8 of My Best Sewing Tips and Hacks for Beginners

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  • Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 784

  • @eman9467
    @eman9467 4 месяца назад +127

    I learned from an elderly aunt that was a seamstress that had two stitches on her sewing machine, straight and zigzag. She said that no matter the fabric you are sewing never start on the end. To prevent bunching, come down 1/4 inch sew backwards to the end, then forward. Perfect every time.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад +2

      That works great too

    • @marianhunt8899
      @marianhunt8899 4 месяца назад

      Great advice, thanks.

    • @margaretscott3451
      @margaretscott3451 3 месяца назад +1

      I'm just having problems with tension.😢

    • @eman9467
      @eman9467 3 месяца назад +5

      Tension…I test my tension with a zigzag stitch. The zigzag should be the same on both sides. Also check your manual for the normal setting.

    • @margaretscott3451
      @margaretscott3451 3 месяца назад +1

      @@eman9467 thankyou I will have a go.

  • @Sue-ec6un
    @Sue-ec6un 4 месяца назад +319

    My best advice to new sewers is...when you have become frustrated, just turn the machine off and walk away. Come back tomorrow, start from the beginning, thread your machine over again...check your settings and try again. Frustration BUILDS into anger, and nobody enjoys that which makes them angry all the time. And when it finally works correctly, don't be shy about patting yourself on the back a little...everything takes time and practice to improve, so take your time, practice and enjoy the process.

    • @SusanSmith-hl3iv
      @SusanSmith-hl3iv 4 месяца назад +9

      ❤❤❤❤❤ Yes! Sometimes you just need to just walk away….

    • @SusanSmith-hl3iv
      @SusanSmith-hl3iv 4 месяца назад +7

      ❤ I always learn something new from you. Today it was the serger tails. So simple! Thanks for all your videos. So informative and you get right to the point. Good close up camera work makes it easy to see what to do. Thanks for all your posts. 😊

    • @roslyngraf1737
      @roslyngraf1737 4 месяца назад +8

      Exactly. No stressing. 😊

    • @quiltr141
      @quiltr141 4 месяца назад +5

      Absolutely!!

    • @teresafarrell6457
      @teresafarrell6457 4 месяца назад +4

      Thank you. 👍

  • @nancycronin601
    @nancycronin601 4 месяца назад +72

    Am 74 and have been sewing since I was 10 or so. About half the tips were things I did not know and will definitely use. Thank you so much. Love your channel. 😊

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад +1

      Thanks. You are so kind!

    • @dorothydeiratani5093
      @dorothydeiratani5093 4 месяца назад +2

      Great ideas .I think the weights are a great idea. I esp .like your tip on starting and ending seams !

    • @sharontrumble4872
      @sharontrumble4872 4 месяца назад +2

      I agree with the first commenter…I am 75 and have been sewing since 7th grade ..my mom’s best friend was a home economics teacher and I was her summer project I guess. Most of these tips are new to me, too! Thank goodness you shared the one with the 5 pound weight….thought it was just me not applying enough pressure on the long ruler.

    • @jrbrey4113
      @jrbrey4113 4 месяца назад +3

      ditto ditto ditto......
      esp like having the mystery of the J foot black springy button cleared up
      cannot even accurately estimate how many times I've said to myself wth is this little black button for.....

    • @sueprice4082
      @sueprice4082 3 месяца назад

      Me too, same amount of time! I love to learn new things. Sue UK ❤️

  • @paulabildson157
    @paulabildson157 4 месяца назад +86

    These were great tips, Jan! Thank you. One thing I learned after I had been sewing for awhile is that if you store your sewing machine with the presser foot up, you are putting stress on the mechanism and it could wear out faster. Take a spare piece of fabric (with a little thickness preferred), stick it between your feed dogs and presser foot, and leave the presser foot down. The fabric will also protect your feed dogs from wear.

    • @saraaronzon4562
      @saraaronzon4562 4 месяца назад +3

      Thanks so much for this tip!

    • @thecarjacful
      @thecarjacful 4 месяца назад +3

      This is what I was taught by my mum ove 50 years ago and I still do it today 👍🏻🧵🪡

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад +2

      I learned that as well. thanks for sharing

    • @valwood1430
      @valwood1430 3 месяца назад

      I also learned that, and always left my machine like that, however, when I purchased a Pfaff 710, I was told that it didn’t matter for that model!

