Your tips are great and I’ve been sewing for 60 years and found a couple I could use. I’ll share one that I’ve learned over time: when you’re too tired, you always make mistakes. Quit and get some rest. It takes far longer to rip stitches than you might think. Happy sewing dear one!
If you have a pattern you use frequently, attach it to iron on interfacing. It prevents ripping, and allows for more accurate alteration. Once made, duplicating in muslin- also stiffened with interfacing- will preserve the original for longer.
Great tips! Thanks a lot! ☺️ My favourite: always keep a lint roller near the sewing place. In case of seam ripping, it's an easy and quick way to remove the tiny threat pieces.
Totally agree. Have been sewing almost 60 years. One of the first tips Mum taught me. Much more efficient in every way than all this mucking around with tape
Hello Johanna, Thanks for the excellent tips! My biggest time saver is trying to be extra careful and go slowly in order to prevent mistakes. Unpicking and having to cut replacement pieces cost me the most time when I started sewing!!
Thank you! Yes I do feel more energetic now and when doing videos one really has to be a bundle of energy, since the camera kinda eats a lot of energy, that doesn't transfer. So to appear like a regular energy person on camera vs in person, I have to have a good energy reserve for sure!
Great tips! I have a raskog cart from IKEA I keep all of my most used tools in. In dollar store dividers. Another time saver I learned was to iron fusible interfacing directly on to a section of your fabric then cut out. No need to cut pieces out twice and it keeps them from stretching too.
That batch fuse idea is so good, and something I've done sometimes too, it really is so easy and precise. And yay for the Ikea trolly, I finally got one last year and love it so much!
Another great video, Johanna 👍 The two most important tips you mentioned were: #1 Sew a Sample: Before attacking my final garment why would anyone not want to sew on some scraps to make sure the stitch is correct? That seems like common sense but so many fail to do this simple thing that will save them problems. #3 If your sewing machine requires adjustment for the materials you are using common sense dictates you should recourd those settings (if you need to replicate the results). I liked you mentioning to get everything you are going to use for a project organized and ready-at-hand - I thought everyone did that before starting a project but so many people do not. My mother always taught me to have two extra bobbins ready even if the (large) project would only require one 😊
You bring up so many great points on why these seemingly small thing make a big difference, in fact it's oftentimes the very basic things, that will have the largest impact. But they are not as "cool" as some crazy hacks, which is why I think they are often overlooked by many sewists
Haha, yes! I went back and forth if I should add it to my list, but I was one of those people myself , that "knew" it was a good idea, but never took the time to do it!😀
Wow, that makes me super happy to hear! I try to share things that aren't always taught in sewing books but are tried and true, which is why it's so great that I have this outlet to spread great stuff to fellow sewists
On knits when I’m ready to do coverstitching, I transfer my main thread from the sewing machine to one needle and move the bobbin over for the other. (I prefer to use sewing thread rather than serger thread as it’s stronger - you don’t want coverstitching to break). This way you also have the best match without buying extra reels.
I have a "project" worksheet that I use for my finicky (ancient but workhorse) serger/overlocker. I record all the settings, the types of thread I used in all four sources, tension, differential feed, etc. and then staple a fabric sample with the serged edge sewn to the page. Two projects fit per page, and I keep them in the drawer by my machine. So helpful when I return with similar fabric weeks later. I haven't used these worksheets with my sewing machine as it is a mechanical Pfaff and sews through everything first try, every time, though maybe it is worth recording. Finally, another reason to wind two bobbins is so you are nearly done and want to sew the hem with a twin needle, you already have a second spool (bobbin) of thread ready.
Your worksheet sounds awesome, I'm working on something similar for a course I want to create and so it's great to hear that you find it super useful for finicky machines. My coverstitch is like that too, so I have to be very diligent about recording the settings for it
I have previously seen a tip for top stitching you wind 2 bobbins and use one on top and one on the bottom so that you can tell when the bottom bobbin is going to run out
Great tips, Johanna! I'm a big fan of batching my work. Before I start a project, I read the instructions to see when and where I can do batching stitching AND batch pressing. Then I usually make note of my process order and check off tasks as I go. 👍✔
That's such a great way to approach a project and I honestly think that it can make us smarter too, since we really employ some abstract thinking, figuring all the steps out beforehand
I have a very large full length mirror (hotel cast off) in my sewing room. When I have settings that I use frequently and want to remember, I write those on the edge of the mirror with a sharpie. I will use it more or less like a white board for lists and plans etc; marker cleans off with windex. (Except the red)
I’ve been sewing for 50 years, but still learned a few things from this video. I love the freezer tape idea and the idea of marking the fabric with soap. I do a lot of sewing with knits so in the future, I’ll run a soap line along the fabric before I even cut it out. Brilliant!
