My best sewing advise is: iron. Iron!! IRON!!! Iron before sewing. Iron during sewing. Iron after sewing. Even the 'improved' rolled hem you demonstrated in this video would have been vastly improved if ironed at each step!! I cannot stress the importance of ironing while sewing enough!! As an added bonus, it makes everything easier to sew, too, many times even removing the need for pins. Also I agree with one of the other posters here: thrifted thread is ok only if it is a good brand. Cheap thread? Don't even fiddle with it! Don't have an ironing board? Just use a decent sheet of plywood to iron on. Also, in conclusion, never ever approach your sewing machine without your iron! Did I mention ironing?!🥰🤩☺
and learn how to iron properly. For sewing you have to press, if you "iron" you're distorting the fabric and can make it even worse if that's not what you wanted to do in the first place.
@@marieanne2680 - Exactly! Too many people don't realize there's a difference between *pressing* and *ironing* - it is important to *press* seams & darts...
I totally agree! Ironing is so important and I’m actually a bit disappointed that it wasn’t on her list. I’ve seen videos of people cutting their pattern pieces out without first having ironed the fabric and the result can never be as good as if they had.
One thing I don't like "thrifting" on is the sewing threads. If you get the cheap threads that have lotsa fuzz .(or even just a small amount) on them, that fuzz can eventually "work" its way into your machine and cause lots of problems - some serious. So, I recommend getting the higher quality threads for sewing. You still have to clean your machine with them, but, just not as often. 🥰
Also, cotton thread breaks down (like all natural fibres). I love thrifting, but never thread. I'm new at sewing and cheap thread jammed my machine too many times. Great tips though, thank you. You're right about sewing 'projects' first. I made a bunch of lovely tea towels when I was stressed but needed a project. Therapeutic too! *Sewing every day* is a great idea also. Thank you for sharing and Happy sewing! 🙏
The picture of your pants sewing reminded me of what I learned. Cut pants 2 to 3 inches higher in the waist, then before finishing the waist, try them on. Adjust so that they hang right and place a thin elastic, tied as a belt, around your waist or where you want the pant top to be. Draw a line on the fabric at the elastic. You can fold darts under the elastic for a perfect fit. You can adjust the waist up or down in the front or back until the side seam hangs perfectly up and down. It works like magic. Works for skirts, too. I’ve been sewing for 56 years, and still am learning. Good luck
Under emphasized, yet *highly* important tips: learn about using the right size & type of needles and pins and replace fairly often! Contrary to what many might think (including long time sewists) before becoming more informed, a broken needle is NOT the main, let alone only, reason to use a new or different needle. Worn down points, burrs, & bends are some reasons and, just as importantly, the type & thickness of fabrics being sewn determine what type & size needle should be used. You should almost always use a "sharp" or "universal" needle to sew woven fabrics and "ball-point" or "stretch" needles for knits. Use lower numbered needles for thinner & delicate fabrics; higher numbered needles for thicker/heavier fabrics. Pressing (as has already been mentioned) is VERY important & can/will make a difference in the end results either looking great or mediocre. Don't skip that process & learn the difference between "pressing" and "ironing," they are different. When sewing clothing, basting can sometimes be skipped, but stay-stitching and understitching should *not* be skipped when they are recommended in sewing pattern directions. If you have the manual for your sewing machine, read & learn from it. Most sewing machines (particularly those which are non-computerized) NEED routine/regular maintenance, sewing machine oil is a necessary tool.
I started sewing when I was around 12 years old. I'm now 63 and I love learning new things. I am always looking at videos to learn new techniques. I love fabric and any new gadget to make my sewing easier. Sewing is my happy place and as long as I can push that foot pedal and thread that needle, I will be making something and feeling pride when it's finished.
😊I started sewing when I was 12 years old too. I used to watch my mom sewing and embroidering on the sewing machine and learnt it like that. Now I'm in my early 30's and I have never found another hobby which gives me so much satisfaction and it calms my mind. Also, like you said, there are so many new ideas and sewing tutorials on internet these days that it never fails to interest us. Every day, we learn so many new things about sewing.
My mom taught me to sew when I was 13 and I'm 70 now. My veey first project at ahe 13 was a sheath dress with 4 darts in the front and 4 in the back and a zipper. I've been sewing ever since and have added machine embroidery since 1995
@@sahanamuralidhar Yes, I too have found that paper crafting has been very therapeutic in dealing with my chronic pain. I am 63 and just received my very first sewing machine and am just learning how to thread the machine LOL. It is 'sew' exciting and I wish I had started earlier. Happy sewing everyone!
You sound like me. My first sewing project was a school skirt at 11 I’m now 60. At 16 trained with Hartnell as an apprentice tailor. I also watch many videos learning new ways of doing things etc. never to old to learn new tricks.
hi dear lady..may I add that some of my easiest and most cost effective clothing projects have come from thrifted items which I needed to resize. often we find pieces made from fab fabrics which need taking in or letting out. I have learned so much about clothing fitting through these projects and they make such welcome wardrobe additions. The Mammy always trained us to look for good fabric as you can always alter a design. It can also be a great way to source lace, zips etc. remember your seam ripper is your best friend! xxxxx
Use a quilting ruler with your rotary cutter - they are 20+ inches long and easier to use than an ordinary ruler Also press your seams before sewing for a better finish
The rotary cutter can do significant damage to your hand before you head to emergency room. ALWAYS use a (rotary cutter) ruler with a 1/4 inch thickness to run that blade along. Some would say always wear anti-cut gloves too, but I rarely get my gloves out unless a big cutting session at start of a project.
Invest in a ruler made to pair with a rotary cutter. It has a thick/stable edge and enough room for you to get your hand out of the way. Your practice sewing everyday is smart advice. Much of any craft/trade is developing the visual, tactile and muscle memory to handle the material, use the tools (sewing machine, scissors, specialty feet) and basically developing all of those proficiencies which become ingrained into our work processes. All of that requires seat time at the machine. I find some great stuff at thrift stores, but never truly needful things such as needles etc.
Having a safe ruler while using a rotary cutter is highly important incase the rotary cutter slips. I use a clear plastic ruler that is built up down the middle of it almost like a handle. I put my hand on that and know I'm safe using it.
Another tip on making straight hems is if you will iron your hems first - on fabrics that can handle an iron - that helps you determine if your hem is actually straight and even. It's best if you still pin them before sewing, but, ironing them in place first is a good habit. Plus, if you have uneven cutting on your hem, still, it helps if you iron the first fold - over, sew it in place, then, iron the second fold - over and sew it in place. It's a lot of ironing and sewing, yes, but, doing it that way helps keep your fist "layer" of your hem in place. Hope this helps.
I started sewing when I was 16 my mum taught me and I went onto sewing for a living in the uk {back when the uk had great employment in that industry}. Im 56 now and still learning and it keeps your brain healthy as you problem solve every time you sew .The best compliment is getting ''wow you made that?" so enjoy and remember making mistakes is part of learning!😊
I started sewing when I got married and we were pretty broke. I started by repairing my husbands work clothes, but necessity for our new apartment took over. We needed a lot of curtains and couldn’t afford new ones. My mom gave me some material and I analyzed a set of curtains I did have. I drew a diagram of the curtain panel, noting how wide, long, hems, pocket for the rod widths plus the amount needed to turn under, etc. I then cut and sewed according to the diagram. I still do projects that way today 40 years later! Simple curtains are a great way to get comfortable with your sewing machine because it’s all straight lines and if you make a little mistake here and there, no one will know because when you scrunch it up on the rod you can’t see it anyway! And the way the commercial ones are made today, I guarantee yours will last the washer machine test better than the ones you bought. By the way, I find fabric, lace, thread, ribbon at garage sales all the time and it’s pretty cheap. Of course I only buy the fabrics I like, but I always take any other supplies I see that are any good whether I need it right now or not because one day I will. When Joann crafts has a coupon or sale on sewing supplies one of the best things you can get besides a rotary cutter and the biggest cutting mat you can afford is a 6 x 24 quilters ruler. The grids will ensure you have things lined up straight and saves a lot of measuring.