    • @JustOneDress
      @JustOneDress Месяц назад +1

      The tip about weighing down your ruler is genius.

  • @eneidagarcia2709
    @eneidagarcia2709 4 месяца назад +77

    I am new to your channel and new at sewing at the age of 70.

    • @helenm3133
      @helenm3133 4 месяца назад +5

      same here. 70 and new to sewing. She's one of the best here on RUclips.

    • @alexandrealaidlaw7517
      @alexandrealaidlaw7517 4 месяца назад +2

      This was great, 68 and new to sewing as well.

    • @claudiastokes6485
      @claudiastokes6485 4 месяца назад +3

      Good for you!!! I just learned to crochet 2 years ago at 60.

    • @dawnlaverty3592
      @dawnlaverty3592 4 месяца назад +5

      Yes. Me too, but started at 64 when our first grandchild came along. I did do some sewing in 1st year of high school in a domestic science class.
      Something must have stuck as I often baste things, and tend not to use so many short cuts!!
      I love learning, and the ladies at our weekly sewing group are keen to share their skills.
      I just wish I’d learned years ago!! X

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад +1

      You go girl!!!! Love it.

  • @oldrvr
    @oldrvr 27 дней назад +3

    My mom started teaching me to sew when I was in the 4th grade by making doll clothes. I’m 81 now, and I have sewed all my life. I’ve never been seamstress good, but I can sew. Thank you for these great tips!

  • @nancynprice2023
    @nancynprice2023 4 месяца назад +27

    😂I’ve been using my hand weights for yrs for this purpose. When I go to my work room I tell my husband that I’m going to Work Out! Love your ideas.

  • @vivienbrowne3613
    @vivienbrowne3613 3 месяца назад +16

    I really like your videos. You explain things simply and without wasting time on fluff. The camera angle is always good and it's in focus so that i can see what you are doing. Also, there is no annoying music in the background! I learnered about that button from this video. Awesome!

  • @jacquelinebouffebouffe9790
    @jacquelinebouffebouffe9790 3 месяца назад +12

    The tip about the scrap piece of fabric to start off was fantastic!! Bunching up at the start of a row of stitching was so frustrating before! Simple and effective! Also the tip about rereading the machine when things are going wrong….. it works 😊

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  2 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @ireneterpstra1366
    @ireneterpstra1366 4 месяца назад +47

    I want to add that a jean needle is a must for sewing denim.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад +1

      yes, thanks for sharing

    • @stacyschreiner2251
      @stacyschreiner2251 2 месяца назад

      I always use a size 9 needle... It's so small it pierces through the fabric like butter. I go slow and careful and the needle never breaks :) I find denim needles really have to fight their way through the fabric due to their thickness. I get the theory of denim needles, but have never had a lot of success with them.

  • @privateinfo1711
    @privateinfo1711 4 месяца назад +22

    I've been sewing for 59 years. I wish I'd known these tips! Thanks!

  • @lisacorbin4477
    @lisacorbin4477 4 месяца назад +13

    The leveling button!! 10 yrs with my machine and I had no idea. Thank you!

  • @timpanedes
    @timpanedes 29 дней назад +4

    I had no idea that black button on my foot was a leveler. I have to hem all the time and had just decided that’s how my stitches work around heavy seams. Game changer!!

  • @lisawilson5339
    @lisawilson5339 6 дней назад +1

    Your videos are super helpful. Thank you for quick instructions and NOT a lot of unnecessary chit chat. 👍

  • @dianneunderwood8456
    @dianneunderwood8456 4 месяца назад +8

    I used an extra grip (to open jars) to put under my foot pedal as I didn't have any rubber mesh at hand. And have found the painter's tape very helpful for many projects to help get the straight seams! Thank you for your tips and here's a general guide to help with needle tension, presser foot tension and stitch length: The thicker the fabric, increase needle tension, decrease presser foot tension and increase the stitch length. The thinner the fabric, decrease needle tension, increase presser foot tension and decrease the stitch length.

  • @cliftonmcnalley8469
    @cliftonmcnalley8469 День назад

    Excellent video! My favorite tape in my sewing room is the green frog tape. It seems to be the identical adhesive that was on architectural/mechanical drafting tape years ago. It doesn't get old as quickly as regular masking tape (I'm not sure how long the blue painter's tape lasts), but unlike the blue tape, the green tape(not as sticky) can be used on paper - including tissue paper - and can be removed when tracing patterns. It is also reusable.

