Sewing is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful and unique items for yourself and others. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there is always something new to learn and improve in your sewing skills. In this article, we will share with you 20+ easy sewing tips and tricks that will make your sewing projects easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
1. Use a magnet to pick up pins
If you ever drop a bunch of pins on the floor, don’t waste time picking them up one by one. Instead, use a magnet to attract them all at once. You can also use a magnetic pin cushion or a magnetic bowl to store your pins and keep them handy.
2. Use hair ties to mark your seam allowance
If you have trouble sewing a consistent seam allowance, you can use hair ties to mark it on your sewing machine. Simply slide them onto the needle bar and adjust them to the desired width. Then, use them as a guide to align your fabric edge as you sew.
3. Use binder clips to hold thick fabrics or layers
Sometimes, pins are not enough to hold thick fabrics or multiple layers together. In that case, you can use binder clips to secure them. Binder clips are stronger and more durable than pins, and they won’t leave holes or marks on your fabric.
4. Use a chopstick to turn corners and tubes
Turning corners and tubes right side out can be tricky and time-consuming. To make it easier, you can use a chopstick to push them through. Just be careful not to poke or tear your fabric with the chopstick.
5. Use a spoon to press seams
If you don’t have an iron or a pressing tool, you can use a spoon to press your seams. Simply rub the back of the spoon along the seam with some pressure and heat. This will help flatten and smooth your seam and make it look more professional.
6. Use a toothpick to sew buttons
Sewing buttons can be tedious and frustrating, especially if you want them to be evenly spaced and aligned. To make it easier, you can use a toothpick to create a gap between the button and the fabric. This will allow you to sew the button more securely and prevent it from being too tight or too loose.
7. Use a nail file to sharpen your scissors
If your scissors are dull and can’t cut your fabric cleanly, you can use a nail file to sharpen them. Simply run the nail file along the edge of the blades a few times, and test them on a scrap of fabric. You will notice a difference in the sharpness and smoothness of your cuts.
8. Use a hair dryer to remove wrinkles
If your fabric is wrinkled and you don’t have an iron or a steamer, you can use a hair dryer to remove them. Simply lay your fabric on a flat surface and blow hot air over it with the hair dryer. You can also use your hands to smooth out the fabric as you go.
9. Use a freezer bag to store your patterns
If you have a lot of sewing patterns and you want to keep them organized and protected, you can use freezer bags to store them. Freezer bags are clear, waterproof, and resealable, so you can easily see and access your patterns. You can also label them with a marker or a sticker for easy identification.
10. Use a soap bar to mark your fabric
If you need to mark your fabric for cutting, sewing, or quilting, you can use a soap bar to do it. Soap bars are cheap, easy to find, and easy to use. They also wash off easily and don’t leave any residue or stain on your fabric.
11. Use a seam ripper to open buttonholes
If you need to open a buttonhole that you have sewn, you can use a seam ripper to do it. Simply insert the seam ripper into one end of the buttonhole and cut through the stitches. Then, repeat on the other end. Be careful not to cut beyond the buttonhole or into the fabric.
12. Use a bobby pin to thread elastic or ribbon
If you need to thread elastic or ribbon through a casing, you can use a bobby pin to do it. Simply attach the bobby pin to one end of the elastic or ribbon and use it as a guide to push it through the casing. You can also use a safety pin or a paper clip for this purpose.
13. Use a straw to store your needles
If you have a lot of needles and you want to keep them organized and safe, you can use a straw to store them. Simply cut a straw into small pieces and insert your needles into them. You can also use different colors of straws to sort your needles by size or type.
14. Use a rubber band to adjust your bobbin tension
If your bobbin tension is too loose or too tight, you can use a rubber band to adjust it. Simply wrap a rubber band around the bobbin case and tighten or loosen it as needed. This will help you achieve a balanced stitch and prevent thread bunching or breaking.
15. Use a lint roller to clean your sewing machine
If your sewing machine is dirty and dusty, you can use a lint roller to clean it. Simply roll it over the surface of your machine and remove any lint, dust, or threads that have accumulated. You can also use a small brush or a cotton swab to clean the hard-to-reach areas.
16. Use a cereal box to make a sewing template
If you need to make a sewing template for a specific shape or size, you can use a cereal box to do it. Simply cut out the shape or size you need from the cereal box and use it as a template to trace or cut your fabric. You can also use cardboard, paper, or plastic for this purpose.
17. Use a ziplock bag to mix fabric dye
If you want to dye your fabric with a custom color, you can use a ziplock bag to mix your fabric dye. Simply add your dye and water to the ziplock bag and shake it well. Then, add your fabric and seal the bag. You can also massage the bag to make sure the dye is evenly distributed.
18. Use a fork to make pleats
If you want to make pleats on your fabric, you can use a fork to do it. Simply place the fork on your fabric and fold the fabric over the tines of the fork. Then, press the fabric with your fingers or an iron to create the pleats. You can also use a ruler or a tape measure for this purpose.
19. Use a sponge to make a pincushion
If you need a pincushion and you don’t have one, you can use a sponge to make one. Simply cut a sponge into a desired shape and size and cover it with fabric. You can also glue or sew the fabric to the sponge to secure it. Then, use it to store your pins and needles.
20. Use a coffee filter to stabilize your fabric
If your fabric is too thin or stretchy and you need to stabilize it for sewing, you can use a coffee filter to do it. Simply place the coffee filter under your fabric and sew them together. The coffee filter will act as a stabilizer and prevent your fabric from slipping or puckering. You can also use tissue paper or interfacing for this purpose.
21. Use a candle to prevent thread from tangling
If your thread is tangling and knotting as you sew, you can use a candle to prevent it. Simply run your thread over the candle a few times and coat it with wax. This will make your thread smoother and more resistant to tangling and knotting.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned some new sewing tips and tricks. If you have any other sewing tips and tricks that you want to share, please let me know in the comments. Happy sewing! 😊
