Source:
Michelle Patterns
5) Drawstring Hack
Keeping the drawstring for your hoods can be difficult. An easy way to keep your drawstring in place is to place a few stitches in the middle of the back of the hood to hold it in place. Visit Maybe She Made It to learn more about this marvelous hack.
Source:
Maybe She Made It
6) Easily Sharpen Pins and Needles
Steel wool is an easy way to keep your pins and needles sharp. To make a steel wool pin cushion, place a small ball of steel wool in some colorful cloth and sew it closed. Then, when you are not using your pins and needles, stick them in the steel wool pin cushion to keep them handy while sharpening them at the same time.
Source:
Pink Polka Dot Creations
7) Serger Spool Hack
Did you know you can utilize larger serger spools with a non-serger-type sewing machine? Simply place the larger serger spool over a smaller spool before placing both on your machine. This makes it so you don’t have to change out your thread as often.
Source:
Sewcratic
8) Narrow Hemmer Use Tips
Hemmers make it easier to sew a hem on your fabrics. The narrow hemmer folds the fabric over twice and stitches the hem down flat. Go to Threads Magazine to learn more about the different types of hemmers.
Source:
Lelong.my
9) How to Create Extra-Wide Panels
Adding fabric to another piece of fabric allows you to widen it and make it larger. When adding fabric to another piece of fabric for this purpose, add some to each side to create a symmetrical look. Visit Sew4Home for more info on how to do this.
Source:
Sew4Home
10) How to Easily Thread a Needle
Threading a needle is often a difficult process. The end of the thread tends to fray, making it almost impossible to thread through the eye of a needle. For an easier way to thread a needle, go to the Art of Manliness.
Source:
The Indian Express
11) Seam Allowance Guide Hack
Getting you seam allowance right does not have to be difficult. An easy way to set your seam allowance is to use two rubber bands. Place the rubber bands around the bottom of the machine, and move them into place on your fabric when needed. Threads Magazine has more on this time-saving hack.
Source:
Threads Magazine
12) Bias Tape Hack
Bias tape comes in handy when trimming quilts, placemats, and other items. Fortunately, continuous bias tape is easy to make. Check out No Big Dill for more on how to make your own continuous bias tape.
Source:
Whipstitch
13) Bulky Fabric Sewing Tip
Bulky fabrics can cinch up and make it hard to sew. An easy hack to prevent this is to use a plastic bag. By placing a plastic bag over your bulky material before attempting to sew it can make the material slide more smoothly through the machine. For more on this hack, visit Threads Magazine.
Source:
Akross.info
14) Pins and Needles Hack
An easy way to ensure that you get all of your pins and needles picked up when you finish is to use a magnet. Keep the magnet in your sewing kit, and once finished run it over your work area.
Source:
ThriftyFun
15) Important Stitch Sewing Tip
Before proceeding with any sewing project, it is important to test your stitches before getting started. So, grab a piece of scrap cloth and make sure your machine is set up correctly. Otherwise, you might end up ripping out the stitches and starting over.
Source:
Artesanato Total
16) Elastic Thread Use
Using elastic thread in your projects allows you to create ruffles. Called shirring, adding elastic thread to a piece of fabric will cause it to shrink to about half its size, so plan accordingly. To learn more about shirring and using elastic, check out RufflesandStuff.
Source:
ModKidBoutique
17) Zipper Installation Tips
While many who sew think installing a zipper is hard, it doesn’t have to be. There are certain hacks you can use to make the whole process simpler and faster. Check out Make It & Love It for more on hacks to speed up the zipper installation process.
Source:
Indiamart
18) The Importance of Washing Fabric Before Sewing
Washing your fabric before sewing is important. Doing so helps to eliminate any shrinkage beforehand. Most all fabrics, except 100 percent polyester need to be washed in this way. Check out Bluprint for more on this important step.
Source:
IndieSew
19) How to Sew Buttons on Using a Machine
Another option to sewing buttons on by hand is to use a sewing machine to do so. Supposedly, it is much easier to use a machine, as long as you use the proper technique. DIY & Crafts has all you need to know to learn this crucial skill.
Source:
DIY & Crafts
20) Replacing a Bodkin With Something Else
If you do not have a bodkin, luckily you have some replacement options that can stand in as a replacement. One option is to use a safety pin attached to the elastic to pull it through.
