7 Useful Sewing Hacks You NEED To Try!

[@KatBlaque]

Wow that paper clip hack is life changing omg. lol

[@ritaadams8379]

When I hem jeans, I double fold the hem and pin. Then, I go outside to my concrete steps and pound it flat with a hammer. It works great!

[@coolirpa]

😂😂😂😂

[@bethwaechter8927]

This is what my grandma used to do too lol

[@bettyalaniz369]

🤣🤣

[@sarahh7024]

Ha. I refuse to hem denim any longer. Too bad I didn’t have April’s trick back in the day!

[@Jayariee]

@@bethwaechter8927 thought this was a joke until i saw this comment lol

[@lisameunier4274]

Tailor here: your cardstock bias tape guide *can* work for curved necklines if you make it a little shorter (like about half) and tape it down MUCH closed to the presser foot. The current distance between the foot and the guide is why the curved fabric is popping back out! ;) Just think of the how it works well with the special bias tape foot because the guide is almost right up at the height of the needle.

[@channieluvspeaches]

thanks so much, ❤❤❤❤❤

[@MeeshT]

I’ve always loved that you show the mistakes you’ve made as well as how some things don’t always work as you wish, like the bias hack on round edges. It makes me feel a lot less intimidated (and a bit less of a dummy) when it comes to things that look complex or when I make mistakes. I recently made myself a little dress by making a pattern out of another one I love and altering to add longer sleeves and a button placket. It turned out great and I don’t think I would’ve ever thought I was able to do it without having stumbled upon your channel like 8 years ago. You’ve really inspired me a lot throughout the years, especially when it comes to repurposing other items of clothing with your thrifted transformation series. Thanks for sharing x

[@coolirpa]

Aww that’s so nice of you! Thanks for sharing this with me and watching all these years ❤️❤️❤️

[@XanLove3]

The bias tape hack is going to save my life for my senior collection thank youuu!!!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I learned so much from your video. Thank you

[@GayleHallAZ]

Although I’ve been sewing for over 50 years (35 or so of which was primarily garments for my family of seven), I love to watch tips and tricks videos like yours in case I can learn something new. I also enjoy watching the current sewing trends. I appreciate that you show the challenges you faced when demonstrating the various techniques because that’s how we truly learn - thank you! As far as the neckline binding or binding any curve goes, if you stay-stitch the entire neckline first, just inside the desired seam allowance, using a 2.0-2.5 mm length straight stitch, then carefully snip within the seam allowance up to the line of stitching in the curved areas before applying the binding, this will allow you to gently straighten the curved areas while sewing on the binding. The stay-stitching preserves the integrity of the curve while permitting you to ease the bias binding around the neckline. Just go slow and easy, and be careful not to stitch in any puckers just outside of the stay-stitching. If your sewing machine allows you to move your needle position, I find that moving my needle one click within the seam allowance when sewing the stay-stitching prevents the stay-stitching from showing after the binding is sewn on. I hope I explained that clearly and that it proves helpful to you and others 🥰

[@BreakawayGrads]

I love stay-stitching. I have dinner it for so many years, I didn't realize that everyone didn't know about it. 😅

[@bpaulsen6701]

I totally forgot we could move the needle position! 😳In my defense, until recently, I've been using a Necchi my mother won in a radio contest in 1964. This is so much more fun!!

[@sianifairy9070]

Thank you!

[@jenninstitches]

I have taped a paperclip to my machine to help hold material in place for both distance and hemming. It works wonders. Especially with material like chiffons and slippery silks that I don't necessarily want to pin 8 million times. I've also sandwiched loops in some thin infusible webbing (sometimes wash-away) that is right for the fabric to help further line them up and secure them.

[@MsDhiana]

Thank you so much for the tips. Without music this video will be even better

[@atelierangela3556]

MsDhiana 💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love your tips they’re very helpful.

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

I use the tape trick for loops and the biastape method all the time ! Those are great hacks! Thumbs up for who came up with it !

[@middlechild6956]

Thank you for your post. I enjoyed watching it!

[@atelierangela3556]

Middle Child 💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.

[@sagepreaumx9903]

Thanks. I've sewn for years but you had some new techniques I didn't know -- hemming denim, attaching button loops and sewing on bias tape with a card stock guide.

[@qormi1000]

Great tips and techniques. Thank you April.

