My grandmother and one of her sisters apprenticed to be professional dressmakers around the turn of the last century and one thing they would do, especially when working on fine, delicate fabrics. They would use dried old coffee grounds to help smooth their hands. They'd stick their hands in the grounds and rub their hands through it as if they were washing them. Mind you there weren't all the specialty grinds of coffee like we have now. It was always a coarse ground coffee and that had been boiled within an inch of it's life. So by the time the dressmakers got the used grounds they were well and truly spent. And the coarseness of that grind meant that as they rubbed their hands in them any dead skin would be rubbed off. Hand lotions were not a thing at the time, or were only for the rich ladies who were their clients. They needed to make sure their hands were smooth and not chapped before dealing with fine fabrics like silk charmeuse or chiffon. One snag could ruin a garment.
I’ve held off on using those fabrics because I have chronically dry hands, and I’m very intimidated by their texture, so this tip is really helpful! Definitely less greasy than hand lotion too
How interesting! And did you know, that women back in the late 1800s used to put arsenic in there eyes to give them that "doe eyed look" which was a popular look back then? Oh man, the Victorians had some weird ideas didn't they. Albeit, the coffee grounds probably actually worked and didn't make you go blind! Thanks for the info! Interesting.
Select a specific number of pins, ideally a multiple of 5. Like lets say 20 (4 times 5 pins). Put them all in your pin cushion. After each session, or every now and then if you sew for long hours, recount your pins by putting them in rows of five in the pin cushion. And stop immediately to find it if one is missing. I got scared for my cat when I realized how many I casually lost and started doing this when getting really sharp pins. The multiple of 5 thing is just because I find it easier to visually see 5 pins, 4 times, than visually recognize 20, and you have way less chances to lose count when recounting them. If you’re more familiar with multiples of idk 7 you can do that too, just go with what is familiar and safe to your brain I’d say. Life changing
Ooooh that’s a great tip! I have a dog and my neighbors cat practically lives with us now. (She’s in love with my dog, it’s like Disney movie.) anyway, I’m so happy for your advice so I can keep them both safer than ever. 📣❤️
Great idea. My mom made a new lining of my coat and forgot several pins. I got stung a couple of times and managed to wiggle them out through the lining. Fortunately the heads were small. I was not amused though.
I’ve been sewing for over 60 years and all your suggestions are spot on. Another tip I use is to keep a little tab of blue painter’s tape on both my serger and sewing machine with the needle size currently installed and the date I installed it along with the date of my last cleaning. Speaking of tension issues, it’s also very important to keep your sewing machine and especially your serger covered when not in use. Dust, pollen, pet hair can easily accumulate in the tension channels and cause issues. Although it looks very pretty to store threads on those gigantic peg boards, I never do that for the same reasons. Storing your thread spools in the open invites dust accumulation and tension problems. Since I also sew for my granddaughter and daughter-in-law, I always make a note on my pattern envelopes as to what view I made, and what size and fabric I used.
The tomato is a great idea. But most people don't know that the little tomato that is attached to the big one is a needle sharpener, which extends the life of your needles and pins. Just prick it several times to sharpen your needle some.
The little tomato has emery inside so it will take off rust and sharpen needles and pins. Emery can be hard to source but I did manage to buy some from the US and made my own as gifts.
I learned the thread tip the hard way. I got a really big spool of thread, and sewed 2-3 small projects with it with no problem. Then, out of nowhere, my bobbin started rattling inside the casing while sewing. I've wound some more bobbins, but when thread would go to be less than around half the bobbin - it started to rattle again. Then my machine got mad and began to stitch in one place, until fabric would go below the top plate and then stop. I had multiple breakdowns while unscrewing top plate a many times and trying to wiggle out a project and clean the machine. I think I had about 20 of these episodes in one night (yeah, I know...). I checked the dogs, I checked thread cutter, I checked everywhere I could look. I was *this close* to take the machine to the service, throw it inside, shout "Fix it!" and run, but it was Sunday, and I decided to give it last one go with another thread. And what would you know, no rattling, no pulling, no "needle it to hell", just beautiful stitches top and bottom, and I got to finish my project. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Choose your thread carefully!
I use matte Scotch tape to mark the pattern pieces. I write on the tape with pencil and always stick the tape on the wrong side of the fabric. It stays on really well and removes without leaving a mark or sticky residue. I find it works particularly well with stretch/knit fabrics where chalk marking can stretch and distort your smaller pattern pieces.
OH! WHAT A GREAT IDEA! This solves my problem. I have been searching the world over to find a decent marker and there isn't any. Now, let me rant. Get this, the manufacturer makes markers that become permanent if you iron on it. OK, what's the most important thing you need when you're sewing, COULD IT BE AN IRON!!! How stupid is it to make a marker for sewing that becomes permanent when you iron it. That's like plumbing tools that dissolve in water! Then you got the chalk that's too hard to mark. Oh and the chalk, there's no sharpener for it. AHHHHHHHHHH!
The "stick to one brand of thread" advice is SO TRUE and I wish this video had come to me earlier. A few weeks ago, I started a new sewing project and it was absolutely disastrous from beginning to end. The stitches were wonky and loose and they bunched up on the underside regardless of what I did. After days of being frustrated and doing tons of trouble-shooting I realized the problem was the brand new thread I had bought specifically for this project, it had a higher percentage of polyester compared to the one I regularly use (which is typically 100% cotton) it was also slightly thinner. I switched back to a thread I had already worked with and surely enough the stitches came out perfectly. So it was definitely the thread, which is a shame, because that day I bought a bunch of spools.
A good way to deal with multiple thread brands is to have one (labelled) bobbin case per brand of thread. You can adjust the tension for each one and then just swap when sewing with the other brand.
With reference to easily recognising your fabric and pattern pieces I was taught ( back in the 60s) to pin a small piece of paper to the fabric with the pattern piece number, an arrow depicting the vertical grain and either right or wrong side marked on it. This has stood me in good stead especially when trying to find the pattern piece you need when you have a lot of pattern pieces to deal with.
I've been doing the tomato pincushion trick for years; my jaw dropped when I saw the neatly printed one--so much better than my handwriting in Sharpie! 😂 My grandmother had a jeweler's loupe in her sewing cabinet specifically for reading sizes on needles. I inherited it and use it regularly because there is no other way for me to read those numbers these days.
Thank you for the jeweler's loupe suggestion. I have Schmetz needles which are well marked with the colors and Organ needles which have impossible to read numbers. I have a magnifying glass, but it is not quite oomph-y enough.
@@laul4584 I did buy a jeweler's loupe (40x) on Amazon. I was able to identify my "errant" Organ needles. And, Schmetz needles are are stamped as well...but they have the color coding (and I have the secret decoder ring pamphlet for I. D.) eliminating the need for closer inspection.
I am currently teaching my seven year granddaughter to use the sewing machine.I have taught her not only foot off the machine but to switch the machine off when she has to put her fingers in the red box which is a red taped square on the machine around the needle and bobbin . As to machine needles ,I have a Perspex box that was originally for storing fruit teas . I have each needle pack in one of the divided sections and the spare needle goes either back into the pack or simply in that divided section.
Not so much a sewing tip but more organizational. When I finish a project, I completely clean my sewing room. Everything gets put away, even if I'm going to use it on the next project. Wipe down the cutting table, sweep the floor and most importantly, clean the machines I've used! It's a habit I developed while quilting -- so many fabrics all at once! So I clean the whole space and then start gathering my supplies for the next project.