I've been sewing since I was about 12 and I turn 63 in a couple months . I love your suggestions but I like some of your other comments too. I disagree with buying cheap thread I finally bought my dream sewing machine that's actually an embroidering machine and the first thing they tell you is do not use cheap thread it clogs your machine up and of course it's going to break it's old and probably dry rotted so always get the best threads you can afford to buy. Use that cheap thread for all your practicing but not for anything you want to keep. Keep learning new things ....when you get too old to learn you need to stop. I love all the RUclips tutorials and wish it was around when I first started what a great source to pick up new ideas from. I sew for others from my home (no overhead), have learned so much through the years so thankful my mom caused me to want to sew without even knowing it.... and I'll keep sewing until I can't lift my hands to move the fabric! Too Blessed to Stress
You are exactly right. I started with garments. Learning quilt piecing precision has improved my sewing in general. It’s so fun when things fit together. Thank you.
I have been sewing, believe it or not, since I was 4 years old. My mom and her aunt sewed wedding gowns and other high end pieces from home. My mom taught me to use the machine and they would give me all these fabulous scraps of amazing fabric. I would watch them as the designed pieces and I copied them on my Barbies. Even so, I still feel like there is more to learn and I enjoy watching videos because you pick new tips and tricks all the time. Never stop learning!
Also walking foot attachment for your sewing machine! Makes it 100x easier to sew stretchy or slippery fabrics without accidentally shifting/stretching it. Really, if you love to work with jerseys, go get one.
I am 58, have sewn 54,years, so all my life, since I was big enough to sit at my mom's machine. I am proud of you! So few people sew now! Sewing can be pricey, but you sew your own stage for projects. Getting used clothing from a yard sale or thrift store, gives me great satisfaction. Like my skirt & top I made for my divorce hearing a few years ago...it cost me .50 cents! It was an unopened shower curtain, and I think it was my good luck charm! The judge signed my divorce papers, lol! 😀😂😉
When buying thread at a thrift store, make sure it's a good brand. I bought some "thrift thread" once and every time I sewed, the thread would break. Over and over and over. I ended up at the fabric store buying the more dependable brands. If there is no brand name, tug on the thread to see how easily it breaks. Also slide some between your fingernails to see if it shreds easily. Sometimes you get what you pay for - not in a good way!
I am cheap and coupon - I absolutely threw away a lot of the learning thread as I learned about thread quality. I'd rather have something a shade different than deal with lint, fraying, snapping, tension, and bobbin fighting.
Pilliw cases are great to practice straight stitching. The new ones where sew and turn them inside out are great. Check YT videos for Missouri Star Quilts for video directions. There are many other videos available too
Absolutely with the practice! I’m learning from RUclips after not touching a sewing machine since high school and I’ve found leaving it setup on the end of the dining table and doing a bit of practice every evening has helped me get much straighter lines. Another one I found, which seems so obvious now but I didn’t think of it before is to wear your glasses! I usually only wear my glasses for computer work or reading and didn’t think of them when I sat at the machine but found very quickly that after I actually remembered to wear them, suddenly it became a lot easier.
Haha I love that!! Glasses will definitely help 🤓 and yes so much easier to keep the machine out and jump on it whenever you can. Thanks for watching !
Another thing to think about is when your clothes die and are beyond repairing take all the hardware you can out of them. Zippers, buttons, trims, pockets anything that might be useful.
When yr learning, buy big sizes (20-26) of clothing at thrift shops. Cut them into pieces, and use them to cut yr pattern pieces out. When you have nothing to loose if u make a big error, u can be free to not be nervous....and then your skills blossom! Louise, Australia 🦘
This tip is especially useful when you are practicing a new block that you do not want to commit the scissors to each piece. Cutting a few slices of an old dress shirt is a good way to practice a block before you actually make the entire quilt or, any block that you've never tried and are insecure about.
I'm clicking out because I'm listening on earphones, and your voice is a comfortable level of volume, but the added sound effects are loud and startling. Just now I was trying to listen to you, and there was a huge boom, and a man's voice shouting "yeah!" right in my ear. I would have preferred the video without those sound effects altogether, but much quieter if they're really necessary.
Another thing: Make sure to wash every fabric you buy first at the temperature you'll use for the garment later. if you bought fabric that isn't prewashed, you may otherwise end up with your work being ruined because it doesn't fit anymore. Also when you use sewing patterns, make sure to double, or maybe even quadruple check if the pattern has seam allowance added or not before cutting it out.
Yes! At first I would wash in cold on delicate with no detergent and dry on delicate like I was instructed. Not anymore - I throw new material in the washer and wash how I would do normal laundry, detergent and all. Sometimes in normal laundry depending on material.
Press Press Press!! Hems especially. don't buy cheap cottons they will damage your expensive machines quicker than anything. Use the whole of the scissor blade to cut out then you don't end up with terrible cutting, also slow down when cutting out it you want the garment to look good.
@@HemswithEm Hi Em, when my mother 50 yrs ago taught me to sew she pointed at her beloved sewing machine and said 'this is nice to have' then she pointed at the iron and said 'this is the necessity'. She taught me to hand stitch my first skirt at 9 and the blouse at 10 yrs old and only then did she allow me to learn to use her sewing machine. She also taught me how important it is to use hams. I still have and use her four different ones today. My sewing machine died just before my mum died, about 8 yrs ago, I couldn't afford a new one and didn't want to buy a second hand one, so I sit here in a shirt that I hand stitched 4 yrs ago. My sister bought me a new machine 2 yrs ago and it is so fancy it even has a needle threader, which does not work for me. Ah Ah!!
I agree with this! Pressing is so important. Learn to press with up and down motion so it won’t distort your fabric or seam. Use the appropriate heat setting for your fabric and use steam!
You get the best hems if you press them BEFORE sewing, then pin them. Pressing is an integral part of sewing. Press every seam immediately after sewing and while it is still accessible.
One of the You Tubers you showed is the Closet Historian. Once you are ready to start sewing clothes, binge watch her videos about making a basic block pattern - and using it to make any outfit you want without buying a commercial pattern for each garment. I've been sewing for 50 years, and I wish I had learned this when I was starting out. It's a game changer.
Use the best thread you can afford. Cheap or bargain thread finds will cause problems. Your machine will function much better with a quality appropriate thread. 😊
I was with her till she said thread at a thrift store. I only use best quality for my machine’s health. It could be old, dirty and cheap threads are bad even if new. I have shopped thrift for good quality fabrics in garments to reuse
Good advice Also pin horizontal so u can ride the pins. Sometimes when matching lines you have to slow down and sew over them. Its better to pin them cross way
Nice video and yes to starting early, I started when I was 6, yes 6 and hand sew doll's dresses and knitted rediculously tiny jerseys and coats for them. Progressed to making my own clothes from age 16 when my dad bought a proper sewing machine and still going strong. So keep going and learning
I love your learning curve. I started learning to sew when I was 8. My mom sewed, and she taught her three daughters how to sew. We made clothes for our dolls, then graduated to sewing garments for ourselves in our teens. It's good to know how to sew.
I have surprised myself - I classified myself as ‘sewing illiterate’ but a few years back, I made and completed a beautiful patch quilt. Sewing takes time so give yourself time to sew, not rushing where mistakes can be made. Now I need to drag out another unfinished quilt top that has been lying around way too long! 😊
I love shopping at yard sales for fabric, vintage sheets for fabric, thread, anything I can use in my sewing room. Thrift stores are a great way to find these items as well. I started sewing when my daughter was pregnant with our first grandchild. I bought a cheap used machine and just started watching RUclips channels to learn how to make things for the baby. Once I go proficient at it, (I had nine months of practice) I bought a better machine and it was well worth it. I now have 8 grand babies ranging from 11-9 months. I love sewing for babies!
