Afghan Cross StitchingWhen cross stitching on an afghan, I use 2 ply yarn to do the cross stitching. It makes for less bulk.

With so much excitement about learning to sew, improving skills and easy sewing projects, I thought it would be a good time to pull together a list of all sorts of sewing tips and tricks for beginners, pros and everyone in between.

Even if you’ve been sewing for a long time, there are probably techniques you haven’t tried. And it’s fun to try new things right?

When winding your bobbin, run the machine slowly. This allows the thread to wind smoother, if you need help in this step read the Vinyl Cutting Machine Guide.

To prevent candles from smoking and make them last longer too, coat them with soap suds by rolling them between well lathered hands–but don’t touch the wick. Let them dry before lighting.

When clipping your thread end while quilting, lay your scissors blade sideways next to the thread and “saw ” the thread rather then clipping it, This prevents nipping of the material. ( ask me how I know this).

I keep an old toothbrush in my sewing machine drawer to brush the lint from my bobbin case, and for the bobbin to work properly you just cut the excess of tread each time so it won’t get stuck in the bobbin. Here you can find the best sewing scissors you can find to have at home for any project, strong, sharp and specially made for sewing.

If you will put fusible interfacing on the back of your patterns it will keep them from tearing and they will last longer.

 

To make a wonderful needle holder, cover a ball of fine steel wool with a piece of fabric. The steel wool keeps the needles in excellent condition.