Save Fabric Scraps

There are always bits of fabric left over from big sewing projects. Apart from scarves and scrunchies, here are a few things you might not have thought of for using up your scraps

1. You can make unique jewellery pieces like fabric bracelets or earrings by cutting and sewing small pieces together.

2. Combine several scraps to make coasters or placemats, adding a pop of colour to your dining table.

3. Small keychains or bag fobs from fabric scraps make a quick and easy project.

4. Last but not least, you can always practice new sewing techniques or patterns without the pressure of using new fabric.

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Maintain Your Machine

Maintaining your sewing machine really makes a difference for smooth running, clean results and a more enjoyable sew.

There is nothing worse than the machine jamming right in the middle of a project. Cleaning and oiling regularly help prevent that.

Clean the bobbin case, feed, and other accessible areas regularly using a soft brush or a vacuum attachment. This helps remove dust and lint that can clog up the machine.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions on where and how to oil your machine. Not all machines require oiling, but those that do should be oiled regularly to keep the parts moving as they should.

Make sure to cover your machine when not in use.

A well-running machine makes for happy sewing! 

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Tailors Chalk

Tailor’s chalk can make all the difference in sewing. Chalk has been used for thousands of years but heat-sensitive and water-soluble pens are now available.

Here are our tips on how to use chalk or specialist pens for a perfect finish:

1. Trace around your pattern pieces on fabric to help ensure accurate cutting and alignment.

2. Draw straight lines for hems, seams, or darts to help maintain straight lines. T

3. Mark the fabric grainline to ensure your pieces are cut in the correct direction, which is important for fabric drape and pattern matching.

Tailor’s chalk and handy modern alternatives like friction pens and water-soluble pens make temporary marks that disappear completely making them an excellent sewing secret weapon. They’re cheap to buy too!

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Mind The Tension

Tension is crucial to successful machine sewing.

To create a good finish, you need to ensure that the tension of the top thread is set correctly for the fabric you’re using.

If the tension is too tight, the thread may break, and you might see puckering on the fabric.

If the tension is too loose, you may see loops of thread on the underside of the fabric and a lack of control over the stitches.

Consult your machine manual to find out how to adjust the tension and always test the setting on a scrap of the fabric you’re using.

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Use a Seam Ripper

A seam-ripper is a must-have tool for any sewer. Whether you need to correct a mistake or take apart garments for upcycling, it’s the neatest and cleanest way to cut through stitches.

“Don’t be tempted to use your scissors.”“Insert the ripper blade carefully under the stitch and slice through it. Press the fabric afterwards to prepare it for re-sewing.”

Next times you’re sewing make sure your have your seam-ripper on standby.

https://www.zaramiaava.com/conscious-stitching-sewing-tips

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Masking Tape

Whether you’re sewing a quilt or a garment, masking tape is great for helping to ensure your machine-sewn lines are straight. Here’s how to create a guide:

1. Prepare the fabric pieces that you want to sew

2. Get your masking tape

3. Use a craft knife to cut though about 5 layers of tape and peel off about 30cm. Cut the tape

4. Stick the tape to the bed of your machine at the seam allowance mark that you want and then carefully stick it down the side of the machine and on to your sewing table.

5. Butt the fabric up against the little ledge that has been created by the tape and feed the fabric along as you sew.

Tada! Easy straight lines!

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Press Seams As You Go

Introducing our Sewing Tips series!

Our founder Zara-Mia will be sharing practical tips and techniques to help you elevate your sewing and achieve a clean, professional finish.

“Pressing seams after sewing seams helps to create a professional finish and can make it easier to sew the next step accurately,” she says.

“Use the right temperature for the fabric and make sure you lift the iron and press it on to the fabric rather than ironing backwards and forwards as this can stretch the fabric.”

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