8 of My Best Sewing Tips and Hacks for Beginners

[@eman9467]

I learned from an elderly aunt that was a seamstress that had two stitches on her sewing machine, straight and zigzag. She said that no matter the fabric you are sewing never start on the end. To prevent bunching, come down 1/4 inch sew backwards to the end, then forward. Perfect every time.

[@JanHowell]

That works great too

[@marianhunt8899]

Great advice, thanks.

[@margaretscott3451]

I'm just having problems with tension.😢

[@eman9467]

Tension…I test my tension with a zigzag stitch. The zigzag should be the same on both sides. Also check your manual for the normal setting.

[@margaretscott3451]

@@eman9467 thankyou I will have a go.

[@Sue-ec6un]

My best advice to new sewers is...when you have become frustrated, just turn the machine off and walk away. Come back tomorrow, start from the beginning, thread your machine over again...check your settings and try again. Frustration BUILDS into anger, and nobody enjoys that which makes them angry all the time. And when it finally works correctly, don't be shy about patting yourself on the back a little...everything takes time and practice to improve, so take your time, practice and enjoy the process.

[@SusanSmith-hl3iv]

❤❤❤❤❤ Yes! Sometimes you just need to just walk away….

[@SusanSmith-hl3iv]

❤ I always learn something new from you. Today it was the serger tails. So simple! Thanks for all your videos. So informative and you get right to the point. Good close up camera work makes it easy to see what to do. Thanks for all your posts. 😊

[@roslyngraf1737]

Exactly. No stressing. 😊

[@quiltr141]

Absolutely!!

[@teresafarrell6457]

Thank you. 👍

[@eneidagarcia2709]

I am new to your channel and new at sewing at the age of 70.

[@helenm3133]

same here. 70 and new to sewing. She's one of the best here on KZbin.

[@alexandrealaidlaw7517]

This was great, 68 and new to sewing as well.

[@claudiastokes6485]

Good for you!!! I just learned to crochet 2 years ago at 60.

[@dawnlaverty3592]

Yes. Me too, but started at 64 when our first grandchild came along. I did do some sewing in 1st year of high school in a domestic science class. Something must have stuck as I often baste things, and tend not to use so many short cuts!! I love learning, and the ladies at our weekly sewing group are keen to share their skills. I just wish I’d learned years ago!! X

[@JanHowell]

You go girl!!!! Love it.

[@nancycronin601]

Am 74 and have been sewing since I was 10 or so. About half the tips were things I did not know and will definitely use. Thank you so much. Love your channel. 😊

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind!

[@dorothydeiratani5093]

Great ideas .I think the weights are a great idea. I esp .like your tip on starting and ending seams !

[@sharontrumble4872]

I agree with the first commenter…I am 75 and have been sewing since 7th grade ..my mom’s best friend was a home economics teacher and I was her summer project I guess. Most of these tips are new to me, too! Thank goodness you shared the one with the 5 pound weight….thought it was just me not applying enough pressure on the long ruler.

[@jrbrey4113]

ditto ditto ditto...... esp like having the mystery of the J foot black springy button cleared up cannot even accurately estimate how many times I've said to myself wth is this little black button for.....

[@sueprice4082]

Me too, same amount of time! I love to learn new things. Sue UK ❤️

[@silverfireUK]

Why have I never wondered what that button on the back of the foot is for? That's the easy solution I'll be using from now on. Thank you so much!

[@paulabildson157]

These were great tips, Jan! Thank you. One thing I learned after I had been sewing for awhile is that if you store your sewing machine with the presser foot up, you are putting stress on the mechanism and it could wear out faster. Take a spare piece of fabric (with a little thickness preferred), stick it between your feed dogs and presser foot, and leave the presser foot down. The fabric will also protect your feed dogs from wear.

[@saraaronzon4562]

Thanks so much for this tip!

[@thecarjacful]

This is what I was taught by my mum ove 50 years ago and I still do it today 👍🏻🧵🪡

[@JanHowell]

I learned that as well. thanks for sharing

[@valwood1430]

I also learned that, and always left my machine like that, however, when I purchased a Pfaff 710, I was told that it didn’t matter for that model!

[@JustOneDress]

The tip about weighing down your ruler is genius.

[@ireneterpstra1366]

I want to add that a jean needle is a must for sewing denim.

[@JanHowell]

yes, thanks for sharing

[@stacyschreiner2251]

I always use a size 9 needle... It's so small it pierces through the fabric like butter. I go slow and careful and the needle never breaks :) I find denim needles really have to fight their way through the fabric due to their thickness. I get the theory of denim needles, but have never had a lot of success with them.