  • @LizzyM68
    @LizzyM68 3 месяца назад +6

    I’ve been sewing for over 40 years and I didn’t know that tip for hemming jeans. Thank you.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Awesome, glad it was helpful.

  • @theresaardoin3251
    @theresaardoin3251 8 дней назад

    Jan I watched your tutorial today..Thank you for the tip on using the weights. I have some 3# weights I used today. I’m making pillow cases for Christmas for my Grand children,Great Grandchildren and family members..it made keeping my ruler in place a lot easier to use my rotary cutter. I also used the tip for the ends on my serger..Thanks again. I love learning new sewing tips…

  • @mregister3945
    @mregister3945 4 месяца назад +8

    Thank you for these great tips! 😊❤
    I've told my Granddaughters "mistakes" can become "unique designer" additions. 😊 Others normally don't notice errors.

    • @Debbie72601
      @Debbie72601 4 месяца назад +1

      So true, I can drive myself crazy trying to get it perfect and then realize the person I'm giving it to will not notice the stitching. As long as it holds up through use aand washing!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад +1

      You are so welcome!

  • @alexandrakeyes7672
    @alexandrakeyes7672 2 месяца назад +1

    These tips are ACTUALLY amazing!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom :)

  • @peacock1967mine
    @peacock1967mine 4 месяца назад +5

    Love the love the surger tail management…thank you!!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @nancyhottman5846
    @nancyhottman5846 2 месяца назад +4

    Thank you. I didn’t know what the button on my foot was for. Learned something new.

  • @t.wildmon5746
    @t.wildmon5746 6 дней назад

    Thank you for showing us newbies all your tricks! I like how you, get right into it! My new favorite utube channel!

  • @gamadebdegamadebde
    @gamadebdegamadebde 4 месяца назад +33

    I had no idea what that little black button on the dresser foot was for. Now I need to play with it. Thank you Jan for another great tip that I did not even know I needed to learn!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @helenweatherby1694
    @helenweatherby1694 4 месяца назад +31

    My best tips.
    Prewash your fabric.
    Iron every seam.
    Tacking stitches are life savers.

  • @louizabell9905
    @louizabell9905 4 месяца назад +5

    Love the bulky seams tip as well as how to start seams on thin and fleecy materials. And I finally know what the the black button is for! Thank you Jan!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @lenawahlberg6109
    @lenawahlberg6109 2 часа назад

    Such a great video! Thank you! Now I understand why I get a ball of thread in the beginning, stuck in the maschine and so hard to remove. Also, I wish I could find such a large cutting board; I have only found small ones. Not useful if making a long skirt. Thank you again!

  • @Yamma1971
    @Yamma1971 4 месяца назад +3

    Been sewing since I can remember and I am now 53 and I love all these tips. Its true what they say..."we learn something new everyday" Thanks for sharing 😊

  • @lindaeastin4646
    @lindaeastin4646 4 месяца назад +5

    You are doing a great job. Thank you for posting all the hints and solutions.

  • @lalagamma4452
    @lalagamma4452 4 месяца назад +10

    Great tips and tricks! Today's Quote: "Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love." - Brené Brown. Huge hugs. Namaste 🐞🐞🐞

  • @caroldinius4402
    @caroldinius4402 3 месяца назад +1

    8/9/'24 *** JAN, I'M CAROL, I'VE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW. I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS TO YOU. YOU ARE SO NICE, FRIENDLY, PLEASENT TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO, YOUR VOICE IS EVEN SOTHING. YOU DO THE "BEST" JOB AT EXPLAINING WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I THANK YOU SO MUCH! SOMETIMES I HAVE TO GO BACK AND LISTEN TO A CERTAIN PART AGAIN, BUT I ALWAYS GET IT. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! ***

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome

  • @angelarobichaud9286
    @angelarobichaud9286 3 месяца назад +2

    I've been sewing for over 25 years (and now teach it to others) and even learned a few things from this video. Very helpful. Thanks!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Wonderful! You are so welcome!

