8.5 Tips to Sew By

Learning from the mistakes, successes and the experiences of others who have already been down the road is a huge key to sewing success. Marshall Dry Goods has been down the road a time or two - and we wanted to share with you some tips to help you in your  fabric/sewing/quilting/crocheting/knitting endeavors.

Here we go:

1. SELF CONFIDENCE

There is nothing like getting over the hurdle of completing a project - especially if it’s your first time. You get a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from knowing you did it. Sewing with confidence will take your game to the next level every time!

2. PERSEVERANCE

Stick with it. Sometimes when you hit a roadblock, move on to another project, giving yourself time to breathe. Usually when you let it rest, when you return you will have more motivation to stay with it until it’s finished. The effort is always worth it in the end!

3. PATIENCE

A garment isn’t completed in a day. Usually nothing is. Everything and everybody is a work in progress. Sewing is no different. Enjoy the journey!

4. TRY IT - YOU’LL LIKE IT

If you’re going to make coordinating garments, try them on with each other before finishing them. A successful chef will taste as they cook. Nothing is worse than spending hours on a project, only to ask yourself when you’re finished: “What was I thinking?” 

5. ONE CHANGE AT A TIME

Only make one change at a time, and try on between adjustments. If you make several adjustments, you may finish and not realize which alterations actually made the difference. One change at a time!

6. BASTE

Baste baste baste! Even though it feels like more sewing, this tip is one of the most important. Use a basting stitch to sew initial seams, make quick changes, then pull out the basting threads.  Once you have a good fit, you can use a regular stitch and finish your seams with full confidence, knowing that you won’t have to take all those tedious stitches out later.

7. PRESS

Pressing seams will add polish to every outfit. This is a small detail, but will produce huge dividends every time! It’s all in the details.

8. JOY

There is so much joy when you finish a project. Seeing something you’ve made will make you happy. Creating something that brings a smile to your face never gets old. Sewing teaches you to realize that everything doesn’t have to be perfect or drop-dead gorgeous. Accept the fact that at least you’ve accomplished a project - and that YOU DID IT yourself. The more you sew, the more you know. The more you know, the more joy you will have in your projects!

TIP #8.5:

At Marshall Dry Goods, we pride ourselves with years of experience and expertise. You do not have to reinvent the wheel! The trick is to understand what goes into making something, and making it right. Learn from your mistakes and move on.

Regardless of what your next project is, we have the fabric you need, and the knowledge to help you make it happen. Passing along our advice from lessons learned over the years is part of what we do best. Visit our online store, 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!