I've never had a problem with the foot pedal. (Probably because I stitched thru my fingernail on a treadle at age 8). I've been chalking the wrong side for decades- a result of stitching two pieces the wrong way. Absolutely LOVE the tomato idea and will make something As sewing is such a repetitive boring task at times - and my mind wanders - I have chosen to ignore all recent publications touting the evils of the 5/8" seam allowance. I have sewn for 50 years. So what if it wastes a bit of fabric? So what if I take one extra minute to trim an armscye or collar? Much better than mis-sewing something because my brain went off on a "what should I make for dinner?" tangent that includes an in depth mental assessment of "just when did I purchase the cucumbers in the bottom drawer".
Marking the wrong side of the material is something that I do, it really helps. Now the needle cushion is a neat idea, I would also look to make my own. So that is a future project.
On my sewing machine the foot pedal is used for both sewing and filling the bobbin. To change it I have to click the bobbin winder over. In addition to keeping my foot away from the pedal I also click the bobbin winder over so if I do somehow step on the pedal the needle won't move. Turning the machine off would be the very safest way, but on my machine that turns the light off. If I'm getting my fabric set up under the foot it's really helpful to have that light.
Where can I buy the tomato pin cushion needle organizer? So cute and practical. Love your channel. It is so inspiring as I have time now to get back into sewing.
I thread up two hand stitching needles before I start my project. One with tacking thread and one with the sewing thread. Then there is no delay if I decide to do extra basting or fine stitching finishing. I also have attached a needle threader to my pin cushion so I always know where to find it!
My best habit is to ALWAYS turn your iron off when you leave the sewing/ironing area. And if your investing in a new iron make it one that self turn off when unused. The new ones heat up really quickly as well so it's not like you have to wait long.
I can't find a good iron. I use distilled water but the steamer still wares out in about 2 weeks and then spits all over your cloth ever after. Then I go back to my spray bottle. Bummer.
Your tips, as usual, are spot on. There should be no mechanical reason for one high quality thread to perform differently in a machine than another. (Plenty of reasons for cheap thread not to). However, there may be a need to make top and bobbin tension adjustments--and of course match the thread with the needle and the needle to the application. I switched to Decobob for my quilt piecing (80wt), but I had to adjust both my bottom and top tensions. Once I did, it sews magnificently. Our sewing machines are precision machines, and regrettably, we do need to know a few technical aspects to ensure smooth operation.
Keep your workspace clean and uncluttered, tho cats like to "help" with that. 🙂 Keep your fabric stash organized. Mine is separated into fabric types (cottons, wools, silks, etc., and by size of the piece.) I have always marked the wrong side of fabric with small letters in the seam allowance. I like your idea of putting large chalk marks on the wrong side. I didn't know about thread type making a difference in tension.... great video!
Something I do to speed up the sewing process is have two machines on the go at once, it allows me to have two stitches, two feet, two needles at once, and swap back and forth as I need, rather than keep fussing with one machine. Not practical for everyone of course, but I use my Wardana treadle machine for all my straight stitching and a Bernina Record for everything else (mainly zigzag stich to finish edges). Since adopting this I’ve sewn a lot more because it’s a less tedious process.
I use a bobbin gadget that sticks into end of my spool of thread, and it has a space for the matching bobbin. i keep mine all on a thread rack hanging in my sewing room.
The thread tip is excellent, turns out I've done it without even realising it was a thing lol. I use gutermann also as I find it strong, durable and my machine likes it too.
When I remove a needle from my machine, I put it back where I took it from. I always use Schmetz needles, and I add a little dot with a marker on the case, where the top of the needle is, to indicate that this needle has been used. Otherwise I would never be able to remember both which kind of fabric the needle was for, and which size it is. If I need to see something delicate, then I can choose a fresh needle, and if I am testing a technique, and it really doesn't matter whether the needle is pristine, then I can choose the already used one 😊
I ALWAYS take my foot off the pedal when I'm done with a seam, because I'm both clumsy and have cats. When it comes to marking the wrong side of the fabric, I tend to write what pattern piece it is (a giant LF for left front for example), it helps both with sewing on the correct side and with making sure the pieces go where they're supposed to.
Another video that just blew my mind! Now I know why only one type of thread seemed to work with my machine. And marking the wrong side of the fabric with chalk is genius!
This is a wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing. My good tip to share is a "hack" rather than a practice, but it makes life much easier. I took a 3 inch (7.5cm) strip of adhesive hook-and-loop tape, stuck one of the strips on the inside of my sewing desk exactly beside my knee. Then I stuck the other strip on the bottom of the foot pedal and stuck it to the other strip. It was all straight up and down, with the end of presser pedal aiming down, like this --> /|. Now the foot presser is a very comfortable knee pedal, and if I want to move my machine, it's very easy to just grab the foot pedal. IMPORTANT NOTE: I used adhesive hook and loop tape from the hardware/home improvement store. The glue on them is VERY strong, once the strips are stuck down, that's it, they are there. I found that the stuff from the crafting store just did not have strong enough glue to support the weight of the foot pedal.
Whenever I have a fabric that wrong and right sides are similar as I'm taking them off the pattern paper. I put a little gold safety pin on the right side of every single piece of my pattern so that when I go to assemble I know exactly which side is the right side.
I usually insert my needle back into case backwards to let me know that it's been used. I have the needle case that I'm currently using next to my machine. I learned to take my foot off the pedal when I got my first serger and have carried that over to my sewing machine as well. And also not to place you hands near the needle when doing machine embroidery!!
“Foot off the footpedal” was something I learned the hard way right before getting my new machines that don’t work if the presser foot isn’t down 😂 I’m very grateful for that new function
Ouch! I’m so sorry that happened to you. 😓 I only use the on/off button and never even took the foot pedal out of the box. As a new sewist, I’m so focused on trying to construct everything right that the possibility of having an accident is high.
True. The new machines, especially the computerized versions, are so much safer that way. My machine beeps at me when I press the foot pedal when the presser foot is up. Unfortunately it doesn't beep when I've forgotten to move the needle position to the center when using a double needle. Ugh! My machine's default needle position is set to the left when I turn it on. To move it to the center position I have to change the stitch. And I if I turn the machine off, even if it's just for a split second, it goes back to the default position when I turn it back on.
@@theplussizecostumer that’s a lot of extra steps! I haven’t ventured into my twin needles yet, but if I have any trouble like you describe, I know to try your workaround ❤️
I not only mark my "inside" of the fabric but I mark all my stitch lines too, and I label everything and add direction when necessary. I find that helps me a lot when I go to assemble a piece, because when I don't, I end up misaligning things (I have not mastered the art of putting marks on my patterns how to line thngs up, commercial patterns end up heavily modified). I also have a small weighted pincushion next to my sewing machine for keeping the pins I pull out of my garment, I don't find the wrist thing works very well for that, I made a wrist one using a mason jar lid so I can make it be a stationary pincushion if I want or I can flip it inside the jar for safe transport of pins and needles and I toss my chalk and thimble in there too... And if I used more than one kind of needle on my main machine (1914 Jones hand crank that takes a round shank needle and I currently only have the ones it came with which are fine for the cottons and linens and wools I've used it for so far), I would totally make myself one of those machine needle pincushions, that's just brilliant. If I start having to change needles around on any of my other machines, I'll definitely start doing that. My main pincushion where I do my hand sewing has a ribbon pinned into it and any sewing needles that get stuck into it go in the ribbon so I can always find them and won't grab a needle when I want a pin.
WHERE can purchase a “tomato” like yours? I’ve never seen one! Nor have I ever heard of a system like that! Thank you so much! This was a great and informative video!!!
