15 ESSENTIAL sewing tips i have learned from 15 years of sewing

[@JennaPhipps]

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[@brandonpourmorady9485]

Awesome! Just bought one

[@anamakda4879]

OMG! You just made realize how much I know about sewing! My mother was a professional Seamstress in Colombia-and when she immigrated to the U.S. she did all the factories dress design mock-ups to be presented to clothing store buyers! She taught me from very early childhood, in my teens I used to help her cut and sew clothes for her clients! I even had some of my own in my late teens! Here are some of my suggestions, do not ever cut material in the bias! If you want seams to really match perfectly, don’t forget to do your notches when cutting from patterns! Your patterns have lines on them and they’re for sizing a pattern up or down! If your sewing a larger piece of material unto a smaller one, you have to gather first! Do a running hand stitch and do the gathering as you are pinning it to your other piece! There is so much more that I can tell you, even though I haven’t sewn for nearly 40 years, I remember it all! No wonder when I took my obligatory home economics class, my teacher gave the job to help her teach my classmates not only how to use a sewing machine, but cut and follow patterns and sewing them! Keep up the great work you do!

[@hannahthufvesson]

Hi, thanks for these tips! Would you mind if I ask why not to make clothes on the bias? A lot of people love it since the fabric falls so nicely when cut on the bias, so I was planning on trying it, but now I'm concerned. 🙈

[@chriswatson1698]

When I started sewing sixty years ago, my only source of information about sewing was the patterns. Beginners nowadays are SO lucky to have RUclips.
Learning by trial and error is very inefficient.

[@peachybee1672]

My favorite thing about your channel is that your style is different from mine. Its unique and its new.

[@trinidadlandajo5402]

FYI Jenna, your channel is the only one where I find myself consistently looking forward to new video releases. I love Wednesdays! You may not know me but I feel like we're besties by now. Thanks for always getting me in a great mood. Cheers from a fellow visual artist from Argentina.

[@johannechampagne7332]

#1 tip, took me years to learn, whenever you thread your machine, the presser foot HAS TO BE UP so the tension discs are open and the thread will be engaged.

[@roswitha2466]

I agree with every point except buying more fabric. I did this just to be left with tons of leftovers, too small for new garments but too big to really called scrabs. So I began to plan my projects and needs in fabric better.

[@victorialove9104]

I don't know how to sew but I did recently buy a machine and I want to learn. Actually so does my husband. Thank you so much for these tips. We will definitely follow them. We thought we would start with something easy like a pillow cover. Then I realized they might require zippers. Zippers! 😫 wish us luck.
I've been collecting beautiful fabric for years from all over the world just because I love textiles. But before I use any of them I will get some thrift sheets and practice practice practice.
Such a useful video Jenna. My husband and I thank you. ❤

[@wearenotdoinggethelp3333]

I always get patterns from the thrift store (I like saving money but also love vintage stuff), and I recently unearthed my grandma's patterns! she was a keen seamstress, and made loads of clothes and her collection is so good.

[@MaryBennett]

I love your video and your informal style. If I may suggest:
1. Don't disdain staystitching. It can really help maintain the proper shape of, for example, necklines and armscys.
2. Don't disdain marking a stitching line. Some sewists don't need one, but I do. If I staystitch just inside the stitching, the staystitching gives me a line to follow. If you have a marked stitching line, the seam allowance can be whatever you like.
3. Vintage patterns are also available online. Some vendors have sales from time to time, and at least one has a $1 section.

[@lauravanboxtel7182]

Hi Jenna! I'm a student who lives at my moms house and when I dream of my own place, I am imagining a home, decorated like yours SO bad! When I think of my future home, I HOPE so much that it will compare with what yours looks like!! I mean... com on.... the crochet blanket ? The plants?? The orange couch???! Sign 👏me👏UP👏

[@kneeribbit8003]

Hi Jenna! Would you consider making a video detailing how you oil/dust/maintain your machine?

[@user-fm3lv2lj7h]

Hey Jenna! Thank you so much, u inspire and motivate me so much to create and try new things. We all love u 💗

[@caroleberreur9585]

My first project was a sweatshirt and it took me super long, because I really cared for it. It’s pretty good and very proud of it now. I initially bought a beginners’ book and don’t regret it at all, but agree after that you don’t need patterns.

[@concreteangel2599]

Some great advice here! When you start something new, dont expect perfection. I figured out early on that I suck at figuring out tension, so I bought a machine that does that for me. 😅 Now I can make really cool stuff! Lol.