My mom gave me her 20+ year old Singer and I didn't use it til my job was eliminated. I started out making pillowcases then cloth napkins. Just recently I made tissue holders and bowl cozies. I disassembled some pillowcases and repurposed them into a practice scrap quilt. Baby steps. I don't always sew every day and sometimes that's a bad thing. I have a love/hate relationship with my Singer. But I'm happy I found sewing again. Very relaxing, lots of YT projects to sew. Thanks for sharing you sewing tips♥
A 20-year old Singer is fairly young! I have an old Singer (in desperate need of rewiring before I can even attempt to use it) which is nearing 100 (next year); another Singer I recently "inherited" (or more accurately, claimed from my sibling who had most of my mother's belongings after she died) which is a highly respected vintage (from around 1958-1961 era) model #401A, but the power cord was/is missing. Fortunately, replacements can still be bought, so once I get that & perform a thorough cleaning & oiling, I will soon have another fully functioning great machine! I also have a much newer Singer Scholastic (from late 1990s or very early 2000s) which I consider more junk than a good sewing machine! It's relatively lightweight portability and free-arm were the main draw when I bought that one. It is nice to have a free-arm model, but it can't handle heavier sewing. My favorite machine though is my Kenmore which I bought new in 1974 or early 1975! That one is an excellent machine which has only been professionally serviced (cleaned & lubricated) twice! Had I learned how important it is to regularly clean lint from various areas of my machine & realized the same thing about oiling the metal against metal moving parts, it likely would not have needed to be done professionally! It can handle pretty much everything (shy of heavy leather) and is a gem & a workhorse! I have many pattern cams, monogrammer sets, and an extensive collection of optional presser feet for it. The "down side" of that all-metal machine is its weight makes it not so great as a portable option. However, its functionality and strength far outweigh that "negative!" (Fyi, in case you or anyone else reading this may be wondering: the model # is 158.18131)
I found that I’m too critical of my work to make clothes. I have learned a lot about garment construction and pattern hacking by making pajamas for myself in whimsical fabric, and costumes for my daughter. Those are just for fun!
i started right with clothes but accepted that they may not turn out great. but i watched videos on how to create a pattern, & for shirts i’ve been able to just trace the idea from a store bought item! only two weeks since i started & actually doing it has taught me so much! i’ve made 3 lounge sets for myself, pajamas for my toddler & my niece, dresses for them, rompers, etc. i love it & im hooked
I don´t thrift on needles, and rarely on thread, but everything else I get as cheaply as possible: upcycle my own and my family´s old clothes into new projects, and recycle buttons, zips, elastics and whatnot from the pieces that cannot be used for anything. I have even taken apart bedding, suitcases, tents and upholstery. I never shop for new fabric but thrift for larger size items that have enough fabric for what I want to make. When upcycling something, one can even undo most seams fairly easily in order to salvage the thread so you have the exact right colour to work with. Taking apart something also helps to understand how various items are made - it´s like a behind-the-scenes tour. I´m a big fan of pinning my projects before sewing. With trickier things, ironing works wonders. Also, I think it is essential to experiment with different types of fabric and to test out needles and thread on small bits of scraps from any given fabric before starting on an actual project. Lastly, I think it is good not to insist on machine sewing absolutely everything but to be prepared to handsew some of the poorly accessible, very delicate or trickier details.
I’ve been a sewist for over 55 years and yes, you can sew on the cheap, but you will regret it. There are some things you can cut corners on, fabric and thread are not where you want to buy che
I also found that the cheaper threads broke more. I learned that the cheaper threads are made from the left over threads on the floor of the factory where thread is made. I only buy high quality thread and I only use the needles my machine recommends. Too many years of frustration.
Yes and no. I don't know what the name would be in english but in France we have a few stores that buy stocks from forclosures, or from shops that got a water damage and had to get rid of their stock, even if in mint condition, because of the building's repairs. If lucky enough one can find fabrics with 70% off their original price
Thrifted bed sheets to clothes gang! They’re a cheap source of toile material, & if you make a mistake, you’re only out like $4 (vs ~$30+ off the bolt).
Great tips , i collect vintage singers and love just running stitches , ive made tool bags for when i go out on my motorcycle and just little pouches for od things , im more into restoring and collecting but found its so fun to sew and gratifying , i treadle and hand crank sew as well as electric and found its all fun , thanks for sharing all you learned , im off to the thrift store now 👍👍
Ironning And I never use ball head pin anymore, full steel straight pin only. I put them across the stiches, head on the right side, so I don't have to take them off during sewing and my fabric doesn't move. Also head on the right side (inside the sewing machine) so you don't get prick. It almost never hit and break the needle, cause it's reeally thin (don't worry)
A very helpful video especially for new sewers. And as you will find out - you never stop learning new shortcuts and techniques. And due to channels like RUclips, there are many people to thank for all their wonderful videos and tutorials!
I always measure and press my hems at the same time. ..using a Hem Guage tool...Before sewing. Careful pressing is the difference between something looking professionally made and thrown together.
As an add on to the rotary cutter I would use a metal ruler! It is helpful so that you don’t cut through a plastic ruler (which is way easier to do in accident)
I learned to sew in Home Economics in elementary school, my Grandmother taught me to love to sew. I really like your video. I too buy material, etc from thrift stores. My tips: Clean your machine, they can get lint buildup that should be removed. Test the thread before threading the machine. Pull thread from the spool, spool in one hand and thread tail in the other and pull tightly. If it breaks throw it away.
I've sewn my clothing for 50 years. To this day, if I do a rolled hem, I always use a quick running stitch with a hand needle - NEVER PINS. This does two things, it allows you to press the hem in place prior to machine stitching which gives you the opportunity to rework a section if you need to and the hand stitching doesn't distort the fabric of the hem the way that parallel pinning does.
I discovered 'clippers' to snip thread ends rather than big scissors or sheers. Also a magnetic tray for pins etc. Not to mention the emery-filled strawberry hanging from my tomato pincushion to sharpen pin & needle points. A hand-held vac is great for catching up thread & other snippings. A door-gate is great too - to keep my cats out else they scatter things & leave hairs on the ironing board.
Agreed. I started sewing scraps and made quilt tops. Very beginner quilt tops. Then I knew reading patterns for me would be a battle and arguing with what I think it meant and what I was suppose to do. My first was eye glass holder, cheque book cover....yes even though I did n t need it, and wallets. Then childrens cloths, these are hard, but it got to use small fabrics with buttons, zippers, hems, etc. These were for fun, until I made myself a top and pants and a dress and a swing coat all from fabrics I got at the thrift store. Also go to garage sales, I found mannequin, fabrics, patterns, as I collect vintage ones, etc. Tell all you meet you take and will use donated fabrics, sewing items, patterns from their mom's or Aunts vintage stash.,,big hit in this. Keep inspiring.
Aww that’s awesome. I love to hear about your experience. That is great you found a mannequin at the thrift store, I’m interested to learn about draping ! Thanks for watching !!
I never did any fancy garment sewing, just my maternity jumpers which was my entre. When my daughter was a toddler, I made her tank dresses and jumpers. Simple stuff that was high quality and looked nice. I even made her a couple of pretty dresses. I also made a few home decor items to include curtains. But as a busy professional, I ended up putting the machine away. Pulled it out once my daughter was all grown up and had friends having babies. So I started making quilts which has been a fun journey.
This is a nice video. Personally although its not cheap I'm happier buying fabric for my projects because I choose some really nice prints, always get the amount I require (I sew vintage dresses that use a lot of fabric, not easy to find in thrift shops), and I know the fabric isn't weak from wear and stained. Buying thrifted clothes, sheets, and fabric is great you just have to check its good condition. I agree with another comment to be a bit wary of thrifted thread. Lint from hairy threads can be an issue but you also want to check the thread isn't old and rotten by giving it a hard sudden tug. Buttons and zips can be a great thing to pick up at the thrift shop, as well as patterns.
Tip for a hand-rolled hem without a rolled hem foot: using an edge stitch foot (or a slow even pace with a normal foot and an eagle eye), sew along the entire edge of your piece. Place piece WRONG SIDE DOWN on ironing board and using the stitching line as an aid, fold over the narrow fabric allowance so that the stitching lies on the top layer but at the very edge of the fold and press. Once all edges are pressed, take the piece back to your sewing machine, roll the hem again, enclosing the allowance, and sew along the inner folded edge, rolling the hem as you go. Happy sewing!
A zigzag presser foot J is fantastic for sewing straight lines. You can see your fabric under the presser foot easily and it has measured 1/8” lines carved into it.
