I recall the first couple of years I started sewing. I had a tendency to do things the hard way, as I had never been taught the sewing tips and tricks that could make my job a little easier, even though with practice, I did learn a couple of nifty sewing hacks to speed up the process. Whether you are experienced at sewing or a complete novice, here are 15 simple sewing tricks you won't be able to live without.
Source: worldofpineapple.com
1. Sewing leather is not the same as sewing fabrics. When sewing leather bear in mind that it cannot be pinned as any holes you make in this type of fabric will remain. Use paperclips or office clips to hold any pieces together instead.
Source: craftypod.com
2. Over time, I noticed that my pins and needles start to lose their sharpness due to the pin-cushion used. But, I discovered a sewing hack that served as both a pin cushion and a pin-sharpening tool. Simply sew a pin cushion together and stuff it with torn up steel wool pads.
Source: red-bolly.com
3. Washi tape can be used for more than a crafting tool - it can make for an invaluable handy item in the sewing room too - just use it to mark out seams, lines for topstitching and also a seam allowance guide. It makes for a great tool for people who have trouble seeing the seam allowance marks on their sewing foot (the tape happens to be 1/4"wide) - just place a strip of washi tape on your machine to use as a mark.
Source: malesomething.dritz.com
4. A bodkin can prove to be a handy tool to have in the sewing room. One of its nifty uses can be to insert elastic into a waistband or sleeve (while the garment is in its construction phase) or to draw an elastic band out. Simply insert an open bodkin into the waistband, grab the elastic and slide the ring down.
Source: vanillajoy.com
5. Fabric weights can be especially useful (they tend to make cutting long pieces of fabric incredibly easy) but they are also pretty expensive to buy. For just $0.60 you can make your own, using washers. Purchase two types of flat washers - 3/4" and 1/2" - or the largest and heaviest you can find. Using hot glue, glue the two washers (of the same size) together (flat sides touching). Finish off the look by wrapping the washers with any leftover material you may have.
Source: showtellshare.blogspot.com.mt
6. Make your own hemline tool using a piece of cardstock. Simply cut a rectangle (we suggest 8 x 5 inches or larger) and mark every half inch from two sides. This technique will enable you to iron folds or hemlines evenly. It can also be used for pintucks.
Source: sew4home.com
7. Store your filled bobbins together and keep the threads from dangling by storing them in a foam toe separator. For an added tip - every time you change the bobbin, use a tiny brush to remove any lint that may have built up inside the bobbin case.
Source: macgyverisms.wonderhowto.com
8. Keep your buttons from falling off by adding a coat of clear nail polish, to keep the thread from unraveling and to keep your buttons in place for much longer. It will also save you the trouble of having to sew them back on.
Source: sewmccool.com
9. There's a simple technique you can use to easily create a seam allowance. Simply rubber-band two pencils together at about 8mm apart. Once you have drawn in all the seam allowances (using this nifty technique), cut out your pattern pieces and store until you are ready to place them on the fabric.
Source: simplesimonandco.com
10. With this simple technique, pin across the end of a buttonhole before ripping the stitches. This will ensure that you do not cut too far!
Here's How to Make Pretty Opaque Window Frosting!
If curtains aren't really your thing, then why not give opaque window frosting a chance? Here's how to make your own at home.
14 Handy Charts and Tables to Enrich Your Knowledge
For the curious minds out there, we put together yet another collection of fascinating charts, maps, and tables covering various topics - from history to nature!
Look Your Best and Stay Healthy the Natural Way!
Learn some useful all natural beauty and wellness hacks that will surely come in handy
Did You Know That Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning Too?
Most people never even think about it, but did you know that washing machines need washing too? Here's a quick guide to washing your washing machine.
Last Minute Gift Wrapping and No Paper? Don’t Worry at All
This Christmas, don't use conventional wrapping paper. Give these amazing DIY wrapping tricks to keep your gifts looking extra festive
Who Knew Duct Tape Prevents Blisters & Has All These Uses!
Is any one object more multitasking than duct tape? We really doubt that, and here are just 18 genius ways you can start using it right away
The DO'S and DON'TS of Gardening During the Heat
As the temperatures soar, make sure you don’t commit these to your garden.
Pears Aren't Just Yummy, They're Incredibly Healthy Too
No wonder the ancient Greeks believed pears were a gift from the Gods! There are loads of health benefits contained in these juicy wonders...
Make Your Daily Life Easier with These Great Home Tips!
Here are 22 easy to apply tricks will make your life hassle free. Some of them are so simple you’ll wonder why you didn't think of them first.
Boost Your Happiness in These 22 Small, Easy Ways
Do these little things every day, to make you feel happy.
Here Are the Top Ten Uses for Baking Soda
This video demonstrates how to use baking soda to solve a number of daily problems!
10 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mice In Your House!
There are ways to deal with a mice infestation in your home in an efficient and humane way.
