I don’t know about you but for me, sewing can be intimidating and really hard at times. That’s why it’s really important to have some sewing hacks up your sleeve. I’m so happy to share these 10 Sewing Hacks You Probably Didn’t Know with you today.
You’re going to want to pin this post on Pinterest so you can refer back to it again and again. These sewing tips and tricks can be real game-changers for beginner sewists.
Check out these amazing beginner sewing projects too: 50 Sewing Patterns for Beginners
10 Sewing Hacks You Probably Didn’t Know
Whether you are a sewing pro or just a beginner sewing it is always helpful to have some sewing tips. These will surely help you in your projects from beginner sewing projects to the more advanced ones. This post covers everything from how to keep your scissors sharp to how to sew straight lines!
1. Place a rubber band around the arm of your sewing machine.
Have you struggled with crooked seams? It is the absolute worst but this quick hack will have you sewing straight lines in your sleep. It is easy to just leave it on there and move it for each project. This is especially great for when you are sewing further in on your fabric and can’t just align the fabric with the side of your presser foot.
2. Rubberband two pencils together to mark a seam allowance.
Seam allowances can be tricky. Especially if you are using a paper pattern or making a pattern out of your clothes. It is really helpful to attach two pencils with a rubber band and then trace it so that one pencil is on the edge or the line of the pattern and the other pencil will draw in the stitching or cutting line for you depending on which way you are working.
3. Spray the end of the thread with hairspray to make it easier to thread the needle.
I have some pretty good eyesight, but sometimes even I struggle to get the thread through the eye of the needle. If you have ever wondered how to thread a needle easier, just spritz the end with some hair spray. This will keep the fibers of the thread together tightly and it should slide right through the eye.
4. Use a flat iron between buttons.
This is one of my favorite hacks for life, not just sewing! If you have a wrinkle between some buttons or other embellishments, just slide your flat iron between them to get the wrinkles out! This is great for tiny spots that your iron won’t fit in, but also if you are traveling and don’t have your iron with you, or just don’t feel like taking it out, the flat iron is your saving grace!
5. Zigzag stitch over a piece of yarn to create a ruffle.
You can make so many cute projects when you know how to sew a ruffle. There are lots of ways that you can make them, but my favorite way to sew a ruffle by far is sewing a wide zigzag stitch over a piece of yarn and then pulling it together to make the fabric ruffle. You will want to make sure that one swing of the needle is on the right of the yarn and the other is on the left side.
6. Keep a magnet around to pick up lose pins.
Don’t step on your pins! While it is a good idea to wear shoes in your sewing space, you can easily pick up dropped needles by waving a magnet over the ground or table.
7. Use tin foil to sharpen your scissors.
Dull scissors got you down? Up your fabric cutting game by cutting threw a few pieces of tin foil. This is a quick and easy way to sharpen your scissors at home!
8. Use clear nail polish to secure button threads.
Secure your button threads and stop them from unraveling by simply dabbing some clear nail polish over them. Just a dab will keep your button in place.
9. Tie a ribbon around your sewing scissors.
The number one rule in my sewing room and hopefully yours too is that my fabric scissor may not be used to cut ANYTHING other than FABRIC. This is a big no-no! Before I implemented this rule, my scissors would go dull so fast and I went through lots of pairs. I have had this pair for about a year and it’s all because I simply tied a ribbon around the handle to remind me not to go cutting paper with them. It’s a game changer y’all and basically free!
10. Use clothespins as sewing clips.
Clothespins are a cheap and great alternative to sewing clips. While I love my sewing clips, I have a stash of clothespins to use on bigger projects that I don’t have enough sewing clips for. If you are just getting started out with sewing and aren’t ready to make the investment into sewing clips, just grab a pack of clothespins from the dollar store for yourself.
Need some help with sewing the perfect hem? We’ve got you covered!
