Don't learn the hard way, take care of your sewing machine right from the beginning. Now, sometimes when you buy your machine, they offer classes or special help on your particular machine, as was the case with my machine. I went to a class on the Singer machine last Thursday, and have another one this week. Even if you are a seasoned sewer, you can get some specialized attention with these classes. For example, this class talked a bit about the appropriate needles and thread to use with your machine. So, I will pass on some information.
Needles: First, and most important, change your needle often! Most quilting books suggest a change of needle after one project or 8 hours of use (whichever comes first). It may still seem sharp, but as the needle gets dull, it will punch and stretch your fabric. Research what type of needle you will need to use. For normal projects, a Universal size 90 needle would be appropriate. But, you may need to use a Denim needle for heavier fabrics, or a ball point needle for knits. I found this great chart to help you:
http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/22_115_sewing_machine_needle_charts.pdf
There was also a great tip at the class. When you are switching back and forth between needles frequently, keep them on post it notes with the type of needle and size written on it. Then, when you are using the needle, you can keep the post it on the machine to remind you which needle you are using. And when you are not using the needle, you can keep the needle on the post-it so you don't have to try to remember which needle is which.
Another organization tip that I saw in a magazine: for long term needle storage, you can use a medicine sorter (You know, the ones with the days of the week compartments). Then, each of the compartments can be used for different sizes of needles or different types. For example: Monday is for Universal size 90, Tuesday is for all other Universal sizes, Wednesday is for Microtex needles, etc.
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tips and Tricks
The moment you have all been waiting for has arrived:
5 Easy Tricks to Steal
1. Keep your bobbins organized (that means you, Grandma!). Now, I have quite a few bobbins, so I bought a $6 case at Joanne's that holds 32 bobbins. But, if you have a few that you use a lot, use that old RING HOLDER. You know, the one that has a post sticking up. Many of these have small enough posts to hold bobbins for easy access.
2. Another organization tip: For a cute way to store fabrics, use old HAT BOXES! Not only do these keep your craft room looking cute and fashionable, but they can also be color coordinated. Now for someone like me, who is type A when it comes to organization, it is important that I keep my fabrics organized by color and also separate fabrics that are for specific projects (that I have yet to start). Easy fix: blue hat box= blue fabrics inside. You get the idea!
3. Always have a pair of CHOPSTICKS on hand for any sewing project. Especially when you are making bags of any kind, you will need something to help you poke out the corners. Please, do not use a pencil! I promise you that anything too pointy will poke through your fabric. Chopsticks are not to pointy, not to blunt, but just right.
4. Keep a CRAFT JOURNAL. This is a great little tool for writing down little tips that you may need later. Every project that I do, I think of at least one thing that would make my life easier for the next project. Also, if you are using a pattern, you can jot down any changes you make to the pattern. I am a serial pattern changer. I always change patterns as I go, and forget how I did it after I finish.
5. Need to take better care of your walking foot for your sewing machine? It just so happens that most versions of the walking foot fit perfectly into a double LIPSTICK HOLDER. You know the ones that hold 2 tubes of lipstick and button up. I never used mine for lipstick, but my walking foot now has a new home and is easy to find and store.
Hope you are able to steal at least one of these tricks! If you have any other easy tips, post them in comments or let me know so I can post them. I have more, which will come later.
5 Easy Tricks to Steal
1. Keep your bobbins organized (that means you, Grandma!). Now, I have quite a few bobbins, so I bought a $6 case at Joanne's that holds 32 bobbins. But, if you have a few that you use a lot, use that old RING HOLDER. You know, the one that has a post sticking up. Many of these have small enough posts to hold bobbins for easy access.
2. Another organization tip: For a cute way to store fabrics, use old HAT BOXES! Not only do these keep your craft room looking cute and fashionable, but they can also be color coordinated. Now for someone like me, who is type A when it comes to organization, it is important that I keep my fabrics organized by color and also separate fabrics that are for specific projects (that I have yet to start). Easy fix: blue hat box= blue fabrics inside. You get the idea!
3. Always have a pair of CHOPSTICKS on hand for any sewing project. Especially when you are making bags of any kind, you will need something to help you poke out the corners. Please, do not use a pencil! I promise you that anything too pointy will poke through your fabric. Chopsticks are not to pointy, not to blunt, but just right.
4. Keep a CRAFT JOURNAL. This is a great little tool for writing down little tips that you may need later. Every project that I do, I think of at least one thing that would make my life easier for the next project. Also, if you are using a pattern, you can jot down any changes you make to the pattern. I am a serial pattern changer. I always change patterns as I go, and forget how I did it after I finish.
5. Need to take better care of your walking foot for your sewing machine? It just so happens that most versions of the walking foot fit perfectly into a double LIPSTICK HOLDER. You know the ones that hold 2 tubes of lipstick and button up. I never used mine for lipstick, but my walking foot now has a new home and is easy to find and store.
Hope you are able to steal at least one of these tricks! If you have any other easy tips, post them in comments or let me know so I can post them. I have more, which will come later.
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