These were great tips, Jan! Thank you. One thing I learned after I had been sewing for awhile is that if you store your sewing machine with the presser foot up, you are putting stress on the mechanism and it could wear out faster. Take a spare piece of fabric (with a little thickness preferred), stick it between your feed dogs and presser foot, and leave the presser foot down. The fabric will also protect your feed dogs from wear.
My best advice to new sewers is...when you have become frustrated, just turn the machine off and walk away. Come back tomorrow, start from the beginning, thread your machine over again...check your settings and try again. Frustration BUILDS into anger, and nobody enjoys that which makes them angry all the time. And when it finally works correctly, don't be shy about patting yourself on the back a little...everything takes time and practice to improve, so take your time, practice and enjoy the process.
❤ I always learn something new from you. Today it was the serger tails. So simple! Thanks for all your videos. So informative and you get right to the point. Good close up camera work makes it easy to see what to do. Thanks for all your posts. 😊
I learned from an elderly aunt that was a seamstress that had two stitches on her sewing machine, straight and zigzag. She said that no matter the fabric you are sewing never start on the end. To prevent bunching, come down 1/4 inch sew backwards to the end, then forward. Perfect every time.
I really like your videos. You explain things simply and without wasting time on fluff. The camera angle is always good and it's in focus so that i can see what you are doing. Also, there is no annoying music in the background! I learnered about that button from this video. Awesome!
Yes. Me too, but started at 64 when our first grandchild came along. I did do some sewing in 1st year of high school in a domestic science class. Something must have stuck as I often baste things, and tend not to use so many short cuts!! I love learning, and the ladies at our weekly sewing group are keen to share their skills. I just wish I’d learned years ago!! X
The tip about the scrap piece of fabric to start off was fantastic!! Bunching up at the start of a row of stitching was so frustrating before! Simple and effective! Also the tip about rereading the machine when things are going wrong….. it works 😊
I always use a size 9 needle... It's so small it pierces through the fabric like butter. I go slow and careful and the needle never breaks :) I find denim needles really have to fight their way through the fabric due to their thickness. I get the theory of denim needles, but have never had a lot of success with them.
Am 74 and have been sewing since I was 10 or so. About half the tips were things I did not know and will definitely use. Thank you so much. Love your channel. 😊
I agree with the first commenter…I am 75 and have been sewing since 7th grade ..my mom’s best friend was a home economics teacher and I was her summer project I guess. Most of these tips are new to me, too! Thank goodness you shared the one with the 5 pound weight….thought it was just me not applying enough pressure on the long ruler.
ditto ditto ditto...... esp like having the mystery of the J foot black springy button cleared up cannot even accurately estimate how many times I've said to myself wth is this little black button for.....
Thank you for these great tips! 😊❤ I've told my Granddaughters "mistakes" can become "unique designer" additions. 😊 Others normally don't notice errors.
So true, I can drive myself crazy trying to get it perfect and then realize the person I'm giving it to will not notice the stitching. As long as it holds up through use aand washing!
A tip I use when sewing slippery fabric is to place the fabric under the presser foot about a half inch from the beginning of the seam. Hold the threads and take a few stitches backwards and then forwards...I find the fabric doesn't get eaten by the feed dogs.
I used an extra grip (to open jars) to put under my foot pedal as I didn't have any rubber mesh at hand. And have found the painter's tape very helpful for many projects to help get the straight seams! Thank you for your tips and here's a general guide to help with needle tension, presser foot tension and stitch length: The thicker the fabric, increase needle tension, decrease presser foot tension and increase the stitch length. The thinner the fabric, decrease needle tension, increase presser foot tension and decrease the stitch length.
Love the bulky seams tip as well as how to start seams on thin and fleecy materials. And I finally know what the the black button is for! Thank you Jan!
It took me many years to learn the lesson to just STOP if you're frustrated & nothings going right. Inevitably, the next day, turns out it was no big deal & easily fixable. I am finally a convert.
