Updated April 2019
If you want:
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
Don’t know what under stitching is? No problem, click here and I’ll email you what it is and when to use it!
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.
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.
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.
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I always say I want my clothes to look handmade rather than homemade... I've got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later today that links to your tips: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=82492 --Anne
Yes! There's a huge difference. And thank you so much, Anne!
Great tips, thank you so much for sharing. I'm just getting back into sewing after a 10 year hiatus and it had never occurred to me how much I might have forgotten until I started. As I was working through my latest project I was having several oh ya moments. As I also remembered how much I really enjoyed sewing I'll be doing more of it in the future so your tips will be coming in very handy. Thanks
It's amazing how many details there are in sewing! And while it's not too hard, there's a lot to remember. I'm glad you're getting back into it!
I really did like your post. I am in the midst of remodeling some tee shirts that are plain and tired looking. I loved some of the tips in your post. I like to be reminded that the fastest way is not always the best way. I will enjoy the reminders that you posted.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Iris. I think we all need these reminders once in a while.
I think for #7 that you mean coverstitch machine that hems and finishes the edge at once.
Ha! Yes, I did. Updated, and thanks for straightening me out. :)
Just getting back to sewing clothing after 25 years, these are great tips some old some new thoughts for me. thanks for sharing.
Ohh, welcome back! And I'm glad you came to check out my tips. Happy sewing!
Excellent points. Thanks for sharing .
Thank you!
Danke
You're welcome!
please send 7 tip details to me by email , I am a fashion designer in Shanghai,China.It is very nice to know you at your website.
Lisa, found this article through Google. Glad I came across these 7 tips and loved it. I just Subscribed to your newsletter.
I'm so glad you found me. Welcome, and I hope you learn a lot here!
Love your tips. Love to read more. Thank you for inviting me in.
Welcome, Carol! Glad you found them helpful. :)