[@jubileemillennial9771]

I love the loop hack and cardstock bias guide

[@Jill-K]

I have been sewing for 50 years and these hacks are genius. Who says an old dogcan't learn new tricks! Thanks

[@vinamax]

Thanks for showing the goofs as well as the successes! It makes a big difference to the belief that these hacks will work for a chronic fail-maker like me. 😁

[@DeterminedDIYer]

Also when sewing on hooks or buttons you can double or even triple the number of threads through the eye of your needle so you don't have to make so many stitches. Great list as usual! :)

[@FlutePlayer777]

Too much thread through the needle and I end up making knots.

[@DeterminedDIYer]

@@FlutePlayer777 wax it :)

[@brooke3140]

This is brilliant! Funny I have hooks so sew on a dress

[@jessiebrown6084]

You can buy the large black binder clips at any office supply store or even the dollar store and use them to hold thick fabric together. They work just as well as the fancy fabric clips and are way cheaper.

[@the_Pons]

A note of caution though regarding user hair clippers as seam rippers, it will ruin the blades for thier original purpose of hair trimming. And if the blades are not replaceable therefore ruin the trimmer. So if you want to use a trimmer as a seam ripper, get one that you only use for that. You know, like your fabric scissors, but in reverse 😄😜

[@coolirpa]

Thanks for the tip!

[@enaskhairallah5279]

With no.7 you can make the paper shorter so you can sew the curved lines .. congrats on your new house ❤️🥰

[@georgettesledge6079]

Thank you, I'm going totry this👍👍

[@valzeppelin5153]

I like that she showed small easy mistakes that anyone could make, explained them and why they happened, and then showed how to fix them. Very easy to follow. Love it.

[@princesslehaha]

I started sewing again for the first time in decades. I never really liked the fussiness of patterns so I love your methods and tips. And your fails lol. My approach is totally different now, you've made me braver (growing up poor baggage) and I trust myself more. Making a sewing mistake is a) not the end of the world, b) usually fixable. Also, how you upcycle in a realistic way is close to my heart; I've been shopping in thrift stores since the 80's. Now I'm on the hunt for a second hand dummy! (Making one myself is too much haha, not gonna happen.) Reading people's comments on videos it's clear how learning is often so much more than learning to make the thing.

[@bpaulsen6701]

I love that you use a blade seam ripper! Soooo much easier & more efficient, especially when dismantling designer garments. It makes it totally worth doing collars, & other areas that you'd usually just cut off, to snag expensive horse braid, & interfacing. Hard to understand why it hasn't caught on more. It takes some practice, but a few good nicks are enough reminder to pay attention.😂

[@dionysislarson6352]

Cool Lirpa. Right on, April backwards. And I was just thinking that you were just a fan of Vulcan weapons.

[@atelierangela3556]

Dionysis Larson 💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.

[@matrixmom3300]

Thanks for all the tips, a couple of years ago dollar tree had an electric facial or brow trimmer. I still have it and use it to seam rip. Blades alot smaller than the Wahl beard trimmer. Works great!

[@dawnmason9558]

My mom always made her bias tapes like the continuous one you made. I use the bias makers they are fantastic. Most people think that they need to buy an over locker but they don’t realise they have one in their newer machines. Nearly ALL modern machines have an overlock stitch plus an overlock foot in the accessories pack. My Janome QXL605 does.

[@FlutePlayer777]

My Singer didn't but I found a way to do a over lock stitch with one of the fancy zig zag stitches. The thing about overlock or sergers is that they use multiple threads. That makes the seam stronger for clothing. For some things you do need a Serger but can make do with what you have too.

[@astridroseby]

I sew all my stretchy fabrics, sweats, t-shirts, turtlenecks, with an overlock stitch and they work perfectly fine. I love that my sewing machine can do this, it makes life so much easier.

[@executivedysfunction]

You did a great job of showing mistakes and how to correct them. Amazingly clear instruction. Well organized and pertinent and without commercial bias! Visualizing the bias tape method as cutting a tube might be helpful. Straight grain method might be better for certain fabric print patterns. Great job!

[@jacquipaper]

Great job April. Thanks for showing your mistakes as well as your successes. It build fortitude and resilience which builds confidence.

[@zaehyungiyawotaehyung7544]

The fourth hack will definitely come in handy Thanks April!

[@coolirpa]

Simple but hope it can help some people out there! 😁

[@amorning2878]

Thank you for sharing these, especially the folded card stock trick for sewing bias tape! I’d given up on that after disastrous results and am hoping to have a less frustrating experience soon!

[@uschilou]

Hi April! This video was super fun!! I love how you tried out new to you hacks and showed the process and results. Thank you!

