50 Tried and True Sewing & Quilting Tips Part Two
Welcome to the second episode of the new two-part Sewing With Nancy mini-series, Tried and True Sewing & Quilting Tips. Sewing and Quilting specialists took time out from their busy schedule, while teaching at Nancy’s Notions Sewing Weekend event in Beaver Dam, WI, to record some of their favorite sewing and quilting tips. I hope you enjoy the variety of personalities and their tips!
Pam Mahshie, Baby Lock Sewing Machine National Education Ambassador, shares her tips for successful hooping for machine embroidery.
Rita Farro, Author and Blogger, shares her T-shirt fringe techniques.
Wendy Butler Berns, fiber artist, teacher, and lecturer, shares her tips for stabilizing art quilts with Pellon Décor-Bond.
Jill Repp, from June Tailor, shares tips for using spray starch in sewing and quilting.
Mark Lipinski, of the Slow Stitching Movement, shares his 3-D faux cathedral window block technique.
I know that you’ve learned numerous sewing and quilting tips during this 2-part series. My gratitude goes out to all my friends who made this program possible. In case you missed it, last week my guest tipsters shared six additional great tips in the first episode of Tried and True Sewing & Quilting Tips. Remember you can watch this episode and many other Sewing With Nancy shows online at nancyzieman.com. Plus, in the book that accompanies the show, 50 Tried and True Sewing & Quilting Tips, I’ve included 39 of my favorite sewing and quilting tips!
Watch Tried and True Sewing & Quilting Tips on Sewing With Nancy online.
To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.
For a chance to win a copy of the book, 50 Tried and True Sewing & Quilting Tips, please share your favorite sewing or quilting tip below in the comments. A random winner will be announced on November 5.
Bye for now,
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KathyinMN
Measure twice (or even three times) and cut once. I also often remind myself to slow down. If I make mistakes, its often because I’m rushing.
Debora Nipper
We never stop learning. That’s what makes this so great for all skill levels. Would love to have a copy to keep these tips handy!
Nancy Foster
I use my Grandmothers old sewing cabinet for cutting. It is a good height (about 31″ closed) and the right size for my 18″ x 24″ cutting mat.
Pam D
PSP—Pin, Stitch, Press then start again…..
Linda F
I’m always losing my scissors and rotary cutters under fabric on my cutting table. I found an old coffee mug holder that I now keep on my cutting table where I hang my scissors and cutter on when I’m finished so there not lost.
Kity
I liked the starch tip. I have bottle and but always forget to use it. One of my favorite tips is to stay as organized as you can in your studio I store my bobbins with the spool of thread that matches. I am then able to grab what I need and start my process with out much fuss. When I finish a spool of thread and have thread left on a bobbin, I will use it up when I sew or machine embroidery with coordinating fabric / thread that will not show.
Sheryl Crowley
My tip is for beginners, watch videos of what you want to quilt. As a beginner myself this has been so helpful to me.
I watched binding videos so much I can do it in my sleep. At first I was frustrated because I just couldn’t get the hang of binding. I have my laptop next to me as I am sewing and watch Nancy’s videos. What a difference that makes!
Sharie
My would be to use an 18mm rotary cutter as a seam ripper. Works great and is sooo fast to unsew those mistakes.
Hope Goodwin
My tips are to have a bit of chocolate and some crunchy snacks like pita chips on hand for stress-busting! Not specifically a sewing tip but these have helped me through more than one rough patch.
Ronda Halvorsen
Actually have watched both episodes twice, great program, and great friends to step in share their expertise Nancy! My fave tip has to be using washable tape when sewing with fleece, I learned it from the “other” Nancy when I attended her class in Puyallup a few years back and have found if I have a thick fabric and seam that almost bend your pins in half applying washable tape makes sewing a breeze….
Louise
These tips are great. It would be great to have the book to have all handy in one easy to find place!
Kathy Olinger
I always clean up my sewing room when finished for the day and setup and ready for the next day. I feel a fresh clean start.
Susan Case
When I start a seam on my sewing machine, whether it be for a garment or a quilt square, I hold my top and bottom threads behind the machine foot until I have sewn 4 or 5 stitches. This helps to prevent the ‘rat’s nest’ of tangled thread that sometimes develops at the beginning of a seam.