Another point about thread is that upright spool pins and straight wound (like Coats & Clarks) go together, and side/ horizontal spool pins (like Guttermans) go together. Otherwise, there can be tension issues. When it comes to the larger thread holders, the point might be moot, but as far as on the machine, some get feisty about it. (This info I've come across in both books and forums from pros, fwiw). Something to consider if you are having those "unsolvable" tensio n problems.
Oh, the tomato tracking of needles is such a good idea. I had a spare one I inherited from my grand-mother and just made myself one to track my used needles. E each section is a needle size, and I split each section between ball point and sharp points, plus a jeans in the 100/16 size. I used to put the needles back in the container, trying to remember which needle were used and new, now that will be one less thing to remember.
Schmetz has a felt needle mat organizer that has more needle types/sizes than the tomato. It's probably a little more expensive, but it also comes with a pin to designate the needle you're currently using.
When marking the wrong side of the fabric, I find some fabrics don’t really keep my markings, so I started pinning safety pins on the wrong side. If it’s a delicate fabric that would show pin holes, I put them in the seam allowance.
I got a vintage imperial machine that has a knee pedal set in the desk and I have been loving it! It's especially nice as I have dogs and now with that machine I never have to worry about my dogs coming and stepping on the pedal. I also bought what was advertised as a screw finder (basically a magnet on a stick) to help pick up any pins that may have fallen in an awkward place. Between that any my magnetic pin holder I am confident that my pins are safe and aren't going to stab me in the foot!
So right about thread. My machines love Wonderfil and hate hate Aurafil. I took to heart your "foot off the pedal" a while ago. I have been sewing for 60 years but recently I had an episode when quilting and now it is for sure foot off the pedal lol.
A variation on one of your tips- I'm currently sewing a bag with many pockets and thus many rectangular pieces. I'm marking specifically the grain line on the back as I cut the pieces, so I know easily whether this is the 9"X6" or the 5"X10" without needing to measure (and know which is the back side of my solid colored fabric).
This relates to the foot off the footpedal and applies mostly if you have a sewing space where you move your machine around and therefore may sit to sew and find your footpedal is not in the right spot. I make a habit of reminding myself, especially if I've moved the machine, check the footpedal before I turn on the machine, so that I'm don't accidentally hit the footpedal if I'm adjusting the position. With general safety, I treat my sewing machine and serger/overlocker like the power tools they actually are, like not operating them when I'm overly tired.
Thank you for all your hacks and practices videos - I learned so much already! One thing I could share: To transfer markings to the other side of the fabric or several layers (think changing the neckline after sewing on the facings and you want to transfer the new line symmetrically to the other side) I simply use long pins by weaving them through the fabric several times. Using my pins for more than pinning has been a major learning moment for me. For example use them to make a hole in my block pattern so I can use a pen every time I need a notch or mark a dartleg.
Omg. Marking the wrong side!!! I learnt this one the hard way. Also now marking the top of pieces because on similar shapes it's really hard to tell and really easy to sew a peice in upside and really hard to tell why the toile looks off 😅
I think the tomato pin cushion is like a rite of passage for all sewers. I've known about them for years and had no clue what the markings meant. Thank you for explaining. I'm about to get back into sewing and my good habit tip would be to gather everything you need before you start, so you have it on hand. Nothing more annoying than being in the middle of a crucial bit and having to stop to go find the zip or special pins or clippers, etc.
"foot off the foot pedal" - I almost learned this the hard way this week, luckily I had just been winding my bobbin and the needle was still disengaged
The peddle on my 2nd hand machine was attached to the side legs of sewing table. I pressed with my leg to the side, after getting used to it it was actually easier and created less cramp in my foot when sewing. Now I am back to my good old Singer treadle :)
I do my machine sewing in my sewing room, but my hand sewing can migrate into the family room if I have quite a bit to do and decide to watch something on tv while I work. I bought a pretty little vintage pincushion on Etsy that lives on the mantel in there so if one of us finds a stray pin, it goes in there (my husband has a knack for spotting them). I bought another one for our bedroom that holds small safety pins in case clothing needs to be pinned in a pinch.
When it comes to tip no 4, I always put the pedal in a slightly awkvard place. That is so I automatically lift my foot when I’m done sewing and put it straight on the floor instead.
I really liked the needle cushion idea. One trick I've found in cutting out is to put a bit of backwards pull on the shears for a smoother and cleaner cut. The fabric stays under a bit of tension and dies not pocket or bunch up while cutting out.
Wow, the fabric cutting tip - I’ve being doing this for years without thinking about it! I learned it sort of organically as I learned to cut fabric. Never knew quite how to describe it until I read it here!
Oh the brand of thread is going to be added to my habits. I have had issues of bobbin and top thread being close but not quite right and I think it is brand
As far as the needles go, I’ll keep the case out on my table off to the side and then I put the used needle back into the same case and use one of those sticky miniature color-coded labels or dots that you can get from Walmart with the word “Used➡️” with the arrow pointing towards the needle
Not for a needle tracker just a pin holder, I made a hang tag stuffed denim square with button hole that goes over the big screw that holds the chrome access plate on the back of my 15-91's black-iron body. A similar but longer 'strip' could be made and marked up like your tomato, more like a bookmark or 'needle ruler'.
I predominantly use needles that come in plastic cases rather than paper sleeves. When I put a needle into my machine, I leave the little case in a spot near my machine. When it comes time to change the needle, I replace it inside the case but UPSIDE DOWN, with the pointed end up. It’s easy to see at a glance which ones have been used.
Oh my goodness this is so funny! I’ve been wondering why my machine doesn’t like cotton thread. Now I know!! It’s just not the best one for it. And also I literally just started putting a magnet on the metal of my Juki and stick my needle case there so I know which kind I’m currently using. This is such a great video. Thank you for sharing all of your vast knowledge!!!!
Excellent as ALWAYS! I have my scissor hanging from my machine on the right side with a plastic sticky hook. I velcro my tiny pin cushion to the machine on the top right facing. Sometimes I need to remove this but the Velcro makes it easy. I also tape a tape measure on the table in front of my machine. My flexible lamp neck will make the lamp tip when I place the neck too low and stretch it to the matching needle so I put a rock on the base platform of the lamp. I put white Contac paper down under my machine and the bright white makes sewing more comfortable. The Contac paper has held up but table can also be painted white. Thank you for all your help.
"Foot off the pedal" is essential. Take it from someone who has TWICE sewn into a finger. It is NOT FUN (AND you need to put in a new needle.) I've made a version of the pincushion to track needle use (I used a green one so it stands out) but I'm going to take a closer look at the commercially available one too.
I am the only quilter in my family who hasn't sewn right into a finger (there were a couple of really bad incidents that required extra time off the needles too!) so I don't want that legacy to continue. I am vowing, now that I am relearning, to "sew slow" and let it be a more patient practice.
I put a post-it note on my machine with date inserted and size of needle in the machine. The note is also handy for stitch settings and bobbin thread in the machine.
This is especially helpful since I haven't been sewing for many years and am starting from scratch with things like thread! I can start on the right foot.
What a revelation about the sometimes occurring and somehow odd stitches?! Thank you! Sewing needle cushion is a very good idea too, as you suggested customized to one's needs.
Used, but still workable machine needles - the Schmetz cases are very nice with #s marked. I keep a few empty ones, in all needle types I typically use. I write USED on them with a Sharpie, and put my used needles into those cases.