[@helloemilymills]

Great tips! That continuous bias binding strip is a game changer, hey! I aligned it the wrong way my first time too 😅 I LOVE the hook and eye hack -- will definitely be trying this

[@coolirpa]

Yay!

[@neetha4487]

Thank you !!!! You did a great job 👍

[@deniseoates7147]

Wow! These are amazing. I will save this video for if I ever actually get to sewing. Thanks for sharing and blessing to you and all in the days to come.

[@KLeonardM]

Great hacks. Don't you just love the bias tool in many sizes!!

[@coolirpa]

Yes! Saves so much time haha

[@rebaladyw6314]

April, these tricks are great! All brand new to me. Thanks for sharing!!

[@lindap9079]

These were all new to me except the bias tape trick. Thak you for sharing.

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi April!! All the hacks are wonderful.. I’ve used paper clips for years.. Bias binding roll is simple & fun too.. I’ve also taken my jeans & hammered the thick parts & it helped out to sew over too.. Goodbluck with the move & hope we get to sew your new sewing room…. 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@doristinio4862]

New subscriber here. I love sewing and repairing my old and worn clothes. 💪🇵🇭

[@yorilamaz]

T-Ten years... I’m not crying, are you crying? What a milestone April! Congratulations

[@veraanti]

Wow thanks April !! I really enjoyed watching you try these hacks

[@coolirpa]

Love to hear that!

[@nicolehubbard3536]

That very first tip about reducing bulk when hemming jeans is so helpful; thanks! I also didn't know about electric seam rippers, but now that is going on my wish list. 🙂

[@jacquelinecarmichael4564]

I particularly liked the jeans hemming. I’m 62 and have struggled hemming jeans for myself, husband and sons for years! I wish I’d known this tip back then!

[@bethwaechter8927]

This is so fun, thank you April!

[@coolirpa]

You’re welcome!

[@suegiesige8320]

Great presentation! You give useful information in a happy, friendly, concise way. Refreshing!

[@aimeeilavayou]

Ooo!! The paper clip hack looks so cool & helpful! I might just have to try it.

[@susan5223]

I use the bias tape hack all the time. I love the bias tape tools too

[@SBL1932]

So glad you're a video showed up in my feed. We definitely needed this. You made things easy

[@rebeccawilde6933]

For ironing bias tape, you can also use pins on the ironing board instead of the tool.

[@andra-cm]

These are so cool and useful! can't wait to try out the bias tape one, it's amazing 😀 thank you April! PS: can't wait to see a tour of your new house and sewing room!

[@cindyduran7287]

Love the bias tape hack. If you have a zipper hack to keep the zipper in place when sewing it on the project. That would be awesome.

[@sheridansasmor3973]

Definitely going to be using the jeans hemming tips! I've broken waaayyy too many needles for my bank account to be happy 😅

[@coolirpa]

We’ve all been there haha. Wish I knew about it earlier!

[@katnip266]

I'm making a new years resolution to see more this year. I miss it so much!

[@elizabethglenbentley7882]

Ingenious ideas. Really like the paper clips!

[@artsytype]

Yaaasss!! So helpful!! Please make this a series :)

[@Heathers_Handbags]

I would have I have been sewing for years but those jean hem hacks I have never seen!!! thank you so much!! 💓 1😊😊

[@lamoskgr]

The paper clip trick is magical!

[@ArabianShalifa]

Love the bias tape one especially! The others are good if I can remember them when I need it. I have the basis tape folding tool.

[@janab.9127]

These are wonderful hacks! I will deffinitely try the ones for the denims! I used the paper clips to hold my fabric too when I was out of pins :)

[@mayramendoza2635]

Those we're great hacks!!! Thank you so much for sharing them with us!!! Blessings ❤️

[@coolirpa]

You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by

[@Jerry10939]

Love the jeans hack.

[@KnitLoveHK]

The video is so detail and clear. It's useful and helpful when sewing Really like it and thanks for sharing

[@SailorMoonFanTracy]

The jeans one is amazing!!!

[@AlexJReil]

I use jean fabric a lot. Thanks for the tips!

[@demetriasantillan4033]

Regarding sewing hack 3, I use Dritz Wash Away Wonder Tape on small items and zippers to hold to fabric. No need to remove and can sew through, won't gum up sewing machine needle either. I love it!

[@FullxMoonxMelody]

These actually seem pretty handy! Thanks💖 happy moving!

[@Sarahc-mn1tr]

There are many great tips. Thank you for that.

[@Skirts96]

Thank you April! I really like the pants trick!

