10 Sewing Tips to Take You to the NEXT LEVEL!!

[@tb1670]

Great tips. I’ve been sewing for 60 years and never knew many of the things you teach in your videos. You have a good balance of logic and creativity in your teaching style. Your students must love your classes.😊

[@CarrieC73]

Great tips, as always! I did want to add one note: that the amount of ease we need in various areas depends on our unique body shape and measurements (as well as the style). I would just take a tape measure and check your measurements standing vs sitting. For example, I have a short torso with a larger waist, and when I sit, my waist measuremt increases 2"....which affects not just the amt of ease needed, but sometimes the style of waistband or closure. I have to carefully evaluate zippers, ties, belts, and elastic usage and/or locations.

[@nancyingram966]

Back "in the day" (I started sewing in Jr High school in the early 60s) we were taught to use the term "stitching to the under". Same as what is now called "Understitching", which always gives me pause. Concerning serging- when I bring fabric home, it goes to the serger first before washing (IF it may fray during washing). So when I serge it the first time, THAT is the time to decide which is the right side of the fabric.....then I'll always know later which is the right and wrong side of the fabric. It helps me. Unfortunately, we all see "roping" in store bought clothing, especially in hems. Not all, but most have it. Thank you, Catherine, for giving others this info and reminding me of a few things. I do a lot of custom sewing, of non-clothing items and I ALWAYS have to think and rethink the process of combining pieces together, to get my finished product I want. I love all your videos!

[@Anotherprairiegirl]

I have a tip. It includes making the same garment more than once and by doing so you are familiar with the techniques and practice makes perfect. I make a mock-up of the garment but sometimes I make a garment that is suitable for a summer fabric as well as a winter fabric. Love your podcast❤️🇨🇦

[@CatherineSews]

That’s a good one! Thanks!

[@uktree1]

I was up-cycling something the other day and found myself saying, "Now what would Catherine do?" It worked out fine. Thank you for all you share with us. ❤

[@CatherineSews]

See, thank you! That is super sweet to hear!

[@anupamgoel7575]

​@@CatherineSews❤❤❤❤❤😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂❤😂❤❤🎉❤😊😊😊😊 0:24

[@kerstinholmstrom7815]

Hi, Catherine! I jusr found your channel at KZbin and started immediately to adjusr my t-shirts so they fit better. That is, adjusting the collarband by cutting the neckline a little lower. To avoid that choking-feeling, that is. A big compliment to you for your sewing and teching skills here from a dark and gloomy Finland.

[@CatherineSews]

That’s so great to hear, Kerstin! So happy to have you aboard!

[@Patricia-r7t8f]

Your comments are extremely helpful. Actually your whole channel is very straightforward n easy to understand. Keep up the good work

[@QueenoftheCastle-gs3le]

My favourite tool for hemming is the walking foot, which is an extra presser foot applying pressure from the top. It is a miracle to just let it ease the hem together. No matter thick or thin fabric, stretch or not, it works for all.

[@kathyteague829]

#5 best tip ever! My home ec teacher taught us that when I was in 9th grade. I do know all these tips, Kathryn, but guess I should as I’ve been sewing since I was 13 and I’ll be 70 next Feb. I have to show much I love watching you! Love your recycling clothing tips! Love listening to your nice voice. So glad I found your channel!🥰

[@barbarawarner4645]

More please. This was great. When I learned to sew in 1961, we were taught to measure the pattern rather than believe what’s on the envelope. That never fails me. Your tip #7 was new to me and so obvious once you said it! Thanks.

[@pegasusquilts]

I, too, teach sewing, and I must say your explanations are excellent. I think understitching is my all time favorite sewing technique. The effect is nothing short of miraculous. I grew up simply underpressing necklines and that is SO much harder to get smooth and SO much less likely to stay put.

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

While I hate pressing as I go, I do it because it really makes a difference. I set up my iron board as close to my sewing machine as possible. I have an edge stitching foot to use when topstitching. I love specialty sewing feet, the trick is learning to use them. I think they are under used by most people.