I had no idea what that little black button on the dresser foot was for. Now I need to play with it. Thank you Jan for another great tip that I did not even know I needed to learn!
Some great tips. I did the 're-threading' one the other day and it worked. I like the idea of folded cardboard as a 'humper' which allows for different thicknesses 🤩
Thank you so much for these great tips . I`m a total beginner. When I was 11 years old 1985, mum was preparing sew. machine completely and then I was sitting and sewing my fabric hair scrunchies. It was so fun ! Now I have some projects for myself Hope I won`t live so much frustration with setting up machine also☺ ( little bit afraid of that) . Thanks again Have a great life 🥰
Been sewing since I can remember and I am now 53 and I love all these tips. Its true what they say..."we learn something new everyday" Thanks for sharing 😊
My favorite tip was about the hand weight. I have hand weights, now I will keep one in my sewing area. You just never know what can be helpful! I’ve been using the leader and ender trick for a while, it’s one of the best tips I’ve ever learned. I’ve had the issue of skipped stitches when I sew denim, I will try the folded cardboard. And the trick about the rubber fabric under the foot pedal is so smart and so easy, thank you! These were all very helpful.
I saw the hand weight trick on another quilting tutorial a few years ago and have used it ever since. It is great for arthritic hands like mine, you will love it.
I have been sewing since I was nine years old and I’m 74! I always learn something new. I have the foot with the black button on my Janome and I knew it was designed to help ease the needle over a thick fabric, but I could never figure out how how to make it work and now I know how it will work thank you.❤❤
Using a hand weight is a great idea, also sewing in the ends when serging. As an experienced sewer, I thought I knew all the tips/hacks. Those two were great! Thanks!
Ahhh this video is EXACTLY what I needed! i looked like this 😮 the entire time I was watching! Absolutely following and saving this video for reference!
I have two tips to pass along, do not use old thread, it can pill up and break, and change needles often. Needles eventually have burrs which have all kinds of problems.
8/9/'24 *** JAN, I'M CAROL, I'VE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW. I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS TO YOU. YOU ARE SO NICE, FRIENDLY, PLEASENT TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO, YOUR VOICE IS EVEN SOTHING. YOU DO THE "BEST" JOB AT EXPLAINING WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I THANK YOU SO MUCH! SOMETIMES I HAVE TO GO BACK AND LISTEN TO A CERTAIN PART AGAIN, BUT I ALWAYS GET IT. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! ***
Totally agree with the hand weight! I had my thumb joint replaced a year and a half ago. I bought 10 lb. hand weight to help with cutting fabric while I was recuperating. I still use it, because I have found that my cuts are more accurate. Just like you said, "game changer."
So glad that i found your channel. Brilliant tips that will make me get my machine out again. I'm a novice and just gave up after all the things in this video happened! Thank you so much for sharing. Denise from England 😊
Great tips Jan. A longer stitch works well, too, for machine binding a quilt. It allows the stitched edge to lay down flatter, eliminating the flanging look if a shorter stitch is used. We all know that "Shift Happens". I have an antique hand iron (my grandmother's I think). I put felt strips on it so that it will not scratch my rulers. Stitch issues: In addition to rethreading, check your needle to ensure that it is (1) compatible with your thread; or if it is past it's useful life and needs changing.
In hack #6, which is for slipping foot pedal, I don’t have that problem. I know not everyone has a start/stop button on their sewing machines, but my last 2 machines have had them. My friends that sew say they like control of the speed, but I’m so used to using these buttons, that I can’t imagine using a foot pedal anymore.
I loved the idea of putting the sticky stuff under the foot pedal. So simple why didn't I think of it!!! And the starter piece is a great idea too!. Such a calm and easy presentation. The idea of using a emery board to lift the foot when sewing over the thck fabric. Had never heard of the thumb bumper! Thanks for the good ideas!
