14 Sewing Habits You Need To Learn As A Beginner!

Hello! If I learned these habits sooner I would have saved myself years of errors!
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[@Penguinandpear]

Hello friends thanks for being here, I appreciate you!! Let me know which habits have helped you the most? Did you know I am vlogging my life over at @lifebyclaire check out my latest vlog here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHfPnmuMer-pe9ksi=6c2WTKeo8ESBl1yg If you like my content and want to support my channel please purchase me a "kofi" www.ko-fi.com/penguinandpear 🤩

[@jls4382]

Hey Claire! I've been sewing more than 50 years and I want to commend you for this video. There is NO FLUFF in this video. Every thing you mention is really important for good results! Every single thing you talk about in it was covered by my Home Economics teacher when I was in junior high-school (years eight and nine of USA education). I don't think sewing is even taught in school any more and that may be fine but people now must rely on folks like you. It does take time for all this to sink in and most of us have to learn the hard way but you've done your job by putting it out there. Well done sister!!!

[@bearteeka4782]

My sewing classes in school were so helpful! Jr. High, Sr. High, and college. Heck, the cooking classes helped too. My mom wasn't much into teaching...

[@gigracer]

You look fantastic in that colour, Claire. It suits you so well. Great tips. I was guilty of sewing over pins, but I don’t do it anymore after the needle hit one and it snapped the pin, which flew right at my face. Thank goodness I was wearing my glasses, but it could have been a much worse outcome. If you really need to keep the fabric exactly in place, and particularly if it’s tricky fabric that shifts everywhere, pin it, then hand baste the seam. That way you don’t need to keep the pins in, but the seam will be accurate. Just use a different coloured thread which stands out and sew in. Big basting stitches. Mine are usually about a 1/2 inch to an inch long so it’s easy to remove later.

[@kathleenstoin671]

I agree that testing the stitching on a scrap piece of fabric is important. I make my samples with the fabric doubled. I try out the stitch length, tension, etc., for normal seams as well as for topstitching, as I like to use a longer stitch for topstitching. I write down the stitch length and tension settings for each. I also prewash my fabrics. I've always been sorry when i didn't. Yes, pressing is very important! In fact, all the tips in your video are very important. Great video, as always.

[@VintageVermilion]

I keep a stash of neutral colored bobbins on hand. The only time I match the bobbin to the top color is if I'm doing top stitching. One trick I find is helpful before pre-washing the fabric is running a line of either zig zag or serge along the raw edges-- saves the tangle mania that can come out of the washer from the loose threads. PS love how Fred pops in to supervise from time to time.

[@Penguinandpear]

lol he’s probably getting impatient for food lol 🤣

[@jeanbishop-greentree2628]

@VintageVermillion thanks for the good tip of running stitches along the edges of fabrics before pre-washing. That should help 🙂

[@TheEvie202]

@ VintageVermillion your bobbins and thread should be the same weight thread . It’s better for your machine and final garment. My mother trained me to sew and her garments were so beautiful inside and out. You could wear them inside out 😂 (I’m exaggerating here )! The idea of making a few bobbins before beginning is genius. Slow and steady it’s not a race. Clair you are right about, If you are in a rush, then you should not be sewing!

[@lynn858]

Bonus tip: If the fabric is ALREADY off-grain for the print - you can use an iron to iron (one direction), and a spray bottle of water, to help you stretch it back in place. Won't always work, but... That's overly fiddly for a lot of projects. But quilting squares with grid patterns... or pattern matching, it can be helpful.

[@Penguinandpear]

Yeah that’s similar to how I’ve been the pros check the fabric is on grain. They stretch it until it is lol

[@lynn858]

Turn your machine off, and if you have a cat (or a toddler) COVER IT! Cats can't spit thread out once they start chewing it due to the barbs on their tongue. A short off-cut can pass through their system, a long piece can cause significant harm. I have a lidded garbage can in my sewing room, and a small lidded desk can for this reason. Since my adorable monster likes chewing thread, string, cord, elastic... Incredible motivator to keep at least the dangerous bits tidied up.

[@Penguinandpear]

Great point. I think it was Jen from sewing report whose cat passed away after swallowing serger thread. Devastating 😿

[@bearteeka4782]

@@Penguinandpear 😔 Poor kitty. Big lesson learned there. I have a cover on my waste can. I better use it more. Mine don't eat thread. Yet. First time could be the last.