I have had a 14 compartment opaque plastic type box which I think it was for fishing and bought it some years ago in a cheap shop where you can buy things for $2.00 and upwards. So I have in the front of this an area a section marked Serger needles and next to that one I have a section for Sewing Machine needles. When I start a new project the needles I use in the Serger or sewing machine and the rest of those packet needles goes into the section marked Serger or sewing machine needles in the fishing box. If that project does not get finished that day I leave those needles in the Serger or sewing machines and when I come back at a later date to go on with the project at least I know what sewing needles is in the Serger or sewing machine. The rest of the 12 other compartments are storage for Leather, Jean, Overlock, Stretch and Jersey needles etc. Also I photocopied a guide to Schmetz sewing machine needles which has headings like Needle Type, Fabric Type, Color Code and Sizes Available and this guide is taped on inside of this box. I am able to take this box with me if I am doing any sewing classes or have in my drawer next to me to refer to when I have a sewing day. Very handy to have and never had any problems with not knowing what needles I have in my machines. Still when it's time to change the needles I go on thickness and how many garments I have sewn when to change the needles. Also did have a problem when using anything else then Gutermann thread as I was informed that some threads my Janome model did fray the thread and wondered why and the Sewing dealer I bought the machine from said some threads have a bit of stretch in them and found that was Birch thread for me so now I only use Gutermann no problems with using this one.
I did do the 2, 3 and 4 tips without learning from anyone that I should...I guess we do learn along the way and invent all sorts of things/rules to help ourselves. :) but the other ones are really new for me :) I didn’t care to organize my needles 😅 and had no ideea about using the same brand of thread. Good to know!
I only work on one project at a time, and whether it's a garment or quilting, when I remove a needle from it's case I replace it with a thin piece of florist wire with a loop on the end. That way if there is still a needle in the machine when I come to sew something else I will know what type/size it is. It's funny, only the other day I was reminding myself to take my foot off the pedal. Though I haven't had any near misses with my fingers getting in the way, I have on several occasions leaned forward to look at my work and pressed the foot resulting in stitches I didn't want, in places I didn't want them!
I was taught to put sewing machine needles back into the package with the flat part the sits up by the screw in the machine on the top to differentiate between used and unused machine needles
Placing the sewing foot in the down position as well as the needle when finished sewing. Its a safety factor my great aunt who was a sewing instructor taught me, she said, its because some of us can't keep our foot off the gas peddle lol.
I use the tomato pincushion idea. One piece of advice: keep out of the reach of children. One of my grandchildren decided to re-organize my pin cushion, and now I don’t know what’s where. I like the jewelers loupe idea, as so far, no magnifying glass has helped me read the numbers. How did you get that pin cushion so neatly labeled?
I keep the sewing feet for my industrial machine in a plastic box with dividers, also the needle packets fit in there , works very well. I made a wallet for all the hand needles to go in. Its large ,styled like a credit card wallet . The whole package fits into it. Love this! The ones I use sit in a pin cushion, where I hand stitch. I have pincushions at each machine with weighted base and a thread catcher. The inside of the catcher is lining fabric, I found using quilters cotton made it difficult to empty. I recently found a much better quality overlocker thread than what I have always used. As manufacturers recommended. This new thread is in a different league, I was unable to source the original. One Plus for covid!.....it doesn't fluff or jerk as it goes thru the machine. Comes off the cone smooth as. Pins are kept in old oval crystal dishes, different sorts, different dish. Works very well , all my bits and bobs for cutting out are on a long shelf above the workbench on lazy Susan. Scissors go into a cute bag with zipper dividers so they don't rub together. The shears have padded fabric sheaths on them. I look after my gear , it costs too much to replace. And I have fun making bits for it all. The best thing I have is a briefcase that I made with pockets and dividers, drop down front so you can iron on it at class. Love that, it was a major make but well worth it. A clipboard will fit inside, so its large. Love your channel Evelyn its different full of great hints and solid ideas. Take care.
I never thought about different threads not being right for my machine. That makes a lot of sense though. I've always tried to keep my foot away from the pedal if I'm not using it. So far it's worked well. All good tips. Thanks so much.
I like the tomato! I'm very new to sewing and have actually used the other tips (the thread one came about naturally from having issues with one brand), but I have a lot to learn about needles.
Good practices! I have a few more safety practices to add: Don’t wear sandals, especially not flip flops, when sewing-dangerous tools like small scissors and seam rippers can easily fall off onto your feet. Flip flops will often impede your ability to use the foot pedal properly. Sewing over pins is not a good idea, but if you do sew over pins, sew slowly.If the machine needle hits the pin just right at a fast sewing speed, it will send the broken pieces flying right at you (Don’t ask me how I know!) Put your sewing tools, especially scissors and rotary cutters, in the same place on the cutting table and away from the edge of the table, or on a nearby table. Most sewing machine needles come in a small plastic case. I save the empty cases, and then put the used needle in an empty case which is already marked as to the type and size of the needle.
I really love the needle type tomato is a brilliant idea! I can’t read the needles anymore my eyes are getting old! Foot off the pedal and turning off my machine are both habits after years of sewing! I now have a sewing room and no babies crawling under the table but I still turn off my machine when not actually sewing!
@@abbynormal8608 not as much. They do eventually dull but they don’t usually get burs. You have more control with hand sewing and will notice if there are problems. So you will change your needle. As for size it depends on what you are sewing
My grandmother and one of her sisters apprenticed to be professional dressmakers around the turn of the last century and one thing they would do, especially when working on fine, delicate fabrics. They would use dried old coffee grounds to help smooth their hands. They'd stick their hands in the grounds and rub their hands through it as if they were washing them. Mind you there weren't all the specialty grinds of coffee like we have now. It was always a coarse ground coffee and that had been boiled within an inch of it's life. So by the time the dressmakers got the used grounds they were well and truly spent. And the coarseness of that grind meant that as they rubbed their hands in them any dead skin would be rubbed off. Hand lotions were not a thing at the time, or were only for the rich ladies who were their clients. They needed to make sure their hands were smooth and not chapped before dealing with fine fabrics like silk charmeuse or chiffon. One snag could ruin a garment.
What an interesting story!
I’ve held off on using those fabrics because I have chronically dry hands, and I’m very intimidated by their texture, so this tip is really helpful! Definitely less greasy than hand lotion too
Same thing sand does when at the beach.
How interesting! And did you know, that women back in the late 1800s used to put arsenic in there eyes to give them that "doe eyed look" which was a popular look back then? Oh man, the Victorians had some weird ideas didn't they. Albeit, the coffee grounds probably actually worked and didn't make you go blind! Thanks for the info! Interesting.
Select a specific number of pins, ideally a multiple of 5. Like lets say 20 (4 times 5 pins). Put them all in your pin cushion. After each session, or every now and then if you sew for long hours, recount your pins by putting them in rows of five in the pin cushion. And stop immediately to find it if one is missing. I got scared for my cat when I realized how many I casually lost and started doing this when getting really sharp pins. The multiple of 5 thing is just because I find it easier to visually see 5 pins, 4 times, than visually recognize 20, and you have way less chances to lose count when recounting them. If you’re more familiar with multiples of idk 7 you can do that too, just go with what is familiar and safe to your brain I’d say. Life changing
Ooooh that’s a great tip! I have a dog and my neighbors cat practically lives with us now. (She’s in love with my dog, it’s like Disney movie.) anyway, I’m so happy for your advice so I can keep them both safer than ever. 📣❤️
I have cats too and they love to steal pins, those are in a closed box now and only out when in direct use.
@@MyriamSchweingruber also wonderful advice!
That's a brilliant tip and I'm telling everyone!
Great idea. My mom made a new lining of my coat and forgot several pins. I got stung a couple of times and managed to wiggle them out through the lining. Fortunately the heads were small. I was not amused though.
