What's the diff between pressing and ironing? Both can be done with your steam iron, but pressing and ironing are as different as jumping rope and roller skating.
Quick Tip: New Project, New Needle
Do any of these problems sound familiar: thread breaks, skipped stitches, bunched fabric? You may be cursing your own lack of skill, but the problem is more likely to be your sewing machine needle.
Using the Right Presser Foot for the Job
Like any job or hobby, using the right tools makes your project go more smoothly and quickly, and usually yields a more professional finished product. Sewing is no exception, and one of the most important tools we have are the various machine feet. Sewing machine feet come in a wide array of applications. Sewing machine feet do not wear shoes. But, they do make common techniques so much easier.
Hand Sewing: The Basics
Many sewing projects require a small amount of hand stitching. Consider it aerobics for your hands and cross off that workout for the day.
Hand Sewing: Thread the Needle & Tie the Knot
Have you ever hit your side mirror driving your car into the garage? If so, you're for-sure going to want a needle threader. It is the way for anyone without eagle vision to thread a needle.
How to Make a Border with Mitered Corners
A mitered corner is a corner that comes together at a precise 45° angle, like a picture frame. This is considered an advanced technique, but with practice, you can master it. The beautiful seam is worth the extra brain power.
Taking Care of Your Sewing Machine
Lint is a by-product of sewing. The more you sew the more lint that sifts into the guts of your machine. A little regular cleaning will keep your machine running smoothly. A clean machine is also a quiet machine.
Sewing Machine Tension Control
I wish I had a tension dial I could ratchet back after a hard day at work. Your sewing machine won't ever be stressed out, but its tension can still get out of whack. You can take it to your dealer for adjustment or test and re-set it yourself.
Securing Machine-Sewn Seams
Don't you hate it when the stitches start coming out of the hem on your favorite pants? The first one usually takes some time, then the rest fall like dominoes! You can avoid this situation in your own sewing by securing the ends of your seams. Read on to see how simple it is to make sure your stitches never start to come undone.
Fabric Grain: Secret to Polished Sewing
We all know how important grain is in our diet, and grain is equally important in sewing. Grain is the gridwork of threads running lengthwise and crosswise that make up fabric. Just like oatmeal is a breakfast basic, grain is a sewing basic.