  • @TPristinMiracles
    @TPristinMiracles 2 месяца назад +1

    Thank you so much for these great tips . I`m a total beginner. When I was 11 years old 1985, mum was preparing sew. machine completely and then I was sitting and sewing my fabric hair scrunchies. It was so fun ! Now I have some projects for myself Hope I won`t live so much frustration with setting up machine also☺ ( little bit afraid of that) . Thanks again Have a great life 🥰

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  Месяц назад

      You may find this video helpful as well. ruclips.net/video/l9Ab-o4wyOc/видео.htmlsi=6x2GNlnwMSXxk5U-

  • @midwaypitt
    @midwaypitt 9 дней назад

    The first tip, was a game changer for me. Thanks for sharing your talent.❤❤

  • @karenj4641
    @karenj4641 4 месяца назад +5

    Lots of great tips. I never thought to use tape on the fabric to sew a straight line. Thank you for sharing with us.

  • @jennihubby2877
    @jennihubby2877 3 месяца назад +1

    Great tips, thank you! I’ve been sewing for 50 years, mostly self-taught. I learned a few new tricks here. Keep up the great work!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @silverfireUK
    @silverfireUK День назад

    Why have I never wondered what that button on the back of the foot is for? That's the easy solution I'll be using from now on. Thank you so much!

  • @lesleygilbert1945
    @lesleygilbert1945 4 месяца назад +3

    Some great tips. I did the 're-threading' one the other day and it worked. I like the idea of folded cardboard as a 'humper' which allows for different thicknesses 🤩

  • @megnelson5036
    @megnelson5036 3 месяца назад +2

    Using a hand weight is a great idea, also sewing in the ends when serging. As an experienced sewer, I thought I knew all the tips/hacks. Those two were great! Thanks!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @susanakfogel8217
    @susanakfogel8217 4 месяца назад +3

    I have been sewing since I was nine years old and I’m 74! I always learn something new. I have the foot with the black button on my Janome and I knew it was designed to help ease the needle over a thick fabric, but I could never figure out how how to make it work and now I know how it will work thank you.❤❤

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @maryanndelaneytuttle8975
    @maryanndelaneytuttle8975 4 месяца назад +1

    I loved the idea of putting the sticky stuff under the foot pedal. So simple why didn't I think of it!!! And the starter piece is a great idea too!. Such a calm and easy presentation. The idea of using a emery board to lift the foot when sewing over the thck fabric. Had never heard of the thumb bumper! Thanks for the good ideas!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      You are so welcome

  • @TheEvie202
    @TheEvie202 2 месяца назад +1

    The hand weights on the ruler is a great tip. I now keep weights in my sewing room. Thank you 🙏

  • @KayTaylor-l7u
    @KayTaylor-l7u 4 месяца назад +1

    Great hacks ever & I’ve been sewing professionally for over 20 yrs x

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Thanks. You are so kind!

  • @debbiehall4155
    @debbiehall4155 4 месяца назад +4

    My favorite tip was about the hand weight. I have hand weights, now I will keep one in my sewing area. You just never know what can be helpful! I’ve been using the leader and ender trick for a while, it’s one of the best tips I’ve ever learned. I’ve had the issue of skipped stitches when I sew denim, I will try the folded cardboard. And the trick about the rubber fabric under the foot pedal is so smart and so easy, thank you! These were all very helpful.

    • @gamadebdegamadebde
      @gamadebdegamadebde 4 месяца назад +3

      I saw the hand weight trick on another quilting tutorial a few years ago and have used it ever since. It is great for arthritic hands like mine, you will love it.

    • @lovly2cu725
      @lovly2cu725 4 месяца назад +1

      i ordered a hand weight

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад +1

      You are so welcome!

  • @courtenaylove
    @courtenaylove 4 месяца назад +2

    The hand weight!! Tried it today and my life is changed!! Thank you!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @MrsJWife
    @MrsJWife 21 день назад

    Hump jumper, I folded fleece, then denim over that in a 2"x2" square and stitched it up.
    I place it under the back side of the foot and it works great.
    Small enough to keep next to the machine.

  • @trusound170
    @trusound170 Месяц назад

    I have been sewing for over 30 years. I worked at Hancock Fabrics for several years as well. I can tell you these are definitely great tips for all skill levels. I never used rotary cutters until recently. I never had a reason to use then, actually. I really dislike them to be honest. My issue is not the ruler sliding but rather trying to maintain a straight line. Trying to follow the edge of the ruler and the cutter going the opposite direction gradually.
    This is a great video. Thanks for sharing your wonderful tips!