I always worst-case-scenario pretreat my fabric. Even if I'm going to wash on cold and air dry, that sucker goes in the dryer on hot juuuuuuust in case! I'd rather it get any weirdness out of the way. Pajamas are a great first real project because if they are a little weird when you finish, who cares?
I am practicing sewing! I started out by fixing the waist of a few pants that were too big for me. Which were just little jobs. Now I took a textured skirt and turned it into a vest! And I think it looks great (although not exactly perfect).. It allows one to be creative which is good for your brain. I am using stuff from the thrift store. The skirt had cost me $3. Wait until the store has the tag color on sale for half price. I also like looking in the XL area for fabric I like too. Yesterday I picked up a XL top I hope to turn into a skirt.
@@june495 I am sure my sewing has plenty of mistakes! I will be happy if my new yoga bag I am making stays together and holds my yoga mat! That is my most recent project I started last night - making it from a pair of long pants with a pink paisley pattern + a bright pink T-shirt.
The best tip I have and which I learned not that long ago despite sewing for several years is "do not look at the needle when sewing"! Find a reference point, like the edge of the foot, or line up your fabric with one of the lines to the right of the needle. This will greatly improve your ability to see straight.
You are definitely passionate about sewing and have a great way of presenting. Super video. One point: I dont buy cotton from thrift stores as it is not good quality and breaks all the time. Just subscribed. Cant wait to see what's next.
I always pre-shrink fabric before I sew. This not only prevents the finished garment from becoming too small when it is laundered, it helps to prevent side seams from turning.
Look at he quilting stuff - nice long straight edges for cutting sharp straight lines. You have to learn press with an iron as well. Just hand rolling it and pinning it isn't enough for a truly crisp line. You have turn it, press it and pin it. And you press as you go - press you seams open, press your edges, etc.. If you have a heat fragile fabric, use a pressing cloth.
At one time when women were still considered odd if they worked outside the home,almost every household had a sewing machine,and its use was taught in home economics class at school(along with cooking,dish washing and other homemaker's needs).I am always so tickled when I see someone learning the craft of sewing.Though I am retired ,I still use my machine quite a lot and find it therapeutic ,plus rewarding when I sit down to sew.
I started by sewing clothes for my baby daughter (nearly 40 years ago). I learnt to draft patterns at the same time. Kids clothes don't have to have a couture fit. Generally you make them a little bigger anyway so they'll get more than 2 weeks out of them. If you plan ahead you can have seams that open out to make the clothes longer or wider as the kids grow. It's also a way of using up small bits of fabric you mightn't use. Kids dolls or teddy bears are another good choice to make clothes for as they are never a perfect fit but are good practice for drafting as well as sewing techniques and stitch patterns.
Your doing well, try pressing your seams before sewing, if available go to quilt or sewing festivals in your area and take classes on new notions . See what's available to make your sewing smooth and easy. Alot of my supplies are from the festivals in my area on the discount tables. Great sources, thrift stores but I don't thrift thread because if it is old it will fray and break and tangle in your machine. Good luck. And practice, practice, practice!
Practice is the best advice you gave. I love using my husbands old jeans to make denim totes. (Not the 70s kind) Ive made zipper pouches. Zippers are very tricky so I need practice on that. .
That one with the Pinning I have learned that the hard way because everytime I would free hand fold it and get big and small hem lines but using the pins ACTUALLY HELP👍👍👍
As a fairly new channel.. just wanted to let u know u really don't need all of the "extra inserts" ie cartoon graphics or audio blips.. honestly as long as your content is good u don't need all the Fluff it's just a distraction to the viewers anyways
Those sounds aren’t necessary - especially the sound of gunshots. The US has enough trouble with guns - please don’t include the sound of them with a gentle pastime like sewing 😊
@@cw107 don't be 1 of those people . I already made the comment, the point was made, u didn't need to piggy back with your 'social commentary' that is soooo annoying
Those are great tips, especially the ones to practice every day and don't sew clothing straight away. I'm guilty of that one lol 😉 I'm so jealous of those thrift stores you have over there, ours are not that great, often times they are small, dark and too busy. And don't really sell sewing supplies.
Another thing not realised is that most of sewing the thing is not actually sewing. The quilt top I’m currently working on is so easy, but I’ll probably spend more time pressing than sewing it together. Most of the materiel came already cut, but if I had to cut it as well I’d probably be looking at a generous 25% actually sewing. Garments are even more prep work and non sewing tasks like pressing seams or hems, pinning at the length necessary and fitting of a “mock-up” to make sure the final article comes out right. If your sewing is more sewing than other, either your hand sewing your project or you want your finished product to be “the thing” or it’s meant to be super scrappy and look like a beginners first attempt and I don’t have/know how to use an iron
If you're paying full price at Michael's or Joann's you're not using your coupons wisely. Watch the thrift store goods, especially the thread as it may be an off brand or not stored properly and thus much weaker. Thanks for the tip on the rolled edge!
Sometimes you have to invest in good tools. You put a lot of time, energy and some expense so it helps to have decent tools. You need a ruler for cutting fabric, they are like 6” wide. I have had mine for over 30 years. You keep using that plastic little ruler and you will get cut. Also, an iron and ironing board is your best friend, after your machine, of course. Ironing really can make the difference in how an item lays and looks. Best wishes, you are doing great.
My best sewing advise is: iron. Iron!! IRON!!!
Iron before sewing.
Iron during sewing.
Iron after sewing.
Even the 'improved' rolled hem you demonstrated in this video would have been vastly improved if ironed at each step!! I cannot stress the importance of ironing while sewing enough!! As an added bonus, it makes everything easier to sew, too, many times even removing the need for pins.
Also I agree with one of the other posters here: thrifted thread is ok only if it is a good brand. Cheap thread? Don't even fiddle with it!
Don't have an ironing board? Just use a decent sheet of plywood to iron on.
Also, in conclusion, never ever approach your sewing machine without your iron!
Did I mention ironing?!🥰🤩☺
Bernadette Banner recently did an awesome video about ironing techniques. Worth a watch.
and learn how to iron properly. For sewing you have to press, if you "iron" you're distorting the fabric and can make it even worse if that's not what you wanted to do in the first place.
@@marieanne2680 - Exactly! Too many people don't realize there's a difference between *pressing* and *ironing* - it is important to *press* seams & darts...
I totally agree! Ironing is so important and I’m actually a bit disappointed that it wasn’t on her list. I’ve seen videos of people cutting their pattern pieces out without first having ironed the fabric and the result can never be as good as if they had.
I totally agree
One thing I don't like "thrifting" on is the sewing threads. If you get the cheap threads that have lotsa fuzz .(or even just a small amount) on them, that fuzz can eventually "work" its way into your machine and cause lots of problems - some serious. So, I recommend getting the higher quality threads for sewing. You still have to clean your machine with them, but, just not as often. 🥰
Thank you for this advice !!
@@HemswithEm You are quite welcome. 😻😉😻
Also, cotton thread breaks down (like all natural fibres). I love thrifting, but never thread. I'm new at sewing and cheap thread jammed my machine too many times. Great tips though, thank you. You're right about sewing 'projects' first. I made a bunch of lovely tea towels when I was stressed but needed a project. Therapeutic too! *Sewing every day* is a great idea also. Thank you for sharing and Happy sewing! 🙏
@@denisekay4292 And you are quite welcome, too !!! 😻
That’s true especially since cotton rots
The picture of your pants sewing reminded me of what I learned. Cut pants 2 to 3 inches higher in the waist, then before finishing the waist, try them on. Adjust so that they hang right and place a thin elastic, tied as a belt, around your waist or where you want the pant top to be. Draw a line on the fabric at the elastic. You can fold darts under the elastic for a perfect fit. You can adjust the waist up or down in the front or back until the side seam hangs perfectly up and down. It works like magic. Works for skirts, too. I’ve been sewing for 56 years, and still am learning. Good luck
Oh this sounds like a; fabulous tip. I always have trouble with hems - whether skirt hems or pant hems. I'll definitely try this. Thank you.