T. Johnson
Keep dreaming and use your imagination.
I have a job that doesn’t allow for much sewing time.
I go to sleep at nights thinking and dreaming about quilting.
Margaret Smeeding
For gathering, Pull your bobbin thread out the length of your fabric, fold it over the fabric and zigzag stitch over the bobbin thread. Then pull the bobbin thread to the desired gathered length. Viola!
Conne W
I use a product from a hardware store called Outdoor Mounting Tape to keep bobbin threads on the bobbin when not in use. It leaves absolutely no residue. I cut it into small squares and attach to thread on the top of the bobbin. The top side is not sticky because I do not remove the protective film. It is a thick tape about 1/16″ so I can use it pretty much over and over. I attach the small square I cut to my sewing machine column while using that particular bobbin. The tape is flexibly sticky and works really well while storing the bobbin, meaning it stays where I placed it. One roll of the purchased tape will last you a really, really long time!
Kelly Sasman
My #1 sewing tip is to make Nancy Zieman your best friend! For most of my sewing life (especially after my grandmother died) I’ve watched your show weekly, collected tons of your books and products, attended your classes and sewing weekends and now your blog is my “favorite” on my computer and I am able to check in with you Daly on Facebook! Thanks to this high tech age we live n I can search for your help anytime. Need it when I’m sewing and have a crisis. Yep, YOU are my favorite sewing tip!
Virginia Stoiber
When I learned to sew many years ago, at that time, mostly clothing. When using cottons in a project wash and dry the fabric before using (cottons shrink). Iron both the fabric and the pattern prior to cutting. (All materials will lie flatter and are easier to make adjustments if necessary.
Mike Godawski
My tips are 2-fold. Get that accurate 1/4″ measured CORRECTLY. There are many videos and rulers you can purchase to help get this measured accurately!
When cutting fabric for a project always (ALWAYS) use the same ruler. 1″ doesn’t = 1″ on all rulers.
Pam R
Use a sticky roller to pick up those threads after a sewing project. Thanks Nancy for all your tips!
Elaine Williams
I used to dread ripping out stitches. Then I realized I was using an old seam ripper that I’d had for decades, and it was DULL. Now I replace my seam ripper from time to time and the dread is gone. Certain projects, like ripping up old jeans to upcycle, will really wear out a seam ripper. It doesn’t cost much to have a good sharp one that cuts like butter.
Diane Gruver
I like to use clear Curad (bandage) tape on the back of my rulers. It keeps them from slipping and you can still see through it.
Donnamarie Worsley
Always read directions before jumping in to get your project done, and read them again as you go along with the project. This makes for a better looking project when completed.
Debbie Chenoweth
When making quilts I always sew my 1/4 seam a few thread to the left so when turning it will make a true 1/4 inch.
Linda
I have found a wonderful little make-up brush that I get at Dollar General Store makes a wonderful lint brush for cleaning out my machines. It has super-soft bristles, and just catches everything in sight. It costs a whole dollar and I have given them to all my sewing buddies. I have one sitting by every machine I use and keep them all clean!!!
Linda E in AZ
I always use my walking foot when I am hemming a Tshirt.
Pat
My favorite tip was Pam Mahshie’s hooping tip about allowing twice the thickness of your fabric when opening your embroidery hoop and hooping with the hoop horizontal to get better pressure when inserting the inner hoop. Simple, but it really works. Thanks Nancy and Pam for the great tips.
Marti Morgan
I have 2 – not good at remembering to use a leader or ender, so I hold my thread tails when beginning sewing and make sure I leave longer ones when I stop. My second is using the ruler with the holes in it to accurately measure my seam allowances, marking it with a piece of moleskin, that has adhesive on the back. sticking right to my machine bed. Not only are my seams uniform, my seams are nice and straight.
Gretchen
I LOVE using binding clips when sewing multiple layers, especially thick ones, they hold the fabrics and they don’t hurt when you happen to casually touch the ends while guiding your fabric and you cannot break your needle by accidentally hitting one while sewing (well, you could break a needle IF you could figure out how to sew over a binding clip without noticing it!! They are so very helpful for so much more than just attaching bindings!!
Nancy Shelley
I finally made a habit of changing the sewing machine needle after each project. Makes a huge difference.