[@CatherineSews]

You’re probably right about that. I learned most of my skills on an industrial machine. We didn’t get any of the specialized feet! I should probably try out some of them. It might make a good video!

[@karenwilliams4152]

I love all the different feet, too. The ruffler, lol! I collected a bunch through the years, but i don’t use them nearly enough.

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

My ruffler gets used a lot because I do historical costuming. I have a pleater foot too!

[@eileenfb1948]

I put my pressing mat just a little distance away so I have to stand up and I find it good exercise and it stops me getting stiff. Sometimes I do groan and sigh though.

[@bethmagill4449]

These are so, so good! Been watching you for awhile now, and you're incredibly creative and brilliant!!!

[@Hremo_158]

Excellent reminders and Tips Catherine!! You always explain it so well! Your students must just LOVE your class!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! I hope my students love my class. Most do, but it’s a bit much for some, lol.

[@joylittle3917]

All I can say is "Wow!!!!!", you are brilliant! Thanks so very much---some of the last tips are a tad over my head but I am gonna keep plugging along and using your channel for lots of knowledge. Thanks again!

[@sonsandgrandsons]

You’re knowledgeable and sweet. Thanks for sharing these tips. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@suno8911]

I’d include “stay-stitching” as a tip that can really elevate your sewing like nothing else: necklines, armholes, rounded hems, gussets… anything where the fabric might wobble or stretch when bringing the pieces together. It is particularly important with slippery fabrics! Aside from improving every result, I love that it minimises my stress. Once I’ve stay-sttiched the pieces I always feel like the fear of sewing them together just melts away.

[@aminahawa7237]

Hi Catherine. I absolutely love your videos. I wish i could be a student of yours. You are so calm and its so easy to learn from you.

[@CatherineSews]

That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you!

[@robinbyrd1961]

I wish she would create some online sewing school classes! From beginner to expert...

[@CatherineSews]

@@robinbyrd1961 Hmmmm, that’s an interesting idea. What would that look like to you?

[@melissad7855]

agree!!@@robinbyrd1961

[@gm749]

​@@robinbyrd1961 Excellent idea!!!

[@elayned6147]

I’ve been a professional tailor for years and every thing is on point! I love your videos and learn new things all the time. As far as the Italian ladies, I’ve worked with many over the years and that made me laugh ❤😂🤣🧵

[@m.b.ortega544]

Great tips! I thought I was the only one that cared about the "good" and "bad" side of a serged hem showing on top. 😂

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, I’m glad I’m not the only one! ❤️

[@patriciakeys4873]

I started sewing my doll some clothes when I was about 10. I used my mom's Singer that was in a cabinet and it was forever clumping thread under my stitching so something was wrong and my mother couldn't figure it out. Doesn't surprise me because she never used the machine except to sew kitchen curtains once. So I'm completely self taught from 1958. No internet, no YT but there was Sewing with Nancy on TV. I learned tones from her. Still, somethings I just learned: #1 THE BIG ONE, how to buy the correct size pattern. #2, Which side up to serge first. #3, preventing roping. Duh!, and #4, How to upcycle things, which is an ongoing learning experience with all your wonderful videos on that. Thank you!

[@jamierusso9078]

I just found you yesterday and I can't stop watching. Your tips are awesome. I have been sewing for more than 40 years and wish I new these tips and knowhow back then. I started with clothes and now I have been quilting. I can use so many of them with my quilting too. I have wanted to take in or let out many of my clothes due to weight loss and gaining again now I know how and have confidence in myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I love your channel so very much. 😊

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, Jamie, thanks so much! So glad to have you on board!

[@suzisaintjames]

I'm glad you mentioned the pressing ham, but was surprised you didn't mention using a Taylor's clapper. A Taylor's clapper is soooo necessary for a nice flat crease. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@bluetuber501]

I'm going to replay your video to jot down all the directions you press seams. I love the organization of that. Thank you!