10 Poisonous Flowers Every Gardener Should Know About
Flowers add an array of color to your garden, but some of these are actually quite toxic. Here are 10 of that you should be aware of.
These 2 Solutions Will Help You Say Goodbye to Plaque!
If you have some plaque on your teeth that you need to get rid of, we recommend that you try out this brilliant home remedy!
What Causes Large Pores, And What Can You Do About It?
Do you have large pores? This guide will tell you what you need to do to diminish them.
Are Your Houseplants Leaking Water? This Is What It Means
Is it good if your indoor plants are emitting droplets of water? Every houseplant owner ought to know the answer to this one...
23 Simple & Helpful Life Tips Everyone Should Know
Quick and simple tips that will help you handle many of life's more irritating moments...
7 Mistakes We Generally Make While Arranging Furniture
Here's a look at some furniture arranging mistakes you should always avoid and how you can fix them.
These Innocuous Car Items Conceal Surprising Dangers
If you're a car owner, this video will be really helpful to you.
NEVER Do These 7 Things When Using a Power Strip
These are 7 safety tips you should always follow when using a power strip to avoid disaster
10 Features to Look For When Buying a New Washing Machine
If you’re buying a new washing machine, you should keep these tips in mind first.
How to Help Prepare for a Snow Storm – 11 Vital Steps
Don't let a winter storm take you by surprise. Prepare with these important steps.
Where is YOUR Dog From? The Full Dog Breed Compendium
The complete guide to dog races by country!
Hate Cough Syrup? This Home Remedy Works Even Better!
This natural home remedy for a bad cough is just as effective as cough syrup!
5 Common Insect Bites You Should Fear and Beware!
Sometimes bug bites can be relatively harmless, and sometimes they can be much more worrying. But how do you know when? Here are 5 bug bites to watch for.
The 7 Best and 7 Worst Foods to Buy Canned
Not all canned foods are made equal, and in this article, we'll discuss those you should invest in, as well as those to definitely avoid.
Save Money with These 15 Great Fuel Economy Tips
These 15 great tips will help improve your fuel economy, saving you money in the process.
24 Zip Tie Hacks That'll Make Your Life Much Easier
Zip ties have an array of different uses. The following 24 zip tie uses will change your life for the better.
This Ice Cube Hack Will Keep Your Burger Juicy
Check out these essential tips to ensure a juicy burger.
11 Household Lifehacks You Should Never Forget
These 11 tips are complete life savers!
Bring Stale Bread Back to Life with This Genius Trick
If you ever have a crusty loaf that has gone stale, follow these tips and it will be as good as new in next to no time.
How to Polish 12 Old Items So They Look as Good as New
If you want to clean and restore the luster to objects, furniture, and items throughout your home, just follow these 12 simple tips...
How to Start a Garden on a Windowsill
No green thumb is needed for this simple gardening project.
Borax Has So Many Uses! Here Are 26 of My Favorite
Did you know about these intriguing uses for Borax?
35 Cooking Hacks That'll Make Your Life a Whole Lot Easier
These 35 cooking hacks will make your life in the kitchen a whole lot easier.
Here's All You Need to Know about Travel Medical Insurance
Planning a trip abroad? This guide will teach you everything you need to know about travel medical insurance!
We Bet You Never Knew Rubbing Alcohol Was This Useful!
Most people use rubbing alcohol for cuts or to cool a fever, but it has so many other fantastic uses. Here's 15 of them.
These 10 Fantastic Life Hacks Will Make Your Life Easier
These life hacks will allow you to get things done quicker and generally make your life easier. Watch this informative video now.
A Clever Trick For Keeping Your Favorite Snacks Fresh
This video will show you a simple trick that will keep your very perishable snacks fresh.
This is One Useful Oil You Always Want to Keep Around
This article will share six different and particularly effective uses for sesame oil, which make it clear why every home should have this essential ingredient.
How to Make an Effective Cough Remedy Using an Orange!
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C that helps strengthen the immune system, but did you know there is a way to make it an effective cough medicine?
Why Your Consumer Brand Loyalty Can Backfire
It happens to all the consumer goods you can imagine...
14 Genius Cooking Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!
Try these awesome cooking hacks today to make your life easier.
Guide: Did You Know About These Extra Uses?
This collection features the best tips and alternative uses for many of your household items. Each of these posts has a lot of information for alternative uses to make your lives easier.
These Simple Tricks Can Help Improve Your Memory
Suffering from memory loss can be extremely frustrating. Therefore, here are some tips to help you stop forgetting the daily things you need to remember.
These Natural Cleaning Solutions Will Remove Anything!
Who would have thought that countless chores around your home can be tackled with these easy, natural cleaning solutions?
Eating Out? How to Pick the Healthier Meals
If you're looking to stay on a healthy diet, we have compiled some recommendations for you regarding what to look out for in various international cuisines.