Chris
When you iron your fabric get rid of that pre-folded crease. Use Dollar store wrinkle release or make your own. Put around 1 Tbsp of fabric softener in 1 cup distilled water. Mix, spray the crease, let dry a little and then iron. Use more or less fabric softener to your liking, scented or unscented. Now you can fold correctly and cut.
Kathy
I have great results using Magic Sizing Light Body spray to help small pieces, in quilting and garment construction, adhere together before sewing. It helps eliminate the need for pins sometimes and does not gum up the machine needle. When sprayed let the small amount of bubbling stop before ironing, as that helps to keep the iron sole plate clean.
Starla
My tip is watch as you sew — and remember, you are in charge. When I started, I felt like the machine was in charge, but now I’m confident in telling it what to do.
Maria Hart
Oh, Nancy!…I love the hooping tip to get your fabric wrinkle free!
Thank you for a chance to win your book as you can never have too many Zieman books.
Barb
Never be afraid to ask for suggestions from your sewing and quilting buddies……it always amazes me the variety of ways there are to accomplish tasks. Thank you for the chance to win.
Pam
The best tip I received as a new sewer was do not watch the needle, once I stopped watching the needle my sewing improved.
Winifred Wolford
Making a crazy patch quilt from silks and rayons, to prevent fraying I decided to use my Baby Lock serger to put blocks together works great, also trims blocks to precise size.
Diana G.
Patience is my favorite tip. I get frustrated with quilting, so I walk away and come back clear headed (after some chocolate of course !LOL).
Slow down the machine and your mind set; its ok if its ontime or late, they will love it anyway.
Chocolate goes along ways in clearing the mind !! LOL
Linda Shumway
You’ve taught me to always put things back in their proper place. It only takes a second and you’ll know where to look the next time. Be a little OCD, and be organized. It makes for a happier quilter.
Joyce
Changing my machine needle frequently is my best tip. It took me a long time to learn that, but after many problems, I’m on it. Thanks for all your tutorials. I look forward to them.
Nancy Taylor
Putting things away. it might not look like I have, but I know where things are. Plus my cat won’t hurt himself when he snoops at what I am doing.
Nancy Taylor
Faye
Pre-wash fabric and press every seam! (A sewing friend of mine takes her finished projects to the dry cleaner for a ‘professional’ pressing.)
Jan N.
I wash all my fabric before starting a project to not only minimize shrinking but to wash out those nasty chemicals that are applied to fabrics.
AS
Read tips from experienced quilters.
Jolene Stringer
Realize that any new technique will take practice to master. If it isn’t perfect the first time don’t stop. The next time you try may result in the piece you love.
tina
Using binder clips to hold thick layers and the double sided adhesive tape for keeping zippers in place because pins make them too wonky to sew evenly.
Lorij
When sewing or quilting as you use an item put it back where it belongs. This will keep soaps, pins, needles, cutters etc. from becoming lost in fabric scraps or other “stuff “. It makes life easier and sewing fun. At least for me it does. If you have to stop and look for something you need to work on your project it can get vertu frustrating. If it’s where it belongs, you just use it and put it back and keep zipping right along.
There are some really great tips in the blog.
I hope you’re doing well Nancy.
Diane S.
My favorite sewing tip is decades old. Holding on to your thread tails as you take your first machine stitch, especially on mechanical machines, has saved me from thread nests. It is one of the first things I taught my students.
Lorij
Should say scissors, pins, needles etc.
And very not vertu frustrating
Millie Rondon
Share what you’ve learned with other quilters; don’t assume every is at the same level.
Martha
Never be afraid to try something new. Be ready to undo and redo only if necessary. Very important feel
Janetta Dobler
Spray Starch has become my new best friend! Love all the tips, especially ones that improve accuracy and make the quilting process easier!!
When I paper piece, I highlight the seam allowance on the outside edges of sections, so that I know not to cut it off before assembling sections or blocks. I also use colored pencils to color in each area to match what fabric I want to put there. Blessings and Love, Nancy!!
maretta walker
When I need to press pieces that have an iron-on fuseable attached, I use a sheet or two of paper towels. They will keep you from burning your fabric and can be reused or tossed. It keeps any of the fuseable from getting on the iron. Also you can dampen instead of using your steam iron for small projects.
