8 simple tips that will help you sew BETTER!

[@dianakidd5688]

I always find myself beginning to smile as I watch your very upbeat, informative videos. Thanks for the cheerful presentation! Also, folks often forget that you can take scissors to be sharpened - which I highly recommend after sewing several projects.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Diana, great point! I actually have a scissor sharpener for my fiskars scissors (the orange ones). Thank you for watching and for a kind comment :)

[@eduardachi2571]

where do they sharpen scissors

[@woodenkat8971]

@@eduardachi2571 you can search for knife sharpeners, they often also do scissors.

[@susandalen7985]

I agree with you, Alisa, that hand-basting is so worth it and has eliminated a lot of frustration for me.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

For sure! Takes a bit extra time but saves a lot of potential frustration and failed projects!

[@dianep649]

As a quilter, I really value accurate cutting. I've started cutting garments with a rotary cutter and am very pleased with the results. Thanks for all the good tips. Hope you are feeling much better.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Diane, thank you so much! For sure, accurate cutting solves a lot of future issues with assembly of the garment. You know, I was never tempted by the rotary cutter, as I was always happy with my scissors - but now that you say it is good, I will take a look at it. Thank you! Feeling much better, o ly some cough and roughness in the voice are left (this is a video filmed a few months back) but a day or two and I can go back to filming/doing more for you! Thank you for being so kind and caring ❤️

[@dale3404]

Love the rotary cut and mats. So much neater and accurate.

[@eduardachi2571]

i just found you you are amazing at teaching i cant handle videos that talk nonstop about the same thing over and over u were perfect and to the point thank you

[@dale3404]

I use a stack of sticky notes. The raised edge helps. Ironing the pattern and fabric before cutting makes a big difference.

[@helenparker1870]

When I first started sewing left handed scissors were very hard to find. Using a rotary cutter was a revelation, as I could cut more accurately and the fabric stayed flat on the table. Some machines will automatically lower the needle and raise the foot when you stop sewing. Check your manual, as you may need to turn this function on. You can sew a few stitches on a sewing machine to tack crossing seams together before sewing the seam on a Serger. Also seen this when attaching elastic: instead of just pinning the elastic at each quarter of a waistband, sew a few stitches at each quarter point, much more secure and you do not have pins sticking in to you as you sew in the elastic.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you for your input. Some machines indeed lower the needle on their own and even cut the thread when done, mine is not one of them.

[@kriskeuler4455]

Alisa you are my favorite sewing guru ❤️ ❤❤🥰🥰🥰

[@hobbybox678]

Thanks so much Alisa! You have really helped me with your tips on keeping my hem straight

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Awesome! :)

[@mrgarner4796]

Great tips. I agree that the inside should be nice and neat. Attention to detail is important for a finished garment to be proud of.

[@Icingmoon]

Hi. I’ve been sewing nearly 60 yrs. if you have bad techniques that you need to correct, don’t hesitate! I used to do alterations, working for a dry cleaner. One day a customer pointed out that my hems looked very unprofessional, I was very embarrassed, but I wanted to improve, so I got out a sewing book and taught myself how to blind stitch by hand. (PS she came back, didn’t give up on me). Swallow your pride and learn. I enjoy learning and appreciate that a “youngster” like you can teach me how to improve. Thanks

[@l.a.w.79]

My sewing has had some happy outcomes and some cringe worthy outcomes. What I dream of making and what I actually TRY to make is completely different 🥴 because I don’t have confidence in my ability. My mom used to help me. Every time I see, though, I’m so thankful for her teaching me all those years ago.

[@l.a.w.79]

And today I bought a used computerized machine and I wonder if I should have done that🤯🙀

[@cynthiacatnott9012]

I am getting better too.Finally learnt how even after designing School

[@victoriahannah1633]

I use a rotary cutter and make sure my pattern has lots of weights where I cut. The hem area can give me a fit but I am getting better. I use hand basting all time and it ends up saving me time.

[@clementinahernandezmanoatl4679]

Cómo ver el video en español,me interesan tus consejos gracias por compartir

[@evelynkrainer9586]

I love your work, you are so inspiring ❤. So professionnelle.

[@LG-dj9qr]

You are wonderful - very informative. Thank you.