[@1wholovestrees]

I've been sewing since dinosaurs roamed the earth and I still have learned new things; because of you!! Serging on the front for one, clipping notches on an outside curve (why didn't they teach this in school?) as opposed to clipping on the inside curve, easing with the sleeve on the top (I'd forgotten this one!) and several others.

[@mairehoward2949]

This was a great video! The only thing I will add is that often people are different sizes on different parts of the body. Modern patterns make this easy because they have all of the sizes on the same pattern. Before I cut out the pattern piece, I mark the correct size for the key body locations and then draw lines from location to location. I did learn all of the ironing techniques because my husband wanted me to sew for him. I said tailoring is really really hard. But then I took a tailoring class - and the results were awesome. Now I use tailoring techniques on my clothes.

[@janellemcdonald2694]

I just want to thank you for making your videos. You give me the courage to just try. I am a self-taught sewist, with my main objective being able to alter or repair clothing. You give such clear and consistent instruction that I feel very confident in attempting the skills and techniques needed to make a well-made garment. Please keep making your videos. I love seeing your creative process. You are such a delight to watch.

[@J.K.RiverisanoldLady]

I have been watching your videos for about 5 months now. Yesterday I cut my first good fabric. I did the stay stitching and today am doing all the finishing of seams that I can while they are flat.

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

These made SO much sense to me! The roping of hems is a big problem for me. I think by the time I get to the hem… I just want to get it done and I rush it. The tips you gave make it seem so much more “doable!” As always your such a wonderful teacher and I appreciate the time you out into all your content. ❤

[@robjavqa]

Catherine, thank you for your great tips. I have an idea I've wanted to share, you probably already know it. Robyn's parchment paper ideas . When I want to put a zip in a bag pocket, to get it centered. I put a piece of thin (wondaweb.. heat activated) webbing along the sides where the zip will go and use Parchment to iron it into place. Then the parchment easily peels off leaving the web. Then I turn over my work and position the zip under it with the alignment as I want and Press it. This holds the zip in place, so I can sew in perfectly. I use this same technique for positioning things like shirt pockets before sewing them, then I never need to use pins. You're welcome 😁 xx

[@CatherineSews]

That’s so smart! I have a small pouch idea that I’ll get to o e of these days, and your tip might make it so much easier!

[@ellerdmann]

I never gave a thought to the direction of my serging to always have the nicer side showing. Especially for a hem I think that is really a big difference. Thanks.

[@KathyinKentuckyUSA]

The best tip that you have and I will attempt to integrate into my practice, is your habit of serging on the pretty side so one will not "lose" their way.

[@lilaholland5764]

I've been garment sewing since i was about 9 (just shorts & simple tops). Now I'm teaching my granddaughters. I love the way you explain each technique in an easily understandable way. It's so nice to know the why of what we're doing. Thank you!

[@joantadisch9195]

Lots of good tips here. When I need to clip the type of curve that requires little V cuts I cut around the curve with a pinking shears. It is so much faster than cutting individual V cuts and I'm less likely to accidently snip my seam thread. Love your videos Catherine. They now only help me sew better, but help me "sew on a budget".

[@lesliedalton6835]

No brand new tips for me here, but I very much appreciate this video. Your detailed explanation of WHY we do what we do is very helpful and gives me more motivation to stop cutting corners (except for when I need to eliminate bulk 😉). Thank you!

[@almapack5666]

Really like your videos. I have been sewing for about 70 years but I always enjoy watching them. Thank you .

[@momsnewlife1197]

I am a better sewer then I thought. Thank you for giving me conficence.

[@lindap9079]

Thanks Catherine. These were all good reminders. I've been sewing for 50+ years. Tip #7 is a new idea for me. You did an excellent job demonstrating both the problem and the solution.

[@lynnelyon3616]

You are a fantastic teacher! You explain things so clearly. I especially appreciate the tips on ease and roping. Thank you! (Your students are lucky to have you!)