I’ve been sewing for over 60 years and all your suggestions are spot on. Another tip I use is to keep a little tab of blue painter’s tape on both my serger and sewing machine with the needle size currently installed and the date I installed it along with the date of my last cleaning. Speaking of tension issues, it’s also very important to keep your sewing machine and especially your serger covered when not in use. Dust, pollen, pet hair can easily accumulate in the tension channels and cause issues. Although it looks very pretty to store threads on those gigantic peg boards, I never do that for the same reasons. Storing your thread spools in the open invites dust accumulation and tension problems. Since I also sew for my granddaughter and daughter-in-law, I always make a note on my pattern envelopes as to what view I made, and what size and fabric I used.
You sound beautifully well-organised - well done!
The tomato is a great idea. But most people don't know that the little tomato that is attached to the big one is a needle sharpener, which extends the life of your needles and pins. Just prick it several times to sharpen your needle some.
I did not know that! Thank you.
The little tomato has emery inside so it will take off rust and sharpen needles and pins. Emery can be hard to source but I did manage to buy some from the US and made my own as gifts.
My mother taught me about this many moons ago. We called it a strawberry.
WHAT
@@theresalarsen9938 an emery strawberry, yes! That’s what I was taught, too.
I learned the thread tip the hard way. I got a really big spool of thread, and sewed 2-3 small projects with it with no problem. Then, out of nowhere, my bobbin started rattling inside the casing while sewing. I've wound some more bobbins, but when thread would go to be less than around half the bobbin - it started to rattle again.
Then my machine got mad and began to stitch in one place, until fabric would go below the top plate and then stop. I had multiple breakdowns while unscrewing top plate a many times and trying to wiggle out a project and clean the machine. I think I had about 20 of these episodes in one night (yeah, I know...). I checked the dogs, I checked thread cutter, I checked everywhere I could look.
I was *this close* to take the machine to the service, throw it inside, shout "Fix it!" and run, but it was Sunday, and I decided to give it last one go with another thread. And what would you know, no rattling, no pulling, no "needle it to hell", just beautiful stitches top and bottom, and I got to finish my project. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Choose your thread carefully!
I use matte Scotch tape to mark the pattern pieces. I write on the tape with pencil and always stick the tape on the wrong side of the fabric. It stays on really well and removes without leaving a mark or sticky residue. I find it works particularly well with stretch/knit fabrics where chalk marking can stretch and distort your smaller pattern pieces.
OH! WHAT A GREAT IDEA! This solves my problem. I have been searching the world over to find a decent marker and there isn't any. Now, let me rant. Get this, the manufacturer makes markers that become permanent if you iron on it. OK, what's the most important thing you need when you're sewing, COULD IT BE AN IRON!!! How stupid is it to make a marker for sewing that becomes permanent when you iron it. That's like plumbing tools that dissolve in water! Then you got the chalk that's too hard to mark. Oh and the chalk, there's no sharpener for it. AHHHHHHHHHH!
The "stick to one brand of thread" advice is SO TRUE and I wish this video had come to me earlier. A few weeks ago, I started a new sewing project and it was absolutely disastrous from beginning to end. The stitches were wonky and loose and they bunched up on the underside regardless of what I did. After days of being frustrated and doing tons of trouble-shooting I realized the problem was the brand new thread I had bought specifically for this project, it had a higher percentage of polyester compared to the one I regularly use (which is typically 100% cotton) it was also slightly thinner. I switched back to a thread I had already worked with and surely enough the stitches came out perfectly. So it was definitely the thread, which is a shame, because that day I bought a bunch of spools.
Wow!! Thanks for that information.
A good way to deal with multiple thread brands is to have one (labelled) bobbin case per brand of thread. You can adjust the tension for each one and then just swap when sewing with the other brand.
The needle type pin cushion is BRILLIANT! Must have.
With reference to easily recognising your fabric and pattern pieces I was taught ( back in the 60s) to pin a small piece of paper to the fabric with the pattern piece number, an arrow depicting the vertical grain and either right or wrong side marked on it. This has stood me in good stead especially when trying to find the pattern piece you need when you have a lot of pattern pieces to deal with.
Thanks for sharing. Seems like a great idea. I’m going to try this practice.
I've been doing the tomato pincushion trick for years; my jaw dropped when I saw the neatly printed one--so much better than my handwriting in Sharpie! 😂 My grandmother had a jeweler's loupe in her sewing cabinet specifically for reading sizes on needles. I inherited it and use it regularly because there is no other way for me to read those numbers these days.
OMG! A jewlers loupe! THANK YOU!THANK YOU! THANK YOU! What an excellent idea and they're only $5 to $10 from Amazon. THIS is brilliant!!!
Thank you for the jeweler's loupe suggestion. I have Schmetz needles which are well marked with the colors and Organ needles which have impossible to read numbers. I have a magnifying glass, but it is not quite oomph-y enough.
I need to get my hands on grandpa’s jeweller loupe this minute!!! Thanks for sharing!
@@laul4584 I did buy a jeweler's loupe (40x) on Amazon. I was able to identify my "errant" Organ needles. And, Schmetz needles are are stamped as well...but they have the color coding (and I have the secret decoder ring pamphlet for I. D.) eliminating the need for closer inspection.
My 40x jeweler's loupe arrived. Perfect, inexpensive means of identifying my Organ Needles.
This was an excellent video! One tip I have is a magnetic pin holder. I use it to pass over the floor to pick up any dropped pins or needles!
They are so useful. I do the same with mine.
Magnets are a godsend for picking needles and pins off the table when you have long nails!
I love my magnetic pin holder, too. Though I find it doesn't work with plated brass pins. Unfortunately there's no iron in brass.
I asked for a roll of magnetic tape for Christmas. I use pieces for pin hunting, and to hold tools in convenient locations.
Try keeping a small, very bright flashlight in your sewing space. I use it when I can't reach an area with a magnet.@@theplussizecostumer
I am currently teaching my seven year granddaughter to use the sewing machine.I have taught her not only foot off the machine but to switch the machine off when she has to put her fingers in the red box which is a red taped square on the machine around the needle and bobbin .
As to machine needles ,I have a Perspex box that was originally for storing fruit teas . I have each needle pack in one of the divided sections and the spare needle goes either back into the pack or simply in that divided section.
Not so much a sewing tip but more organizational.
When I finish a project, I completely clean my sewing room. Everything gets put away, even if I'm going to use it on the next project. Wipe down the cutting table, sweep the floor and most importantly, clean the machines I've used!
It's a habit I developed while quilting -- so many fabrics all at once!
So I clean the whole space and then start gathering my supplies for the next project.
As a lifelong magpie, I must ask, what is this "finish a project" you speak of? 🤣😂🤣😊
@@lightwavz 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I've never had a problem with the foot pedal. (Probably because I stitched thru my fingernail on a treadle at age 8). I've been chalking the wrong side for decades- a result of stitching two pieces the wrong way. Absolutely LOVE the tomato idea and will make something
As sewing is such a repetitive boring task at times - and my mind wanders - I have chosen to ignore all recent publications touting the evils of the 5/8" seam allowance. I have sewn for 50 years. So what if it wastes a bit of fabric? So what if I take one extra minute to trim an armscye or collar? Much better than mis-sewing something because my brain went off on a "what should I make for dinner?" tangent that includes an in depth mental assessment of "just when did I purchase the cucumbers in the bottom drawer".
I keep a sticky note pad next to machine . I write the needle size, extra notes and date . I post this on my machine.
This is exactly what I do. Thanks for sharing.
I do that also. I also tape the needle package on my machine, so I know what needle pack it came from.
Me too. But I put the used ones back in their case... not doing that now I've seen this video.
@@mademoisellem3529 It depends on how long you’ve used the needle for.
I keep a sticky note on my cabinet machine denoting what it's set for: length, width, and needle type...