[@vivienbrowne3613]

I really like your videos. You explain things simply and without wasting time on fluff. The camera angle is always good and it's in focus so that i can see what you are doing. Also, there is no annoying music in the background! I learnered about that button from this video. Awesome!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@timpanedes]

I had no idea that black button on my foot was a leveler. I have to hem all the time and had just decided that’s how my stitches work around heavy seams. Game changer!!

[@helenweatherby1694]

My best tips. Prewash your fabric. Iron every seam. Tacking stitches are life savers.

[@mariabraeburn9976]

Noooo!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for sharing.

[@MarieJones-s4b]

Using the weight on a ruler is a great tip.❤

[@JanHowell]

Right?!

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

Excellent video! My favorite tape in my sewing room is the green frog tape. It seems to be the identical adhesive that was on architectural/mechanical drafting tape years ago. It doesn't get old as quickly as regular masking tape (I'm not sure how long the blue painter's tape lasts), but unlike the blue tape, the green tape(not as sticky) can be used on paper - including tissue paper - and can be removed when tracing patterns. It is also reusable.

[@jacquelinebouffebouffe9790]

The tip about the scrap piece of fabric to start off was fantastic!! Bunching up at the start of a row of stitching was so frustrating before! Simple and effective! Also the tip about rereading the machine when things are going wrong….. it works 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@gamadebdegamadebde]

I had no idea what that little black button on the dresser foot was for. Now I need to play with it. Thank you Jan for another great tip that I did not even know I needed to learn!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@privateinfo1711]

I've been sewing for 59 years. I wish I'd known these tips! Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

Never too late.

[@nancynprice2023]

😂I’ve been using my hand weights for yrs for this purpose. When I go to my work room I tell my husband that I’m going to Work Out! Love your ideas.

[@JanHowell]

LOL love it!

[@lisacorbin4477]

The leveling button!! 10 yrs with my machine and I had no idea. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

Awesome.

[@oldrvr]

My mom started teaching me to sew when I was in the 4th grade by making doll clothes. I’m 81 now, and I have sewed all my life. I’ve never been seamstress good, but I can sew. Thank you for these great tips!

[@saviness]

Very helpful. So simple once you see it. Good work. Thank you so much.

[@nancyhottman5846]

Thank you. I didn’t know what the button on my foot was for. Learned something new.

[@JanHowell]

Awesome!

[@IMOO1896]

My solution, which always works for me, to keep the machine from “sucking in the edge of the fabric” when starting a seam, I begin the seam 1/4-1/2” from the edge, do a couple stitches, then do the backtrack, then come forward.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks so much for sharing.

[@TheEvie202]

The hand weights on the ruler is a great tip. I now keep weights in my sewing room. Thank you 🙏

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@dianneunderwood8456]

I used an extra grip (to open jars) to put under my foot pedal as I didn't have any rubber mesh at hand. And have found the painter's tape very helpful for many projects to help get the straight seams! Thank you for your tips and here's a general guide to help with needle tension, presser foot tension and stitch length: The thicker the fabric, increase needle tension, decrease presser foot tension and increase the stitch length. The thinner the fabric, decrease needle tension, increase presser foot tension and decrease the stitch length.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@saraaronzon4562]

Great idea!

[@lalagamma4452]

Great tips and tricks! Today's Quote: "Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love." - Brené Brown. Huge hugs. Namaste 🐞🐞🐞

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@johannechampagne7332]

Never knew what that black button on the presser foot was for! Thank you.

[@nancynprice2023]

That was also a new one to me.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@sandramichaud8033]

Hump jumper with cardboard or nail file, and the serger tail were most helpful. Always appreciate your videos. Thanks!!!❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@LizzyM68]

I’ve been sewing for over 40 years and I didn’t know that tip for hemming jeans. Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

Awesome, glad it was helpful.

[@louizabell9905]

Love the bulky seams tip as well as how to start seams on thin and fleecy materials. And I finally know what the the black button is for! Thank you Jan!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@mregister3945]

Thank you for these great tips! 😊❤ I've told my Granddaughters "mistakes" can become "unique designer" additions. 😊 Others normally don't notice errors.

