Patchwork is often less of a challenge if you follow some of these hints:
- When chain piecing quilts, try a “protection blanket” (a smaller little bit of discarded cloth fabric) to start your piecing so the cloth fabric and threads do not jam up when starting to chain sew.
Having difficulty sewing with metallic thread and getting a lot of thread breaks? Test lowering the thread tension.
Fix on the tape measure to the side of the stitching desk with self stick velcro for fast and simple access
Keep a compact magnet in the stitching basket. Use it to get any pins that drop on the floor.
If sewing needles get corroded or dull, wipe them lightly with fine steel wool to bring them back to life.
Always leave some thread in the needle before putting it in a pin cushion. You’ll be able to find it faster.
Make use of fresh, dry plastic egg cartons to keep thread.
Store pattern pieces and their envelopes in self sealing bags so you can see the pattern.
When patch-work items are completed, run doubled length of thread through a pile of patches, departing the twisted end in the thread towards the bottom of the heap. They’ll stay collectively and you may display each one of these when needed.
When you stitch on buttons, coat the thread with wax. Simply run it around a candle a couple of times. This makes the thread stronger and helps getting it through the holes.
For thoroughly clean, razor-sharp and handy pins and needles, make use of a covered steel wool pad as a pin cushion.
Keep a chop stick in your sewing basket for all poking and stuffing needs.
If you’re not certain that the seam is lying when you’re quilt-making in the ditch, place a lamp or flashlight beneath the quilt and the seam allowances are easily seen.
Whenever using pinking shears also have material between your blades. Never close and open the blades without having cloth fabric together, this will dull the cutting blades.
Use a low melt glue gun when you use net, tulle or sheer synthetic fabric. A hot glue gun will burn you and also melt the cloth fabric.
Keep soap slivers in the freezer to use as marker pens for quilts. This keeps soap hard and easier to make use of. Additionally, it washes out without delay
Avoid the frustration of threading frayed edges by folding thread in two, and pulling the smooth edge from the needle
To Open that trapped Zip: Rub the teeth with a bar of soap or spray with shaving cream.
Soap makes an great Pin Cushion: Make use of a bar of soap to make sewing easier and the needle just slides through hard fabric and materials.
Photo film containers are fantastic safe solution to store bent needles and pins.
To examine a quilt pattern well away, place the portions on a backed table cloth, and hang it up someplace to see what the quilt will look like done.
Save your time and prevent eye strain by threading a number of needles onto your quilting thread without cutting it off the reel.
Safety first! Never run holding sharp scissors or pins .
if you cut yourself, be careful and do not bleed on the material
When ironing a bias strip shut off the steam on the iron so you will not burn your fingertips.
Never ever make use of a sewing scissers for chopping paper; it blunts them.
For more patchwork tips, fabrics and accessories visit www.patchwork-online.com.au