5 SEWING SECRETS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

While there are tons of things to learn about sewing, and believe me, I’ve learned A LOT over the last 25 years that I’ve sewn, there are always these little things that can make such a big difference in the enjoyment of the sewing process and the beauty of the final look. 

So I’ve gathered 5 little sewing secrets that will make a huge impact on what your sewing time consists of, and what your finished piece will look and feel like. 

After all, little things make a big impact :)

1. USE A TAILOR'S CLAPPER

One of the biggest things that I always recommend for anyone who sews is to always press during their sewing process. 

Not only does it keep the fabric in an optimal state for sewing, it also solidifies the finished, beautiful form to your garment. 

• One of the most important tools in the pressing process is a clapper. 

Some might not know what a clapper is: It’s a wooden block meant to cool down the fabric after pressing it with an iron and decidedly impress the shape into the fibers of the fabric. 

If you don’t have one yet, what are you waiting for? You must have it in your sewing arsenal! 

Here’s the one I have. 

2. IF YOU GOT AN IDEA OF SOMETHING YOU WANT TO MAKE, DO IT NOW

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve just gotten a brilliant design idea for some garment that I would absolutely love to make… and then I get distracted. 

And that gorgeous idea gets left behind, never to be stimulated again by enough motivation. 

I’m sad writing this because of how many times I remember wanting to make something, and then time steals my excitement of making it. 

Have you felt this way?

Let’s stop doing this, together, alright?

This is one of the top sewing secrets I have: If you get really fired up and excited over some idea of something you’d like to make, do it now. 

 Don’t put it off, don’t do it later, don’t put it away. 

 From now on, let’s discipline ourselves to follow through with our design ideas and sewing projects and finish those beautiful pieces of handmade art right away.

3. USE GLASS-HEAD PINS

Have you ever melted a pin while pressing?

Having to deal with the disappointment and mess afterwards is something you should avoid. 

I know I want to lol.

So, I love to use glasshead pins in my sewing process. 

Not only are they sharp and thin, they don’t melt under the heat of the iron, making it a beautiful addition to the pressing process. 

Here are the ones I personally use.

4. SEWING STRAIGHT

Now, this is a little tricky because it takes time. However, it is one of the most crucial things that you need to master if you want to have high-quality, precise and beautiful self-made garments. 

Sewing a straight stitch tells of your mastery and your skills to anyone who looks at your creation, on the outside and on the inside. 

So, what must we do to get that beautiful straight stitch?

Practice. 

It’s the truth: practice makes perfect. 

There’s no way of getting around it, but there are ways to help yourself in the process. 

You can start off by sewing on paper. Draw a straight line with a ruler, and carefully go over it on your machine. 

TIP: Use graph paper! Way easier to get that clean line :) 

Then, start drawing curved lines. After you feel confident here, move onto drawing lines on scrap pieces of fabric. That way you can practice on all different kinds of fabric. 

Moving onto the next step you can use a magnet or a piece of tape on your machine plate to hold the fabric in place while you sew a straight line without drawing, this time. 

And after this, you will master the straight stitch with the guides on your machine plate alone.  

I have a collection of tips for sewing straight on my Instagram page, if you haven't seen that yet, here's the link: https://www.instagram.com/dressmakingamore/ 

5. CHOOSE TO MAKE WHAT FITS YOU, NOT JUST WHAT LOOKS NICE

Oh this is a big one. 

How often have you made something for yourself, and never wore it? 

Maybe it was a trendy top, or a complicated skirt. 

You probably fell in love with how it looked… but now it’s sitting/hanging in the back of your closet, lost to time and disuse. 

Well - let me let you in in on this last sewing secret of mine: it is absolutely important to pick projects and garments to make that compliment your body shape, your figure, your coloring, your features, your personality, and your entire look. 

Without taking these things into consideration, you’ll have a very pretty piece that’s decorating your wardrobe. 

I know I have a few pieces like that :/

To avoid this, choose pieces that truly compliment you - that highlight your beauty and figure, and create the feeling that you want to portray of yourself.

That’s the best thing you can do to fully enjoy your own creations. 

I hope that all of these 5 sewing secrets gave you information that is useful to you - would you let me know which one was your favorite? 

Happy Sewing!

Xx Tiana