Great tips! I really needed to hear the one about pinning the pattern pieces on an ironing board or mannequin. I tend to always be looking for missing pattern pieces.
Thankyou Johanna for these great tips and reminders of good habits to form. I inherited a serger which was old, in good condition, but had no instruction book. Over time I have learned what the levers, buttons and dials do, so I wrote on clear tape what the functions are and affixed the tape next to the dials/buttons/levers. It has really helped me out when I need to adjust the settings.
Thank you for these time saving tips! Here is an idea I use. I have a clipboard with notes, diagrams and examples of infrequently used techniques. For instance, I rarely do welt pockets. But when I sewed some a couple of years ago, I also wrote down how I did it and sewed an example pocket with notes on the pieces. As a visual learner these make trying to remember the process Much easier. And saves a lot of time and frustration next time I need to make a welt pocket.👍👍
Yes, I think we have all gone through all this at some point. And I realised while putting together the ideas for this video, that preparations really is the key for so much sewing success and time-savers!
Great tips, thank you! I use freezer tape to tell right from wrong side all the time, but on some fabrics it doesnt stick that well. So for keeping track of my cut pieces I usually just keep the paper pattern with them until time to use. Bigger pieces I fold with the paper pattern and smaller pieces I clip with the paper pattern using a sewing clip.
Thanks Johanna for these tips. I don’t know why it’s never occurred to me before to wind two bobbins at the start of each project. It makes so much sense. Once I’ve tested my stitches etc. on my fabric square, I leave it by the iron and periodically check it in case I’ve altered the setting. I’ve come close to ruining an almost finished garment with a too hot iron. I love the top you have on. Those sleeves are lovely.
Yes, sometimes the simplest most obvious things elude us, so I'm happy that I added that tip, even though it's super simple! And great point about iron samples too, I've done the same mistake, very traumatic! The blouse is an old Burdastyle pattern, I've love it so much so I made the top again last year in a new fabric
Just a question: with the extra bobbin what does everyone do with them when the project is completed and you have so much leftover thread? I am short on bobbins so am often unwinding perfectly good thread to free them up for my next project. There must be a better way.
Thank you for this most interesting hints and tips video. I definitely make samples if I'm unsure of the fabric. I have learnt to rather slow down my sewing then have to unpick because I went too fast. Regards Patricia from South Africa
I acquired polystyrene sheet 50cmx70cm which I thought would 'come in handy - 'it did! That's now my pin board in any sewing activity - it has saved so much frustration. All your suggestions are welcome and some I have implemented already. Thank you so much!
Great tips thanks! Combine 5 and 6: I write the stitch settings (and any other details e.g. type of thread or where I bought everything if that's helpful for future poor memory!) on a small piece of paper and attach it to the sample itself so that I can see what the stitch looked like on a particular fabric.
Brilliant! Loved all of these tips - wrote these tips into my sewing journal on the inside of the front cover to easily find. Thank you so much for sharing these with us.
Really great Tutorial for tips, thanks so much. I always do the two bobbins, and I do bobbins for my domestic sewer on my industrial, and some spares. Saves so much time as I will use the extras 🙏. I loved this tut. 10/10 👌
I'm fairly new to sewing and these tips were great! I recently had my first experience of running out if bobbin thread mid-project. I mean, I knew the bobbin didn't have enough thread when I started but the idea to thread a second one never crossed my mind. Won't happen again! Thank you!
I used one of your tips! Can't remember which video it was on. I put two threads into my needle when I was top stitching jeans. Brilliant! Thank you. (I was altering a pair of waterproof, anti-abrasion motorcycle jeans for a friend. It was the most horrible job. One broken needle and broken threads in spite of using a jeanamajig)
Great tips Johanna! I learned a couple new tips and I do a lot of them you have recommended! I guess this comes with a lot of sewing experience, you learn to do things a lot faster and you keep your mind open for a new tips coming your way!! (Like yours! LOL!)
100% I think we are even more open to learning as we become more experienced since we can put the tips into context and see which ones will be helpful for us
To note down my settings (ehich I find really helpful with using the overlocker), I take pictures of the settings on the machine, including knife width length. Then send an email with the subject line calico settings etc. To myself. Then when I need the settings I can search for this in my emails. Could also print these out and have a folder with all the settings in future.
Thank you Johanna for these great tips, I’m just learning how to use the overlocker (watched many tutorials on this) bc I don’t tend to sew too much atm I’ve been recording my settings on paper and what is really helpful for me is to sew an example and attach the settings with the sample to make it easier to remember. Ps I just got your book on cover stitching and I’m happy that I bought it , lots of great pictures and steps on how to use the coverstitch machine. Cheers from Australia
Settings: 1) Take a photo of your machine's settings together with the fabric, thread, etc. Or, 2) write your settings onto your pattern papers and pin a fabric sample to them also.
