FREE SHIPPING OVER $80 | Cut Yardage Only | U.S. Only |   Excludes Bolts, Bundles, Pre-Cuts, Batting 
FREE SHIPPING OVER $80 | Cut Yardage Only | U.S. Only |   Excludes Bolts, Bundles, Pre-Cuts, Batting 

Sewing Secrets

DAVID JACKSON | SEWING | JUNE 02, 2021

Many of us have grown up in the sewing culture not realizing the simple things we take for granted - the techniques we somehow inherited, or just came by naturally. Some would call these the “secrets” to sewing. At Marshall Dry Goods, we call these “sewing secrets to success!” It’s kind of like riding a bike. At first you work hard to keep your balance, but as you get better and better, you move on and tend to forget the small things. These baby steps are what propelled you into this two-wheel world, allowing you to command your own path at your own pace. Sometimes it’s the fundamental things that keep the wheels greased. In the case of the bicycle, it actually keeps the wheels turning!


Here are a few fundamental “secrets” that many of us know, perhaps even take for granted, but these are things that keep the needle bobbing and the thread spinning! Enjoy:


1. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING


Most of us spend time once a year doing the spring cleaning around the house, giving much-needed attention to the cracks and crevices that are ignored. The same attention should also go to your sewing machine and to other tools you use day in, day out. It’s important to clean the bobbin area where dust bunnies love to live. Also consider repairing or replacing anything torn or broken. There is no sense in hoping your thimble has enough metal for one more project. Replace it. Give attention to the sensors in your sewing machine, using a pipe cleaner for the hard-to-reach places. 


Keeping the tools of our craft in tip top shape is one of the fundamental secrets to successful sewing - BUT is perhaps one of the most overlooked. 


2. KEEP IT SHARP!


When it comes to your sewing machine needle, installing a fresh one at least twice a year is a must! This can be compared to chopping wood with a sharp axe. When you sew with a sharp needle, the seams will be more tight and your overall performance of the machine will be much smoother!  


3. THAT DON’T IMPRESS ME MUCH!


Giving the attention needed to your iron and pressing station is perhaps one of the most critical things you can do. Clean the iron often to avoid those dark marks that can be left on the fabric by a dirty iron. Inspect the bottom of the pressing plate and clean it as well. Applying the finishing touches to a time-consuming project with a dirty iron can take all of the fun out of it! 


Speaking of the basics, some do not know the difference between ironing and pressing - so this tip is free. You iron when you want to get the wrinkles out of something that’s already sewn and completed. Ironing is done by pressing down onto the fabric, then moving it slowly back and forth. Pressing is what’s done when you’re making something out of fabric, and the project isn’t finished yet. Pressing involves lifting the iron and placing it gently over the area, lift, move and repeat. Pressing is up and down. Ironing is side to side.


4. FILE AND ORGANIZE


Once you have done these simple things, conclude by organizing your tools and your pattern library. Also spend some time arranging your thread, your needles and pins. Consider giving your sewing room/area a spring cleaning, paying attention to walls, floors, drapes, etc. You will be surprised at how much difference it makes working in a clean, organized room with clean tools.


IT’S NO SECRET AT MARSHALL DRY GOODS


Regardless of what sewing stage you’re in, utilizing these simple sewing secrets will help to guarantee more success. Understanding and not forgetting the basics is the key. If you have questions, or simply need to gear up for your next project, come see us at 310 West Main Street in Batesville, Arkansas, or give us a call and let our staff help guide you in making your next project a success! 


At Marshalls, we don’t keep secrets because we want to enable you to be the best you can be!



SHARE THIS:
My Fabrics
0
You must be signed in to permanently save your fabrics