Ten Sewing Hacks You Should Know
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Hello Shiny Crafty People and welcome back to the channel!
Today I'm talking about ten sewing hacks you should know.
These aren't all new, but they might be new to those who don't sew a lot. And since I make this channel mostly for people who are either new to sewing or who haven't sewn in a while, I hope you will find something here you hadn't thought of before.
Stay tuned to the end for my top 3 favorites and don't miss future videos, since I actually made a list of 30+ hacks but didn't want to overload you with a super long video today!
Until next time, stay crafty!
Mat cleaning: Instead of wasting some of your lint roller, use the industrial foam that comes in packaged items nowadays. It last forever and really removes the sewing poop wedged in crevices in your cutting mat.
Bobbins: Definitely a great hint for winding extra bobbins before starting a project!
Assign a certain fingernail polish color to a certain thread weight and put a tiny little dab of that color on bobbins that have that weight thread wound on it...and make sure to use the correct bobbin for the correct thread weight going forward. E.g., I use red for 50 weight thread and black for 40 weight thread.
Power strips: I use inexpensive clamping lights with metal umbrellas (to make them brighter) all over my sewing studio to light up those areas. I plug these lights into the same power strip as the items they're lighting. In other words, if the light over the ironing board is on, so is the iron. If the light over the sewing machine is on, so is the sewing machine. Etc.
Zippers: Instead of waiting to find a zipper from a broken item or elsewhere, buy them by the yard. They are less much less expensive than buying individual zippers. And it's not hard at all to put on a zipper head. If you don't believe me, google: Use a fork to put on a zipper head (Note: If you get zippers by the yard, put on all the zipper heads at once so you don't lose them...and don't do what I did and put on a couple backwards.)
Notes: For note taking I use a smaller write-on/wipe-off board. That way I can make adjustments while I'm doing testing on the fabric or project. Then, when the seam allowance/needle type/stitch length/etc. is fully tested and I know what's needed, that's when write it on a piece of paper and put it at the pertinent station for reference. I have multiple stations in my sewing studio (2 ironing, 1 cutting, and 1 sewing) and each one has a place for these project reference notes.
Putting things into a plastic bag: When you put everything needed for a project together, you just created a kit and you have "kitted your project". I prefer using plastic bins I find at thrift stores to kit a project as they last longer than plastic bags. Just remember, whatever is inside the plastic bag can't breathe which isn't a good thing if you don't get too it soon enough.
Fabric info: Cut off a the portion of the selvedge that has the color dots on it and, using a pen, write the name of the fabric along with the color number the date you got it, and where you purchased it (the fabric collection, designer, and manufacturer if you have that info too). This way you have all the info you need to find more fabric. If you can't find that fabric anymore at least you have the color dots to take with you to match it to fabric that's currently in stores.
Measuring tape: This is a very handy tip. However, if you glue a real measuring tape in front of your sewing machine, because it has some thickness to it, there's a chance it can accidentally work it's way loose because of the fabric or your arms brushing over it when you sew. Get an actual stick on measuring tape (it is actually accurate and is like washi tape). I applied this to my my sewing table, it's been there for an number of years, I sew constantly, and it's only now needing to be replaced - just pull it up and apply some new tape when needed. It's inexpensive too.
I use the lint roller on my cutting mat and it works like a charm. Love it. Also if you are unpicking, you just roll the lint roller over the seam to pick up the bits of thread
I needed a long separating zipper to replace the zipper on a packable puffer coat, but could not find the right color or length that was affordable. At a thrift store I found a $6 child size sleeping bag that suited my needs. I used the zipper for my coat, then cut & hemmed the remainder of the sleeping bag into 4 pieces to use as reversible cat mats. The kitties love them!
Great tips. I keep a sticky note on my machine of what kind of needle is on the machine. Also with the date I changed the needle last.
That’s a great idea! I’m going to start doing that.
I’ve been sewing for 68 yrs and I learn a lot from you…this video one of the things is the lint roller in the sewing room..I’m always covered with thread….i buy those big bags at the dollar store and use them for sewing projects..takes up much less room than a tote
It's amazing how you can still find new things to learn after all these years!
You are always full of useful ideas! Thank you!
I'm glad you found them helpful!
You can take apart dog/cat harnesses for the parts and the leadhes mske good bag handles. The plastic parts are good when you dont need heavy duty parts for heavy items. When clothing gets stained i cut apart the good parts , cloth, buttons, zippers to reuse. Especially cotton shirts and jacket zippers.
So smart! Great tips.
Fabric and zippers from pop-up tents are great. Some of them have walls that have zippers too.
Check for short pieces of hook/loop fastener that hold the fabric to the metal bars and legs.
Camping tents may have failed fabric (leaks etc) but functional zippers of many lengths and other fabric (mesh) and hardware (buckles, grommets to sew onto, parts from the storage bags).
Buckles, webbing, snaps and rings can be salvaged from backpacks, purses, dog collars and harnesses, kids gear. The list is endless, just need to look with your mind open to the possibilities.
Love you Tim!
Love the project bag idea and writing down fabric info on receipt! I've been sewing forever but always looking for new tricks!
The zipper idea is brilliant! Thank you! These tips are all good!
You are welcome! I'm glad you like them.
The Dollar Tree has many items with zippers to use. One is an under the bed bag with a huge one for $1.25.
Awesome!
Timothy's videos are always worth the time to watch😊
Thanks for the tips Tim!
I use the large zipper bags to put my washed and ready to sew fabric in (I don't have shelves) then I put the bags in a bin.
Painters tape is a great thing to have too. I write my needle and stitch info on a piece and stick it too my machine for each project. If I don't finish something, I put the project in a bag along with the tape. Sometimes I use a post-it for the notes and the tape to stick it on. Note pads disappear as soon as I set them down.