Thank you Evelyn.
If you can't read the tiny needle size on the needle. Take a photo with your mobil/cel and expand the photo!
OMG. Why didn't I think of that?!? Super tip!
Marking the wrong side of the material is something that I do, it really helps. Now the needle cushion is a neat idea, I would also look to make my own. So that is a future project.
On my sewing machine the foot pedal is used for both sewing and filling the bobbin. To change it I have to click the bobbin winder over. In addition to keeping my foot away from the pedal I also click the bobbin winder over so if I do somehow step on the pedal the needle won't move. Turning the machine off would be the very safest way, but on my machine that turns the light off. If I'm getting my fabric set up under the foot it's really helpful to have that light.
Where can I buy the tomato pin cushion needle organizer? So cute and practical. Love your channel. It is so inspiring as I have time now to get back into sewing.
Look online, they are fairly common. If in Australia, I got mine from spotlight.
@@HollyOak Thank you. I did buy a red one and labeled sections for the machine needles. I only use this cushion for machine needles. I am in the U.S.!
I thread up two hand stitching needles before I start my project. One with tacking thread and one with the sewing thread. Then there is no delay if I decide to do extra basting or fine stitching finishing. I also have attached a needle threader to my pin cushion so I always know where to find it!
SWEET!!!! Stealing it.
I do the same with the hand stitching needles. It is a habit I picked up from my grandmother and I have never lost it. So very thankful for it now!
My best habit is to ALWAYS turn your iron off when you leave the sewing/ironing area. And if your investing in a new iron make it one that self turn off when unused. The new ones heat up really quickly as well so it's not like you have to wait long.
Re the iron, I use a child’s night light on the same plug as the iron, that way I can see at a glance across the room that it’s still on!
@@martyncollings2960 what a great idea!
I can't find a good iron. I use distilled water but the steamer still wares out in about 2 weeks and then spits all over your cloth ever after. Then I go back to my spray bottle. Bummer.
Your tips, as usual, are spot on.
There should be no mechanical reason for one high quality thread to perform differently in a machine than another. (Plenty of reasons for cheap thread not to). However, there may be a need to make top and bobbin tension adjustments--and of course match the thread with the needle and the needle to the application. I switched to Decobob for my quilt piecing (80wt), but I had to adjust both my bottom and top tensions. Once I did, it sews magnificently. Our sewing machines are precision machines, and regrettably, we do need to know a few technical aspects to ensure smooth operation.
Keep your workspace clean and uncluttered, tho cats like to "help" with that. 🙂
Keep your fabric stash organized. Mine is separated into fabric types (cottons, wools, silks, etc., and by size of the piece.)
I have always marked the wrong side of fabric with small letters in the seam allowance. I like your idea of putting large chalk marks on the wrong side.
I didn't know about thread type making a difference in tension.... great video!
Something I do to speed up the sewing process is have two machines on the go at once, it allows me to have two stitches, two feet, two needles at once, and swap back and forth as I need, rather than keep fussing with one machine. Not practical for everyone of course, but I use my Wardana treadle machine for all my straight stitching and a Bernina Record for everything else (mainly zigzag stich to finish edges). Since adopting this I’ve sewn a lot more because it’s a less tedious process.
I used 2 machines with different coloured thread if the project has different coloured pieces. It saves so much time not rethreading between colours.
Great idea when sewing jeans. One machine gets the gold topstitching thread.
As usual, your tips are "right on the money!" Thanks for sharing your expertise.
I use a bobbin gadget that sticks into end of my spool of thread, and it has a space for the matching bobbin. i keep mine all on a thread rack hanging in my sewing room.
The thread tip is excellent, turns out I've done it without even realising it was a thing lol. I use gutermann also as I find it strong, durable and my machine likes it too.
When I remove a needle from my machine, I put it back where I took it from. I always use Schmetz needles, and I add a little dot with a marker on the case, where the top of the needle is, to indicate that this needle has been used. Otherwise I would never be able to remember both which kind of fabric the needle was for, and which size it is.
If I need to see something delicate, then I can choose a fresh needle, and if I am testing a technique, and it really doesn't matter whether the needle is pristine, then I can choose the already used one 😊
I ALWAYS take my foot off the pedal when I'm done with a seam, because I'm both clumsy and have cats.
When it comes to marking the wrong side of the fabric, I tend to write what pattern piece it is (a giant LF for left front for example), it helps both with sewing on the correct side and with making sure the pieces go where they're supposed to.
Another video that just blew my mind! Now I know why only one type of thread seemed to work with my machine. And marking the wrong side of the fabric with chalk is genius!
This is a wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing.
My good tip to share is a "hack" rather than a practice, but it makes life much easier. I took a 3 inch (7.5cm) strip of adhesive hook-and-loop tape, stuck one of the strips on the inside of my sewing desk exactly beside my knee. Then I stuck the other strip on the bottom of the foot pedal and stuck it to the other strip. It was all straight up and down, with the end of presser pedal aiming down, like this --> /|. Now the foot presser is a very comfortable knee pedal, and if I want to move my machine, it's very easy to just grab the foot pedal.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I used adhesive hook and loop tape from the hardware/home improvement store. The glue on them is VERY strong, once the strips are stuck down, that's it, they are there. I found that the stuff from the crafting store just did not have strong enough glue to support the weight of the foot pedal.
What a clever idea. I learned on a sewing machine with a knee pedal and always thought that was a good system.
I need this tomate!
Whenever I have a fabric that wrong and right sides are similar as I'm taking them off the pattern paper. I put a little gold safety pin on the right side of every single piece of my pattern so that when I go to assemble I know exactly which side is the right side.
Thanks for this tip! 💯😊
I usually insert my needle back into case backwards to let me know that it's been used. I have the needle case that I'm currently using next to my machine. I learned to take my foot off the pedal when I got my first serger and have carried that over to my sewing machine as well. And also not to place you hands near the needle when doing machine embroidery!!
“Foot off the footpedal” was something I learned the hard way right before getting my new machines that don’t work if the presser foot isn’t down 😂 I’m very grateful for that new function
Ouch! I’m so sorry that happened to you. 😓
I only use the on/off button and never even took the foot pedal out of the box. As a new sewist, I’m so focused on trying to construct everything right that the possibility of having an accident is high.
True. The new machines, especially the computerized versions, are so much safer that way. My machine beeps at me when I press the foot pedal when the presser foot is up. Unfortunately it doesn't beep when I've forgotten to move the needle position to the center when using a double needle. Ugh! My machine's default needle position is set to the left when I turn it on. To move it to the center position I have to change the stitch. And I if I turn the machine off, even if it's just for a split second, it goes back to the default position when I turn it back on.
@@theplussizecostumer that’s a lot of extra steps! I haven’t ventured into my twin needles yet, but if I have any trouble like you describe, I know to try your workaround ❤️
I not only mark my "inside" of the fabric but I mark all my stitch lines too, and I label everything and add direction when necessary. I find that helps me a lot when I go to assemble a piece, because when I don't, I end up misaligning things (I have not mastered the art of putting marks on my patterns how to line thngs up, commercial patterns end up heavily modified).
I also have a small weighted pincushion next to my sewing machine for keeping the pins I pull out of my garment, I don't find the wrist thing works very well for that, I made a wrist one using a mason jar lid so I can make it be a stationary pincushion if I want or I can flip it inside the jar for safe transport of pins and needles and I toss my chalk and thimble in there too...
And if I used more than one kind of needle on my main machine (1914 Jones hand crank that takes a round shank needle and I currently only have the ones it came with which are fine for the cottons and linens and wools I've used it for so far), I would totally make myself one of those machine needle pincushions, that's just brilliant. If I start having to change needles around on any of my other machines, I'll definitely start doing that.