[@helenhart4778]

great tips and very good for sewist who have been sewing for long term. Easy to overlook and we need to reset our mind. Stay safe

[@daxxydog5777]

I love when I win the bobbin war and there’s very little left on the bobbin when I finish a project, lol. I run it out and I’m not bothered if I have to rewind a bit to finish.

[@deniseblake6214]

Sound advice Claire! I once had a needle go through my nail and finger, the needle snapped and left the point in my finger which resulted in surgery, so was a pretty bad experience. I can also strongly agree with not leaving your sewing machine switched on whilst unattended as I once witnessed mine setting alight. Fortunately I was home and smelled the smoke but imagine what might have happened if no one was home. Does this make me a mini disaster or do I have to wait for a third event? 😅

[@Penguinandpear]

Omg that’s mad! Sounds like your machine is the walking disaster!

[@carolhiller1112]

Oh boy…I recall my hubby having gone and used my best fabric scissors……I was so annoyed! He’s not touched them since lol ❤❤❤❤

[@Penguinandpear]

lol good for you!

[@grumpy_poo]

Beware the wrath of a seamstress crossed!! Mortal sin...... revenge... use his new razor to trim your naughty bits!!! 🤣😂

[@ninadukette3340]

I keep a pair of scissors in the kitchen drawer. This way no one is tempted to use the good scissors.

[@carolhiller1112]

@@ninadukette3340 yes I do too but it didn’t stop him lol……men…

[@ExiledStardust]

Your top is a lovely color. Teal is one of my favorite colors too. It suits you very well.

[@Penguinandpear]

It’s lovely isn’t it. I do enjoy a pop of colour

[@frankpaiz5657]

Your honesty and self-deprecating humor is 🤌💛💙

[@eloiseyoung543]

My bad habit is being in a rush to finish, taking short cuts etc. Causing not only mistakes but frustrations as well. Although I am behind on my list of things to do, I will slow down, follow instructions and enjoy what I love. Thank you this was such an eye opener for me.

[@kathconstance4684]

Thank you Claire - please forgive if I don't watch the needle in finger video - bit squeemish - I'll check out some of your others they're always good :)

[@KlingonPrincess]

All good tips. I've disobeyed several to my detriment at times. On being tidy, I just started using an empty tin to corral the tools I'm currently using on the table. My sewing box is on the chair beside me but I tend to scatter the tools about. I get frustrated with the chaos as the day/s go on. The tin just keeps it in control better as I'm working with the few tools I've pulled out of the kit. Do you happen to know what "dressmakers pins" ate best for? I generally use glass headed pins but have a box of the all metal ones with flat heads.

[@bearteeka4782]

Sewing with cats in the house, I have to seal everything up or they'll hurt themselves or ruin my project, or both. I would like some glass headed pins, and flat-headed metal ones. I too wonder why dressmaker's pins are called that... are they better for garments? I've heard that because the heads are smaller, they won't distort the fabric. But seems like the flat-headed ones would work for that too.

[@vloggingwithnina273]

I was told that I could sew over pins at a sewing class when I was a very, very beginner, so I did. She was the leader of the group. Turns out that the sewing machine needle broke. I heard the snap of it. I was blessed that it didn't hit me or anyone else when it went flying. I haven't sewn over pins since.

[@KhadijahHaleemah]

I am taking sewing lessons right now at uni. Totally different story. The instructor said to 'NEVER sew over the pins' and for the reason you just cited. Namely that something, either the pin, or the needle, (or even BOTH) could break and come flying into your eye. That could hurt you in a VERY personal manner!

[@KhadijahHaleemah]

I prefer to press as I go. It helps to keep the iron consistently hot by not taking it off its heat source as long. I cannot turn my sewing machine off. Luckily, the only kids in my house are a bunch of cats, in particular, Miss Stripes, who is always round my sewing nook in the kitchen. But, so far anyway, she hasn't shown much inclination to mess with my sewing machine. I would not be able to leave the machine open if she did. She would rather sit nearby and watch me.

[@Bean_Box_Knitting]

I've realised I often have a favourite quote in your videos (though my memory is terrible for quoting verbatim). Here, it was something like - "wanted it finished before I'd started". My brain sounds like that too!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

It's fun to hear the difference in terms that we use. The bobbin tip is a good example, in the USA we wind our bobbins rather than roll them. The tip is also a great one. Btw, I like to prewind several neutral colors because it's amazing how well they blend. I only really match thread to fabric if I am topstitching.