[@McSnicker55]

All of these tips were very, very helpful! I normally don't work with garment sewing but occasionally do make dresses, tops and pants for myself. I am an intermediate to advanced quilter and often do fabric craft projects and some bag making Thank you very much for these tips.

[@brendamitchell1252]

I’ve always clipped the curves but I had forgotten about the triangle cuts on the outside curve. Thank you.

[@juliehaig1216]

That was so useful. I never knew how to fix the roping on my hems and now I do . Thanks Catherine 🙂

[@UniversalEngineer]

LOVED THIS!!! Roping…guilty as charged! Clipping curves…definitely need to utilize more! Loved the subtle.. ”If it doesn’t look right…don’t sew it.” Take a deep breath and re-strategize. Yet another great video!!!

[@kentshoemaker6785]

This encourages me to go back to doing some sewing because you make it enjoyable!

[@danbev8542]

Excellent tips! Thank you! #9 on preventing roping is something I’ve been careless about on curved shirttail hems. Also, #5 - press as you go is very important!

[@kathyburt3294]

Very nicely done. Thanks. Roping, didn't know what it was but have had it happen and no idea why!!! Perfect explanation.

[@CatherineSews]

Wonderful to hear! I hope that tip helps you!

[@moyagreene9590]

Catherine, I love your series. I am a subscriber. I sometimes go back over your sessions to review how to do things. Great work! It is much appreciated.

[@susanpilling8849]

Thanks for the reminders. As for additional tips after 50 plus years of sewing, I wouldn't be without my walking foot.

[@bonniedeaton7349]

Hi! I always watch "tips" for sewing. Cuz Ya never know what you don't know! But I'm always happy when I know all the stuff. Dont get Me wrong I have learned some good tips! Its just reassuring to me that

[@praxisfurnaturheilkunde5394]

Wirklich tolle, hilfreiche Tipps - vielen Dank! Und nebenbei: Als ich in der Schule nähen lernte (Mädchengymnnasium, 6. Klasse oder so) wurde uns beigebracht, alle zugeschnittenen Teile vor dem Zusammennähen mit einem Zickzack-Stich zu versäubern 😮

[@sharongallagher3443]

The 10 steps were a good review.. I am just starting to do more sewing after a long intervale of not sewing. Your videos are always helpful and I formative.

[@lucywyatt434]

Thank you for answering my question on my polo shirt …On this video I learned about easing techniques and specially on a heat and the idea of using double needle for a heat is great option since I just bought several double needles…very appreciative of your tips. 😀

[@bakerwannabe4435]

I love your videos and appreciate how you really explain things-It’s so helpful! I’m a beginner sewist and most videos say press the seam but do not explain exactly how. A lot of videos mention “ease” but do not explain exactly what that is. Thank you for taking the time to do this and share your expertise. I also really like your Upcycle videos.

[@nicolehubbard3536]

Oh, the tips on ease and preventing roping were so helpful; thank you!

[@barbarajohns6613]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've never heard such a great explanation of why we press. And all of the tips about serging were new to me too. I probably needed to hear, or at least be reminded of, all of these tips and I've been sewing for decades!

[@frances7885]

Definitely makes sense, the roping, easing are all ones I need to keep in mind. Not to mention checking the heat of the iron on scrap material. Also, checking your stitches on a scrap piece to make sure the machine has proper stitch length and tension.

[@marshadimond441]

Great video Catherine. I still remember my HS sewing teacher wobbling around the classroom on high heels saying "Press as you go. PRESS as you go." Brought a smile to me. What /who do you teach? Love your upcycles.

[@sussikirwan2415]

Delar Catherine I so musch enjoy to watch your videos,, you are such an inspiration. I even wen through the bag for the secon hand shop and pulled back a few items and upcyceld one today. I do hope you can come to Europe and do some workshops, I spend most of my time in Sweden and Spain…….. If you are having any workshops around end of April beginning of May in the US, we är going to the quilt exhibition in Paducah. But, what I really wanted to ask is if you can do a session on your “Hip Curve Ruler” not sure how tu use such a tool. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to all your new videos. Susanne

[@CatherineSews]

@@sussikirwan2415 What a lovely comment to wake up to! I love all of your thoughts on various locations and topics. I will do my best! Thank yo so much. ❤️

[@LucyCzesak]

Great tips on ease and the good and bad side of the serger!