My main pincushion where I do my hand sewing has a ribbon pinned into it and any sewing needles that get stuck into it go in the ribbon so I can always find them and won't grab a needle when I want a pin.
WHERE can purchase a “tomato” like yours? I’ve never seen one! Nor have I ever heard of a system like that!
Thank you so much! This was a great and informative video!!!
The pincushion is brilliant.
Another point about thread is that upright spool pins and straight wound (like Coats & Clarks) go together, and side/ horizontal spool pins (like Guttermans) go together. Otherwise, there can be tension issues. When it comes to the larger thread holders, the point might be moot, but as far as on the machine, some get feisty about it. (This info I've come across in both books and forums from pros, fwiw). Something to consider if you are having those "unsolvable" tensio n problems.
You just saved a life!!! What??? This is awesome info!! Thanks
Oh, the tomato tracking of needles is such a good idea. I had a spare one I inherited from my grand-mother and just made myself one to track my used needles. E each section is a needle size, and I split each section between ball point and sharp points, plus a jeans in the 100/16 size. I used to put the needles back in the container, trying to remember which needle were used and new, now that will be one less thing to remember.
The thread types makes so much sense 🤯 explains so much now
Using tailor tacks to mark your garment helps with keeping track of the right and wrong side. The cut ends are the right side.
Schmetz has a felt needle mat organizer that has more needle types/sizes than the tomato. It's probably a little more expensive, but it also comes with a pin to designate the needle you're currently using.
When marking the wrong side of the fabric, I find some fabrics don’t really keep my markings, so I started pinning safety pins on the wrong side. If it’s a delicate fabric that would show pin holes, I put them in the seam allowance.
every time I stop sewing I check the length of needle thread so it doesn't need to rethread all the time. love your tips
I got a vintage imperial machine that has a knee pedal set in the desk and I have been loving it! It's especially nice as I have dogs and now with that machine I never have to worry about my dogs coming and stepping on the pedal. I also bought what was advertised as a screw finder (basically a magnet on a stick) to help pick up any pins that may have fallen in an awkward place. Between that any my magnetic pin holder I am confident that my pins are safe and aren't going to stab me in the foot!
We are praying for a full recovery! We miss you!
So right about thread. My machines love Wonderfil and hate hate Aurafil. I took to heart your "foot off the pedal" a while ago. I have been sewing for 60 years but recently I had an episode when quilting and now it is for sure foot off the pedal lol.
A variation on one of your tips- I'm currently sewing a bag with many pockets and thus many rectangular pieces. I'm marking specifically the grain line on the back as I cut the pieces, so I know easily whether this is the 9"X6" or the 5"X10" without needing to measure (and know which is the back side of my solid colored fabric).
This relates to the foot off the footpedal and applies mostly if you have a sewing space where you move your machine around and therefore may sit to sew and find your footpedal is not in the right spot. I make a habit of reminding myself, especially if I've moved the machine, check the footpedal before I turn on the machine, so that I'm don't accidentally hit the footpedal if I'm adjusting the position.
With general safety, I treat my sewing machine and serger/overlocker like the power tools they actually are, like not operating them when I'm overly tired.
Thank you for all your hacks and practices videos - I learned so much already!
One thing I could share: To transfer markings to the other side of the fabric or several layers (think changing the neckline after sewing on the facings and you want to transfer the new line symmetrically to the other side) I simply use long pins by weaving them through the fabric several times. Using my pins for more than pinning has been a major learning moment for me. For example use them to make a hole in my block pattern so I can use a pen every time I need a notch or mark a dartleg.
Omg. Marking the wrong side!!! I learnt this one the hard way. Also now marking the top of pieces because on similar shapes it's really hard to tell and really easy to sew a peice in upside and really hard to tell why the toile looks off 😅
I think the tomato pin cushion is like a rite of passage for all sewers. I've known about them for years and had no clue what the markings meant. Thank you for explaining.
I'm about to get back into sewing and my good habit tip would be to gather everything you need before you start, so you have it on hand. Nothing more annoying than being in the middle of a crucial bit and having to stop to go find the zip or special pins or clippers, etc.
"foot off the foot pedal" - I almost learned this the hard way this week, luckily I had just been winding my bobbin and the needle was still disengaged
Love the pin cushion idea! Very useful.
The peddle on my 2nd hand machine was attached to the side legs of sewing table. I pressed with my leg to the side, after getting used to it it was actually easier and created less cramp in my foot when sewing. Now I am back to my good old Singer treadle :)
I use sew-ology thread. It's not the best, but it's the easiest to find in my area that won't mess up my machine.
I do my machine sewing in my sewing room, but my hand sewing can migrate into the family room if I have quite a bit to do and decide to watch something on tv while I work. I bought a pretty little vintage pincushion on Etsy that lives on the mantel in there so if one of us finds a stray pin, it goes in there (my husband has a knack for spotting them). I bought another one for our bedroom that holds small safety pins in case clothing needs to be pinned in a pinch.
When it comes to tip no 4, I always put the pedal in a slightly awkvard place. That is so I automatically lift my foot when I’m done sewing and put it straight on the floor instead.
I really liked the needle cushion idea.
One trick I've found in cutting out is to put a bit of backwards pull on the shears for a smoother and cleaner cut. The fabric stays under a bit of tension and dies not pocket or bunch up while cutting out.
Wow, the fabric cutting tip - I’ve being doing this for years without thinking about it! I learned it sort of organically as I learned to cut fabric. Never knew quite how to describe it until I read it here!
@@ImaMes888 I figured I wasn't the only one to stumble across that trick. Wish someone had told me earlier, though!
Oh the brand of thread is going to be added to my habits. I have had issues of bobbin and top thread being close but not quite right and I think it is brand
As far as the needles go, I’ll keep the case out on my table off to the side and then I put the used needle back into the same case and use one of those sticky miniature color-coded labels or dots that you can get from Walmart with the word “Used➡️” with the arrow pointing towards the needle
Not for a needle tracker just a pin holder, I made a hang tag stuffed denim square with button hole that goes over the big screw that holds the chrome access plate on the back of my 15-91's black-iron body. A similar but longer 'strip' could be made and marked up like your tomato, more like a bookmark or 'needle ruler'.
Wow! These are all things I do. I like the tomato. I’ll have to look for one. Thanks Evelyn
I predominantly use needles that come in plastic cases rather than paper sleeves. When I put a needle into my machine, I leave the little case in a spot near my machine. When it comes time to change the needle, I replace it inside the case but UPSIDE DOWN, with the pointed end up. It’s easy to see at a glance which ones have been used.
I'm so glad to find a fellow Aussie Teacher! Thank you for all your sewing tips!
Oh my goodness this is so funny! I’ve been wondering why my machine doesn’t like cotton thread. Now I know!! It’s just not the best one for it. And also I literally just started putting a magnet on the metal of my Juki and stick my needle case there so I know which kind I’m currently using. This is such a great video. Thank you for sharing all of your vast knowledge!!!!
I was so happy for you to have the vintage Bernina restored. ❤️ How is she treating you! Would love to hear an update.
Such great tips. Thank you!
awesome tips thank you
Great tips! Love that pincushion for sewing machine needles and using colored pin is great too.
The tomatoe system is genius 👏 gonna give it a try
Excellent as ALWAYS! I have my scissor hanging from my machine on the right side with a plastic sticky hook. I velcro my tiny pin cushion to the machine on the top right facing. Sometimes I need to remove this but the Velcro makes it easy. I also tape a tape measure on the table in front of my machine. My flexible lamp neck will make the lamp tip when I place the neck too low and stretch it to the matching needle so I put a rock on the base platform of the lamp. I put white Contac paper down under my machine and the bright white makes sewing more comfortable. The Contac paper has held up but table can also be painted white. Thank you for all your help.