Under emphasized, yet *highly* important tips: learn about using the right size & type of needles and pins and replace fairly often! Contrary to what many might think (including long time sewists) before becoming more informed, a broken needle is NOT the main, let alone only, reason to use a new or different needle. Worn down points, burrs, & bends are some reasons and, just as importantly, the type & thickness of fabrics being sewn determine what type & size needle should be used. You should almost always use a "sharp" or "universal" needle to sew woven fabrics and "ball-point" or "stretch" needles for knits. Use lower numbered needles for thinner & delicate fabrics; higher numbered needles for thicker/heavier fabrics.
Pressing (as has already been mentioned) is VERY important & can/will make a difference in the end results either looking great or mediocre. Don't skip that process & learn the difference between "pressing" and "ironing," they are different.
When sewing clothing, basting can sometimes be skipped, but stay-stitching and understitching should *not* be skipped when they are recommended in sewing pattern directions.
If you have the manual for your sewing machine, read & learn from it.
Most sewing machines (particularly those which are non-computerized) NEED routine/regular maintenance, sewing machine oil is a necessary tool.
Thanks for the reminder about needle and fabric types.
I work at fabric and craft store and the manager of the sewing machine department says to replace your needle after 8 hours of sewing
Wow, thank you so much for such an informative comment, Linda....I really appreciate it!
Totally agree!
Great info, thank you. X
I started sewing when I was around 12 years old. I'm now 63 and I love learning new things. I am always looking at videos to learn new techniques. I love fabric and any new gadget to make my sewing easier. Sewing is my happy place and as long as I can push that foot pedal and thread that needle, I will be making something and feeling pride when it's finished.
😊I started sewing when I was 12 years old too. I used to watch my mom sewing and embroidering on the sewing machine and learnt it like that. Now I'm in my early 30's and I have never found another hobby which gives me so much satisfaction and it calms my mind. Also, like you said, there are so many new ideas and sewing tutorials on internet these days that it never fails to interest us. Every day, we learn so many new things about sewing.
My mom taught me to sew when I was 13 and I'm 70 now.
My veey first project at ahe 13 was a sheath dress with 4 darts in the front and 4 in the back and a zipper.
I've been sewing ever since and have added machine embroidery since 1995
I love these comments!
@@sahanamuralidhar Yes, I too have found that paper crafting has been very therapeutic in dealing with my chronic pain. I am 63 and just received my very first sewing machine and am just learning how to thread the machine LOL. It is 'sew' exciting and I wish I had started earlier. Happy sewing everyone!
You sound like me. My first sewing project was a school skirt at 11 I’m now 60. At 16 trained with Hartnell as an apprentice tailor. I also watch many videos learning new ways of doing things etc. never to old to learn new tricks.
hi dear lady..may I add that some of my easiest and most cost effective clothing projects have come from thrifted items which I needed to resize. often we find pieces made from fab fabrics which need taking in or letting out. I have learned so much about clothing fitting through these projects and they make such welcome wardrobe additions. The Mammy always trained us to look for good fabric as you can always alter a design. It can also be a great way to source lace, zips etc. remember your seam ripper is your best friend! xxxxx
Love this! Thank you for sharing your wisdom ❤️ I did a project where I was able to salvage the zipper and was so glad to avoid the waste !
Use a quilting ruler with your rotary cutter - they are 20+ inches long and easier to use than an ordinary ruler
Also press your seams before sewing for a better finish
The rotary cutter can do significant damage to your hand before you head to emergency room. ALWAYS use a (rotary cutter) ruler with a 1/4 inch thickness to run that blade along. Some would say always wear anti-cut gloves too, but I rarely get my gloves out unless a big cutting session at start of a project.
Invest in a ruler made to pair with a rotary cutter. It has a thick/stable edge and enough room for you to get your hand out of the way. Your practice sewing everyday is smart advice. Much of any craft/trade is developing the visual, tactile and muscle memory to handle the material, use the tools (sewing machine, scissors, specialty feet) and basically developing all of those proficiencies which become ingrained into our work processes. All of that requires seat time at the machine. I find some great stuff at thrift stores, but never truly needful things such as needles etc.
Thank you for your feedback! ❤️❤️
Having a safe ruler while using a rotary cutter is highly important incase the rotary cutter slips. I use a clear plastic ruler that is built up down the middle of it almost like a handle. I put my hand on that and know I'm safe using it.
@@katielove9932 As a person who lost the tip of her fingertip with a rotary cutter, safety first!
Another tip on making straight hems is if you will iron your hems first - on fabrics that can handle an iron - that helps you determine if your hem is actually straight and even. It's best if you still pin them before sewing, but, ironing them in place first is a good habit. Plus, if you have uneven cutting on your hem, still, it helps if you iron the first fold - over, sew it in place, then, iron the second fold - over and sew it in place. It's a lot of ironing and sewing, yes, but, doing it that way helps keep your fist "layer" of your hem in place. Hope this helps.
Thank you for the feedback and advice ! ❤️
@@HemswithEm 👍🥰❣😻
Great idea
Pressing is the difference between a fine handcrafted project vs. that dorky homemade *thing*.
(Ask me how I know.)
@@mcmccoy1184 How do you know ? 😻
I started sewing when I was 16 my mum taught me and I went onto sewing for a living in the uk {back when the uk had great employment in that industry}. Im 56 now and still learning and it keeps your brain healthy as you problem solve every time you sew .The best compliment is getting ''wow you made that?" so enjoy and remember making mistakes is part of learning!😊
I started sewing when I got married and we were pretty broke. I started by repairing my husbands work clothes, but necessity for our new apartment took over. We needed a lot of curtains and couldn’t afford new ones. My mom gave me some material and I analyzed a set of curtains I did have. I drew a diagram of the curtain panel, noting how wide, long, hems, pocket for the rod widths plus the amount needed to turn under, etc. I then cut and sewed according to the diagram. I still do projects that way today 40 years later! Simple curtains are a great way to get comfortable with your sewing machine because it’s all straight lines and if you make a little mistake here and there, no one will know because when you scrunch it up on the rod you can’t see it anyway! And the way the commercial ones are made today, I guarantee yours will last the washer machine test better than the ones you bought. By the way, I find fabric, lace, thread, ribbon at garage sales all the time and it’s pretty cheap. Of course I only buy the fabrics I like, but I always take any other supplies I see that are any good whether I need it right now or not because one day I will. When Joann crafts has a coupon or sale on sewing supplies one of the best things you can get besides a rotary cutter and the biggest cutting mat you can afford is a 6 x 24 quilters ruler. The grids will ensure you have things lined up straight and saves a lot of measuring.
I've been sewing since I was about 12 and I turn 63 in a couple months . I love your suggestions but I like some of your other comments too. I disagree with buying cheap thread I finally bought my dream sewing machine that's actually an embroidering machine and the first thing they tell you is do not use cheap thread it clogs your machine up and of course it's going to break it's old and probably dry rotted so always get the best threads you can afford to buy. Use that cheap thread for all your practicing but not for anything you want to keep. Keep learning new things ....when you get too old to learn you need to stop. I love all the RUclips tutorials and wish it was around when I first started what a great source to pick up new ideas from. I sew for others from my home (no overhead), have learned so much through the years so thankful my mom caused me to want to sew without even knowing it.... and I'll keep sewing until I can't lift my hands to move the fabric!
Too Blessed to Stress
You are exactly right. I started with garments. Learning quilt piecing precision has improved my sewing in general. It’s so fun when things fit together. Thank you.
I have been sewing, believe it or not, since I was 4 years old. My mom and her aunt sewed wedding gowns and other high end pieces from home. My mom taught me to use the machine and they would give me all these fabulous scraps of amazing fabric. I would watch them as the designed pieces and I copied them on my Barbies. Even so, I still feel like there is more to learn and I enjoy watching videos because you pick new tips and tricks all the time. Never stop learning!
Also walking foot attachment for your sewing machine! Makes it 100x easier to sew stretchy or slippery fabrics without accidentally shifting/stretching it. Really, if you love to work with jerseys, go get one.
