Sewing Tips and Tricks
LoveSewing | Date posted: January 18th, 2010
I love making pillows, but could never get the corners right until I tried chopsticks! They work perfectly to turn out corners on any square item! — Anna White, Calgary
Whenever I’m on vacation I stockpile the mini hotel soaps. Then, I use them instead of chalk to mark my patterns. It marks just as well — and it washes out! — Ling San, Vancouver
I use a metal darning (aka very large) needle to push ruffles or pleats through the sewing machine evenly. — Susan Fry, Toronto
Keep all ongoing projects in a large Ziploc bag. For bigger projects, keep them in the bags with zippers that duvets and sheets come in. This will keep your pieces from getting mixed up or going missing! — Jaime Brut, Peterborough, Ontario
I live in the country, so I keep an ongoing “Things I need” list by my sewing machine. Then, when I make my trip to the fabric store, I’ve got my list handy so I don’t forget anything. — Liz Bruckner, LoveSewing Sewing Editor
I keep a stash of toothpicks with my sewing tools. Whenever I have to replace a button, I slip one or two toothpicks between the fabric and the button to ensure I’m leaving enough space so the button actually fits through the hole afterward! — Chantel Simmons, LoveSewing Editor-in-Chief
I always carry a pack of sticky notes with me when I’m buying fabric. I write down the amount of fabric I need and stick it to each roll so that the staff doesn’t mix up my order when cutting. — Cherie Ouest, Montreal
When not in use, cover your sewing machine with a lid or cloth to keep the dust bunnies away. Dust and debris are one of the leading causes of sewing machine breakdown. — Rosie Drummond, Halifax
I have a strapless dress that never stays up, so I made spaghetti straps to match. To turn them right-side out after sewing, I straightened a coat hanger and fed it through the strap. — Emily Strough, Calgary
Whenever I want to save a pattern I love, I trace the pattern onto an empty cereal box and cut it out. — Stefanie Coulter, Barrie, Ont.
Have a sewing tip to share? Email tips@lovesewing.com. Don’t forget to include your name and city!
TAGS: Sewing Technique
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