letsgosew.com
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up for Sewing News, Freebies, & Updates
  • Order Just Jackets Embroidery Collection
  • Just Jackets FAQ
  • Order Wrapped in Embroidery Book by Joanne Banko
  • Joanne Banko's Blog
  • It's Sew Easy TV Online Blog
  • Machine Embroidery Survey
  • IT'S SEW EASY TV Videos & Bonus Files
    • NEW! It's Sew Easy TV Series 2100
    • It's Sew Easy TV_Series 2000
    • It's Sew Easy TV_Series 1500
    • It's Sew Easy TV - Series 1600
    • It's Sew Easy TV_Series 1700
    • It's Sew Easy TV Series 1800
    • It's Sew Easy TV Series 1900
    • NEW! Superstar Sewing Stitches
    • NEW! Classy Textured Cape
    • NEW! Baby Bath Wrap
    • NEW! Detachable Collar
    • Sew a Swimsuit
    • Machine Embroidered Garments
    • Kimono Blouses
    • Custom Covered Hangers
    • Sewing Beautiful Belts
    • Felted Flower Hat Trim
    • Sew a Waffle Weave Robe
    • Learn about Couching accessories!
    • Turn a Pashmina into a Trendy Topper
    • Machine Embroidered Reverse Applique
    • Machine Embroidered Knit Dress
    • Use Non-Stick Foot to sew a Custom Luggage Tag
    • Serge & Sew Broomstick Skirt
    • Machine Embroidered Western Jacket
    • Machine Embroidered Bobbin Work Pashmina
    • Embroidered Pajamas
    • Sewing Pearls and Sequins
    • Learn how to use the Fringe Foot
    • Quilted Pinwheel Patchwork Tote
    • Machine Embroidered Lace for Lingerie
    • Sewing Circles with a Circular Attachment
    • Sew with the Edge Joining Foot
    • Re-style Tops for Little Girls
    • Short Style Tip- Blouse Embellishment
    • Learn how to make pretty piping using the Piping Foot
    • Embellish with the Three Slot Cording Foot
    • Facebook Live Interview 12-4-2018
    • Machine Embroidery - Starter Tips
  • FREE Tutorials and Tip Sheets
    • NEW! Embroidery Placement Positioning Tips
    • Free Embroidered Snowflake Coasters
    • Tip sheet - 5 Reasons Quilters Need A Serger
    • Free In-the-Hoop Patch Pocket Design
    • Serging versus Sewing
    • FREE Project-Embroidered Gift Tag with Gift Bag
    • Tip Sheet - Pillow Pointers
    • Tip sheet_Sew Straight Laser for Seams
    • Embelishment Tips from dime V.111
    • Tip sheet - Shannon Embrace Double Gauze
    • Tip sheet - Fun with Fonts
    • Fabric Tip Sheet- Sewing Faux Suede
    • Tip sheet for Sewing & Embroidering with Metallic Thread
    • Fleece Ruana Pattern: As seen on PBS It's Sew Easy TV
    • Fabric Tip Sheet - Crepe Back Satin
    • Fabric Tip Sheet-Sewing Slinky Type Knit
    • Fabric Tip Sheet - Fleece
    • Fancy Footwork Tipsheet - About the Walking Foot
    • Fancy Footwork Tip Sheet_Basic Appliqué
    • Fancy Footwork Tip sheet - Ruffler Attachment
    • Fancy Footwork Tip Sheet - Narrow Hems with a Standard Foot
    • Fancy Footwork Tip Sheet - Non Stick Foot
    • Tip sheet - Machine Embroidery Pattern Connection Resources
    • Tip Sheet - Machine Set up for Shirring
    • Tip sheet - Snowman and Target Markers
    • Tip Sheet for Printing on Fabric
    • Tip sheet-Five Ways to Finish Fleece Blankets
    • T-Shirt Transformation Tutorial
    • Project- Serge a Little Girl's Sweet Summer Dress
    • Tip Sheet for Fleece Frame Shape Appliqué
    • Tip Sheet - Bobbin Work Sewing & Embroidery
    • Tip Sheet - Custom Covered Buttons
    • Tip Sheet - Liquid Stabilizers
    • Tip sheet - Appliqué with Brother XV8500D & ScanNCut
    • Project - Sheer Chiffon Wrap
    • Project - Pearl Trimmed Candle Ring
    • Tip Sheet -Mitered Satin Blanket Binding
    • Fabric Tip Sheet_Knit Know How
    • Tool School Tip Sheets
    • ITH Project Planner
  • As seen in DiME Magazine - Photo Gallery
  • Sewing and Embroidery Events
  • About Joanne Banko