When I worked my way through college in a custom drapery shop. I loved it more than school. I finished school. My mom was a professional sewer along with the neighbor across the street with small kids. I babysat often. They both taught me how to sew since I was 12. I’m 61 now. The wonderful lady I worked for taught me that the first time she instructed me on sewing a certain item, you whip up a string of the item, such as flanged pillows, ❤for a period of time and later you move onto another project for a while. When then come back to the original item, you forget the minor steps. She told me she would teach it a second time and the person would never forget how to do it!
Great tips! I just got the seam jumper tool and wish i had it 15 cozy bowl ago. Where did you get your snips? I have a pair just like them that I used at the jeans factory. Love them. (Worked at Levis for 14 years, sewing almost all operations and machines as a pinch hitter then an Instructor. What I learned then has come in handy now that I'm retired and sewing gifts.).
Thanks. I have two pair. The first pair was from working at a sewing factory as well during college. I have another pair that you can get here. geni.us/1xH1Mp3
I love this video! Very informative! I didn’t know what the little button was for before today! The weights idea was appreciated too! I cut the tip of my finger off one time because the ruler slipped. I was a little more careful after that!!! I will be checking it more of your videos!!! Thank you!!!
Hi. I make quilted pouches and tote bags and am looking for a new machine. Can you suggest one which serves my purpose and not very expensive. I line in India.
Here is a post that you may find helpful. There are so many options, this will give you some tips of what to look for. youmakeitsimple.com/2023/06/17/6-important-things-to-know-before-buying-a-sewing-machine/
Great tip ideas, liked the weight on a ruler, I thought I was the only one that couldn’t cut straight with a ruler! T he button on the J foot is new one and starting and finishing seam on the serger was great. That you for all this info. you always check me through with great tutorials.
Thank you so much. You’ve inspired me to have another go! I have a question that I find bugs me a lot. Do I really need a serger or overlocker to sew with jersey and stretch fabrics? Or is there any way I could do without one? I can’t afford to buy one so am I doomed to having to make everything from cotton fabric? Thank you x
Though I don't have as much experience as many on this thread, I have read that it is not necessary in most situations. You can use pinking shears or a rotary pinking blade, sew zig zag, use a French seam, or try other seam finishes.
@@susanbranchepoteet3175 Those options will work for finishing seams on wovens. I think the original question was about needing a serger in order to sew knits.
You absolutely do not need a serger to sew knits. We did this for years before home sergers became available. Your sewing machine likely has a zig zag stitch. That’s really all you need. The zig zag stretches with the fabric. There are also some utility stitches that are on most machines that will work very well to mimic a serger type stretch stitch. I suggest experimenting with your stitches on some knit fabric. Get out that manual (most manuals are available online if for some reason you don’t have one). Since most knits don’t fray (one thread, not a warp & weft like a woven) you don’t need to worry about finishing the seams, although a clean finish will always look better. Also, there are you tube videos on how to sew knits with a regular sewing machine. 😊Good luck!
@@denisedorsey2889 I can’t thank you enough for that advice Denise. It sounds obvious to experiment with the many stitches my machine will do, but it’s the one thing that I’ve never even considered as my confidence has been so low. I’ve a good range of worn-out garments too bad to be recycled or given to charity, so I’ll be no worse off for having a good go at that. This is a sewing -life-changing moment for me. I can’t wait to get started. I’m very grateful for you taking the time to reply. Happy sewing!
Thanks for your video. Really learned finally how to use that black button! I find that the shelf liner does not grip my carpet. I keep searching for a solution for that.
I have been using a lead fabric to prevent the fabric from being pulled down the throat plate. After I sew a few inches, I cut it off the seam and sew it onto it at the end of the seam. Then I sew long enough to to cut the project off but not enough to sew off the lead. I leave it under the presser foot with needle down so I'm ready for the next seam.