  • @stephaniebaker9222
    @stephaniebaker9222 Месяц назад

    I just realized i could use the shelf liner idea. Complete game changer!!

  • @TonyaStene
    @TonyaStene 2 месяца назад

    I used to sew a lot many years ago, but then life got in the way. I love your clear, straight forward teaching style! These are great tips and very helpful for re-learning how to sew!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  Месяц назад

      Thanks You are so kind!

  • @dragonflycait7184
    @dragonflycait7184 Месяц назад

    Wonderful tips. I know almost all but now we’re at a serger, which I do not have but filed that away in the brain.
    Wonderful, well modulated voice. Not screechy-high, not fast-paced. Just a professionally well-modulated voice. Nice to listen to. Thank you.
    My very best to
    You and continued success to you.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  Месяц назад

      Thanks. You are so kind!

  • @VickiKolman
    @VickiKolman 4 месяца назад +23

    Along with rethreading the machine, another good tip is to change the needle. I don’t know how many times one or both of these things has helped!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      so ture, thanks for sharing

  • @gailandrews3625
    @gailandrews3625 3 месяца назад

    I’ve been sewing for years, a hefty weight and quilters rule really are game changers. I had no idea what the little black button was 😅 so thank you 🙌 loved your tutorial ♥️

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  2 месяца назад +1

      Thanks. You are so kind!

  • @Sandrab769
    @Sandrab769 Месяц назад

    I started using a five pound weight after watching your tips the first time. It is a game changer.

  • @pamelagorrell453
    @pamelagorrell453 28 дней назад

    I love the tip on using a scrap to start and keeping your foot pedal in place!

  • @jeanetteburch1435
    @jeanetteburch1435 4 месяца назад +1

    Totally agree with the hand weight! I had my thumb joint replaced a year and a half ago. I bought 10 lb. hand weight to help with cutting fabric while I was recuperating. I still use it, because I have found that my cuts are more accurate. Just like you said, "game changer."

  • @susanv5684
    @susanv5684 4 месяца назад +1

    I’ve been using a 5lb kettle ball on my long ruler and it works great.

  • @Hacker3588
    @Hacker3588 4 месяца назад +2

    New to sewing and enjoy these videos. Thanks so much for your effort and time!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @Tla81
    @Tla81 4 месяца назад +1

    When I worked my way through college in a custom drapery shop. I loved it more than school. I finished school. My mom was a professional sewer along with the neighbor across the street with small kids. I babysat often. They both taught me how to sew since I was 12. I’m 61 now. The wonderful lady I worked for taught me that the first time she instructed me on sewing a certain item, you whip up a string of the item, such as flanged pillows, ❤for a period of time and later you move onto another project for a while. When then come back to the original item, you forget the minor steps. She told me she would teach it a second time and the person would never forget how to do it!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Thanks so much for sharing. Good advice.

  • @joycej9415
    @joycej9415 4 месяца назад +1

    I made a rice bag to use instead of one of those weights. Works great and I can heat in microwave if my arthritis needs that too. These are all good things for beginners to know.

    • @pamelavance648
      @pamelavance648 4 месяца назад +1

      Great idea 😊😊

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад +1

      Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

  • @elizabethrowe7262
    @elizabethrowe7262 3 месяца назад

    Thank you for those tips. I have been sewing off and on all my life and am learning new things on here on RUclips every time I go to watch a video.

  • @ivyhall9760
    @ivyhall9760 3 месяца назад

    Thank you for a great tutorial! I’m an I’ve been sewing for over 50 years and learned a few things. I like how you teach and get to the point. It’s great!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Thanks and you are so welcome

  • @denisetebbs2742
    @denisetebbs2742 4 месяца назад +1

    So glad that i found your channel. Brilliant tips that will make me get my machine out again. I'm a novice and just gave up after all the things in this video happened!
    Thank you so much for sharing. Denise from England 😊

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      I'm so glad you found me too. YOU GOT THIS!

  • @marybethknapp9734
    @marybethknapp9734 19 дней назад

    I learned a multitude of things from you. Thank you! I am a novice, but a determined one. So far things have been looking good, but we all can use a little help. Thanks again, heading to your serger site.

  • @jeric2773
    @jeric2773 4 месяца назад +2

    Your tips on dealing with serger tails was very helpful! Thank you.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      Awesome, glad it was helpful.

