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Ten Tips For Successful Sewing

1/11/2020

14 Comments

 
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If you love to sew, chances are you're always looking for ways to make your sewing time more efficient and more enjoyable.

​Today we'll focus on preparing patterns with ten tips to help you get set for your next sewing project.

1. Multi-size patterns are wonderful for "multi-size" figures. However, it can be confusing when you are cutting them out and transitioning from one size to another. I suggest highlighting your selected size(s) multi-size with a highlighter marker. Use the marker to trace over all the lines, taking care to use a piece of protective paper underneath as you trace, as markers will bleed through thin pattern paper.

2. For patterns designed for knits, consider tracing main pattern pieces that are designed to cut on a fold, cutting a full pattern. Simply fold a piece of pattern tracing cloth in half, making sure it is large enough for your pattern piece. Place your pattern on the fold and cut. Transfer all marking, notches, etc. Having a full pattern is especially helpful when cutting prints.

3. If you find that you have to sew with designated chunks of time instead of a marathon, prepare you pattern and lay out your fabric so it can relax the day or evening before you plan to cut out. When you do get started the cutting process will seem less tedious with the pattern already prepared. 

4. When trimming pattern tissue you'll get the most accurate sizing by trimming away all of the black outline. Be sure to press pattern tissue with a warm dry iron to remove wrinkles and flatten so the pattern is true to size. Hang pieces from clip or skirt hanger.

5. If your pattern includes multiple languages, highlight your preferred language with highlighter. Then  you can concentrate on the instructions that matter and easily ignore the rest of the words on the paper.

​6. Review pattern instructions before you start. If some of the wording is unfamiliar or the instructions don't make complete sense, now is the time to get help. Reach out to a sewing friend or call the pattern company for guidance. The big three have the following help line numbers:                     

Simplicity help line: Call 1-833-201-5260 
​McCalls, Vogue, Butterick, Kwik Sew help line: 
Call 1-800-782-0323
7. As you review the instructions, use paper and pen or pencil to briefly write out each step, thinking about what you can sew and press all at once. Pay attention to the order of sewing pieces as directed in the instructions but make note of anything that can be done out of order to save time and effort. For example, prepare all interfaced pieces at once. Complete small detail items such as belts, belt tabs, pockets, etc., first. That way, when you begin to construct your garment these small and possibly time-consuming pieces will be done, making the rest of the sewing process more streamlined.

8. Make notes during and after making your project and store notes with pattern to record alterations or modifications should you decide to use the pattern again.

9. Store patterns that are true "winners" in a separate location so they're easy to find when you need a quick win with a tried and true success story.​

10. Organize all supplies, pattern, fabric and necessary notions, keeping everything you need together in a box or zipper bag. Be sure to buy all the thread and notions you need at once, so colors match your fabric and you have everything you need when you're ready to start stitching. 
​
I'd love to know if you found any of these ten tips helpful. Feel free to share your own in the comments below. Happy Sewing!
14 Comments

Mini Embroidery On The Sewing Side Of Your Machine

1/5/2020

2 Comments

 
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The photo above shows an example of combining decorative stitches for a technique sometimes referred to as stitch stacking. Essentially, it's simply creating a mix of decorative stitches, forming a blend of decorative elements by stitching a line of combination stitches with "purposefully planned" space left in between.  

I
originally showed this on It's Sew Easy TV show 1713-2. You can watch the full video on my YouTube channel HERE, and download a coordinating PDF instruction file HERE.

I used some special features in the Brother Dream Machine to ​create these particular combinations. The technique is rather straightforward as you'll see in the paragraphs below. I encourage you to explore the possibilities for this technique by experimenting with features built into your own machine.

Many computerized machines offer the opportunity to add decorative stitches together and then stitch them out either as a single element or continuously as a row. To start, program a decorative stitch followed by a series of straight stitches. Adding in the straight stitches leaves room for you to select another decorative stitch, thread with a second color, and then add single motifs on top of each area where the straight stitches were formed. 

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If you don't have the opportunity to add straight spacer stitches, start by sewing a row of decorative stitches and then add additional motifs in a second color on top of or next to the first row. See stiches below for an example.
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You can see that this technique gives you the opportunity for creating endless combinations of stitches. The built-in menu of decorative and the capabilites of your personal machine will vary. 

Decorative stitches are found on all but the most basic of machines. If your decorative stitch menu is limited, you can still create some great looks. Take a few minutes to review the tips below and see if they help you create mini embroidery with the capabilities of your own personal machine.
Decorative Stitch Tips and Tricks
  • Unless your fabric is very firm you will need to add stabilizer for properly formed decorative patterns. If the wrong side of the fabric will never be shown you can use fusible interfacing to firm up your fabric.
  • Another option is to use tear-away stabilizer as a backing. Note that it's almost impossible to remove all of the tear-away stabilizer when finished. If your fabric is sheer, or semi sheer, some of this may show through. In this case you could opt for a liquid stabilizer. This makes fabric as firm as paper and is easy to wash away. CLICK HERE and check out this tutorial to learn more about liquid stabilizers.
  • Thin quilt batting or thin fusible fleece can also serve as stabilizer if you would like to add a bit of loft to your fabric.
  • Consider sewing multiple rows of decorative  stitches to create a band of mini-sized embroidery patterns. You can choose to mix and match stitches or use repeats of the same pattern. Choose a monochromatic color scheme for an elegant look and then use thread colors that are just a few shades different than your base fabric.
  • Size 11 embroidery needles and the same type of embroidery thread use for hoop embroidery is ideal for sewing decorative stitches. Wind a bobbin with the same thread you are using on top when sewing decorative stitches with an open style design.
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  • I usually make an exception to this rule when choosing satin style motifs like the ones shown above. For these, I like to use 60 weight white bobbin thread, the same kind I use for machine embroidery in a hoop. These patterns are usually balanced so that the tension is a bit looser on the top, allowing for the tops thread to pull slightly to the underside. Therefore, the bobbin thread never makes it's way to the top. This also means you can easily switch top thread colors without having to change the bobbin.
I hope these tips help you get more out of your machine and enjoy using decorative stitches for a mini embroidery effect! I'd love to hear your thoughts and read your comments below.
2 Comments
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    Author:

    Joanne Banko
    Brother Ambassador


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