Source:
The Sewing Loft
21) How to Use a Serger
A serger can really speed up your sewing, making it easier to do a lot of sewing tasks, many at the same time. For more on how to properly use a serger, check out Sewway.
Source:
Sewway
22) Bodkin Guide
If you use elastic in your designs, then a bodkin is a must-have item. A bodkin, a blunt, thick needle, allows you to feed the elastic through your material. For more on how to properly use a bodkin, visit The Sewing Loft.
Source:
Make Something
23) How to Easily Sew Buttons by Hand
Sewing buttons is a skill that is easy to learn but hard to master. Luckily, the method is easy enough. You just have to make sure the thread is the right length and then not pull the thread through the fabric while sewing. Martha Stewart has more on this necessary sewing skill.
Source:
Martha Stewart
24) Crisp Corner Guide
This hack can help you make a crisp corner with perfectly straight corners. Simply turn the fabric inside out when sewing to get a nice crisp corner. You can find this hack at Closet Case.
Source:
Closet Case
25) Skirt Lengths Made Easy
Keeping track of skirt lengths is difficult, especially for children. An easy way to track the proper lengths you need is to print off a length chart and keep it close for when you need it.
Source:
DIY Joy
26) Circle Sewing Made Easy
While it might see hard to sew a circle pattern, using this hack makes it much easier. Use a round object with sandpaper attached to the bottom as a template for sewing. Find out more about this hack at Threads Magazine.
Source:
Threads Magazine
27) Bobbin Storage Hack
small bobbins are easy to lose, especially if you have a lot of them. An easy way to keep track of your bobbins is to secure them using a toe separator. You can find toe separators for cheap at your local dollar store. Sew4Home has more on this great hack.
Source:
Sew4Home
28) How to Stitch the Perfect Quilt Line
In order to make straight quilt lines, use masking tape to mark off the edges of the lines. The tape keeps the squares from moving and creates a perfect guideline to sew along with a sewing machine. Visit Makery for more info on this helpful hack.
Source:
My Rose Valley
29) Trim Organization Hack
Organizing your trim can be difficult, especially if you have a lot. A good way to organize it is to cut off a piece of cardboard, such as from a cereal box, and wrap the trim around it. Check out the The Cottage Mama for more on this helpful hack.
Source:
The Cottage Mama
30) How to Easily Mark a Seam Allowance
An easy way to mark a seam allowance is to be to place a rubber band around two pencils. Then, when you need one, use the pencils to draw a seam allowance on your fabric. The pencils should be about 3/8-inches apart, the perfect size. Go to OneCrazyHouse for more information.
Source:
OneCrazyHouse
31) Button Securing Hack
Over time, the thread that holds buttons in place can fray and come loose. A great way to prevent this is to add a thin layer of clear nail polish to the top of your threads. Go to That Cheap Bitch.com to learn more.
Source:
That Cheap Bitch.com
32) Thread Tangle Prevention Hack
Keep your thread from getting tangled by coating it with beeswax when using. Not only does the wax make it much easier to handle the thread, it also doesn’t interfere with the use of the thread. For details about a variety of products used for this purpose, check out Sew4Home.
Source:
Colette
33) Longer Lasting Patterns
The problem with many paper patterns is their flimsy nature. Luckily, you can attach your paper patterns to interfacing to make your patterns last longer. Pinosy has more on this money-saving hack.
Source:
Pinosy
34) Sewing Pin Organization Hack
To keep your pins better organized, attach a small dish to the top of your sewing machine. To attach a shallow bowl or saucer to the top of your sewing machine, glue two magnets to the bottom of the holder. For more on this helpful hack, check out Sarah Jane’s Craft Blog.
Source:
Diary of a Quilter
35) Ruffle Creation Tips
Believe it or not, you can use a fork to create ruffles. The fork allows you to easily fold the material over to make uniform pleats in your material. Check out Home Decoras for more information on this hack.
Source:
Home Decoras
36) Zipper Finishing Hack
Often when finishing a zipper, it can look unprofessional if not done right. Fortunately, you have an option to get a more professional looking zipper. To give your zippers a more professional look, use the hacks presented at Burda Style.com.