Ten Tips For Successful Sewing

1/11/2020

14 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
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
Sis
1/12/2020 02:41:25

Thank you very much for sharing your pattern tips! super reminders. I've got one to add. Don't forget to measure your pattern and compare to your body measurements because ease can catch you out in more ways than one ;-D (tent/corset springs to mind) - not all pattern companies are kind enough to write on envelopes or even pattern pieces the finished garment measurements.

Reply
Joanne Banko
1/12/2020 16:17:08

Hi Sis! Happy to hear from you! You always have something good to add. You are so right, never take the pattern size or measurements for granted. I can see another whole post coming just on the topic of choosing sizes and measuring patterns. Thanks for you helpful comment!

Reply
Susan T
1/12/2020 17:07:07

I’m getting into garment sewing and this is something I never think to do. Thanks for the reminder. And Joanne, yes, please to a post devoted to this subject.

Joanne Banko
1/12/2020 23:25:58

Hi Sis! Happy to hear from you! You always have something good to add. You are so right, never take the pattern size or measurements for granted. I can see another whole post coming just on the topic of choosing sizes and measuring patterns. Thanks for your helpful comment!

Reply
Martha Wheaton
1/12/2020 10:06:53

Thank you for opening my eyes to pattern companies Help Lines. There have been times I've struggled with pattern sewing instructions. This is a step to success! Thank you.

Reply
Joanne Banko
1/12/2020 16:19:04

Glad to help Martha! You can always reach out to me as well. If I have the chance to see the problem I may be able to help with a solution. Thanks for taking the time to write :-)

Reply
Renee
1/12/2020 10:25:59

Those were great ideas. I'm not very organized when I sew. Great ideas to keeping track of sizes when need to make smaller or larger. C u monday at club.

Reply
Joanne Banko
1/12/2020 16:21:33

Thanks for leaving a comment Renee! I'm working on MORE and Better when it comes to organizing this year so I hope to share lots of ideas with you. Looking forward to our meeting of local ladies. See you soon!

Reply
Teresa
1/12/2020 16:40:32

I'm teaching myself (at 58 years old) to sew via shows like Sew Easy, your websites and blogs, youtube and books. These tips are golden for someone like me. Thank you so much!

Reply
Joanne Banko
1/12/2020 17:11:38

You are so welcome Teresa. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. It's wonderful to hear your enthusiasm! There certainly is an abundance of resources out there and I encourage you to keep learning and practicing. Sewing is like silver, it needs continual polishing to make it shine! I'm here to help you all I can :-)

Reply
Deborah
1/12/2020 17:07:27

Your article was very helpful. Will be trying these tips.

Reply
Joanne Banko
1/12/2020 23:14:57

Hi Deborah! Thank you for leaving a comment. I'm so glad you found the tips helpful. Happy Sewing!

Reply
Carmen Pape
1/26/2020 09:14:21

Loved your blog and the embroidery patterns. I have been looking for something easy to do and this is perfect! Also, thank you for your sewing tips. I do not sew knits because I am afraid of handling them and don't have lots of experience but I am going to try using your tips. Your blog inspires me to and I do appreciate your efforts.

Reply
Joanne Banko
1/26/2020 19:34:18

Hi Carmen! I'm so glad you took the time to write a note here. I hope you have fun making the project planner. I keep mine close by and enjoy taking it with me when I shop. I'm going to cheer you on to sew something from a knit. The following tip sheet may help you too: https://www.letsgosew.com/fabric-tip-sheet_knit-know-how.html
In the not too distant future I'll share some pattern recommendations. Stay tuned :-)

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Author:

    Joanne Banko
    Brother Ambassador


    I'd love to stay in touch with you!

    Click Here
    and Sign up for
    ​Sewing News, plus tips, tricks, and notifications about new blog posts.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014

    *As a believer in full disclosure, I'd like you to know that Blog posts may contain affiliate links for products and services I know and trust. Purchasing items through a link marked * results in a small commission for me, with no extra charges for you.

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

© Copyright 2023 by Joanne Banko. All rights Reserved