[@Debbie72601]

So true, I can drive myself crazy trying to get it perfect and then realize the person I'm giving it to will not notice the stitching. As long as it holds up through use aand washing!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@peacock1967mine]

Love the love the surger tail management…thank you!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@lisawilson5339]

Your videos are super helpful. Thank you for quick instructions and NOT a lot of unnecessary chit chat. 👍

[@alexandrakeyes7672]

These tips are ACTUALLY amazing!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom :)

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@saraaronzon4562]

When I make a mistake, I chuckle and laugh! It seems to help me avoid frustration.

[@JanHowell]

good advice.

[@sunshineandwarmth]

I used to have to ace everything, or kept at it till I did.😊 Now I'm old. My hands,eyes, spine, and brain don't work to perfection, so neither do I!😅 So I taught myself a new skill, quilting, and since I have nothing w wh to compare it (it's not clothes or dolls, or crafts, or anything else w a needle and thread) I think how clever I am whenever I finish, and have fun going along learning but never expecting greatness bc I know I don't know what I'm doing. The fun is just in the doing. I don't think I've ever experienced that before in my life. I guess, if you are new to something, what you are doing is just amazing to you.😂❤

[@saraaronzon4562]

@@sunshineandwarmth so true, I feel much better. New to sewing and I’m 65. Mom and Grandma sewed our clothes and they wouldn’t let us near their machines. They were a treasure to our household. I’m so glad I found ya’ll.

[@VickiKolman]

Along with rethreading the machine, another good tip is to change the needle. I don’t know how many times one or both of these things has helped!

[@JanHowell]

so ture, thanks for sharing

[@karenj4641]

Lots of great tips. I never thought to use tape on the fabric to sew a straight line. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you

[@lindaeastin4646]

You are doing a great job. Thank you for posting all the hints and solutions.

[@JanHowell]

My pleasure!

[@judymorris214]

Joy Bernhardt said to check you out.I will follow you.Joy is a good teacher also.You might enjoy her.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for the info. I will definately check her out.

[@Yamma1971]

Been sewing since I can remember and I am now 53 and I love all these tips. Its true what they say..."we learn something new everyday" Thanks for sharing 😊

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@FaithHarris-hc5pk]

Jean, you’re a gem!!!!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so kind

[@stephaniebaker9222]

I just realized i could use the shelf liner idea. Complete game changer!!

[@JanHowell]

Awesome!

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Some great tips. I did the 're-threading' one the other day and it worked. I like the idea of folded cardboard as a 'humper' which allows for different thicknesses 🤩

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@midwaypitt]

The first tip, was a game changer for me. Thanks for sharing your talent.❤❤

[@megnelson5036]

Using a hand weight is a great idea, also sewing in the ends when serging. As an experienced sewer, I thought I knew all the tips/hacks. Those two were great! Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@angelarobichaud9286]

I've been sewing for over 25 years (and now teach it to others) and even learned a few things from this video. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful! You are so welcome!

[@TPristinMiracles]

Thank you so much for these great tips . I`m a total beginner. When I was 11 years old 1985, mum was preparing sew. machine completely and then I was sitting and sewing my fabric hair scrunchies. It was so fun ! Now I have some projects for myself Hope I won`t live so much frustration with setting up machine also☺ ( little bit afraid of that) . Thanks again Have a great life 🥰

[@JanHowell]

You may find this video helpful as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/omqkk2CladyshcUsi=6x2GNlnwMSXxk5U-

[@joycej9415]

I made a rice bag to use instead of one of those weights. Works great and I can heat in microwave if my arthritis needs that too. These are all good things for beginners to know.

[@pamelavance648]

Great idea 😊😊

[@JanHowell]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@sharipearce5937]

Thank you for these tips. It’s nice to know that this old dog can still learn a few things.

[@JanHowell]

You bet!

[@jeanettemahon3131]

These are great tips, thank you so much! I use rubber bands to keep my foot peddle in place…..easy!

[@JanHowell]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing

[@maryanndelaneytuttle8975]

I loved the idea of putting the sticky stuff under the foot pedal. So simple why didn't I think of it!!! And the starter piece is a great idea too!. Such a calm and easy presentation. The idea of using a emery board to lift the foot when sewing over the thck fabric. Had never heard of the thumb bumper! Thanks for the good ideas!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@KayTaylor-l7u]

Great hacks ever & I’ve been sewing professionally for over 20 yrs x

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind!