These were great tips, Jan! Thank you. One thing I learned after I had been sewing for awhile is that if you store your sewing machine with the presser foot up, you are putting stress on the mechanism and it could wear out faster. Take a spare piece of fabric (with a little thickness preferred), stick it between your feed dogs and presser foot, and leave the presser foot down. The fabric will also protect your feed dogs from wear.
Thanks so much for this tip!
This is what I was taught by my mum ove 50 years ago and I still do it today 👍🏻🧵🪡
I learned that as well. thanks for sharing
I also learned that, and always left my machine like that, however, when I purchased a Pfaff 710, I was told that it didn’t matter for that model!
The tip about weighing down your ruler is genius.
My best advice to new sewers is...when you have become frustrated, just turn the machine off and walk away. Come back tomorrow, start from the beginning, thread your machine over again...check your settings and try again. Frustration BUILDS into anger, and nobody enjoys that which makes them angry all the time. And when it finally works correctly, don't be shy about patting yourself on the back a little...everything takes time and practice to improve, so take your time, practice and enjoy the process.
❤❤❤❤❤ Yes! Sometimes you just need to just walk away….
❤ I always learn something new from you. Today it was the serger tails. So simple! Thanks for all your videos. So informative and you get right to the point. Good close up camera work makes it easy to see what to do. Thanks for all your posts. 😊
Exactly. No stressing. 😊
Absolutely!!
Thank you. 👍
I learned from an elderly aunt that was a seamstress that had two stitches on her sewing machine, straight and zigzag. She said that no matter the fabric you are sewing never start on the end. To prevent bunching, come down 1/4 inch sew backwards to the end, then forward. Perfect every time.
That works great too
Great advice, thanks.
I'm just having problems with tension.😢
Tension…I test my tension with a zigzag stitch. The zigzag should be the same on both sides. Also check your manual for the normal setting.
@@eman9467 thankyou I will have a go.
I really like your videos. You explain things simply and without wasting time on fluff. The camera angle is always good and it's in focus so that i can see what you are doing. Also, there is no annoying music in the background! I learnered about that button from this video. Awesome!
Wonderful!
I am new to your channel and new at sewing at the age of 70.
same here. 70 and new to sewing. She's one of the best here on TH-cam.
This was great, 68 and new to sewing as well.
Good for you!!! I just learned to crochet 2 years ago at 60.
Yes. Me too, but started at 64 when our first grandchild came along. I did do some sewing in 1st year of high school in a domestic science class.
Something must have stuck as I often baste things, and tend not to use so many short cuts!!
I love learning, and the ladies at our weekly sewing group are keen to share their skills.
I just wish I’d learned years ago!! X
You go girl!!!! Love it.
My best tips.
Prewash your fabric.
Iron every seam.
Tacking stitches are life savers.
Noooo!
Thanks for sharing.
😂I’ve been using my hand weights for yrs for this purpose. When I go to my work room I tell my husband that I’m going to Work Out! Love your ideas.
LOL love it!
The tip about the scrap piece of fabric to start off was fantastic!! Bunching up at the start of a row of stitching was so frustrating before! Simple and effective! Also the tip about rereading the machine when things are going wrong….. it works 😊
You are so welcome!
I want to add that a jean needle is a must for sewing denim.
yes, thanks for sharing
I always use a size 9 needle... It's so small it pierces through the fabric like butter. I go slow and careful and the needle never breaks :) I find denim needles really have to fight their way through the fabric due to their thickness. I get the theory of denim needles, but have never had a lot of success with them.
Am 74 and have been sewing since I was 10 or so. About half the tips were things I did not know and will definitely use. Thank you so much. Love your channel. 😊
Thanks. You are so kind!
Great ideas .I think the weights are a great idea. I esp .like your tip on starting and ending seams !
I agree with the first commenter…I am 75 and have been sewing since 7th grade ..my mom’s best friend was a home economics teacher and I was her summer project I guess. Most of these tips are new to me, too! Thank goodness you shared the one with the 5 pound weight….thought it was just me not applying enough pressure on the long ruler.
ditto ditto ditto......
esp like having the mystery of the J foot black springy button cleared up
cannot even accurately estimate how many times I've said to myself wth is this little black button for.....