[@Penguinandpear]

“Rolling” the bobbin is a Claire-ism I think. We do also say wind the bobbin.

[@cynthiablalock1555]

Great tips 😊

[@qormi1000]

Thank you Claire, you always find new content and things to learn. xxx

[@Penguinandpear]

Trying to find interesting helpful things too share while I transition my life

[@Lorraine-yy8ey]

Completely agree with every tip. I have always turned my sewing machine off every time I leave it to serge, press, tidy up, or whatever the case may be. I'm surprised I haven't worn out the on/off switch! Even after all these years of sewing, I am notorious for forgetting to change my needle when I switch fabric types (woven vs. knit). Ugh! I'm all ready to sew, but . . . no. I have to stop before I even get started because I have to change the dang needle. I learned to sew in the dark ages loooooong before YT. What a great and wondrous resource. Tips and tutorials at our fingertips. As always, love the video, Claire.

[@suek7086]

Thank you for this. I have some good habits and some bad, that I need to change. I always prewash my fabric. I didn’t used to, but I’ve learned how essential it is. I sew too fast and need to slow down. I do press every seam. I had not realized it sets the thread into the fabric until a couple of years ago but did not know to press the seam closed first. I always trace off everything, very particularly. However, I always want to rush from one project to another and don’t always to practice seams on scraps. I have had to break the bad habit of sewing over pins. That was hard to relearn.

[@TheLadyWeaver]

YES YES YES AMEN SISTER. I started sewing my own clothes when I was 7, stopped sewing for about a decade in adulthood, and now I've been quilting regularly and sewing clothes for my kid for four years with no "break" in the hobby other than for major surgery. BOBBINS. I wind about 6 at the start of a quilt, depending on the size. I mostly work in dark/deep colors, so black or dk grey for all my piecing. For clothes, at least 4. STOP WHEN YOU'RE TIRED OR FRUSTRATED. This isn't mindless work It engages all the parts of your brain and also all that math you swore you'd never use from middle school. My personal rule is "First mistake - fix it, move on. Second mistake in the same sewing session? My brain is telling me we're done for now." MY SEWING STUFF IS THE BEST ORGONIZED IN MY WHOLE HOUSE. It's not exactly how I want it, it's not my dream sewing room, but I can put my hands on stuff right quick if I need to. Going slower - YES YES YES. Aquiring new and useful skills and reinforcing those new neural pathways takes time and repetition. I think of each project as stages, and it gives me a lil dopamine hit at each stage. SO once we've picked out the pattern, I've measured the kid, I've washed and pressed the fabric and made my bobbins, **that's an accomplishment all on it's own**. Getting everything cut out and the markings transferred? ANOTHER ACCOMPLISHMENT WOO HOO MAKEYOURSELF A FANCY COFFEE, lol. You, your body & brain, are worth the time to take things slowly. I love this video. Keep on keepin' on!

[@cjvoigt7322]

Looking great Claire...Thankyou for another video with wonderful sewing tips . CJV

[@lovemesomeslippers]

I may have said this before but my top tip is having an experienced friend (you!) to guide you along! So many tips I’ve learned from you. I now consider straightening up my area as a pre-game activity. I just don’t do it when I’m finishing a garment. Also, I always wash my fabric. I’ve been in a few different warehouses and warehouses aren’t clean. Wash it. I have heard that we should walk away when we’re frustrated but I need to get good and angry, rant for a bit, and then get down to business. If I walk away I may never come back, but if I see it through I triumph. You just have to know yourself for this one. I learned the bobbin thing the hard way. I pre-wind now.

[@frannygrace2191]

Love you, Claire, thanks for the video!

[@neonbunny5249]

Love your suggestions, especially the one about slowing down. I make mistakes when I rush. Thanks for all you do!!!

[@gingergreen4647]

Im always using the same needle 🙈

[@daxxydog5777]

I change the needle for different fabrics, but I do reuse the needles. That seems so wasteful. 😂 I don’t know when I’ve last changed my serger needles, whoops!