I am 58, have sewn 54,years, so all my life, since I was big enough to sit at my mom's machine. I am proud of you! So few people sew now! Sewing can be pricey, but you sew your own stage for projects. Getting used clothing from a yard sale or thrift store, gives me great satisfaction. Like my skirt & top I made for my divorce hearing a few years ago...it cost me .50 cents! It was an unopened shower curtain, and I think it was my good luck charm! The judge signed my divorce papers, lol! 😀😂😉
When buying thread at a thrift store, make sure it's a good brand. I bought some "thrift thread" once and every time I sewed, the thread would break. Over and over and over. I ended up at the fabric store buying the more dependable brands. If there is no brand name, tug on the thread to see how easily it breaks. Also slide some between your fingernails to see if it shreds easily. Sometimes you get what you pay for - not in a good way!
Old thread will get spotty and break a lot.
I am cheap and coupon - I absolutely threw away a lot of the learning thread as I learned about thread quality. I'd rather have something a shade different than deal with lint, fraying, snapping, tension, and bobbin fighting.
Yaay welcome to the world of sewing. Enjoy the ride. You can never overemphasise constant practice to get better at sewing.
As a long time sewer I loved these five suggestions. My granddaughter wants to learn, and I think that bags and pillow cases are the start!
Pilliw cases are great to practice straight stitching. The new ones where sew and turn them inside out are great. Check YT videos for Missouri Star Quilts for video directions. There are many other videos available too
Absolutely with the practice! I’m learning from RUclips after not touching a sewing machine since high school and I’ve found leaving it setup on the end of the dining table and doing a bit of practice every evening has helped me get much straighter lines.
Another one I found, which seems so obvious now but I didn’t think of it before is to wear your glasses! I usually only wear my glasses for computer work or reading and didn’t think of them when I sat at the machine but found very quickly that after I actually remembered to wear them, suddenly it became a lot easier.
Haha I love that!! Glasses will definitely help 🤓 and yes so much easier to keep the machine out and jump on it whenever you can. Thanks for watching !
I’m the opposite! I have to take mine off to see!! I think it’s time I finally admitted that I’m not, indeed, too young for varifocals 👵🏻
Another thing to think about is when your clothes die and are beyond repairing take all the hardware you can out of them. Zippers, buttons, trims, pockets anything that might be useful.
When yr learning, buy big sizes (20-26) of clothing at thrift shops. Cut them into pieces, and use them to cut yr pattern pieces out. When you have nothing to loose if u make a big error, u can be free to not be nervous....and then your skills blossom!
Louise, Australia 🦘
Good tip, thanks!
This tip is especially useful when you are practicing a new block that you do not want to commit the scissors to each piece. Cutting a few slices of an old dress shirt is a good way to practice a block before you actually make the entire quilt or, any block that you've never tried and are insecure about.
Did this when trying out a pattern I had learned to draft myself - great way to sew up a test garment without spending too much more on fabric!
also old bedsheets and covers are amazing for practice!
I know a woman who buys thrifted clothes just for the fabric
I'm clicking out because I'm listening on earphones, and your voice is a comfortable level of volume, but the added sound effects are loud and startling. Just now I was trying to listen to you, and there was a huge boom, and a man's voice shouting "yeah!" right in my ear. I would have preferred the video without those sound effects altogether, but much quieter if they're really necessary.
Thank you for the feedback! Sorry it was too loud for you.
Another thing: Make sure to wash every fabric you buy first at the temperature you'll use for the garment later. if you bought fabric that isn't prewashed, you may otherwise end up with your work being ruined because it doesn't fit anymore.
Also when you use sewing patterns, make sure to double, or maybe even quadruple check if the pattern has seam allowance added or not before cutting it out.
Yes! At first I would wash in cold on delicate with no detergent and dry on delicate like I was instructed. Not anymore - I throw new material in the washer and wash how I would do normal laundry, detergent and all. Sometimes in normal laundry depending on material.
Press Press Press!! Hems especially. don't buy cheap cottons they will damage your expensive machines quicker than anything. Use the whole of the scissor blade to cut out then you don't end up with terrible cutting, also slow down when cutting out it you want the garment to look good.
This is helpful advice, thank you ! I did start using my iron on my last project and it helped a lot. 💕
@@HemswithEm Hi Em, when my mother 50 yrs ago taught me to sew she pointed at her beloved sewing machine and said 'this is nice to have' then she pointed at the iron and said 'this is the necessity'. She taught me to hand stitch my first skirt at 9 and the blouse at 10 yrs old and only then did she allow me to learn to use her sewing machine. She also taught me how important it is to use hams. I still have and use her four different ones today. My sewing machine died just before my mum died, about 8 yrs ago, I couldn't afford a new one and didn't want to buy a second hand one, so I sit here in a shirt that I hand stitched 4 yrs ago. My sister bought me a new machine 2 yrs ago and it is so fancy it even has a needle threader, which does not work for me. Ah Ah!!
I agree with this! Pressing is so important. Learn to press with up and down motion so it won’t distort your fabric or seam. Use the appropriate heat setting for your fabric and use steam!
You get the best hems if you press them BEFORE sewing, then pin them. Pressing is an integral part of sewing. Press every seam immediately after sewing and while it is still accessible.
One of the You Tubers you showed is the Closet Historian. Once you are ready to start sewing clothes, binge watch her videos about making a basic block pattern - and using it to make any outfit you want without buying a commercial pattern for each garment. I've been sewing for 50 years, and I wish I had learned this when I was starting out. It's a game changer.
I really enjoy the Closet Historian!
Use the best thread you can afford. Cheap or bargain thread finds will cause problems. Your machine will function much better with a quality appropriate thread. 😊
Also, old thread is not good, strong thread. I would never buy thread at a thrift store, or at a craft store.
I was with her till she said thread at a thrift store. I only use best quality for my machine’s health. It could be old, dirty and cheap threads are bad even if new. I have shopped thrift for good quality fabrics in garments to reuse
Good advice
Also pin horizontal so u can ride the pins. Sometimes when matching lines you have to slow down and sew over them. Its better to pin them cross way
Pressing seams with an iron after pinning really helps to get sharper seams. Hope this helps
Great tips! Thank you! I'm just getting back to sewing, and I love your idea of practice sewing every day!
Nice video and yes to starting early, I started when I was 6, yes 6 and hand sew doll's dresses and knitted rediculously tiny jerseys and coats for them. Progressed to making my own clothes from age 16 when my dad bought a proper sewing machine and still going strong. So keep going and learning
I love your learning curve. I started learning to sew when I was 8. My mom sewed, and she taught her three daughters how to sew. We made clothes for our dolls, then graduated to sewing garments for ourselves in our teens. It's good to know how to sew.
I have surprised myself - I classified myself as ‘sewing illiterate’ but a few years back, I made and completed a beautiful patch quilt. Sewing takes time so give yourself time to sew, not rushing where mistakes can be made. Now I need to drag out another unfinished quilt top that has been lying around way too long! 😊
OMG, I have found some great finds at thrift stores, especially FABRIC!
Thanks for your vid- you have a lovely demeanour and natural warmth and your explanations are clear and concise. xxx
Thank you so much ! 🥰❤️ glad you enjoyed!!
Aww you seem so warm & lovely. Great video 👍
Thank you ! Glad you enjoyed the video ❤️
I love shopping at yard sales for fabric, vintage sheets for fabric, thread, anything I can use in my sewing room. Thrift stores are a great way to find these items as well. I started sewing when my daughter was pregnant with our first grandchild. I bought a cheap used machine and just started watching RUclips channels to learn how to make things for the baby. Once I go proficient at it, (I had nine months of practice) I bought a better machine and it was well worth it. I now have 8 grand babies ranging from 11-9 months. I love sewing for babies!
I love the bird fabric you used for the bag!! So cute! And I love your clip basket too. Great ideas! Thanks.
‘Em you have the most amazing smile. Nice video , I did the same things when I started sewing.
My mom gave me her 20+ year old Singer and I didn't use it til my job was eliminated. I started out making pillowcases then cloth napkins. Just recently I made tissue holders and bowl cozies. I disassembled some pillowcases and repurposed them into a practice scrap quilt. Baby steps. I don't always sew every day and sometimes that's a bad thing. I have a love/hate relationship with my Singer. But I'm happy I found sewing again. Very relaxing, lots of YT projects to sew. Thanks for sharing you sewing tips♥
A 20-year old Singer is fairly young!