Me too, same amount of time! I love to learn new things. Sue UK ❤️
I've been sewing for 59 years. I wish I'd known these tips! Thanks!
Never too late.
For bulky seams, I just use an ice cream/lolly pop stick, or two, and works brilliantly. Obviously rather cheap too LOL :)
thanks for sharing
Great tips and tricks! Today's Quote: "Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love." - Brené Brown. Huge hugs. Namaste 🐞🐞🐞
Thank you!
Thank you for these great tips! 😊❤
I've told my Granddaughters "mistakes" can become "unique designer" additions. 😊 Others normally don't notice errors.
So true, I can drive myself crazy trying to get it perfect and then realize the person I'm giving it to will not notice the stitching. As long as it holds up through use aand washing!
You are so welcome!
Along with rethreading the machine, another good tip is to change the needle. I don’t know how many times one or both of these things has helped!
so ture, thanks for sharing
I’ve been sewing for over 40 years and I didn’t know that tip for hemming jeans. Thank you.
Awesome, glad it was helpful.
A tip I use when sewing slippery fabric is to place the fabric under the presser foot about a half inch from the beginning of the seam. Hold the threads and take a few stitches backwards and then forwards...I find the fabric doesn't get eaten by the feed dogs.
I use a piece of fabric as a leader and ender, never get fabric sucked into the machine just like she does.
good idea as well.
Thank you. I didn’t know what the button on my foot was for. Learned something new.
I used an extra grip (to open jars) to put under my foot pedal as I didn't have any rubber mesh at hand. And have found the painter's tape very helpful for many projects to help get the straight seams! Thank you for your tips and here's a general guide to help with needle tension, presser foot tension and stitch length: The thicker the fabric, increase needle tension, decrease presser foot tension and increase the stitch length. The thinner the fabric, decrease needle tension, increase presser foot tension and decrease the stitch length.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Great idea!
Love the bulky seams tip as well as how to start seams on thin and fleecy materials. And I finally know what the the black button is for! Thank you Jan!
You are so welcome!
You are doing a great job. Thank you for posting all the hints and solutions.
My pleasure!
Lots of great tips. I never thought to use tape on the fabric to sew a straight line. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you
Never knew what that black button on the presser foot was for! Thank you.
That was also a new one to me.
You are so welcome!
Love the love the surger tail management…thank you!!
You are so welcome!
It took me many years to learn the lesson to just STOP if you're frustrated & nothings going right. Inevitably, the next day, turns out it was no big deal & easily fixable. I am finally a convert.
I learned that in knitting.
so true
I had no idea what that little black button on the dresser foot was for. Now I need to play with it. Thank you Jan for another great tip that I did not even know I needed to learn!
You are so welcome!
To keep your pedal from moving on carpet. Put a piece of velcro with the hook side towards the carpet.
Some great tips. I did the 're-threading' one the other day and it worked. I like the idea of folded cardboard as a 'humper' which allows for different thicknesses 🤩
Thank you!
Thank you so much for these great tips . I`m a total beginner. When I was 11 years old 1985, mum was preparing sew. machine completely and then I was sitting and sewing my fabric hair scrunchies. It was so fun ! Now I have some projects for myself Hope I won`t live so much frustration with setting up machine also☺ ( little bit afraid of that) . Thanks again Have a great life 🥰
Been sewing since I can remember and I am now 53 and I love all these tips. Its true what they say..."we learn something new everyday" Thanks for sharing 😊
Wonderful!
Joy Bernhardt said to check you out.I will follow you.Joy is a good teacher also.You might enjoy her.
Thanks for the info. I will definately check her out.