[@RoseBurton-og2ow]

Claire! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I've been sewing for over 50 years and had always made my own clothes! The last few years, I've put on quite a bit of weight, basically because of age and health ,(not a good excuse...)! Anyways I quit sewing for myself because nothing would fit right, even after altering the pattern! I watched your video on how to make clothes fit! IT WORKED!!! I have made myself 4 blouses so far...and they fit!! Again, thank you for your help!

[@jeanbishop-greentree2628]

Thank you Claire great tips

[@zoidmo3388]

Another brilliant vid. I'm glad you mentioned the tip 'what's the hurry'! lol I'm guilty. I need to walk away when I'm tired & leave the project until I've re-charged. May many Blessings be yours.

[@irene.marceline]

Great video! Thank for the useful tips! 💗I also learned the hard way to test markers and chalks to see if they come off after pressing 😅

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

Wonderful tips! Yes, write down any adjustments you make to a pattern because chances are, you will not remember!!! Ask me how I know...also, keep a record of what size and type of needle, stitch length, bobbin pressure, etc., you used on a project for the next time you use a similar fabric, or even the same fabric, if you had extra - saves time figuring it out from scratch all over again. I also zig-zag ends of fabric before washing and wash everything that can be washed to control for shrinkage, too.

[@dianepatten8594]

Love this video Claire. Great tips and I’m also passionate about pre washing my fabric too. Have a great week and happy sewing.😊

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

A sewing machine is a power tool, not a craft doohickey. Respect its safety rules like you would a power saw. If you don’t believe me, hand sew a dress. Or two.

[@ilnacastelyn6310]

Good tips for a beginner! I do all, except for tracing. I just don't have the mental energy/motivation to do it.😂

[@majsmarken118]

I stoppede working in october (I’m 62) and I really enjoy taking my time when sewing. When I was still working, I had to rush it - and a lot of times the garment was not good. Now I can take my time with fitting etc.

[@Kate98755]

i can’t watch tv while sewing….i find myself watching the tv! music or a podcast for me…plus it’s safer! 😂😂

[@ClefairyFairySnowflake]

My mom accidentally sewed through her finger as well. She got the needle stuck in her finger and had to get it surgically removed. It was not good. After my mom told me about it when I was little, I've been wary of sewing machines ever since. I do most of my sewing by hand as a result. I have trust issues with sewing machines now. At least you're not the only one who has made such a blunder. It was a valuable life lesson: that sewing machines, as innocent as they may look, are not to be trusted.

[@itcouldbeanyone]

Having had stitches in my finger from a rotary cutter, blade safety is a good habit to keep up. No one wants to interrupt the sewing mojo with a trip to the hospital. Good lighting, don’t sew hungry or tired and have fun - sewing is my meditation.

[@seemakazmi965]

Some fabrics have dyes that run , it makes sense to use salt water and soak the fabric overnight and wash in washing liquid. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

[@MsNisey51]

Good advice ! Hello from Texas!! Love your accent!!

[@jenniferclifford4669]

Great tips. I would add make a toile, saves alot of fitting frustrations and abandoned projects.

[@nonstopmom8185]

So funny about using your scissors on paper. My daughter is 50 and remembers me making sure no one was using my fabric scissors when she was a kid.

[@Kate98755]

i have a sewing notebook, i make notes on top stitching or adjustments i’ve made…this has helped when i make something again.

[@Kate98755]

i’ve always washed my fabric, it’s been sitting in a store gathering dust, and who knows what else

[@suze7268]

Most excellent advice, thank you Claire! Brilliant :)

[@fay8233]

Fantastic Claire. 👏🏾👏🏾 I have a small sewing space and I make sure tidy it up after sewing. That way when I return next time, I dont have to tidy up, because if I do, by the end of I dont want to sew. My sew Jo went and by decluterring like you, it made my sewing space a less chaotic and more enjoyable haven. Adding plants, playing music or a podcast, and snacks (dolly mixtures😄). Preparation before and during sewing is key. I learnt this the hard way. I have a sewing journal in which I keep notes on things I've sewn, pattern, sizes, adjustments, thread colours, fabric swatches, stitch sizes etc. For me this has been a great help. Another great vid Claire 👏🏾👏🏾

[@catherineb6565]

Had to get my husband and a pliers to remove one needle misadventure this year. He was more squeamish than me but it did put a damper getting some projects completed for a bit. 😮

[@Penguinandpear]

Omg how did you find the nerve?! They had to give me gas and air lol 🤣

[@catherineb6565]

@@Penguinandpear we were about 45mins drive to medical services. It was the pliers now or endure my husband's driving LOL! 😂

[@Penguinandpear]

😂😂😂

[@ChalakudyPigs]

I have started my sewing lessons again.

