patch-work can be much simpler if you follow some of these suggestions:
- When piecing quilts, work with a “security cover” (a smallish bit of scrap cloth) to start your piecing so the cloth fabric and threads don’t jam up when starting to chain sew.
Having trouble quilting with metallic thread and having lots of thread breaks? Try decreasing the thread tension.
Fix on the tape measure to the side to your stitching desk with self stick velcro for simple and fast access
Keep a little magnet inside your sewing basket. Use it to pick up any pins that fall on the floor.
If stitching needles get corroded or dull, wipe them softly with fine steel wool to bring them back to life.
Always leave some thread in the needle before placing it in a pin cushion. You’ll be able to spot it quicker.
Work with nice and clean, dry plastic-type egg cartons to keep thread.
Store pattern items and their envelopes in self-sealing bags so that you can see the pattern.
When patchwork pieces are accomplished, run doubled length of thread through a pile of patches, departing the knotted end from the thread at the bottom of the stack. They will stay together and you may display each one as required.
When you stitch on buttons, coat the thread with wax. Basically run it around a candle more than once. This will make the thread stronger helping getting it through the holes.
For clean, sharp and handy pins and needles, use a covered steel wool pad as a pin cushion.
Keep a chopstick in your quilting basket for all poking and stuffing needs.
If you are not certain where the seam is lying when you’re quilt-making in the ditch, place a lamp or torch under the quilt and the seam allowances can be seen.
When using pinking shears always have textile involving the blades. Never open and shut the cutting blades with out cloth fabric between them, this will dull the cutting blades.
Use a low melting temp. glue gun when you use net, tulle or sheer synthetic material. 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 use. Additionally, it washes out straight away
Steer clear of the annoyance of threading frayed edges by folding thread in two, and yanking the smooth edge with the needle
To Open that jammed Zip: Rub the teeth with a bar of soap or spray with shaving cream.
Soap makes an perfect Pin Cushion: Use a bar of soap to make sewing easier and the needle just slides through hard fabric and materials.
Photo film storage containers are fantastic safe way to store bent needles and pins.
To check a quilt pattern far away, put the pieces on a backed table cloth, and hang it up someplace to see what the quilt will look like done.
Save your time and avoid eye strain by threading a number of needles onto your quilting thread without cutting it off the spool.
Safety first! Never run holding sharp scissors or pins .
if you cut yourself, make sure you do not bleed on the material
When ironing a bias strip turn off the steam on the iron so that you wont burn your fingers.
Never ever make use of a sewing scissers for cutting paper; it blunts them.
For more patchwork tips, fabrics and accessories visit www.patchwork-online.com.au
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