When a deadline is near, shortcuts can mean the difference
between it being wise or foolish for an expert or novice to
undertake a sewing project. For those home sewers who
dislike detail, or those whose temperaments demand that a
project must go quickly, shortcuts can mean the difference
between continued interest or giving up sewing completely.
Quality must not be sacrificed, and it needn't be if the
entire project is viewed with shortcuts in mind. Consider
some of the following shortcut suggestions.
* Rely on easy-to-sew patterns. Easy patterns have fewer
pieces, fewer seams and fewer hard to follow details.
* Utilize items which are already available. A favorite
chain or leather belt or scarf can eliminate the need for
making a belt or collar.
* If you have a more-than-one size figure, it may be easier
for you to purchase separate sizes in patterns for the top
and bottom of a garment, just as when buying ready to wear.
Or buy patterns styled for your easiest fit that have a
minimum of "fitting" requirements.
* Avoid difficult fabrics - ravelly ones, or those that do
not feed easily, or the one-way naps. Shun fabric designs
that require careful matching such as one-way stripes, plaids
or large designs.
* Cut the fabric with right-sides together; the wrong side
will then be exposed for quick marking.
* Sew the center seams right after removing the pattern from
the fabric.
* When you reach the end of a seam, and before fastening off,
check to see if there is another seam that can be fed into
the machine; this will make fewer starts and stops, and
clipping of loose threads.
* When you don't have a second seam to feed into the machine,
always clip the threads "as you go" to eliminate the need
for finding and clipping all loose threads when finished
with the project.
* Substitute basting tape or basting-adhesive glue stick for
basting stitches whenever practical, even for holding zippers
in place. This will eliminate the need to spend time on
removal of basting stitches.
* With fusible webbing, fuse pockets in position for top-
stitching; fuse hems instead of hand sewing them; fuse
facings. (Of course the use of this shortcut would be
determined by the type of fabric being used).
* When practical, sew in sleeves before sewing the side
seams and sleeve seams. If done in this manner, you can
make one "side seam" stitching from the cuff to the waist
or to the hem of the garment.
About the author:
Sarah J. Doyle is author of over 25 sewing, craft and how-to
books, as well as author of online pattern making, sewing and
craft classes. Visit LearnHowtoSew.com for more tips and how-to information on sewing and crafting.
(c) Copyright 2004, Sarah J. Doyle. All Rights Reserved.
I am trying to sew the velcro with adhesive on material to make a shelf curtain, but the adhesive gets on the needle and causes the thread to break. do you have any suggestions on how to accomplish this without breaking the thread.
Reply to Joan
andrea – nh
Mar 29, 2009 - 08:06
I did the same thing! Then I found that the fabric stores carry rolls of velcro with adhesive on one side and not on the other. So, you can sew the soft side of the velcro onto your drape with adhesive getting stuck on your needle. Good luck
Evelyn – Colorado
Dec 18, 2008 - 12:05
I am making cushion covers for a gift. There is piping all the way around, top and bottom. I am using commercial piping, which comes in lengths of 3 yards. How do I connect one length of piping to the next with having a large bulky spot?
Reply to Evelyn
Rachael
May 20, 2009 - 12:13
Before you get to the end, take the new piece you are going to continue with and undo some of the stitching so you can get access to the cording on the inside. Undo about 2 inches on the new piece cut an inch of the cord away on the new piece, fold the fabric (1/2" fold)(so no raw edges are visible), lay over the raw edge that you left off with until the cords meet, position fabric, continue with sewing. I like to join all cording before I start sewing so no start and stop stuff. Sorry for being so choppy, not much time to post.
Anna – New York
Sep 25, 2008 - 10:45
Is it possible to use tape to hem as opposed to using a needle on insulated curtains? If so, what kind of tape, and where can it be purchased?
Jane – U.K.
Sep 18, 2008 - 13:45
Can I use polycotton for patchwork and quilting and for background for applique? Jane.
barbara – Indiana
May 14, 2008 - 17:34
when making a small star for a pillow how can i make it not have raw edges, need tip on how to make folded looking edges, i have tried everything i know there is a way just cant figure it out
Reply to barbara
Jane – Editor of AllFreeCrafts
May 15, 2008 - 01:07
Are you trying to applique the star to the pillow front? If so, you can use iron-on interfacing to attach the star, or you can use tiny hand-sewn stitches around the edges, folding the edges in just a little to get the look you want.