[@susanakfogel8217]

I have been sewing since I was nine years old and I’m 74! I always learn something new. I have the foot with the black button on my Janome and I knew it was designed to help ease the needle over a thick fabric, but I could never figure out how how to make it work and now I know how it will work thank you.❤❤

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@theresaardoin3251]

Jan I watched your tutorial today..Thank you for the tip on using the weights. I have some 3# weights I used today. I’m making pillow cases for Christmas for my Grand children,Great Grandchildren and family members..it made keeping my ruler in place a lot easier to use my rotary cutter. I also used the tip for the ends on my serger..Thanks again. I love learning new sewing tips…

[@marissamelvin5249]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@susanv5684]

I’ve been using a 5lb kettle ball on my long ruler and it works great.

[@JanHowell]

wonderful

[@courtenaylove]

The hand weight!! Tried it today and my life is changed!! Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@pennyschlemmer6470]

Thank you for the weight on the ruler hack. This is something I have trouble with. I'm going to try it.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@suhseal]

The serger tip was brilliant!!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@tomjerry505]

I love the hand weight idea!! thanks

[@sunshineandwarmth]

Is that the Donna Jordan trick? If so, it's sheer perfection. I haven't had a ruler mishap since I watched her some years ago.😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@MrsBennett67]

Great tips! I’m 56, have been sewing most of my life and out of the 8 tips, there were only 3 I’ve known about and personally used. Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@jennihubby2877]

Great tips, thank you! I’ve been sewing for 50 years, mostly self-taught. I learned a few new tricks here. Keep up the great work!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@pamelagorrell453]

I love the tip on using a scrap to start and keeping your foot pedal in place!

[@marybethknapp9734]

I learned a multitude of things from you. Thank you! I am a novice, but a determined one. So far things have been looking good, but we all can use a little help. Thanks again, heading to your serger site.

[@dragonflycait7184]

Wonderful tips. I know almost all but now we’re at a serger, which I do not have but filed that away in the brain. Wonderful, well modulated voice. Not screechy-high, not fast-paced. Just a professionally well-modulated voice. Nice to listen to. Thank you. My very best to You and continued success to you.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind!

[@MrsJWife]

Hump jumper, I folded fleece, then denim over that in a 2"x2" square and stitched it up. I place it under the back side of the foot and it works great. Small enough to keep next to the machine.

[@debbiehall4155]

My favorite tip was about the hand weight. I have hand weights, now I will keep one in my sewing area. You just never know what can be helpful! I’ve been using the leader and ender trick for a while, it’s one of the best tips I’ve ever learned. I’ve had the issue of skipped stitches when I sew denim, I will try the folded cardboard. And the trick about the rubber fabric under the foot pedal is so smart and so easy, thank you! These were all very helpful.

[@gamadebdegamadebde]

I saw the hand weight trick on another quilting tutorial a few years ago and have used it ever since. It is great for arthritic hands like mine, you will love it.

[@lovly2cu725]

i ordered a hand weight

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@caroldinius4402]

8/9/'24 *** JAN, I'M CAROL, I'VE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW. I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS TO YOU. YOU ARE SO NICE, FRIENDLY, PLEASENT TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO, YOUR VOICE IS EVEN SOTHING. YOU DO THE "BEST" JOB AT EXPLAINING WHAT YOU ARE DOING. I THANK YOU SO MUCH! SOMETIMES I HAVE TO GO BACK AND LISTEN TO A CERTAIN PART AGAIN, BUT I ALWAYS GET IT. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! ***

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Great tips Jan. A longer stitch works well, too, for machine binding a quilt. It allows the stitched edge to lay down flatter, eliminating the flanging look if a shorter stitch is used. We all know that "Shift Happens". I have an antique hand iron (my grandmother's I think). I put felt strips on it so that it will not scratch my rulers. Stitch issues: In addition to rethreading, check your needle to ensure that it is (1) compatible with your thread; or if it is past it's useful life and needs changing.

[@JanHowell]

Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@Hacker3588]

New to sewing and enjoy these videos. Thanks so much for your effort and time!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@jeric2773]

Your tips on dealing with serger tails was very helpful! Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

Awesome, glad it was helpful.

[@TonyaStene]

I used to sew a lot many years ago, but then life got in the way. I love your clear, straight forward teaching style! These are great tips and very helpful for re-learning how to sew!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks You are so kind!

[@michaeldangelo5810]

Thank you for.a very clear presentation given at a god pace (neither drawn out nor rushed through too quickly for us to grasp).

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wendychu4634]

A very informative video that I know that I will use as a reference when I need to grow the tools that I use. Thank you so much 👏👏👏

[@KM-dz1rc]

I sew infrequently and usually hemming or repairs. Excellent tips, particularly hemming jeans - thank you

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@EmilylovedBagpuss]

Fabulous tip with weight! So simple love it

[@JanHowell]

Glad you liked it!!

