Sewing can be a delightful and creative hobby, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. Fortunately, there are many sewing hacks and tips that can make your life easier and your sewing projects more enjoyable. Here are some handy sewing hacks:
Use Binder Clips for Holding Fabric: Binder clips can securely hold fabric layers together, especially when sewing thick or slippery materials. They’re more convenient than pins in some situations.
Create a Magnetic Pin Holder: Glue a small magnet inside the lid of a small container, like an old spice jar. Use it to pick up and store pins quickly.
Mark Seam Allowances with Colored Tape: Apply colored masking tape or washi tape to your sewing machine’s throat plate to mark different seam allowances. It helps you sew accurate seams without constantly measuring.
Use Hair Clips for Pattern Weights: Hair clips can be used as pattern weights to hold your pattern pieces in place on your fabric, especially when cutting delicate or slippery materials.
Make Your Own Bias Tape: Instead of buying bias tape, create your own by cutting strips of fabric on the bias (45-degree angle). Use a bias tape maker tool to fold and press them neatly.
How to create bias binding
Use Washable Glue Sticks for Hems: Apply a small amount of washable glue stick along the edge of your fabric to hold hems in place before sewing. It washes out after sewing and keeps your hems even.
Thread a Needle with a needle Threader: If you struggle with threading needles, try using a needle threader, which is a thin wire tool designed to make threading easier.
Invest in Good Quality Seam Ripper: A sharp and well-designed seam ripper is a lifesaver when you need to correct mistakes. It makes ripping seams quicker and less damaging to your fabric.
How to use a seam ripper
Create a Thread Catcher: Sew a small fabric pouch with an open top and hang it from the edge of your table. It’s a convenient way to collect thread scraps and trimmings while sewing.
Use Nail Polish to Secure Loose Threads: Apply a drop of clear nail polish to the ends of thread tails to prevent them from fraying or unraveling.
Sew Buttons with Dental Floss: Dental floss is stronger than regular thread and is excellent for sewing on buttons, especially on heavy or frequently stressed garments.
Make a Thread Chart: Wind small samples of your thread colors on an index card and label them. This helps you quickly identify the right thread colour for your project.
Sew Snaps or Hook-and-Loop Fasteners by Hand: Hand-sewing snaps or hook-and-loop fasteners ensures a neater and more discreet finish compared to machine sewing.
Use a Chopstick as a Sewing Aid: A wooden chopstick can be used to help turn fabric right-side-out, push out corners, or smooth out seams when pressing.
Keep an Organized Sewing Kit: Organize your sewing tools, threads, and notions in a dedicated sewing kit or box. Having everything in one place makes it easier to find what you need.
These sewing hacks can save you time, frustration, and even money in the long run. Incorporate these tips into your sewing routine to make your projects more efficient and enjoyable. Happy sewing!