[@karenv1070]

I love the top you are wearing 😍😍😍

[@klee003]

Currently in Vancouver right now and I keep seeing people who look vaguely like you and I get excited - I love your videos, thank you for getting me into crochet :)

[@CreativitySparks-yk5et]

Hi Jenna,
These tips were all very helpful!
Since it’s summer I was wondering if u could make a tutorial on how to make a some nice loose overalls
Thx❤

[@peanutbutterjelly281]

I used to troubleshoot my bobbin tangling and jamming all the time. After cleaning out the machine, oiling, and rethreading I would still have problems. Best tip I ever learned it that IT MATTERS WHICH WAY YOUR BOBBIN GOES! 😮
Front loading should go clockwise. Top load should go counterclockwise.
I don’t know why, but it works and it fixed my problem. Hope this saves someone the headache! ❤

[@kathleenchalmers8234]

Jenna, you are a hoot. First time watching. I am at the other end of the age scale. I learned to sew from my mom on a hand rank “portable” singer machine. Could have been hooked up as a treadle; that’s how old it was. I was about 10 years old and had just got the brand new BARBIE doll. Clothes were too expensive so I had to sew them. Necessity is the mother of invention!. Your 15 tips are right on the money. But I STILL find myself having to learn them again and again. Slow learner. Love your sense of humour, your style, your figure and your sass. Hugs a new subscriber.

[@mdp3827]

Is there a tutorial coming on the Benson/Jack bed?? Love that! Another great vid by the way lol just wish you did more. I love watching xx

[@sophia2896]

great video. That really helped me. Hearing from someone who's been sewing for 15 yrs that I really need to take a break or that I have to change the needle makes me actually believe it. Thanks :)

[@silkandsticks]

This is such a great selection of tips! Totally agree on changing needles and slowing down, made a huge difference in my sewing and finished projects 💛💛

[@holls5121]

On a side note, your modes of transport are really cool!

[@sylvievicenza179]

Cara Jenna, I just found you and enjoyed your video. When you where cycling I think I recognize Vancouver. If yes, I wonder where you find nice fabrics. There was Gala long time ago. I know that in Victoria they move and do a lot of sales from the internet (good for them). I tell al of this and am not sure you are there.
Last week I was in a second hand store and bought 3 meters of cachemire for 6 euros!!! I kept my poker face until in the car. I have been sewing for 40 years and am taking class here in northern Italy. We make a base pattern and go from there. After few pieces we fine tune our pattern and everything fits!!! I am always making pieces that are difficult, cant do easy! Ciao (love your style of video)

[@fannypetry3481]

Your channel is my favorite channel to watch at the moment! I'm currenlty rewatching old videos because your content makes me so happy 🌻 thank you for another great video and for all the good vibes (and the doggy content 🐶)
Love from Belgium 🇧🇪

[@aukkran]

The times I've yelled at my machine when all I had to do was change the old needle...
Guys, if you see a hundred sewing blogs telling you to do something... listen. Don't be like me and end up with the dumbest surprised Pikachu face.
A new needle every 6-8h of sewing seemed excessive and wasteful to me, but it's still cheaper and more sustainable than me throwing the sewing machine and myself out the window.

[@carolinehess7584]

yes there are so many amazing free patterns online! after a year of sewing, i finally bought a cheap projector so i could trace digital patterns instead of printing and it's saved me so much money. now the only time i buy patterns from fabric stores is on black friday when they're like $2 at joann's

[@johannechampagne7332]

Very good tips. My aha moment was learning that EVERY time you thread the machine the presser foot MUST be UP! I would get nests under the presser foot, under the fabric, under the bobbin, nightmare. Changing that one thing, presser foot UP when threading the machine changed everything. The thread won’t go between the tension disks if the foot is down. Period.

[@crystallionaire]

That bit about taking breaks omg felt that haha one time I was sewing late and sewed something on backwards, seam ripped it, sewed it again and realized I made the same mistake twice 💀💀💀 I went promptly to bed after that haha

[@niteflytes]

Thanks for the tips! I’ve been sewing a long time but it’s always good to be reminded of these things.

[@artemis2006]

Omg thank u jenna, u posted this at the most perfect time.. im trying to learn how to sew

[@kskc1234]

Great tips can only come from a great seamstress and you are that! Everytime you post a video I learn from you and of course your presentation is like none other! You are funny, you are smart and personality plus!!

[@janetpaden8878]

Hi Jenna, I started sewing years before RUclips. I was somewhat self-taught. I watched programs on TV, such as Sewing With Nancy. Bought sewing books and still use them today. Still, to this day, I still make mistakes. As you said, it's part of life. Best not to sweat the small stuff! Happy sewing!

[@patriciac4562]

Great video! I had kind of lost my sewjo this summer, but after this I'm inspired to start again. Thanks!