"Foot off the pedal" is essential. Take it from someone who has TWICE sewn into a finger. It is NOT FUN (AND you need to put in a new needle.)
I've made a version of the pincushion to track needle use (I used a green one so it stands out) but I'm going to take a closer look at the commercially available one too.
I am the only quilter in my family who hasn't sewn right into a finger (there were a couple of really bad incidents that required extra time off the needles too!) so I don't want that legacy to continue. I am vowing, now that I am relearning, to "sew slow" and let it be a more patient practice.
I put a post-it note on my machine with date inserted and size of needle in the machine. The note is also handy for stitch settings and bobbin thread in the machine.
The thread tip makes so much sense, thanks for sharing it with us! 😊
This is especially helpful since I haven't been sewing for many years and am starting from scratch with things like thread! I can start on the right foot.
I mark my needles with nail polish.
To read the itty bitty writing on the side of the needles, take a pic with your camera then enlarge it! (And then the tomato makes SO MUCH SENSE!)
What a revelation about the sometimes occurring and somehow odd stitches?! Thank you! Sewing needle cushion is a very good idea too, as you suggested customized to one's needs.
This was excellent. I learned a lot. Please do more of these videos with practices we should incorporate into our sewing practice. Thanks!!
I need that pin cushion in my life! What it is called, and where did you find it? My search skills are failing me.
Used, but still workable machine needles - the Schmetz cases are very nice with #s marked. I keep a few empty ones, in all needle types I typically use. I write USED on them with a Sharpie, and put my used needles into those cases.
I have had a 14 compartment opaque plastic type box which I think it was for fishing and bought it some years ago in a cheap shop where you can buy things for $2.00 and upwards. So I have in the front of this an area a section marked Serger needles and next to that one I have a section for Sewing Machine needles. When I start a new project the needles I use in the Serger or sewing machine and the rest of those packet needles goes into the section marked Serger or sewing machine needles in the fishing box. If that project does not get finished that day I leave those needles in the Serger or sewing machines and when I come back at a later date to go on with the project at least I know what sewing needles is in the Serger or sewing machine. The rest of the 12 other compartments are storage for Leather, Jean, Overlock, Stretch and Jersey needles etc. Also I photocopied a guide to Schmetz sewing machine needles which has headings like Needle Type, Fabric Type, Color Code and Sizes Available and this guide is taped on inside of this box. I am able to take this box with me if I am doing any sewing classes or have in my drawer next to me to refer to when I have a sewing day. Very handy to have and never had any problems with not knowing what needles I have in my machines. Still when it's time to change the needles I go on thickness and how many garments I have sewn when to change the needles. Also did have a problem when using anything else then Gutermann thread as I was informed that some threads my Janome model did fray the thread and wondered why and the Sewing dealer I bought the machine from said some threads have a bit of stretch in them and found that was Birch thread for me so now I only use Gutermann no problems with using this one.
I loved the tomato!
Thank you. 🙏🏻
I did do the 2, 3 and 4 tips without learning from anyone that I should...I guess we do learn along the way and invent all sorts of things/rules to help ourselves. :) but the other ones are really new for me :)
I didn’t care to organize my needles 😅 and had no ideea about using the same brand of thread. Good to know!
I only work on one project at a time, and whether it's a garment or quilting, when I remove a needle from it's case I replace it with a thin piece of florist wire with a loop on the end. That way if there is still a needle in the machine when I come to sew something else I will know what type/size it is. It's funny, only the other day I was reminding myself to take my foot off the pedal. Though I haven't had any near misses with my fingers getting in the way, I have on several occasions leaned forward to look at my work and pressed the foot resulting in stitches I didn't want, in places I didn't want them!
I was taught to put sewing machine needles back into the package with the flat part the sits up by the screw in the machine on the top to differentiate between used and unused machine needles
Placing the sewing foot in the down position as well as the needle when finished sewing.
Its a safety factor my great aunt who was a sewing instructor taught me, she said, its because some of us can't keep our foot off the gas peddle lol.
Yay! I love that tomato system.
I use the tomato pincushion idea. One piece of advice: keep out of the reach of children. One of my grandchildren decided to re-organize my pin cushion, and now I don’t know what’s where. I like the jewelers loupe idea, as so far, no magnifying glass has helped me read the numbers. How did you get that pin cushion so neatly labeled?
You buy the tomato pincushion already printed on, like that.
I love the needle tracking idea! Mine get stuck in my wool pressing mat next to my machine but they I can’t remember what’s what. Great tip!
That pincushion tracking method for machine needles is brilliant!
I keep the sewing feet for my industrial machine in a plastic box with dividers, also the needle packets fit in there , works very well. I made a wallet for all the hand needles to go in. Its large ,styled like a credit card wallet . The whole package fits into it. Love this! The ones I use sit in a pin cushion, where I hand stitch. I have pincushions at each machine with weighted base and a thread catcher. The inside of the catcher is lining fabric, I found using quilters cotton made it difficult to empty. I recently found a much better quality overlocker thread than what I have always used. As manufacturers recommended. This new thread is in a different league, I was unable to source the original. One Plus for covid!.....it doesn't fluff or jerk as it goes thru the machine. Comes off the cone smooth as. Pins are kept in old oval crystal dishes, different sorts, different dish. Works very well , all my bits and bobs for cutting out are on a long shelf above the workbench on lazy Susan. Scissors go into a cute bag with zipper dividers so they don't rub together. The shears have padded fabric sheaths on them. I look after my gear , it costs too much to replace. And I have fun making bits for it all. The best thing I have is a briefcase that I made with pockets and dividers, drop down front so you can iron on it at class. Love that, it was a major make but well worth it. A clipboard will fit inside, so its large. Love your channel Evelyn its different full of great hints and solid ideas. Take care.
I do Replace the used needles back in the case, upside down to indicate they have been used
Great video. Thanks!
I never thought about different threads not being right for my machine. That makes a lot of sense though. I've always tried to keep my foot away from the pedal if I'm not using it. So far it's worked well. All good tips. Thanks so much.
I like the tomato! I'm very new to sewing and have actually used the other tips (the thread one came about naturally from having issues with one brand), but I have a lot to learn about needles.
All such good ideas, especially no. 5.
Good practices! I have a few more safety practices to add: Don’t wear sandals, especially not flip flops, when sewing-dangerous tools like small scissors and seam rippers can easily fall off onto your feet. Flip flops will often impede your ability to use the foot pedal properly. Sewing over pins is not a good idea, but if you do sew over pins, sew slowly.If the machine needle hits the pin just right at a fast sewing speed, it will send the broken pieces flying right at you (Don’t ask me how I know!) Put your sewing tools, especially scissors and rotary cutters, in the same place on the cutting table and away from the edge of the table, or on a nearby table.
Most sewing machine needles come in a small plastic case. I save the empty cases, and then put the used needle in an empty case which is already marked as to the type and size of the needle.
I really love the needle type tomato is a brilliant idea! I can’t read the needles anymore my eyes are getting old!
Foot off the pedal and turning off my machine are both habits after years of sewing! I now have a sewing room and no babies crawling under the table but I still turn off my machine when not actually sewing!
Does the needle age/type matter as much with handsewing?
@@abbynormal8608 not as much. They do eventually dull but they don’t usually get burs. You have more control with hand sewing and will notice if there are problems. So you will change your needle. As for size it depends on what you are sewing