Sewing Mistakes to Avoid

 All of us, even the "old pros" (like me) make mistakes. For the majority, those mistakes come from habits that we've cultivated over time. And once they become routine, they require time and work to dispose of. 

What are some common mistakes in the sewing world? These are a few that I've observed. Some I have broken, some I can't seem to keep out of my quilting life, and some I've observed while teaching quilting classes.

Not taking care the sewing machine. Let's start at the most important part of your hobby, your machine. It can be a cheap, "beginner" version or an expensive, top-of-the-line dream machine. It's a machine, even if you gave it a name. If cared for, any machine can last for years: we have 100 year old machines still in use today. I assure you they were cleaned, oiled, and maintained. 

Suggestions: When tension becomes an issue, first rethread the machine, check the needle and bobbin. Still have an issue? Here's the way I figure it out: Change thread so that you have different, but bright, colors in the top and bottom. Using scraps create layers to get the same thickness as your project. Sew a line on the scrap fabric and check the stitches. The different colors make seeing the stitches easier and tells you which tension to adjust. Make tiny adjustments (right is tight, left is loose) and sew a line of stitches to check between each adjustment. Correct the top tension before the bobbin tension if both are needed.

Search Youtube for videos on how to care for your particular machine. Watch several videos before you choose one and regularly clean and oil your machine. How often depends on how much you use it. Never blow air into the machine; be extra careful if you use a vacuum; check your manual for oiling the machine and don't overdo it.

Listen carefully for different sounds when you sew. Every new sound means you should look for a problem. Possibilities include cleaning and oiling, rethread and check tension, checking bobbin and bobbin tension, looking for needle issues, and looking for project or fabric issues. 

Not taking care of tools and gadgets. Your tools include every toy, gadget, and item in your sewing space. Take care of them and they will make your sewing life a joy. 

Suggestions: Keep scissors sharp and never use on paper. Change rotary blades as needed and engage the safety when not in use. 

Occasionally wipe items with a damp clothe to clean and dust. Give away items you don't use and organize tools so that you aren't wasting time searching. 

Discard bent pins, blades and other sharp objects carefully. (I drop them into used plastic containers and tape it closed.) 

Using the wrong needle. Change your needle when you begin a new project and choose the right needle for the thread and fabric in your project. Needle companies make needles of every style, size and application, so it is possible find the best needle for your project. Here are three easy steps:

1. Start with the project fabric: What kind of fabric are you using? How heavy is it? How finicky is it? How will your project be used? 

2. Choose thread: Thread should match more than just the color of the fabric. Unless the goal is to achieve some special technique, match the fabric as closely as possible in content and weight. Content refers to what the fabric is made of, such as natural fibers, polyester, etc. Weight refers to the strength and size of the thread. For example, if you are sewing a tote with a heavy duck cotton canvas, you need a thick cotton or polycotton thread that can stand up to the uses of your tote. However, if you're using hefty thread, you need a needle with a large eye and scarf, the dip in the needle shaft that allows the thread to feed easily into the eye. 

3. Choose your needle: In general, the needle shaft and the needle point should accommodate the fabric, while the eye should accommodate the thread. Naturally you don't want the needle to damage the fabric, so choose a needle based on the type of fabric you are using and the thread size. 

A great place to learn about needles and thread is the Superior Thread website. Needle companies have made things easier. For example, embroidery needles are specially designed to accommodate both embroidery thread and a variety of commonly used fabrics and stabilizers. *But don't expect an embroidery needle to sew that tote bag we discussed earlier.

I have more tips and tricks to share with you, but for now...