Beverly Smith
I buy sufficient size see-through plastic boxes with clip lids at the dollar store. I put in a project with all the instructions, thread, fabric or kit. If I get interrupted with the project or have a delayed start-date then I have everything together and am not wondering “for what did I buy this, or where is the fabric, pattern, etc.?”
Frances
Yes, I really do this: I recommend any and all things Nancy Zieman to new sewists — videos, books, tools — a new sewist just cannot go wrong with anything Nancy! I found you very, very early on in your cable/PBS career and have learned more than I can remember. Thank you, Nancy, so very much!
Sherian Harrelson
Need a circle pattern right now, but don’t have one? Take a pencil and tie a string on it. The string should be 1/2 the diameter of the circle needed. Hold the end of the string in the middle of the circle you wish to cut. Take the pencil and mark the fabric all the way around the end of the string (middle of circle). Vary the length of the string for larger or smaller circles.
Renea
I really like chain stitching. Thanks for the great giveaway
Vickie Fox
I purchased colored baskets, in yellow, blue, green, pink, red, purple, black. All my scraps and small pieces of material goes in the coordinating basket. This makes it so easy to find. The baskets are beautiful too and your eyes go right to them when you enter my sewing room.
michelle
I had a professional tell me to spritz my fabric with a spray bottle and then use a dry iron and my irons would last longer. Did you know that steaming in your iron wears it out quicker? Me either!
Jacque
Teaching a friend to quilt is extremely rewarding. When they, in turn, teach their grandchildren to quilt, my heart is happy. Keep learning and passing the various tips along.
Ola Norman
Keep the sewing machine clean!
Helen Stewart
chain piecing helps so much when making quilts. It uses less thread and speeds the process of making quilt blocks.
Ola Norman
Keep the sewing machine clean! Replace needles often.
Janet Duff
I use a magnetic pin holder to pick up the pins and needles that I drop on the floor.
Christine
Seam rippers need to be replaced too. They do get dull.
Debbie Woodworth
Use filtered water only, in your iron. It wont clog the steam holes.
Reba
Prewash fabric
Betty Harden
Favorite tip is watch, ” Sewing with Nancy.” That is the best tip I can offer up, but do have one of my own, I take small hair scrunched for pony tails and put around my bobbins to keep them neat. Blessings Nancy and thanks for the lovely giveaway. I need this.
Berenice
I was laughing as I read these, all wonderful tips. The best one, and one I forgot last week as I was cutting out quilt squares, is measure twice and cut once. And not to be talking on the phone while you are doing it, too distracting!
Nancy N.
Painter’s tape (that blue or green tape at your hardware store) is your sewing room friend. You can use it to secure quilt layers when basting, mark seam allowances on your sewing machine, mark lines on your quilt for machine quilting, and just to tape up patterns at your sewing station for quick reference while working. Easy to remove from all surfaces and leaves little, if any, residue. Always have it in my sewing box.
Rochelle
When pulling threads to bury them, cut a long piece of thread. Put both ends together and thread them through the eye. Leave the loop end longer than the end threads. Insert the needle next to the threads you are pulling and bring it out about an inch away (you should be on the back of the quilt). Catch those threads through the loop and pull the needle through the fabric bring the thread with you. The thread ends you want to bury will be caught in the loop and pull through the fabric. Cut the ends of those threads flush with the back. This eliminates the need to constantly thread the needle with each set of ends to be buried.
Candice
If at first you don’t succeed, pull out the seam ripper! (I have several about the house.) And always refer to Nancy Z’s tips & helps!! And never, ever, have an open beverage placed on your cutting board. Just got a new board because I was in a hurry and forgot!
Amy Brant
The hooping tip was a gem. Thanx.
Brenda Howard
My tip would be using the right tool. Sometimes fancy rulers are great but only after you know how to use the plain and simple ruler. I am amazed at the people who can use a specialty ruler but couldn’t do it with a regular ruler because they may have to think.
Betty
The best tip I ever received was to relax, have fun, and enjoy the process. This is YOUR project and YOU are in charge, keep your perspective, while you strive for perfection, don’t get stressed out if it isn’t perfect in every way. This is your quilt and you can do whatever you want. Unless you are entering your project into a judged show or contest, there are no quilt/sewing police!
