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How to avoid common sewing mistakes

There is no easy way to master the art of sewing. A thumb rule to achieve success is to start small and gradually add new skills and get experienced. Taking classes and learning new tips can help. To master the skills, you need practice.

When you start your sewing journey, mistakes will come as obvious. Sometimes, it is the the most convenient way to learn. However, to save yourself from frustration, it’s good to educate yourself on some common sewing mistakes before you make them. Have a look at some common mistakes:

Measure and then cut 

Inaccurate cutting is one of the worst  sewing mistakes. The main reason behind this is not aligning with the fabric grain lines. So, it’s best to lay your cloth on a table or a flat, clean surface. Make sure the parts are not hanging over the edge as it may pull it out of shape.

Finally, check that the pattern pieces are perfectly aligned with the grainlines, before cutting.

Using the wrong thread or needle

Always be sure to use the right type of needle required for your fabric. There are universal needles which are commonly used for  most fabrics.

Match the needle size to the type of fabric. So, thicker the fabric larger should be the needle circumference.

Not using your presser foot properly

The presser foot in the machine holds the fabric in place. A common mistake that you’ll make is forgetting to put it in “down” position before you begin to sew. It causes the fabric to jump around. This is frustrating, isn’t it?

Before you start rolling your machine make sure you take care of the presser foot.

Sewing tension

Tensioning is a skill which is difficult to master. Even the most experienced sewers struggle with it. It is responsible for the tension on the spool of thread. At times when you get uneven stitching, it’s a result of uneven thread tension. More so is the case with heavy duty sewing machines. So, before you begin sewing, use test fabrics to check your tensioning. Take note of your setting before you adjust the tension dials.

Choosing a difficult pattern style

It’s always a good practice to start from a beginner level first and then slowly move on to more advanced level. Rushing to challenging projects right from day one is not a good idea. You will end up spoiling your fabric. Therefore you must start with basic techniques and gradually move on to more complex patterned stitches.

Handling multiple projects at the same time

As a beginner, you might be excited to get started. You probably want to sew every fabric you see around.

But it is recommended that you first finish a project before starting next. You don’t want to mess up your fabric by doing that.

Completing a project one at a time is a good motivator not just to start but finish future projects.

Test before you sew

It is one of the essential things you should do to avoid making mistakes in your final piece.

Once you cut the pattern pieces and are ready to sew, take a scrap of the fabric to test the machine needle, the stitch length and the stitching tension. If your needle is worn out, it will skip stitches and may snag the material. A simple test will set the stitching parameters for your project and avoid ruining your first set of stitches.

Quick tip- Use a manufacturer recommended sewing machine oil to ensure smooth functioning in the long run.

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Written by CaitlynBell

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