My favorite tip was about the hand weight. I have hand weights, now I will keep one in my sewing area. You just never know what can be helpful! I’ve been using the leader and ender trick for a while, it’s one of the best tips I’ve ever learned. I’ve had the issue of skipped stitches when I sew denim, I will try the folded cardboard. And the trick about the rubber fabric under the foot pedal is so smart and so easy, thank you! These were all very helpful.
I saw the hand weight trick on another quilting tutorial a few years ago and have used it ever since. It is great for arthritic hands like mine, you will love it.
i ordered a hand weight
You are so welcome!
Hi Jan I love listening to your channel! Any tips to make my sewing life better I'd love to hear about! Have a blessed weekend and happy sewing!
Thank you! You too!
I have been sewing since I was nine years old and I’m 74! I always learn something new. I have the foot with the black button on my Janome and I knew it was designed to help ease the needle over a thick fabric, but I could never figure out how how to make it work and now I know how it will work thank you.❤❤
You are so welcome!
I've been sewing for over 25 years (and now teach it to others) and even learned a few things from this video. Very helpful. Thanks!
Wonderful! You are so welcome!
I learned tip #2 from Nancy Zeiman. Not sure if that's the correct spelling of her last name.
Wonderful.
In addition to rethreading the machine, it helps to turn it off and back on.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Using a hand weight is a great idea, also sewing in the ends when serging. As an experienced sewer, I thought I knew all the tips/hacks. Those two were great! Thanks!
You are so welcome!
I am still sewing I am 80 yrs and I learned about the black button on the bottom side of J foot.
Wonderful!
New to sewing and enjoy these videos. Thanks so much for your effort and time!
You are so welcome!
Thanks Jan Great tips, clear
explanations. The unknown wii be administered when that problem occurs when sewing.👍
VELRINE PALMER
The hand weights on the ruler is a great tip. I now keep weights in my sewing room. Thank you 🙏
Amazing video! Brilliant and straight-forward :) My jaw dropped at several tips. Thank you!
Your tips on dealing with serger tails was very helpful! Thank you.
Awesome, glad it was helpful.
The leveling button!! 10 yrs with my machine and I had no idea. Thank you!
Awesome.
Ahhh this video is EXACTLY what I needed! i looked like this 😮 the entire time I was watching! Absolutely following and saving this video for reference!
Wonderful!
Great tips, thank you! I’ve been sewing for 50 years, mostly self-taught. I learned a few new tricks here. Keep up the great work!
You are so welcome!
I have two tips to pass along, do not use old thread, it can pill up and break, and change needles often. Needles eventually have burrs which have all kinds of problems.
Thanks so much for sharing!
8/9/'24 *** JAN, I'M CAROL, I'VE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW. I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS TO YOU. YOU ARE SO NICE, FRIENDLY, PLEASENT TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO, YOUR VOICE IS EVEN SOTHING. YOU DO THE "BEST" JOB AT EXPLAINING WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I THANK YOU SO MUCH! SOMETIMES I HAVE TO GO BACK AND LISTEN TO A CERTAIN PART AGAIN, BUT I ALWAYS GET IT. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! ***
You are so welcome
... I love you for telling us what that button on the J foot is.. I've always wondered and couldn't figure out what it did or was!!
Thompson Steven Brown Shirley Anderson David
Totally agree with the hand weight! I had my thumb joint replaced a year and a half ago. I bought 10 lb. hand weight to help with cutting fabric while I was recuperating. I still use it, because I have found that my cuts are more accurate. Just like you said, "game changer."
❤️
Thank you for the weight on the ruler hack. This is something I have trouble with. I'm going to try it.
You are so welcome!
Thanks for sharing these tips! I can’t wait to check out your other videos. 😊
You are so welcome!
what machines do you recommend? i have a husqvarna, but dont love it. its a bit complicated and sensitive. thanks
So glad that i found your channel. Brilliant tips that will make me get my machine out again. I'm a novice and just gave up after all the things in this video happened!
Thank you so much for sharing. Denise from England 😊
I'm so glad you found me too. YOU GOT THIS!