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Morning Jenna happy Friday morning and I loved your vlogs and you are amazing Supporter and I'm proud of you

[@beckywaytoomuch]

Great tips....honestly Rushing through a project is my worst habit...and yes!! MOCK UPS MOCK UPS !!

[@mansoor3159]

Jenna my sister Absolutely Absolutely needed this video and you are doing such a wonderful Job💝💫

[@agnesnyitray7978]

I'm going to start sewing my first ever anything ever tomorrow, and I've never even tried sewing before. And it's not even an easy project. 🥲(my sis is getting married, and I'm making my own dress because I'm an idiot) Sooo please pray to the sewing Gods for me, because the only thing keeping my hopes alive is this channel.😅

[@MargaretUK]

Good luck 👍

[@amyelizabeth9088]

Well, you have a head start because #jennaphipps just gave 1️⃣5️⃣ amazing tips... Good luck and trust in yourself. It will be perfect.

[@glorialafollette61]

Make sure you have a backup dress to wear because even the most seasoned seamstress have failures occasionally. Good luck.

[@agnesnyitray7978]

@@glorialafollette61 Yeah, I'm ready for failure, but miracles too 😅

[@Bbg.ingido]

thank you Jenna!!

[@Kaykdoa]

Only 2 minutes in and I already want this on a poster..

[@CrazyShawty95]

Most peices you buy from stores now arnt perfect either. Legit peices I've sewn myself are neater/straighter than fast fashion clothing. So no pressure guys 👌

[@samscreapaper526]

Thank you for sharing the tips and tricks :D

[@bridgetjones8339]

Those were really great tips and I agree with you 💯 %. And they were brutally honest about the reality of starting to sew lol Loved it, girl. You’re the best

[@mnels5214]

Great advice - and loved the last one! So true for me.

[@ilybarbiegirl]

The last tip, for real. I learned that with crochet the hard way 😂 my biggest challenge is fabric.. I ended up almost finishing a dress to only find I HATED the fabric and it didn’t fit okay and wasn’t nice as I thought and man I was so sad.

[@Bridgettravels]

I love my vessi life saviors for dog moms lol 😂❤

[@reross87]

I just came across your channel, this is the first video of yours that I've seen and when I saw the clip of you biking across the bridge I thought "omg is that Vancouver??" haha, I'm a very new sewist that also lives here :) would love to know where in the city you recommend getting your machine serviced! Happy to have found your channel!

[@laceysloftco]

I feel like whatever I’m thinking about or into you read my mind and post a video about it… was thinking of attempting to make my daughter a little outfit and needed tips cause I have no idea what I’m doing with clothes.

[@mossedmars_]

Hi Jenna! I absolutely love your outfit here! You have such a unique and genuine style that you made your own~ its inspiring!

[@sonjadoyle2761]

Love your channel Jenna! I often put you on while I crochet!

[@rachaellangsford2002]

When you said “buy more fabric “ I thought you meant just generally and I was like “done”. Total fabric hoarder here

[@tiffanyjordan4203]

Id love to see a crochet tips video and a knitting video

[@skyer0blue]

Great video as always! I have a request, can you please create / share a playlist of your favourite songs? I started listening to Step Mom after your suggestion and it's such a tune. I feel like you have great taste in music 😄

[@aksez2u]

Great tips!

[@TheChroniclesOfYarnia]

Lmao 😂 #7 I thought you said to threaten the machine 😂😂😂😂 I’m like do I use a weapon 🗡️ or strong words???

[@brendaclark5216]

Thanks Jenna. Love reference to what you learned in 8 grade, oh the memories 🤗🥰

[@cristal3747]

I love your channel so much! I have a sewing machine and I don't use it, your videos made me want to learn lol 😭, Make a video of projects for beginners plss 💕

[@lollysugarkane1]

I miss CREATIVE JENNA SO MUCH!!!! Booooo x

[@HippieHooray]

Love all your videos!! I'm starting a sewing related class in september and I'm really excited :)

[@piotrsiedlecki9045]

Jenna you are so talented❤❤❤

[@Mikeyzom]

Tysm!

[@camilo.x.listener7186]

Love you Jenna ❤

[@rhondar.]

Thanks for the inspiration. I would love to sew my own clothes

[@kimbarbeaureads]

I hate sewing, but I enjoy watching you do it.

[@kelleyamador8838]

Good tips and very spot on!

