NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 8...

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SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't)

Purchase interfacing in 5 or 6 yard lengths.  Preshrink in a basin of hot water for 15 minutes.  Hang to dry over the shower rod.  This way your interfacing is ready to go whenever you need it.

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 7...

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SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

For perfectly straight top-stitching place masking tape along the edge of fabric to establish a stitching guide to follow. Just stitch along the edge of the tape then remove the tape when you are finished.

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 6...

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Ok George, that's a marvelous idea!

SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

CONCAVE/CONVEX

Stitching concave/convex seams (such as armholes or sleeves) can be difficult at times.  I use Peggy Sagers' advice and sew these seams at 3/8" rather than 5/8" and my stitching goes so much better.  
Decreasing the seam allowance in this area also eliminates the need to trim the seam afterwards - Time-Saver.

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 5...

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SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

RIGHT SIDE - WRONG SIDE

Some fabrics look almost identical on the right and wrong sides.  Before removing your pattern completely, label the wrong side of the fabric with painter's tape.  The tape has a matte surface that allows you to make notes if you like, adheres firmly to the fabric but will not leave a residue when removed. 

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 4...

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SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

BUTTON, BUTTON, WHO HAS THE BUTTON?

1. For more stable button holes, use water soluble or tear away stabilizer on the bottom of the garment next to the feed dogs.  Someone gave me this advice and I've been using it ever since.  I love the results!

2. Make one or two practice buttonholes before making the real deal on the garment you are constructing.
3. When shopping for buttons, cut a hole in a fabric swatch of your garment fabric to take with you.  Slip the button on the card through the hole.  This will help you make quick decisions on which buttons to buy.