A lightweight blanket for batting, is a great idea thanks, wow love the zipper idea your great
You are very welcome!
I unpick my fave old clothes and keep the zippers! Then I make a pattern. I made a stitch “book” out of fabric with the stitches on it and the sewing details like width and length, other settings, thread used etc. I use large lunch boxes or buscuit(cookie) tins to store my projects in! Fabric: if you can, keep the selvedge. It has the name, colours, etc and write where you bought it!
I recently bought a stick on measuring tape to place on my sewing table. Invaluable!
I never realized how much I’d use it until I had one right next to me and now I’m always referring to it!
Thank you - for sharing these tips !!!
I use blue painter's tape instead of a lint roller. Right now, I've got an inside out loop on my sewing table. All those little threads and fabric bits get stuck to it, then thrown away. Better than having them wind around the vacuum! 😊
I'm always apprehensive with replacing zippers.
A tip... Make sure you have plenty of light in your workplace.
I wound add a bobin wineder ran by batteries or plug. Thank you for this video. It gave 😮me a lot of food for thought
I will show this to my Grandson has started sewing. I gave him a sewing machine and supplies.
Best of luck to him. My grandmothers taught me to sew and I cherish the connection it gave me to them. Happy sewing to you both!
I have several hacks: I write on the machine the sewing needle size with a washable marker because I cannot see the size nor remember. When I turn on my machine it defaults so I write on the machine my stitch settings. I steal the zippers off the tattered bags and backpacks.
Zipper bandit! Lol
Thank you heaps. Love your videos. 😊
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy them.
Great tips! I had no idea that a lint roller would take fluff out of my mat! Must remember to get a lint roller now!
I have a small ironing board next to my sewing machine desk so I can just turn and press as I go. It’s at the same height as my desk. The smaller size also means it’s not causing problems getting around the room.
I have a labeled bobbin case for each of my machines and a separate one for my quilting threads so I don't get the thread weights mixed up. Great ideas on where to find zippers. Thanks for sharing
Great video. I'm sharing with my sewing klatch. Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Another helpful and interesting video! Thanks Timothy!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Zip lock bags are a great idea, thank you for that
11:00 THE best tip EVER! Thank you 👍🏼
Happy to help!
As far as attaching a measuring tape, for those that have an IKEA nearby, they have paper yard strips that you can grab in the furniture section. It will be much thinner and you'd be less likely to catch your material on it (if you run clear tape over and down the length of it) - especially for recessed sewing machines.
That is a brilliant idea!
I would love a video on sewing machine needles, which can be very confusing, and also for serger needles, different kinds of bindings, and how to make them, you helped me many times, more on sewing hints and techniques instead of making something
Thank you for these terrific sewing hacks! I always learn so much from your videos😊
You are very welcome!
For those who have an embroidery machine, the lint roller is great for getting up those nipped threads when you finish the embroidery.
Great video! I wrote them all down. I was already using some but learned new ones too. Thank you
I’m so glad you found them helpful!
Great suggestions for newbies... n some of us old timers too... thank you !!!
You are so welcome!
I made a stitch template for hand sewing by stitching different lengths on strips of the plastic cutting mats from the dollar store
That is so clever!
Thanks for all your tips 🎉🎉
I am so glad you liked them!
Lots of good ideas, Tim. Thank you. 🙂🙃🙂
I also cut a scrap if the fabric and attach it to the paper or put in project bag. Thanks. Rick in Sacramento
That’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing it!
My grandmother used old blankets as quilt batting.! She would have been over 120 years old now!
Grandmothers are so resourceful!
Very good tips. I always enjoy your tip/hack videos. Happy crafting!!!
I am so glad you found them helpful! Happy crafting to you too!
1. Whenever I'm starting a new project, I make sure to get at least 2 spools of thread, and use one of them for winding bobbins. In other words, I don't just wind -A- bobbin, I use a whole spool of thread to wind bobbins, how ever many bobbins that spool will wind. That way, when that first bobbin runs out (and it always does, doesn't it?) I don't have to STOP EVERYTHING to wind another bobbin.
2. The measuring tape! I found a roll of tape that looks like masking tape, except it's got inch markings on it like a ruler! 1-12, handier than a pocket on a shirt. I use that at my sewing machine, and on every craft table I own. I call it ruler tape, and I've seen it where one might find washi tape in office supply stores, or maybe at some place like was mart.
Good tips. Thank you I have a chart for my needle type, size and date it was changed. If I’m sewing a project I list the project in case I need to make again.
Thanks❤❤❤
love these
You can also measure parts of your hand to get measurements. The space from the first joint on my thumb to a certain point on my nail is one inch. Love your reminders to write things down. Thanks!
👍🤗very helpful Tips Gracias
I am so glad you found them helpful! You’re welcome.
Dollar tree has 3 gallon marinading bags with a handle. Two in a package
Great to know! I’ll check it out next time I’m there.
❤❤❤
Great tips
Thanks for watching!
Great info! I do want to say that a lost of sleeping pillows have rolled up batting inside. Cheaper than buying it out right.
My husband bought me a vintage quilt at the thrift store that was batted with two Army blankets. That thing is heavy!
That quilt will keep you warm!
I save the selvage with information of fabric that I really love. I tend to end up with too many note pads full of information.
Amazon has ruler tapes .
That’s good to know.
Good morning
Sometimes I need a metric ruler and have to use my little pull out tape. Does anyone sell a cutting ruler with metric and inches?
I ordered rulers from temp and all of them were metric when I got them. I didn't want metri but that is what I got.
Hi sweetheart blessings use a piece of masking tape and then put the markings on your finger...🎉