The hand weight!! Tried it today and my life is changed!! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Great tips Jan. A longer stitch works well, too, for machine binding a quilt. It allows the stitched edge to lay down flatter, eliminating the flanging look if a shorter stitch is used. We all know that "Shift Happens". I have an antique hand iron (my grandmother's I think). I put felt strips on it so that it will not scratch my rulers.
Stitch issues: In addition to rethreading, check your needle to ensure that it is (1) compatible with your thread; or if it is past it's useful life and needs changing.
Great advice. Thanks for sharing.
The best way I know of to keep control of my foot pedal is to barefoot it.
Me too!
sounds good
Jones Joseph Martinez Susan Martinez Donald
thank you for that tip, I been sewing for years and did not know how to stop the problem when my presser foot tilted up and skipped stitches
In hack #6, which is for slipping foot pedal, I don’t have that problem. I know not everyone has a start/stop button on their sewing machines, but my last 2 machines have had them. My friends that sew say they like control of the speed, but I’m so used to using these buttons, that I can’t imagine using a foot pedal anymore.
That’s wonderful. I need to get used to those buttons and use them more
This was helpful for me ,thank you❣💯
I loved the idea of putting the sticky stuff under the foot pedal. So simple why didn't I think of it!!! And the starter piece is a great idea too!. Such a calm and easy presentation. The idea of using a emery board to lift the foot when sewing over the thck fabric. Had never heard of the thumb bumper! Thanks for the good ideas!
You are so welcome
Robinson Matthew Hernandez Margaret Walker Donna
These are great tips, thank you so much! I use rubber bands to keep my foot peddle in place…..easy!
Great tip! Thanks for sharing
When I worked my way through college in a custom drapery shop. I loved it more than school. I finished school. My mom was a professional sewer along with the neighbor across the street with small kids. I babysat often. They both taught me how to sew since I was 12. I’m 61 now. The wonderful lady I worked for taught me that the first time she instructed me on sewing a certain item, you whip up a string of the item, such as flanged pillows, ❤for a period of time and later you move onto another project for a while. When then come back to the original item, you forget the minor steps. She told me she would teach it a second time and the person would never forget how to do it!
Thanks so much for sharing. Good advice.
Great tips! I just got the seam jumper tool and wish i had it 15 cozy bowl ago. Where did you get your snips? I have a pair just like them that I used at the jeans factory. Love them. (Worked at Levis for 14 years, sewing almost all operations and machines as a pinch hitter then an Instructor. What I learned then has come in handy now that I'm retired and sewing gifts.).
Thanks. I have two pair. The first pair was from working at a sewing factory as well during college. I have another pair that you can get here. geni.us/1xH1Mp3
For 2 inch pieces lower the stitch count to 240 so it does not go into the machine. Always use a leader.
Most of us who have been sewing for over 65 years don’t have fancy accessories. We don’t want the endless talk. Can’t be bothered. From the UK.
Hope you found something helpful
Thank you! I learned something new today. The serger tips were so helpful!
You are so welcome!
I love this video! Very informative! I didn’t know what the little button was for before today! The weights idea was appreciated too! I cut the tip of my finger off one time because the ruler slipped. I was a little more careful after that!!! I will be checking it more of your videos!!! Thank you!!!
You are so welcome!
Great hacks ever & I’ve been sewing professionally for over 20 yrs x
Thanks. You are so kind!
Thompson Shirley Clark Mary Jones Thomas
Thank you so much Jen those tips were very helpful 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️
You are so welcome!
Hi. I make quilted pouches and tote bags and am looking for a new machine. Can you suggest one which serves my purpose and not very expensive. I line in India.
Here is a post that you may find helpful. There are so many options, this will give you some tips of what to look for.
youmakeitsimple.com/2023/06/17/6-important-things-to-know-before-buying-a-sewing-machine/
Thank you! I didn't know about the black button on my J foot. I'm going to use it today! ❤
awesome!
