Patchwork will be much easier if you follow some of these recommendations:
- When chain piecing quilts, work with a “security cover” (a smaller bit of scrap cloth) to start your chain piecing therefore the textile and threads do not jam up when starting to chain sew.
Having difficulty stitching with metallic thread and having plenty of thread breaks? Test lowering the thread tension.
Affix the tape-measure to the side of the sewing desk with self stick velcro for simple and fast access
Keep a little magnet inside your stitching basket. use it to grab any pins that fall on the floor.
If sewing needles get rusty or dull, rub them gently 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 spot it a lot quicker.
Use thoroughly clean, dry plastic egg cartons to store thread.
Store pattern items and their envelopes in self-sealing bags so that you can see the pattern.
When patch-work creations are completed, run double length of thread through a pile of patches, departing the twisted end in the thread towards the bottom of the stack. They will stay collectively and you can display each one as needed.
When you stitch on buttons, coat the thread with wax. Simply run it around a candle more than once. This makes the thread stronger helping getting it with the holes.
For clean, sharp and handy pins and needles, make use of a covered steel wool pad as a pin cushion.
Keep a chopstick in your sewing basket for all poking and stuffing needs.
If you’re not certain where the seam is lying when you’re quilt-making in the ditch, place a lamp or torch beneath the quilt and the seam allowances can be seen.
When using pinking shears also have cloth between your blades. Never open and close the cutting blades without having material between them, this will dull the blades.
Use a low melt glue gun when you use net, tulle or sheer synthetic material. A hot glue gun will burn you and also melt the cloth.
Keep soap slivers in the freezer to use as markers for quilts. This keeps soap hard and easier to use. It also washes out without delay
Stay away from the frustration of threading frayed edges by folding thread in half, and pulling the smooth edge from the needle
To Open that trapped Zipper: Rub the teeth with a bar of soap or spray with shaving creme.
Soap makes an perfect Pin Cushion: Use a bar of soap to make stitching easier and the needle just slides through hard fabric and materials.
Photo film containers are fantastic and safe solution to store bent needles and pins.
To examine a quilt pattern at a distance, put the pieces on a backed table cloth, and hang it up someplace to see what the quilt may be 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 happen to cut yourself, make sure you don’t bleed on the cloth
When ironing a bias strip shut off the steam on the iron so you don’t burn your fingertips.
Never ever make use of a sewing scissors for cutting paper; it blunts them.
For more patchwork tips, fabrics and accessories visit www.patchwork-Online.com.au