[@brendamorrisseau8564]

Will you please teach how to fix tension. Many videos don’t actually help to understand how to set the tension. Thank you. I watch your videos and they are helpful. I love sewing but never had an actual learning opportunity. I depend on KZbin videos to learn.

[@charlottehonse7420]

This is a great video and great channel! I remembered most of it, but easing to prevent roping was new to me! Thanks! (I learned sewing in high school in 1966!)

[@vickyerhind]

Love watching your videos. Have learned some new things plus refreshed things that I had forgotten. Haven't done dressmaking for a long time as I got into quilting for the last 25 yrs 😅

[@bonniedeaton7349]

Reassuring to me the things I do know. Thanks for All Your Tips!

[@conniemurdoch8528]

Great set of skills that every sewer can work on! That’s because we tend to skip or rush through a lot of things and take short cuts once we get more comfortable wth sewing. It’s a life long requirement to keep plugging away at these basic steps if we want to be excellent practitioners and produce professional looking garments. I would even post this list above your sewing machine, serger and iron and focus on the one you you need to work on each time you do a new project. Don’t try to focus on too many at once. Some won’t take long until you would never forget to do them. And some will be things you can always get better at. It’s like learning to drive a car. At first there are so many things to remember and at the same time you have to operate a machine that can do a lot of damage. 😉 18:54

[@corrineshilling5949]

Thank you Catherine for the good tips ❤

[@daxxydog5777]

I’d also recommend walking the seam allowance on waistlines with a tape measure and make sure it’s going to fit before cutting. I nearly made a big boo boo this weekend and my self drafted skirt would have been two-three inches too small - I forgot to allow for adding seam allowance when I cut the front panel into multiple pieces/panels for a side button front skirt. I finally just gave up and started over and the second go round came out fine!

[@tocarolyntkrz8963]

Awesome top 10 list! Understitching is my #1 takeaway. Also love how you articulated what pressing achieves and then compared pressing to ironing. Just love my tailor's clapper. My travel size is an upcycled short, unfinished, square table leg. Pressing tip starts at minute 8:30.

[@kimjay2380]

I totally agree with uktree1 - ‘What would Catherine do?’ is something I ask myself often! Such helpful videos Catherine, thank you so much for taking the time❤

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, I love this so much!! Thank you!

[@nancy5721]

Thank you Catherine 😊

[@Yahoo1339]

I appreciate your wonderful 10 tips, thank you ❤❤

[@janetwilliams7705]

Thank you for the refresher and a couple new tips!

[@sandrarekker585]

Thanks, Catherine! Tips: #1 use glue stick to hold patches (comes out in the wash) #2 use scotch tape to hold a button in place (if you don't have a button holder on your machine) #3 when matching up patterns: fold over and press the seam allowance on once piece, line up and glue down with fabric glue with both sides facing up, flip right sides together once dry and sew along the pressed crease. (recently learned #3 from another KZbinr...genius!!)

[@CatherineSews]

My friend Judi also recommended that I use a glue stick for patches. Does it gum up your needle?

[@cheryl3366]

Great tips. I have been doing a bit of up-cycling. I find it's helpful to find a pattern. I find a lot of ready to wear don't do a good job of cutting on grain. So I am just harvesting the fabric.

[@thecarjacful]

Very good tips. Yes! Your iron is your best friend 🧵🪡👍🏻

[@rholt8800]

THANK YOU! I’ve got to save this video. Lots of good tips!