[@hiba-li4ui]

I just love you jenna

[@laura6796]

Great advice! I couldn't figure out why my machine thread kept knotting up, ended up I was using the wrong bobbins.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Thanks for the great tips. I especially like buying extra material. Something I'm reluctant to do, and then suffer the consequences. Lol

[@trionarosehickey2851]

I love your videos omg

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

A very nice job!❤

[@johannetessier2767]

Thank you Jenna ❤

[@MandyMakesThat]

Seeing your pug was an instant subscribe!!!!!

[@yolandagomez8330]

Hola me a encantado verte otra vez ya te conseguido ponerlo en traducir y ya se lo que dices deseando ver tu próximo video el domingo

[@amyelizabeth9088]

I had an art teacher who told me to turn my work ↕️ upside down, and I'll see what I don't like, or I'll notice some of the imperfections. 🤯
He was 🤜🏻 CORRECT 🤛🏻. To this day, I turn everything I create 🔃 upside down or sideways ↔️ just to see all of the angles of my work...💋♥️💋 #love

[@wibblywobblyida]

Thank you this was really helpful!

[@20bp__16]

Hiii jenna

[@kennaharrison603]

Fix the little mistakes!!! YES!!!

[@katieehrlich4415]

A question for you sewing girlies: I always am jealous of Jenna's mannequin, but as a size 12 person, they literally just don't make them my size. The adjustable ones are suuuuper expensive and often have bad reviews, and crafting one out of foam looks really time-consuming (and frankly, ugly in a studio apartment where I can't hide it). Has anyone found larger sized mannequins anywhere??

[@annacucchiani5784]

Come on Jenna, give us all your knowlege!! ❤

[@ccaatthheerriinnee]

I sold my first bit of scrap fabric today!

[@mariellenstathopoulos967]

#15 really hit as seamrip my couch cushion cuz it’s lookin too frumpy

[@nightfoxgaming4886]

Ty for the tips ❤❤❤❤❤ love your tips

[@nightfoxgaming4886]

Sory I mean vids not tips

[@zum.fairlieben]

totally agree 🧵❤

[@someoneyoumightknow2795]

Vessi means bladder in french 🫢

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Old Geezer: I wouldn't make my own stuff 'cause the manufactured items are so good. (especially when on sale). But, I have to alter many items as they are all a standard shape. I agree that perfection is just a target, like a bulls eye on the moon!

[@JainaWren-tt4yv]

Technically I’ve been using the wrong bobbins my whole sewing journey, because both of the classes of bobbins you buy in store say not for my brand of machine, but I can’t figure out how and where to buy the ones that are. They’re nearly identical, if anything it’s maybe half a millimeter diameter smaller, and I haven’t had issues yet, but it does concern me. Needles on the other hand, goodness they are definitely the culprit to any stitching problem 99% of the time, either wrong needle or dull needle. Other culprit for beginners out there: did you put the presser foot down. If the thread is getting all tangly and knotty on the backside, that’s likely the issue (in my experience)

[@mishaelkhan146]

Your top in this video is so cute! Any chance you remember where you got it?

[@amyelizabeth9088]

It was probably from a thrift store. Most of her cute tops she's either thrifted them or made them herself...💋♥️💋 #love

[@magenta.serenity]

Thank you sm💗

[@ratman404]

I sewed a pair of pants one time and the legs r two different lengths and I love them but I wish I had measured the legs to make sure haha

[@Deafkid97]

I still need to clean my Jenome it’s been literally years 😢

[@petro3441]

Thanx

[@annavanderwal990]

Do you have any tips on sewing fabric on crochet pieces because my needles keep breaking and I already had a needle in my finger because of it

[@Sara-lb8il]

Hiiiiiii❤❤❤❤

[@20bp__16]

Jenna do u like cilmore girls? 😊

[@millevestergaard2940]

What machine du you have?(:

[@nourahmedsabry3597]

Hey jenna have you ever tried tunisian crochet, if you didn't then will you please try it '' ITS AMAZING ''

[@helendavenport7298]

Yes please Jenna!

[@MargaretUK]

I can 💯recommend Tunisian crochet 👍

[@russellstephan6844]

"Maintain your machines."
Please don't... How else am I going to pick up hardware for pennies on the dollar if folks maintain their machines?
A couple of weeks ago I picked up a nice 1980's Singer for $25. After a couple of hours of cleaning, oiling, setting the bobbin/needle timing, etc., it ran smooth and quiet just like a well-maintained machine should. Of course, there were all the stink bug carcasses I had to clean out of the machine's interior... At some point, it was stored on a porch over Summer months.
It's a sickness, really. I'm currently at a half dozen machines and counting. But, having multiple machines set up differently and running during a project certainly speeds things along.

[@palwashaymughal1383]

How long does the Vessi code last?

[@Kenjiiseverything]

12:04 😂😂😂😂😂