Nice video. Also, I do multiple projects together that take the same color thread, then do as many of one machine as I can before moving to another. For example on tees, sew shoulder seams, side seams, and sleeve seams (when I set them in) all on serger before going to regular machine to sew V-neck and then back to serger for setting in sleeves, then to cover hem (I have separate machine but sometimes use the same 3 cones of serger thread), then (if desired) finish with topstitching neck seam on regular machine. done. etc. etc.
To cope with stretchy fabric pin strips of greaseproof paper under the fabric to be sewn. When finished ,tear off strips. This will not work for zigzag.
I’m enjoying you posting more videos. I can’t keep up with a notebook so I jot specific settings and notes on the pattern envelope. However; my serger has printed labels all over it. I simply couldn’t remember which direction to turn most settings. Do you increase diff feed for light fabrics? Decrease? I look at my dial notes. Lol
My time saving tip should be obvious to everyone but often doesn't occur to so many is quite simple; have everything needed for the project on hand before starting and in the correct amounts. This especially should include fabric, interfacing, lining, thread, bias tape, buttons and machine needles. Others as well such as additional notions. Before I start sewing, I do test stitching and make adjustments before piecing it all together. In addition, I read the instructions at least twice before starting. What does happen on my second reading is where I make notes about changes in the contruction as I tend to do Demi couture sewing. I often use a saftey pin that shows on the right sides of fabric. Saves a lot of headache.
I can't add much to the good comments below (although I usually rework the construction order to minimize the trips from machine to iron)...that said, I enjoyed watching this while sewing yet another pair of jeans. :-D
great ideas; I sew less simple clothes but will try some knits in the future so hints on knits & patterns were great. Yes I keep extra bobbins same thread so if thread runs out I can immediately use the extra BUT I was thinking of getting a separate bobbin winder as I don't like threading, retread in the sewing machine.
Another excellent youTube teacher advises that knits don't always have to have finished seams, if your goal is to get some things made quickly. Seeing unfinished hems in RTW sometimes & she looks in expensive stores. Depends on the look you want. With new fabrics, some of the old rules I learned can sometimes be broken.
@@lynnm.johnson5755 I bought a Singer HD6800 which came with a free bobbin winder and i was very disappointed as it did not wind well at all The winder on the sewing machine was great though. The quality of Singer has dropped drastically but i bought mine for economic cost otherwise i would have spent over double. 🙄
I batch stitch everything. I have a 4 year old and an infant and whenever i have a couple free minutes i will cut out a few pattern pieces, later pin everything together, and finally when i have a few more minutes sew sew sew as many pieces as I can before i get interrupted
Thank you for the tips. You have so many helpful links. Now, is that a dress or top you are wearing? Is it from a pattern? If so, which one? It is so so cute!
Thank you so much for such good tips! Do you have any advice for keeping sewing machine feet from breaking loose from the foot post the foot attaches to due to vibration? I have a Brother sewing machine I like a lot except that I constantly have to make sure that the foot I am using is not going to come loose because of machine vibration. It happens a lot with the walking foot I have. Plastic pieces against metal. Not a good combination. Thanks if you have any advice.
Try sitting your machine on a piece of folded rubber mat, the kind you can use as a shelf liner or under rugs to stop them from slipping. This should help absorb some of the vibrations, I have both my sewing machine & my serger (as well as a piece stuck under both sewing pedals) set up that way, although I don't have the sewing feet issue you describe...HTH
@@vickyfernando7462 thanks very much for your help! I will try that. I think I have some rubber shelf liner. I don't know yet what to do about feet coming loose but will eventually figure it out!. Thanks! :)
I am currently hand-stitching a quilt and have a gadget where I can load 12 needles and store them already loaded. So yes, I do multiple bobbins. Chain stitching - yes. A must for quilt making. I’m lucky enough to have a machine that stores settings and all I have to do is press the correct number it’s stored under. So, do I remember to note down that number? Erm, nooo ........☺️
I NEVER remove my Paper pattern piece from the fabric until I go to sew. Make a habit of folding each cut pattern piece In a neat stack and stack the others on top of the last. Keep large zip bags handy and slip the pieces into the bag with the envelope and any special trim, etc... You speak a lot about knits...Knits are en vogue...
Keeping pattern on pieces until required will all but totally eliminate the need for your tips 2 & 3. Pattern instructions & sewing machine manual instructions should all but eliminate the need to write down any tension tips etc
Not 100% I would say, for instance you might overcast or staystitch, which would require removing the pattern piece and then adding it again. And unfortunately many instructions and manuals doesn't provide those kind of exact settings for fabric types, thickness etc. So I would argue that both approaches has its place, depending on the circumstance 👍
@@Thelaststitch I did not say 100%. I have been sewing for nearly 60 years & have never yet not been able to find appropriate directions & tips in the pattern instructions & the sewing machine manual
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