Source:
JSTOR Daily
37) Tips for Sewing by Hand
When sewing it is important to make sure your stitches are evenly spaced. An easy way to do this is to make a mark on your thumb using a sharpie. BoingBoing has more on this easy to use hack.
Source:
Holy Crap! Yarn and Stuff!
38) How to Get Seams Without a Serger
If you cannot afford a serger but like the seams you can do with a serger, then this hack is for you. You can either use pinking shears to keep the seam from unraveling or sew a zigzag stitch for added strength. Go to The Seasoned Homemaker for more.
Source:
Shop Bluprint
39) Fray Prevention Hacks
If you want to prevent fraying while cutting your fabric, use a pair of pinking scissors. Pinking shears are spring-loaded, popping open after every cut. The blade of the pinking shears is serrated and cuts a zigzag pattern in the fabric which keeps it from fraying.
Source:
Milan Clothing
40) Easy Stay Stitching
If you sew much, then you know about the importance of stay stitching. Stay stitching is a row of stitches that help your fabric hold its shape. If you don’t know about this helpful sewing hack, you can learn more about stay stitching by visiting Tilly and the Buttons.
Source:
Threads Magazine
41) DIY Pattern Weights
Larger nuts and washers make great weights to hold your patterns down on your fabric. Plus, they are easy to move when you need to. Burda Style.com has more on using washers and nuts for this purpose.
Source:
Burda Style.com
42) Serger Cone Hack
If you own a serger, then you know how expensive it can be to buy the thread cones for your machine. To save money, use three smaller thread spools, three empty bobbins, and one large serger cone with the color of thread you want to use. Check out Moonthirty for more on this money-saving hack.
Source:
Amazon
43) Sewing Machine Cleaning Tips
In order to get the most out of your sewing machine, you should clean it regularly. Pipe cleaners are a great way to clean your machine, allowing you to get into all of the nooks and crannies. Visit Tuesday Stitches for more on how to clean your machine using pipe cleaners.
Source:
Tuesday Stitches
44) Easily Pin a Button Hole
To avoid sewing up a button hole, use a pin to pin the hole so that you see it when sewing. This easy reminder allows you to avoid sewing the hole closed when sewing your fabric and avoid having to cut the button hole open again when finished.
Source:
Wikipedia
45) Make-Your-Own Soap Pin Cushion
Soap makes a perfect pin cushion. Either use a bare bar of soap or cover it with fabric. In addition to keeping your pins in place, the soap also has a pleasant smell. Visit Marlene’s Space for more on this great smelling hack.
Source:
Marlene's Space
46) Gather Fabric More Easily
To gather fabric more easily, such as when sewing a skirt, use crochet thread to help hold it in place when creating ruffles on your skirt. Using your machine, sew the crochet thread into the fabric under a zigzag pattern using thread. Then, you can easily cinch the material by pulling on the crochet thread. For more on this helpful hack, visit Raegun Ramblings.
Source:
Raegun Ramblings
47) Quick Hem Hack
You can use bias tape to create fake hems on items such as skirts. The tape should hold the material together. Blueprints for Sewing has more information on this helpful hack.
Source:
Blueprints for Sewing
48) Double Needle Hack
If your sewing machine does not have a secondary spool holder for creating double stitches, you can easily create your own. Simply cut off a dowel and tape it to the side of your machine. Next, place a thread spool on the attached dowel, and then place a second spool of thread in the color you want on top of that. You can find more at Make It & Love It.
Source:
Bonk
49) Dress Shirt Hack
Taking in a piece of clothing allows you to reduce its size, making it more form fitting. You have to be careful not to take in dress clothing, such as shirts, too much though, or it can change the way it looks. Visit Survival of the Fittist to learn more on how to properly take in dress shirts.
Source:
Survival of the Fittist
50) Keep Scissors Sharp
When sewing, it is important that you keep your scissors sharp to allow you to cut through fabrics when you need to. Simple ways to keep your scissors sharp is to clean them up and dry them off if they get wet, and to only cut fabric with them. Andrea’s Notebook has more on how to keep your scissors sharp.
If you like this article, please SHARE it with your friends and family.
Source:
Sewing.com
As you can see, there are many hacks that can make sewing easier. You can also find hacks to improve your seams and make it easier to store your sewing supplies. So, the next time you decide to sew something, use these sewing hacks to make your next project a breeze.