Terrific TIPS and Helpful HINTS

WHIMSY STYLE SEWING!

Sewing "Whimsically" with beautiful fabrics, ribbons and trims is so much fun, and by following a few simple tips it can be super easy, too!!!

• Bright colored fabrics & ribbons can bleed when washed.  Pre-wash and set dyes by soaking in warm water and adding a 1/2 t. of salt and 1/4 c. white vinegar to each gallon of water.  Rinse and hand wash with mild soap.  Repeat if rinse water is not clear.  Hang to dry pressing with a warm iron when almost dry.
  
• Because a bias binding does not use a seam allowance, trim fabric along seam lines before binding.
• Press spaghetti bias as you shape curves for smooth designs and sharper curves.
• To keep pinning board clean and glue-free, cover with a kitchen trash bag or pillowcase.
• Take the time to stay stitch accurately.  These stitched lines are used as guides to quickly turn under edges and add trims.
• Children can't help but twist beads, stitch twice, if possible, and double knot ends.

 
  

GREAT GATHERS

For smooth gathers and threads that won't break, try these tips:

• Always sew two rows of gathering threads, one just above and one just below stitching line.
• Always stop and start threads at seams
• Sew gathering threads with a longer stitch, but not too long.  Use a setting of 3.0 for fine fabrics and up to 4.5 for heavy fabrics.
• Sew gathering threads with polyester or poly/cotton blend thread ~ this type of thread is much stronger than 100% cotton.

   

 

IMPROVE YOUR SEWING IN JUST A MINUTE!

Having taught sewing and embellishing across the country, I have found that some very basic (and timesaving) sewing techniques are often forgotten.  By taking the time to do these simple steps, you will not only save sewing time and frustration, but the finished garment will fit better, too!  So the question is, can you spare a minute?

• Read all instructions completely before you begin
• Pre-wash to pre-shrink fabrics & trims
• Pin pattern pieces to fabric & cut accurately
• Transfer all markings ~ they are there to help
• Use correct seam allowances & measure to be sure
• Glue baste trims ~ it is endlessly easier than pins
• Use the right tool for the job ~ specialty feet can simplify sewing
• Refer to the instructions often when sewing

INTERFACING YOKES

Interfacing a yoke is a great way to add body and stability, but eliminating the interfacing from being in seam allowances helps to decrease bulk.

How to Make an INTERFACING PATTERN PIECE:

1.  Trace yoke pattern on a piece of paper

2.  Unthread the sewing machine and sew along seam line making holes in paper

3.  Trim paper along the holes to make a yoke pattern piece without seam allowances for interfacing

*  Be sure to label pattern piece and save for future use!

 

Comments

[Jane Israel]

Kari;
I love your sewing with whimsy books and patterns. I have two grandaughters that I sew for and your patterns and instructions are sew easy to follow. I am currently working on their summer wardrobe and had a question. I would like to make my grandaughters matching dresses using the Spring FLing pattern. I need to modify the pattern for a child size five. Not sure exactly how I should go about doing this.

Jane

[Tana Griffith]

Thank you for the wonderful tips. I will be making my granddaughter Thanksgiving and Christmas dresses and these tips will definitely be used.

[Sherrie Williams]

Thanks for the tips they are so helpful. I really enjoy your site.

[Denise Baird]

These hints are VERY helpful. Thanks

[Shanna]

Thanks so much, Kari, for these wonderful tips! Several of them are things I've never even heard before and they will definitely make my sewing SEW much easier!

[Bonnie Tricoche]

I love your creativity and I have enjoyed your first book. I sew for six grandaughters.