[@coolirpa]

Changes everything! 😍

[@mahsoomathasnimap7069]

These tips are so cool...will definitely try this

[@silviabaptista3805]

I loooved #7! It'll be a time saver :D Thanks, April! Very useful ^^

[@dianadivadiamond]

Hi my dear. I've seen these videos on tips and tricks and I had the same problem with the bias tape cutting until I tried it again and got the results. Love the technique with the jeans too. I know about the outer seam being cut off but not the inner seam. Thanks for sharing yours. 💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏

[@AnMandyy]

Omg some of these are mindblowing, I don’t even know 😮😮

[@eloquentlyspoken1525]

Thank you! I needed this tutorial!

[@jasmine-ruff-puff9951]

The bias tape hacks are fantastic

[@pinkysistamb]

Pretty cool tricks. Thanks for sharing the most useful ones

[@artsytype]

Yaaas!! Please make this a series!!

[@benedictanatasya3682]

i went for a dress with lots of button loops for my school project and the tape hack saved me sooo much time! i sew 50 loops in total :')

[@AlejandraMezaDIY]

That’s my hack!!! I’m so excited that you try it, I’ve been following you for a long time, this was a very nice surprise! 😘😘😘

[@ajalvin2012]

Omg my names April , I just randomly clicked. Its a sign. My sewing needs MUCH improving ☮❤🇬🇧👍

[@YokoshimaSTAR]

You make sewing look so satisfying and relaxing as it should, so I can't wait to get alittle more professional enough to reach this level of chill as I sew because so far with mistakes it's just lots of stress ; - ;

[@lorraineyoung5909]

There are some good ideas here.

[@viggycat8592]

I love the paperclip trick! My pins are getting dull and make little holes or puckers on the fabric.

[@atelierangela3556]

Viggycat 💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.

[@anne-marieperjean6883]

Merci beaucoup pour vos astuces de couture, car cela nous permet d'avoir un gain de temps appréciable👍👍👍🤩🤩

[@dganet]

Absolutely LOVED the first tip..... excellent!

[@coolirpa]

One of my faves too!

[@georgettesledge6079]

This was very helpful, for me, I'm going to share this with my sewing friends 😊 😀 thank you

[@jjscozycorner_]

When I sew biais tape I always sew on one side of the crease first and then flip it over, pin it again and sew over it again. This method also works really well for curved lines, a neckline for example! Takes a little bit more time. But in the end it makes for a better result if your not comfortable with the card stock method or when you don't have a biais tape machine foot

[@kaamn1829]

what order do your do it on? do you do the front first then the back, or under-stitch the back then top-stitch the front? do the threads from the other side clog your machine?

[@sarahdeason493]

Great Tips / Thank U April 👍👍

[@joshow926]

Great tips! Sometimes I worry about losing pins while sewing (because I don't want to accidentally stab myself/sit on one haha) so the paperclip hack looks pretty good! The hemming hack is handy too. Thanks!

[@bpaulsen6701]

1. I'm 62, & never thought to cut the thick part of the jeans hem {I sorta did, but my Depression-era grandparents tattooed "waste not, want not" on my brain. Better to struggle with a teeny scrap of fabric & ruin the whole hem}. THANK YOU! 2. I love that you have the grace, & decency, to say you collected these tips from others; although you could easily hold your own inventing new ones. 3. THANK YOU for not labeling this, "AMAZING tips & tricks NO ONE has ever seen! I'm the ONLY one with the ASTOUNDING brain power to figure out that putting a piece of tape around thread will keep it from making a mess!!" You've thought of many things I haven't, but also recognize the Universe existed before you were born; &, again, have the grace, & humility, to ask others for their ideas. You're truly an admirable young woman. 4. I'm sounding a lot like an elderly person, so I'm off to yell at some kids to get off my lawn. ;)

[@allisonmartin8153]

Continuous bias tape...who knew?!? Thank you!

[@majand013]

Brilliant ones!!!

[@emilyarriaga3086]

Very cool! Great tips 👍🏼👍🏼

[@nancyhaynes4459]

Thank you. Good job.

[@helenablignaut662]

Some cool tips here! Thanks so much.

[@FaithPickles]

This was brilliant, thank u🤗😘🤗😘

[@zoephillips2378]

Really good to learn.

[@xxx-il9dv]

Thank you! Great content!

[@vickipatridge5094]

Great hacks. Thanks

[@GoddexxJae]

For the bias tape neck line, do a basting stitch about 1/4 inch from the raw edge and the use that thread to pull the curve into a straight line while you stitch the bias tape ✨