10 Ways To Improve Your Sewing

1.Get Properly prepared to sew, physically and mentally.
Don't sew when you are rushed or don't feel well. It won't be your best
work. Wait till you have the time to enjoy what you do.
Read instructions ahead of time to familiarize yourself to the steps.
Steps will seem easier if you have seen them before.
Make sure your tool are in top shape. Sewing machine is cleaned and oiled.
You have a new needle in your machine.
Your scissors are sharp.
Check your stitch to make sure your 'in balance'.

2.Cut and mark CAREFULLY.
Highlight your cutting lines so you don't make mistakes.
Cut your fabric with long, even cuts.
Mark what matters: use different color chalk to distinquish
large and small dots from your pattern pieces.

3. Eliminate Internal Bulk.
Clip and trim ALL curved seam allowances
Grade seam allowances on heavy fabric.( GRADING-is where you trim seam
allowances at different levels, one closer to the seam than the
other, to reduce bulk).
To avoid turning under fabric on edges, whenever possible, use a flat finish
such as zig zag or serging.

4. Double check all work.
After each step you finish double check your work. Make sure seams are lined
up properly, no tucks are visable, all seams are smooth. This will
save time and you can avoid alot of ripping out.

5. Don't be afraid of "HAND SEWING'.
It isn't a bad word. Many times it is easier and
better to hand baste a seam together than to use the machine. Sewing a
hem by hand almost always gives better results than by machine
hemming. Take your time and do the best job you can.

6. Give new gadgets a try.
Gadgets can make sewing so much easier and more fun. Each time there is a
notions sale try something new. Try a Point Turner or a new kind of
marking tool.

7. Clip to the Stitch: Don't stitch to the clip.
When the pattern tells you to clip to a dot(for example at a "v" neck)and
then stitch to it, you could encounter fraying threads or lose sight
of the end of the clip under the presser foot. Instead, make the dot
and then sew to the dot first. Clip after you sew to get
much better results.

8. Deal with HARD-To-Sew seams in smaller bites.
If you have a difficult seam to sew, sew the hardest section first to make
sure everything lines up properly, then go backwards from there to
finish the seam.

9. IRON. IRON. IRON.
Iron each step as you go. Don't wait till you get completley done with a
garment to press. This step is one of style="font-style:italic;">the most important things I can
suggest to you. Purchase the best iron that you budget can allow. It
will pay off in the long run.

10. Only purchase fabric that appeals to your senses not just your pocket book.
No matter how much money you spend or save, if you don't love the
fabric you sew with, you won't love the garment you make. Your seams
could be perfect;The fit-fantastic...but if you don't like the color,
design, or feel of the fabric, you won't like to wear it.

Pattern Suggestions for Sew Much More

Look for a pattern in the Mccalls or Simplicity pattern book that resemble this type of styling.

It needs to have a zipper and waist facings (No waistband).

Email me if you have questions.