Sewing Sadie
I have a large bulletin board above my sewing machine with photos of my previous most difficult sewing projects along the upper edges and I use the rest of the board for pinning up directions for my current project. The photos serve as inspiration and encouragement that I CAN finish the current project!
Lillian K
My tip is always make sure your rotary blade is sharp! You need to replace the blade as soon as the blade starts to “skip” while you are rotary cutting. Skipping indicates you have a dull blade.
Phyllis Thompson
Machine needles are sorted by size and type and kept in separate plastic boxes. On a small tab I write the machine name/model and place it in the particular box corresponding to the current needle in use. I have multiple machines. Each has it’s own identifying label for the needle boxes. The labels are moved as the needle-in-use situation changes. Sometimes knowing which needle is where can be a really big help.
Jean Graham
My favorite tip is the starching suggestion. I have used starch, maybe not as much as was mentioned in the video, and have debated it’s worth with other non-starchers. I’m vindicated, it really is helpful
Kay
Always close your rotary cutter after cutting EACH time. You never know when it will be knocked off the table onto your foot or your pet or if it gets caught under something you could grab the blade with your hand.
Lori M
Save those scraps!! even those ones your would never keep…1″ pieces..just place on a 13″ piece of SF101 press to hold and use your decorative stiches on your machine to “crazy patch” them..when done square up to 12.5″ put into a bin and when you have enough blocks sew up a charity quilt….
Marty
Only sew with colors you love: your time is too short to not enjoy the hues.
c brown
a piece of cotton batting will attract threads like a magnet. Keep a piece next to your sewing machine and another piece with your hand sewing supplies.
Shirley
When I had young children my Grandmother told me that “housework would wait” spend time with them. Well, I think this also applies to quilting-the housework will wait!
Anna Little
When hand stitching using a single thread; thread your needle off the spool through the eye of the needle & knot that end & cut the length; & when using double threads to sew, knot both ends separately. This makes for less problems with the thread tangling, etc.
darlene macdonald
Using proper posture is so important with anything we do. But sitting or standing for long periods of time we especially need it. Because of bad posture on my part I have developed tendonitis & neck problems. Please please use proper posture so you can enjoy instead of dread sewing time! 🙂
Karen payton
Jill Repp’s tip about the spray starch is a good one, sewing with clean,crisp material makes it easier! Thanks
Gail Beam
I spray all of the items that I embroidery on with Magic Sizing and then iron it. On linen, loose weave fabrics and silky fabrics I iron a light weight stabilizer on the back of the area to be embroidered on. I never hoop anything but use pins, magic or painters tape or an adhesive spray to attach my item to the hooped stabilizer and then use the fix stitch on my machine to further attach the item to the stabilizer.
Theodora O'Brien
My tip is when i am using alot of pins on a project i keep a strip of magnet close at hand so if i drop a pin it makes it easier to pick it up.It’s easier on the finger that way.
Ell
Pick up as you sew. It keeps your work area tidy, there are fewer lost items and pins on the floor, and each little thing you do feels like an accomplishment. When you come back again, it’s more fun to start with a straightened area.
Candace W
Enjoy each adventure!
ines P
A 2 FOR ONE IDEAL….I use White-Out on the end of thread when sewing & threading needle-“whiskers” show up & get trimmed,stiffens the thread so goes thru the eye of needle easily.
Audrie Sumner
I bought a “dent puller” for $1.99 at a tool outlet store. It is a strong suction tool when you flip up a handle. The suction is applied to dents so that you can pull them out on your car. But I apply them to Quilting Rulers. They stick well by suction and make a handy handle for a nonslip grip while using with your rotary cutter to cut alongside the ruler.
alison (London, UK)
I am delighted to announce I have recently found Nancy on Youtube (forcible rest after spine op)…and absolutely love her amazing videos. Probably too late for the draw – but glue-basting with Elmer’s washable glue is amazing – its like ‘no pins’ Found that on Youtube too – fab for piecing, applique and applying/holding binding in place till sewn.
Tonia Martin
How can I get the pattern of Mark Lipinski Cathedral window pattern please help me my grandmother is wanting one
Nancy Zieman
Tonia, Please ask Mark. Here’s a link to his website. http://www.marklipinski.com
Connie Davis
I made a cell phone bean bag that holds my cell phone up while I sew. I can watch Nancy’s videos while I sew! It’s hands free