[@MrsMTMomma]

Using a 3/8” will eliminate 99% of clipping. This is what is used in the factories. Also, a 5/8” strip of bias cut interfacing baste stitched between the points and pulled slightly as you stitch will create a beautiful cap on the sleeve and make it easy to fit into the armscye, sleeve on the bottom. Thanks for the sizing info now being provided on commercial patterns. I use Silhouette Patterns and the sizing numbers include to ease. However that is the designers’ choice of ease. You should always know what amount of ease you like in a garment. It makes a difference in the fit.for you. So nice to see someone providing proper sewing instruction for people who want to learn.❤

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for your kind words. I’ll add your bias interfacing tip to my list for the next video like this! 😍

[@moyagreene9590]

I would love to see you demonstrate this for us. Thank you!

[@RIRNnumber1-f2m]

Thank you. Your explanations and demos are the best!

[@belieftransformation]

Wonderfully explained & your examples inserted made it so easy to understand! I didn’t know the sewing of the easement with the front side up & all the other helpful hints are gems! Thanks for sharing! I would like to see how you would add contrasting fabrics together with a flat-felled seam. I want to put some cotton knits together to upcycle some t-shirt material to add some ‘pizzazz’ to them. Thanks again! 🤗💕🇨🇦

[@judih.8754]

So very helpful Catherine. Thank you so much!

[@juliek2780]

Good info and very clearly explained! Thank you for sharing!😊

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love your 10 tips . I learned a lot.

[@meredithmiller4848]

Thanks for this post. Several great reminders and a few new ideas!

[@EmmBee20014]

You're the best. That's all. Awesome video again! :)

[@seestellysew8472]

This was very helpful. Number 9 was new to me.

[@annamarieh333]

I can’t believe that I actually understood what you were saying! It made sense! 🤯

[@karenwilliams4152]

😂❤ It’s too “easi” ❤️🇮🇹 I’m obsessed with understitching. It’s my favorite technique bc it improves the garment so much and permanently, yes! I’ll start using parchment paper. Great video! ❤

[@angelamajor4034]

Loved this video! I haven’t sewed in a couple of years due to some mobility issues! I ready to get back into it and this was a wonderful reminder that I may/probably will come across some of these issues, and now they don’t seem like such a big issue! I love all your videos and tips and reminders!

[@normajones4671]

Thank you so much for your tips. So glad I found your channel. 🌻

[@debbiehaynes8295]

I love your channel. You've inspired me to try new things. I just finished a jean top/flannel patch work on the bottom tiered long skirt inspired by your combo skirt. But how I wish I'd watched today's tips yesterday, when I failed miserably to try on again after gathering and HAND SEWING my waistband on a circle skirt. After putting it on for church this morning it was a good 2-3 inches too big! My lovely waistband is being ripped off now. I think my gathers must have slid off as I was basting on the waistband. 😢😢 Lesson learned, even by an old gal like me! Thanks for such great inspiration and tips!

[@musikkfamilien]

Thank you! You are so skilles. Do charming and down to earth, it is always a pleasure watching you. I think I am familiar with all you talked about. I am a self taught sewer, and I know practice makes perfect. But these days we are blessed having sewing communities online for tips and advices.

[@hannahcoleman2940]

Thank you, very informative 🙏☘️☘️

[@julieh4816]

Great tips, lovely presentation!

[@ElizabethSampson]

I love your channel and appreciate all your videos. I have finally starting upcycling again after 30 years!

[@CatherineSews]

Good for you! That’s wonderful to hear!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Thank you.😃❤❤❤

[@carolines2088]

What a great video! Thank you!

[@SBL1932]

Your videos and tips are all spot on and make sense. What a great review of sewing techniques. I am so in love with your videos and the way you teach each step.

[@ae4419]

Thank you so much for these amazing tips. Especially the roping. It’s always been a problem for me. 😊

[@BeccifromOz]

This is fantastic, thank you.

[@kathleenbastian1126]

Thank you!! Very helpful.

[@carolmarlatt3834]

Great tips! thanks so much.

[@Marcello1b]

Super interesting ! 👍