Updated April 2019
You’ve come to learn more about how to make your sewing look more professional and amazing, and I have so much to share with you. Before we get to those tips though, let me share a few more things with you. When I started sewing I would often look at the things I made and compare them to store-bought clothing and I noticed a few things that always made mine seem a little less polished.
If you want:
- fashion that looks expensive but no one suspects you made it yourself
- classic pieces that stand the test of time
- pieces that are durable and can be worn for years because they’re well made
- to be proud of your creations both inside and out
then read on, because I’ve been there. I didn’t know a thing about sewing when I started teaching myself, and I’m so excited to share what I’ve learned with you.
7 Ways to Make Your Sewing Look Professional
1. Use Wide Elastic and Casings
It’s so tempting to put in skinny elastic and a small casing, especially when you’re short on fabric. But small elastic and casings look cheap, so avoid it if possible. Also make your casings snug so the elastic doesn’t twist–a tell-tale sign of homemade. You can also stitch through your elastic and casing along the side seams to prevent twisting…
2. Create Wide Hems and Cuffs
If a pattern calls for a 1/2″ hem, add extra length so you can have a 1-1/2 to 2″ hem. It makes the garment look more expensive because you didn’t skimp on the fabric. It also helps give the hem more weight so it hangs nicer and you also have the added benefit of being able to lengthen a garment if needed when you have a large hem. Win win.
[pullquote width=”600″ float=”center”]What about on circle skirts? This hemming trick will save your sanity and you can have as big of a hem as you’d like. [/pullquote]
3. Press Everything
Don’t ever skip pressing your seams as you go–even if you hate ironing. Just don’t do it. Steam pressing seams sets the stitches and creates structure that makes the whole garment to look polished. I promise its worth the effort. And go for a good one. I LOVE this CHI clothing iron. I reviewed it last year and my Rowenta iron got the boot. See my review here (my feelings have only gotten stronger in the past year of use and abuse.)
4. Finish the Seam Allowances
Finished seam allowances keeps your cut edges from fraying, and it’s also key in making your sewing look professional. While pinking shears technically keep your fabric from fraying, a pinked edge just doesn’t look great. Instead, either use a zigzag over your edges or serge all raw edges as you go to get a better finish. Although no one else will see the inside of your clothes, it will change how you feel about your creations–you’ll be proud of the garment both inside and out.
[disclaim]Don’t know what serger/overlocker to get? This entry-level Brother serger has been great to me for over 6 years now. I definitely recommend it.[/disclaim]
5. Understitch the Collars and Facings
Nothing screams homemade like a collar that won’t stay down. And nothing is as annoying as constantly trying to smooth it down when you’re wearing it. Facings that won’t stay down are just as bad. Always under stitch.
[pullquote width=”600″ float=”center”]Don’t know what under stitching is? No problem, click here and I’ll email you what it is and when to use it![/pullquote]
6. Stay stitching
It’s so tempting to skip the stay stitching, but don’t. Stay stitching is a line of stitches that stays in the garment to help curved edges like necklines retain their shape so they don’t get saggy or stretched while you’re sewing. Because frumpy necklines just don’t look good.
7. Use a Double Needle or Coverstitch to Finish Knits
You know that double row of stitching on the hem of your favorite t-shirt? It’s a special stitch that stretches AND looks good. On a sewing machine, you can use a double needle to get this stitch, or if you’re lucky you can use a coverstitch machine to sew your hem and finish your edges all at once. Either way, that double stitched look really makes a difference on the finished look of knits.
It’s amazing how just these simple steps will give your projects a serious boost in subtle yet noticeable ways and make your sewing look professional. And while some of them require an extra step or tool, they make a real difference in the quality of the finished product.
[pullquote width=”600″ float=”center”]Looking for more sewing tips and tricks? I’ve got you covered with 9 more crucial tips and tricks to make your sewing look amazing! Click here and I’ll send you my favorite sewing tips and tricks because I want you to be successful and love sewing.[/pullquote]
I'd love to hear your thoughts–leave me a comment!