Thank you sooo Much for your videos! You are such a great help!
Williams Melissa Taylor Jason Martinez Shirley
Ty. You always tech me something. You are appreciated
Thanks. You are so kind!
I use a cork backed ruler with my rotary cutter. It’s not transparent but it doesn’t slip. Great tips, thank you. Subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you!
Great ideas especially rethreading your machine when it gets wonky! Thank you 😊
You are so welcome!
Can I ask you why I'm sowing back way thank you Nanette
Great tip ideas, liked the weight on a ruler, I thought I was the only one that couldn’t cut straight with a ruler! T he button on the J foot is new one and starting and finishing seam on the serger was great. That you for all this info. you always check me through with great tutorials.
Thanks. You are so kind!
Smith Paul Martin Mark White Donald
I’ve been using a 5lb kettle ball on my long ruler and it works great.
wonderful
Dziękuję i pozdrawiam.
Are there any tips for embroidery of ornaments? And if you have inf for how to do it.
Thank you so much. You’ve inspired me to have another go! I have a question that I find bugs me a lot. Do I really need a serger or overlocker to sew with jersey and stretch fabrics? Or is there any way I could do without one? I can’t afford to buy one so am I doomed to having to make everything from cotton fabric? Thank you x
Though I don't have as much experience as many on this thread, I have read that it is not necessary in most situations. You can use pinking shears or a rotary pinking blade, sew zig zag, use a French seam, or try other seam finishes.
@@susanbranchepoteet3175 thank you so much! I’ll give it a try.
@@susanbranchepoteet3175 Those options will work for finishing seams on wovens. I think the original question was about needing a serger in order to sew knits.
You absolutely do not need a serger to sew knits. We did this for years before home sergers became available. Your sewing machine likely has a zig zag stitch. That’s really all you need. The zig zag stretches with the fabric. There are also some utility stitches that are on most machines that will work very well to mimic a serger type stretch stitch. I suggest experimenting with your stitches on some knit fabric. Get out that manual (most manuals are available online if for some reason you don’t have one). Since most knits don’t fray (one thread, not a warp & weft like a woven) you don’t need to worry about finishing the seams, although a clean finish will always look better. Also, there are you tube videos on how to sew knits with a regular sewing machine. 😊Good luck!
@@denisedorsey2889 I can’t thank you enough for that advice Denise. It sounds obvious to experiment with the many stitches my machine will do, but it’s the one thing that I’ve never even considered as my confidence has been so low. I’ve a good range of worn-out garments too bad to be recycled or given to charity, so I’ll be no worse off for having a good go at that. This is a sewing -life-changing moment for me. I can’t wait to get started. I’m very grateful for you taking the time to reply. Happy sewing!
Clark Laura Walker Brenda Robinson William
Your machine sounds like your needle needs to be changed!
Thanks for your video. Really learned finally how to use that black button! I find that the shelf liner does not grip my carpet. I keep searching for a solution for that.
ahhh, yes the rubber fabric wouldn't be too helpful for that. I'll think on that one.
Velcro dots/strips stuck on the bottom of the foot pedal?
Try a silicone pot holder. They are thicker and a bit heavier and may work on carpet.
I use the wights its a wonderful hack.
Been sewing 60 years...had No idea what the button on the foot was for!!! Thanks.
Same 😅😊
You are so welcome
This is such a helpful video. Thank you so much!
These tips are ACTUALLY amazing!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom :)
Thank you so much for explaining the hump jumper!
You are so welcome!
I have been using a lead fabric to prevent the fabric from being pulled down the throat plate. After I sew a few inches, I cut it off the seam and sew it onto it at the end of the seam. Then I sew long enough to to cut the project off but not enough to sew off the lead. I leave it under the presser foot with needle down so I'm ready for the next seam.
Thanks for sharing.
I am new to this channel and want to start sewing at age 47
Awesome. Never too late.
Wow! You shared very good tips! Thanks you so much!
You are so welcome!