  • @johannechampagne7332
    @johannechampagne7332 4 месяца назад +8

    Never knew what that black button on the presser foot was for! Thank you.

  • @pennyschlemmer6470
    @pennyschlemmer6470 3 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for the weight on the ruler hack. This is something I have trouble with. I'm going to try it.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @michaeldangelo5810
    @michaeldangelo5810 3 месяца назад

    Thank you for.a very clear presentation given at a god pace (neither drawn out nor rushed through too quickly for us to grasp).

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @DianeBaril-y8y
    @DianeBaril-y8y 3 месяца назад

    Thanks Jan for your tips and hacks! I've been sewing for 54 years but I've just purchased a rotary cutter and self-healing mat. The foot pedal hack is a great tip and I will try using the same shelf liner to stabilize my ruler when cutting. If that doesn't work... I have many weights!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @mer101010
    @mer101010 4 месяца назад

    i’ve only been sewing for 50 years so i’m grateful for your tips!
    teehee.
    but yes, never too
    experienced to learn things!
    i’m over here thinking:
    “why didn’t i think of that!?”

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Awesome, glad it was helpful.

  • @michaelbergstrom2721
    @michaelbergstrom2721 26 дней назад

    Years ago my sewing machine salesman also told me to buy the more expensive threads. Many of the cheaper threads break easily or get caught while sewing. This hack is a total game changer. It's be 40+ years and i rarely have the thread break. Worth the cost.

  • @MaryCunningham-u5j
    @MaryCunningham-u5j 4 месяца назад

    The tip about using a 5 pound weight to keep the long quilting ruler from shifting while cutting is worth its weight in gold alone 😆!!!! I am thrilled to learn that!!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      Glad you enjoyed it

  • @christineallen7230
    @christineallen7230 4 месяца назад +1

    Ahhh this video is EXACTLY what I needed! i looked like this 😮 the entire time I was watching! Absolutely following and saving this video for reference!

  • @IMOO1896
    @IMOO1896 Месяц назад +2

    My solution, which always works for me, to keep the machine from “sucking in the edge of the fabric” when starting a seam, I begin the seam 1/4-1/2” from the edge, do a couple stitches, then do the backtrack, then come forward.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  Месяц назад

      Thanks so much for sharing.

  • @judymorris214
    @judymorris214 4 месяца назад +3

    Joy Bernhardt said to check you out.I will follow you.Joy is a good teacher also.You might enjoy her.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Thanks for the info. I will definately check her out.

  • @notesfromleisa-land
    @notesfromleisa-land 4 месяца назад +1

    Great tips Jan. A longer stitch works well, too, for machine binding a quilt. It allows the stitched edge to lay down flatter, eliminating the flanging look if a shorter stitch is used. We all know that "Shift Happens". I have an antique hand iron (my grandmother's I think). I put felt strips on it so that it will not scratch my rulers.
    Stitch issues: In addition to rethreading, check your needle to ensure that it is (1) compatible with your thread; or if it is past it's useful life and needs changing.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

  • @PamVorkapich
    @PamVorkapich Месяц назад

    Great thanks I have been sewing for many years these tips are great. I found that shelf material that you are using for foot pedal works great under my machine too. Sometimes the machine slides and with this material it doesn’t. Keep on posting! Thanks!

  • @wendychu4634
    @wendychu4634 25 дней назад

    A very informative video that I know that I will use as a reference when I need to grow the tools that I use. Thank you so much 👏👏👏

  • @KM-dz1rc
    @KM-dz1rc 3 месяца назад

    I sew infrequently and usually hemming or repairs. Excellent tips, particularly hemming jeans - thank you

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  2 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @ZeldaSews
    @ZeldaSews 3 месяца назад +1

    Hi Jan I love listening to your channel! Any tips to make my sewing life better I'd love to hear about! Have a blessed weekend and happy sewing!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад +1

      Thank you! You too!

  • @quickbucksaw
    @quickbucksaw 4 месяца назад

    I have been sewing all my life but I didn't know about that side button on the foot stabilizing for thick seams. Thanks. Never too old to learn.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @clarepurtill1790
    @clarepurtill1790 4 месяца назад +1

    Great tip ideas, liked the weight on a ruler, I thought I was the only one that couldn’t cut straight with a ruler! T he button on the J foot is new one and starting and finishing seam on the serger was great. That you for all this info. you always check me through with great tutorials.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Thanks. You are so kind!