[@bearteeka4782]

When I was about 15, I ran the needle thru my finger. It was not in the nail, just right next to it. I yelled for my brother and he turned the wheel to remove it while I held down the finger. ... years later, my father used my mother's really nice shears on seat cushion foam. Big problem. No wonder the marriage didn't last. 😉

[@Penguinandpear]

When I sewed through my finger the needle went in at an angle through or on the edge the bone and the needle snapped off so had to get the hospital to pull it out. Needed gas and air lol 🤣

[@margareturwin5840]

Hi Claire, thank you for all those important tIps, youve reminded me to take a lot more care before i start sewing xx

[@OriginalAfrocentricDesignbyLis]

Another sewing video for beginners, oh no not again! But I was wrong. I agree with all your recommendations. Whether you're new or old, you need to follow all of these tips.

[@Penguinandpear]

My channel is mainly aimed at beginners because the majority of intermediate sewists don’t need my advice but you’re right my tips apply to everyone. Thanks for watching

[@asajarl5519]

Fantastic idvises ❤

[@torirochleau-rice8037]

Great Tips!

[@dacweekend]

Great tips!

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Love this video.

[@gingergreen4647]

Great tips!

[@janfranklin2114]

good stuff 🙂

[@kathleenstoin671]

I sewed for many years and never had a needle through my finger, then I did it twice in one week! I did pull the needle out myself, though.

[@suek7086]

When it happened to me I sat and yelled for my husband to get it out, like a dummy. There was no reason I couldn’t have done it myself. I also remember my mom doing it with the treadle sewing machine. I was about4 and she was making doll clothes for me.

[@kathleenstoin671]

@@suek7086 I think it would freak out anyone who looked down and saw a needle through their finger! I might have called my husband if he had been at home when it happened, but now that I think about it, he probably would have fainted to see it!

[@Kate98755]

i saw RN, i work at a hospital….i thought registered nurse?

[@Penguinandpear]

Stands for right now

[@Kate98755]

@@Penguinandpear yes i figured it out…but that’s not what my brain first saw😂

[@legaleagle4947]

Great video… lots of great tips! I will try to remember much of what I learn from your videos for when we collaborate… some day! 😅😂 ❤ Iggy x

[@Penguinandpear]

My spare sewing machine is waiting for you! I’ll get that sent up to you soon! 🥰😊🥳

[@legaleagle4947]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 Can’t wait! ❤ 🎉 it will be much fun! 🪡

[@catherineb6565]

A co-lab video would be great - haven't had one of those in a long while. 😁

[@catherineb6565]

I have been slowing down and finding much better results because of it. Press vs iron - wasn't something I learned until very recently and I've been sewing since a teen in the early 80s. Lol!

[@legaleagle4947]

@@catherineb6565 let’s see what we can arrange 🫣

[@ThatisSewSilvia]

Hello! My comments on this? 1. Agree. I sometimes am a neat sewer. 2. Nope. I own 3 machines with 3 different bobbins. So I just re-spun one bobbin. 3. Ew, always. Wash and dry tumble. Everything goes in the dryer so the fabric has to do it. 4. always test it! 5. Learnt it the hard way. I read them entirely and then step by step. 6. That I have to learn. I made myself a clapper and a ham. 7. I Never sew on a deadline. It stresses me out. 8. Bummer. It’s a must. 9. I just don’t know why I feel ashamed to make notes. I have to learn to do that! 10. Ok, I made this today. 11. My rotary cutter can tell stories…it cuts everything and has a notch 😮😅 12. I have a small pillow for used needles. But I use the needle according to the fabric. 13. Melanie, rip. We love you! No sewing over pins! 14. Never did it. Electricity is expensive 😅

[@Penguinandpear]

Interesting points and yes much love to ❤️ Melanie rip. So sad.

[@gayletroutman5144]

Thanks!

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you

[@VintageVermilion]

Thanks!

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you

[@Chericherry4]

❤😊!

[@lesleywatkins1172]

Hi Claire, great video with some good pointers for beginners! My family know better than to use my scissors that I use for sewing! 😊