January 16th, 2012 by Missy

Hi there! This week I’ll be working on a few basic sewing projects with Elise over at A Beautiful Mess. We’ve gathered some really fun projects to try and I couldn’t be more excited. Today I’m sharing with you 10 of my personal best tips for successful sewing.

1. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. I know, we’ve all been there. That pretty collared shirt seemed so easy, but quickly turned into a huge mess, possibly a broken machine and a very discouraging, late night. Sewing is hard! It’s harder than many people believe. Like many trades, you never know what kind of effort it is going to take until you dive in. So take it from me, start small, and you’ll be much happier with your successful progress.

2. Take time to get to know your machine. I would love to tell you exactly how to thread your machine and wind a bobbin on it, but the truth is, they’re all slightly different. Take your manual and sit down and read it, or if you’re like me, thoroughly decipher the photos. You can also dog ear some of the important pages like, how to wind a bobbin, how to change a needle and how to correct tension.

3. When you’re shopping at the store, double check your list. There’s nothing more distracting than being in the middle of a project with the whole day set aside to work and having to stop everything for something as simple as the right color thread.

4. Take a before photo and post it somewhere. Facebook, twitter, instagram, they all work. Your friends will hold you accountable subconsciously.

5. Measure twice, cut once. You may have heard this before, but that’s because it’s true! Even today, I jump the gun and end up cutting something too short, kicking myself afterwards. It’s the worst when you know the store doesn’t have any of your fabric left!

6. Along the same lines, take your time. Some of the art and beauty of sewing is how clean your stitch lines are and how perfect seams can be. And it’s totally possible! You just have to take your time. I promise, it’s worth it!

7. Pay attention to the table you are setting your machine on. Is there a table in your house that is slightly taller? Your back and neck will graciously thank you to exchange those tables. Sometimes I’m hunched over a machine 6-7 hours a day and after a while it can take it’s toll. While you may not spend that much time sewing, you will notice these pains after even a few short hours.

8. Headphones. This is my best secret. Sewing requires focus and attention to detail and even the slightest distraction can break your concentration and make you completely forget what you just spent 15 minutes figuring out. When I have my ear buds in it helps me get in the zone. Personally, I owe some of my most productive days to NPR, Adele and Florence and the Machine.

9. When you get stuck, just take a break. Don’t get frustrated. Running into problems is the nature of the game. It happens and it happens to everyone. I like to go grab a coffee or hop on Pinterest for a few minutes to get re-inspired. Hard work is what makes sewing so rewarding. And, if you’re really in a jam, don’t forget about the wonderful resource that YouTube provides.

10. Reward yourself! I learned this from Elsie and it works. Finishing your first skirt, bag, blanket etc. is a big deal and you should treat it as such. You might even be teaching yourself and you deserve to reap the benefits. One of my favorite rewards I ever gave myself was a full body massage after finishing the Spring 12 line for Red Velvet.

Hope these help! Feel free to email (located at bottom of page) me any sewing questions at any time of the day. I can talk sewing and fabric all day long!

Missy

go here if you’d like to know a little bit about me :)

Ps. If you have a smartphone, JoAnns has a very user friendly app and you can download all their coupons. No more forgetting them at home or vigorously hunting for them in the store! I’ve saved so much money and the app is free!