I have an old Singer (in desperate need of rewiring before I can even attempt to use it) which is nearing 100 (next year); another Singer I recently "inherited" (or more accurately, claimed from my sibling who had most of my mother's belongings after she died) which is a highly respected vintage (from around 1958-1961 era) model #401A, but the power cord was/is missing. Fortunately, replacements can still be bought, so once I get that & perform a thorough cleaning & oiling, I will soon have another fully functioning great machine! I also have a much newer Singer Scholastic (from late 1990s or very early 2000s) which I consider more junk than a good sewing machine! It's relatively lightweight portability and free-arm were the main draw when I bought that one. It is nice to have a free-arm model, but it can't handle heavier sewing.
My favorite machine though is my Kenmore which I bought new in 1974 or early 1975! That one is an excellent machine which has only been professionally serviced (cleaned & lubricated) twice! Had I learned how important it is to regularly clean lint from various areas of my machine & realized the same thing about oiling the metal against metal moving parts, it likely would not have needed to be done professionally! It can handle pretty much everything (shy of heavy leather) and is a gem & a workhorse! I have many pattern cams, monogrammer sets, and an extensive collection of optional presser feet for it. The "down side" of that all-metal machine is its weight makes it not so great as a portable option. However, its functionality and strength far outweigh that "negative!" (Fyi, in case you or anyone else reading this may be wondering: the model # is 158.18131)
I found that I’m too critical of my work to make clothes. I have learned a lot about garment construction and pattern hacking by making pajamas for myself in whimsical fabric, and costumes for my daughter. Those are just for fun!
i started right with clothes but accepted that they may not turn out great. but i watched videos on how to create a pattern, & for shirts i’ve been able to just trace the idea from a store bought item! only two weeks since i started & actually doing it has taught me so much! i’ve made 3 lounge sets for myself, pajamas for my toddler & my niece, dresses for them, rompers, etc. i love it & im hooked
I don´t thrift on needles, and rarely on thread, but everything else I get as cheaply as possible: upcycle my own and my family´s old clothes into new projects, and recycle buttons, zips, elastics and whatnot from the pieces that cannot be used for anything. I have even taken apart bedding, suitcases, tents and upholstery.
I never shop for new fabric but thrift for larger size items that have enough fabric for what I want to make.
When upcycling something, one can even undo most seams fairly easily in order to salvage the thread so you have the exact right colour to work with. Taking apart something also helps to understand how various items are made - it´s like a behind-the-scenes tour.
I´m a big fan of pinning my projects before sewing. With trickier things, ironing works wonders.
Also, I think it is essential to experiment with different types of fabric and to test out needles and thread on small bits of scraps from any given fabric before starting on an actual project.
Lastly, I think it is good not to insist on machine sewing absolutely everything but to be prepared to handsew some of the poorly accessible, very delicate or trickier details.
I’ve been a sewist for over 55 years and yes, you can sew on the cheap, but you will regret it. There are some things you can cut corners on, fabric and thread are not where
you want to buy che
I also found that the cheaper threads broke more. I learned that the cheaper threads are made from the left over threads on the floor of the factory where thread is made. I only buy high quality thread and I only use the needles my machine recommends. Too many years of frustration.
Yes and no. I don't know what the name would be in english but in France we have a few stores that buy stocks from forclosures, or from shops that got a water damage and had to get rid of their stock, even if in mint condition, because of the building's repairs. If lucky enough one can find fabrics with 70% off their original price
Thrifted bed sheets to clothes gang! They’re a cheap source of toile material, & if you make a mistake, you’re only out like $4 (vs ~$30+ off the bolt).
Bed sheets make great summer house coats for "older ladies".and snaps versus zippers.
Some people use them as quilt backs
Great tips , i collect vintage singers and love just running stitches , ive made tool bags for when i go out on my motorcycle and just little pouches for od things , im more into restoring and collecting but found its so fun to sew and gratifying , i treadle and hand crank sew as well as electric and found its all fun , thanks for sharing all you learned , im off to the thrift store now 👍👍
Ironning
And I never use ball head pin anymore, full steel straight pin only. I put them across the stiches, head on the right side, so I don't have to take them off during sewing and my fabric doesn't move. Also head on the right side (inside the sewing machine) so you don't get prick. It almost never hit and break the needle, cause it's reeally thin (don't worry)
A very helpful video especially for new sewers. And as you will find out - you never stop learning new shortcuts and techniques. And due to channels like RUclips, there are many people to thank for all their wonderful videos and tutorials!
When I started, I made bowl cosies…lots and lots of em…everyone I knew got a bowl cosy for Xmas! 🤣
Thanks for the tips. Glad to know I'm not the only one who's made them (and sometimes still makes them)!
Thanks for the tips! I'm proud to say I do most of these things.😀 I also love sewing and love to watch videos like yours 💙
Great tips. Your sooo cute! Remind me of my daughter. I love the "live audience" in you videos. Comical addition. TY🙂
Thank you very much for sharing good solid information about sewing!
Thank you so much for the tips. I appreciate you. Please keep spreading the love.
I have found some great sewing needles at garage and estate sales. I haven't had much luck finding thread when I'm thrifting.
Very good! You are very personable. Great teacher! Nicely done.
🤸♀️🎶🎶🎶
Soooo true (I wish I started sewing earlier in my life. Started last year October. And making good money with alterations
One of the best videos I've seen about problems we go through when we first start sewing!
Very cool soothing personality. Nicely explained how to save money in buying sewing needs. Thanks.
I always measure and press my hems at the same time. ..using a Hem Guage tool...Before sewing.
Careful pressing is the difference between something looking professionally made and thrown together.
As an add on to the rotary cutter I would use a metal ruler! It is helpful so that you don’t cut through a plastic ruler (which is way easier to do in accident)
Can I use a rotary cutter to cut curtain fabric ?
@@sarahrob2761 Yes
A metal ruler is NOT a good idea (blades will be ruined quickly), but an acrylic ruler meant for rotary cutting is a MUST have.
Sewing is my passion since 12 years old..I just love love love it....but now I am 73 almost retired from it but only doing alterations to garments.
You are sooo lucky! We don’t have thriftstores like that. They don’t even sell bed sheets or large fabrics.
I like your channel, that happens to me, sew the hem and it makes waves🤦🏻♀️
Takes a lot of time to practice but it will get better 🤗❤️
SUCH a good tip about thrifting materials, thank you!!!
I use to love to sew.
All tips are very handy
Thank you
I learned to sew in Home Economics in elementary school, my Grandmother taught me to love to sew.
I really like your video.
I too buy material, etc from thrift stores.
My tips: Clean your machine, they can get lint buildup that should be removed.
Test the thread before threading the machine. Pull thread from the spool, spool in one hand and thread tail in the other and pull tightly. If it breaks throw it away.
I've sewn my clothing for 50 years. To this day, if I do a rolled hem, I always use a quick running stitch with a hand needle - NEVER PINS. This does two things, it allows you to press the hem in place prior to machine stitching which gives you the opportunity to rework a section if you need to and the hand stitching doesn't distort the fabric of the hem the way that parallel pinning does.
This is helpful to know! thank you so much for sharing.
Beautiful lady with beautiful smile . thanx alot for ur advices. Stay blessed.
I discovered 'clippers' to snip thread ends rather than big scissors or sheers. Also a magnetic tray for pins etc. Not to mention the emery-filled strawberry hanging from my tomato pincushion to sharpen pin & needle points. A hand-held vac is great for catching up thread & other snippings. A door-gate is great too - to keep my cats out else they scatter things & leave hairs on the ironing board.
Embroidery scissors also work well and are small sized!
Agreed. I started sewing scraps and made quilt tops. Very beginner quilt tops. Then I knew reading patterns for me would be a battle and arguing with what I think it meant and what I was suppose to do. My first was eye glass holder, cheque book cover....yes even though I did n t need it, and wallets. Then childrens cloths, these are hard, but it got to use small fabrics with buttons, zippers, hems, etc. These were for fun, until I made myself a top and pants and a dress and a swing coat all from fabrics I got at the thrift store. Also go to garage sales, I found mannequin, fabrics, patterns, as I collect vintage ones, etc. Tell all you meet you take and will use donated fabrics, sewing items, patterns from their mom's or Aunts vintage stash.,,big hit in this. Keep inspiring.