  • @ginaelliott1038
    @ginaelliott1038 4 дня назад

    Q: Can you reuse sewing needles? I’ve read you should change it out after your 3rd project or when your machine starts making a different noise. Do you throw them out after that? I’m new to sewing and your content is very helpful! Thank you 😊

  • @maritzakincaid4303
    @maritzakincaid4303 3 месяца назад +4

    It took me many years to learn the lesson to just STOP if you're frustrated & nothings going right. Inevitably, the next day, turns out it was no big deal & easily fixable. I am finally a convert.

    • @sj6919
      @sj6919 2 месяца назад

      I learned that in knitting.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  2 месяца назад

      so true

  • @eileenlewis303
    @eileenlewis303 14 дней назад

    Great tips here Jan! Thank you! 👌😊

  • @marissamelvin5249
    @marissamelvin5249 4 месяца назад +1

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @alexandrabeka7905
    @alexandrabeka7905 4 месяца назад

    I always wondered about the black button on the side of the foot! I knew there must a reason and a purpose for it! Thank you! One of the most useful videos I came across! 🎉

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Thanks. You are so kind!

  • @vonandpro
    @vonandpro 3 месяца назад

    I love this video! Very informative! I didn’t know what the little button was for before today! The weights idea was appreciated too! I cut the tip of my finger off one time because the ruler slipped. I was a little more careful after that!!! I will be checking it more of your videos!!! Thank you!!!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @sandramichaud8033
    @sandramichaud8033 4 месяца назад +6

    Hump jumper with cardboard or nail file, and the serger tail were most helpful. Always appreciate your videos. Thanks!!!❤

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @jeanettemahon3131
    @jeanettemahon3131 3 месяца назад +1

    These are great tips, thank you so much! I use rubber bands to keep my foot peddle in place…..easy!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Great tip! Thanks for sharing

  • @tomjerry505
    @tomjerry505 3 месяца назад +1

    I love the hand weight idea!! thanks

    • @sunshineandwarmth
      @sunshineandwarmth 3 месяца назад

      Is that the Donna Jordan trick? If so, it's sheer perfection. I haven't had a ruler mishap since I watched her some years ago.😊

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад +1

      You are so welcome!

  • @sharipearce5937
    @sharipearce5937 Месяц назад

    Thank you for these tips. It’s nice to know that this old dog can still learn a few things.

  • @TheLillypad1752
    @TheLillypad1752 4 месяца назад +1

    Great ideas especially rethreading your machine when it gets wonky! Thank you 😊

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  4 месяца назад

      You are so welcome!

  • @saviness
    @saviness 17 дней назад

    Very helpful. So simple once you see it. Good work. Thank you so much.

  • @coronagirl1016
    @coronagirl1016 4 дня назад

    Great tips!!!! 😊 Thank you❤

  • @joellen6956
    @joellen6956 4 месяца назад

    Thank you so much for your tips! Using the weight on the ruler is brilliant. Also helpful is your tip about re-threading the machine if the stitches start causing a problem. You have saved me future stress on these things when sewing.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Glad it was helpful.

  • @zeezu1676
    @zeezu1676 3 месяца назад

    Hi... you just changed my life. Hack no 2.
    Thank you RUclips for this algorithm..
    Love you, and yes.. I subscribed 😊❤🎉🎉🎉

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Awesome! Thank you!

  • @bizzybits1918
    @bizzybits1918 3 месяца назад

    I use a cork backed ruler with my rotary cutter. It’s not transparent but it doesn’t slip. Great tips, thank you. Subscribed.

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  3 месяца назад

      Awesome! Thank you!

  • @brendamorgan59
    @brendamorgan59 Месяц назад

    Thx for the Great Ideas!!!❤😊I'm a first time user on my new sewing machine, just starting to learn...whew!

    • @JanHowell
      @JanHowell  Месяц назад

      Awesome and you are so welcome!

  • @ramshakhalid8253
    @ramshakhalid8253 4 месяца назад

    These tips are wonderful, especially save a lot of time and facilitate us to remember kids are asking for something❤

  • @terryech9110
    @terryech9110 3 месяца назад

    Thanks so much for demonstrating the leveling button on the BabyLock. I have that but never understood why I could never get it to stay pressed in. Now I can finally use it correctly.