[@eileenlewis303]

Great tips here Jan! Thank you! 👌😊

[@t.wildmon5746]

Thank you for showing us newbies all your tricks! I like how you, get right into it! My new favorite utube channel!

[@brendamorgan59]

Thx for the Great Ideas!!!❤😊I'm a first time user on my new sewing machine, just starting to learn...whew!

[@JanHowell]

Awesome and you are so welcome!

[@elizabethrowe7262]

Thank you for those tips. I have been sewing off and on all my life and am learning new things on here on KZbin every time I go to watch a video.

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@maritzakincaid4303]

It took me many years to learn the lesson to just STOP if you're frustrated & nothings going right. Inevitably, the next day, turns out it was no big deal & easily fixable. I am finally a convert.

[@sj6919]

I learned that in knitting.

[@JanHowell]

so true

[@denisetebbs2742]

So glad that i found your channel. Brilliant tips that will make me get my machine out again. I'm a novice and just gave up after all the things in this video happened! Thank you so much for sharing. Denise from England 😊

[@JanHowell]

I'm so glad you found me too. YOU GOT THIS!

[@ivyhall9760]

Thank you for a great tutorial! I’m an I’ve been sewing for over 50 years and learned a few things. I like how you teach and get to the point. It’s great!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks and you are so welcome

[@mariannatrapani5859]

Great tips thank you. I’m 83 and still sewing. Didn’t know what the black button was for. Thank you again

[@JanHowell]

Never too late to learn new things.

[@destinyramsey4]

2 and 6 hit me personally! Thank you!!!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome.

[@Sandrab769]

I started using a five pound weight after watching your tips the first time. It is a game changer.

[@JanHowell]

Awesome

[@TheLillypad1752]

Great ideas especially rethreading your machine when it gets wonky! Thank you 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@christineallen7230]

Ahhh this video is EXACTLY what I needed! i looked like this 😮 the entire time I was watching! Absolutely following and saving this video for reference!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@clarepurtill1790]

Great tip ideas, liked the weight on a ruler, I thought I was the only one that couldn’t cut straight with a ruler! T he button on the J foot is new one and starting and finishing seam on the serger was great. That you for all this info. you always check me through with great tutorials.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind!

[@barbaraness4507]

3:18 Oh yeah! I really needed that tip for all of the very fine, and silky fabrics.

[@JanHowell]

Awesome, glad it was helpful.

[@zeezu1676]

Hi... you just changed my life. Hack no 2. Thank you KZbin for this algorithm.. Love you, and yes.. I subscribed 😊❤🎉🎉🎉

[@JanHowell]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@PamVorkapich]

Great thanks I have been sewing for many years these tips are great. I found that shelf material that you are using for foot pedal works great under my machine too. Sometimes the machine slides and with this material it doesn’t. Keep on posting! Thanks!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@jeanetteburch1435]

Totally agree with the hand weight! I had my thumb joint replaced a year and a half ago. I bought 10 lb. hand weight to help with cutting fabric while I was recuperating. I still use it, because I have found that my cuts are more accurate. Just like you said, "game changer."

[@JanHowell]

❤️

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

The tip about using a 5 pound weight to keep the long quilting ruler from shifting while cutting is worth its weight in gold alone 😆!!!! I am thrilled to learn that!!

[@JanHowell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sewforthandsewon]

Thank you! I didn't know about the black button on my J foot. I'm going to use it today! ❤

[@JanHowell]

awesome!

[@gingerbloomer9291]

I never knew what that little leveling button on the presser foot was for! Thank you - great tips!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@DonnaBush-ul3gg]

Thank you so much for explaining the hump jumper!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@lauriepayseur5897]

Jan! That serger tip is AWESOME! Thank you

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@lenawahlberg6109]

Such a great video! Thank you! Now I understand why I get a ball of thread in the beginning, stuck in the maschine and so hard to remove. Also, I wish I could find such a large cutting board; I have only found small ones. Not useful if making a long skirt. Thank you again!

[@dianec1712]

Ty. You always tech me something. You are appreciated

[@JanHowell]

Thanks. You are so kind!

[@ZeldaSews]

Hi Jan I love listening to your channel! Any tips to make my sewing life better I'd love to hear about! Have a blessed weekend and happy sewing!

[@JanHowell]

Thank you! You too!

[@buzzi2k]

Brilliant tips, especially the neat overlocking tails one!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks and you are so welcome