Aww that’s awesome. I love to hear about your experience. That is great you found a mannequin at the thrift store, I’m interested to learn about draping !
Thanks for watching !!
I never did any fancy garment sewing, just my maternity jumpers which was my entre. When my daughter was a toddler, I made her tank dresses and jumpers. Simple stuff that was high quality and looked nice. I even made her a couple of pretty dresses. I also made a few home decor items to include curtains. But as a busy professional, I ended up putting the machine away. Pulled it out once my daughter was all grown up and had friends having babies. So I started making quilts which has been a fun journey.
This is a nice video. Personally although its not cheap I'm happier buying fabric for my projects because I choose some really nice prints, always get the amount I require (I sew vintage dresses that use a lot of fabric, not easy to find in thrift shops), and I know the fabric isn't weak from wear and stained. Buying thrifted clothes, sheets, and fabric is great you just have to check its good condition.
I agree with another comment to be a bit wary of thrifted thread. Lint from hairy threads can be an issue but you also want to check the thread isn't old and rotten by giving it a hard sudden tug.
Buttons and zips can be a great thing to pick up at the thrift shop, as well as patterns.
I subscribed you just because sewing is my passion too and you have gone up on the ladder by posting your videos! Thanks.
Elevating your sewing machine with a box or tall books allows for better visibility and less back and neck pain.
Tip for a hand-rolled hem without a rolled hem foot: using an edge stitch foot (or a slow even pace with a normal foot and an eagle eye), sew along the entire edge of your piece. Place piece WRONG SIDE DOWN on ironing board and using the stitching line as an aid, fold over the narrow fabric allowance so that the stitching lies on the top layer but at the very edge of the fold and press. Once all edges are pressed, take the piece back to your sewing machine, roll the hem again, enclosing the allowance, and sew along the inner folded edge, rolling the hem as you go. Happy sewing!
A zigzag presser foot J is fantastic for sewing straight lines. You can see your fabric under the presser foot easily and it has measured 1/8” lines carved into it.
I always worst-case-scenario pretreat my fabric. Even if I'm going to wash on cold and air dry, that sucker goes in the dryer on hot juuuuuuust in case! I'd rather it get any weirdness out of the way.
Pajamas are a great first real project because if they are a little weird when you finish, who cares?
I am practicing sewing! I started out by fixing the waist of a few pants that were too big for me. Which were just little jobs. Now I took a textured skirt and turned it into a vest! And I think it looks great (although not exactly perfect).. It allows one to be creative which is good for your brain. I am using stuff from the thrift store. The skirt had cost me $3. Wait until the store has the tag color on sale for half price. I also like looking in the XL area for fabric I like too. Yesterday I picked up a XL top I hope to turn into a skirt.
A wise sewer told me that if your sewing is perfect the devil wants it. She said to always make 1 mistake to keep your sewing true.
@@june495 I am sure my sewing has plenty of mistakes! I will be happy if my new yoga bag I am making stays together and holds my yoga mat! That is my most recent project I started last night - making it from a pair of long pants with a pink paisley pattern + a bright pink T-shirt.
Your doing great 👍
The best tip I have and which I learned not that long ago despite sewing for several years is "do not look at the needle when sewing"! Find a reference point, like the edge of the foot, or line up your fabric with one of the lines to the right of the needle. This will greatly improve your ability to see straight.
....*sew* straight....
You are definitely passionate about sewing and have a great way of presenting. Super video. One point: I dont buy cotton from thrift stores as it is not good quality and breaks all the time. Just subscribed. Cant wait to see what's next.
I always pre-shrink fabric before I sew. This not only prevents the finished garment from becoming too small when it is laundered, it helps to prevent side seams from turning.
Look at he quilting stuff - nice long straight edges for cutting sharp straight lines. You have to learn press with an iron as well. Just hand rolling it and pinning it isn't enough for a truly crisp line. You have turn it, press it and pin it. And you press as you go - press you seams open, press your edges, etc.. If you have a heat fragile fabric, use a pressing cloth.
At one time when women were still considered odd if they worked outside the home,almost every household had a sewing machine,and its use was taught in home economics class at school(along with cooking,dish washing and other homemaker's needs).I am always so tickled when I see someone learning the craft of sewing.Though I am retired ,I still use my machine quite a lot and find it therapeutic ,plus rewarding when I sit down to sew.
I started by sewing clothes for my baby daughter (nearly 40 years ago). I learnt to draft patterns at the same time. Kids clothes don't have to have a couture fit. Generally you make them a little bigger anyway so they'll get more than 2 weeks out of them. If you plan ahead you can have seams that open out to make the clothes longer or wider as the kids grow. It's also a way of using up small bits of fabric you mightn't use. Kids dolls or teddy bears are another good choice to make clothes for as they are never a perfect fit but are good practice for drafting as well as sewing techniques and stitch patterns.
I love this! thanks for sharing such a sweet memory. I can imagine those baby clothes and teddy bears were extra special :)
Your doing well, try pressing your seams before sewing, if available go to quilt or sewing festivals in your area and take classes on new notions . See what's available to make your sewing smooth and easy. Alot of my supplies are from the festivals in my area on the discount tables. Great sources, thrift stores but I don't thrift thread because if it is old it will fray and break and tangle in your machine. Good luck. And practice, practice, practice!
Thanks for the tips!
Practice is the best advice you gave. I love using my husbands old jeans to make denim totes. (Not the 70s kind) Ive made zipper pouches. Zippers are very tricky so I need practice on that.
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That one with the Pinning I have learned that the hard way because everytime I would free hand fold it and get big and small hem lines but using the pins ACTUALLY HELP👍👍👍
Love the bird tote!
You got me hooked..
Watching and learning 😂
As a fairly new channel.. just wanted to let u know u really don't need all of the "extra inserts" ie cartoon graphics or audio blips.. honestly as long as your content is good u don't need all the Fluff it's just a distraction to the viewers anyways
Thank you for the feedback ! ❤️
Those sounds aren’t necessary - especially the sound of gunshots. The US has enough trouble with guns - please don’t include the sound of them with a gentle pastime like sewing 😊
@@cw107 don't be 1 of those people . I already made the comment, the point was made, u didn't need to piggy back with your 'social commentary' that is soooo annoying
@@HemswithEm I enjoyed your creativity. Some folks weren’t taught “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”….
Those are great tips, especially the ones to practice every day and don't sew clothing straight away. I'm guilty of that one lol 😉 I'm so jealous of those thrift stores you have over there, ours are not that great, often times they are small, dark and too busy. And don't really sell sewing supplies.
I just love your energy
Thanks for the great video! May Jesus continue to bless you and your family
Another thing not realised is that most of sewing the thing is not actually sewing.
The quilt top I’m currently working on is so easy, but I’ll probably spend more time pressing than sewing it together. Most of the materiel came already cut, but if I had to cut it as well I’d probably be looking at a generous 25% actually sewing.
Garments are even more prep work and non sewing tasks like pressing seams or hems, pinning at the length necessary and fitting of a “mock-up” to make sure the final article comes out right.
If your sewing is more sewing than other, either your hand sewing your project or you want your finished product to be “the thing” or it’s meant to be super scrappy and look like a beginners first attempt and I don’t have/know how to use an iron
Always use a good brand of thread.
Cheap made thread is only trouble when used in sewing machine.
Hi Em. This is the first video of yours I've watched. Loved it! 🥰👍
Subscribed! 😘
Yay! Thank you!
This video was very helpful, in particular the bit about practicing sewing until you're more confident in your abilities . Thanks .
If you're paying full price at Michael's or Joann's you're not using your coupons wisely. Watch the thrift store goods, especially the thread as it may be an off brand or not stored properly and thus much weaker. Thanks for the tip on the rolled edge!
Sometimes you have to invest in good tools. You put a lot of time, energy and some expense so it helps to have decent tools. You need a ruler for cutting fabric, they are like 6” wide. I have had mine for over 30 years. You keep using that plastic little ruler and you will get cut. Also, an iron and ironing board is your best friend, after your machine, of course. Ironing really can make the difference in how an item lays and looks.
Best wishes, you are doing great.