[@irenedyrynda9084]

I notice you said it's a good idea to press your fabric before cutting out the pattern. I did a stretch knit course some years ago and one of the pints she made was to pre-shrink your stretch knit fabric before cutting out. I learnt this by a costly mistake when I bought some jersey fabric and made a long "chong sam"dress - fitted with long darts in the front for a wedding. Made it up the night before a 5 hour trip to the country, washed it and hung it on a hanger to dry. Next morning laid it out in the boot of the car and off we went. Shops in those days closed at 11.30am on Saturday mornings. The wedding was at 3pm, We set off at 6am, arrived at the hotel, had a shower, went to put the dress on and it had shrunk sideways and lengthways. No spare outfit to change into but my mother-in-law had a skirt and blouse (which were too big for me) but they were better than the shrunken dress or the sports pants and jumper I had driven up in. Situation was saved but the skirt rotated around my waist when we were dancing. These days, of course, everything has an orlane(?) percentage in it so you virtually have to pre-shrink everything. Is this the case? I have thoroughly enjoyed going through your videos today found by a lucky accident. Have downloaded all your information so far and may even get back into sewing which has been superseded by knitting, crochet, looming and floral art. Thank you once again..

[@rikkib7636]

I’ve really come to appreciate hand basting. It really does make a difference:)

[@anitabruzelius3905]

I do so agree that the cutting is a key point. I still struggle with that a bit, a few reasons, I don't have the best cutting or the ironing table either so it is a matter of finding ways to make it work. But it is getting better. Also the first few projects i worked on i cut way too big, out of fear of cutting wrong or to small.

[@LiliAquinas]

Measure, measure, measure, and then cut! Make sure you've measured the body you're sewing for, whether human, animal, or inanimate (table cloth, pillows, etc); measure the pattern you're using, to make sure you choose the correct size for the project, or follow the size chart; don't cut the size you think "should fit"; measure the seam allowance on the pattern and make sure to follow it; and then cut your fabric with confidence! One note about preparing the fabric before cutting: if the fabric is likely to shrink (many wovens do), prewash and dry the fabric the same way the finished garment/project will be laundered. Then, any shrinkage will be already done, so you'll know that item can be washed, and will still be the right size.

[@anitabruzelius3905]

@@LiliAquinas Yea, I have always washed the fabric and that makes it even harder to cut :-) since the edges rolls. But I am getting a lot better. I wight also need to start cutting and measuring on the floor when i need to :-)

[@lingdynasty4606]

Always love your tutorials. Thank you for sharing so much of your existing and techniques. Love it! ❤

[@oskarmolly]

Cutting is my issue. I have such a hard time making it nice. Also can you do a program on matching plaids and things that need to be matched.

[@jen_crochetfun]

Hand basting is also good for when you have thick or multiple layers that might shift when you try to get them under the presser foot. I always hand baste when I am doing the twist part of headbands because my machine is cheap and doesn't like to cooperate a lot of times.

[@karenstimson2683]

I would add to always prewash fabric before cutting out your garment.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Always, if the fabric/material allows it! But this is about neat sewing itself, not necessarily about prepping the fabric, therefore I did not include it.

[@karenstimson2683]

Not to belabor the point, you did say to always IRON the fabric before cutting. Is this not fabric preparation? For fabrics that cannot be washed, like silk or wool, you can use steam when ironing to shrink the fabric so it will not shrink any further when cleaned. My rule of thumb is that if you plan on washing your garment, you must prewash the fabric.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

@@karenstimson2683 Karen, thank you for your input!

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Alisa!! I agree with you, cutting straight (I use rotary cutter) & hand basting.. I love all your tips & suggestions, they’ve always been helpful in one way or another…. 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@bonniebonnie7149]

I add a strip of blue painters tape at the seam width I want. I start it at the front edge of my machine and go just past the presser foot. For straight seams, I align my fabric at the edge of my sewing machine so it’s really stable. Thank you so much for a great video!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

If you want to use the edge of your sewing foot as the guide for a straight seam but it's too narrow for the seam allowance in the pattern, you can try moving your needle to the left. Then sew a sample and measure the distance between the edge of the fabric and the sewn line, depending on your foot and sewing machine you might be able to achieve the proper seam allowance. There are also some feet that have a built in guide, check what your machine manufacturer has available.

[@denisedorsey2889]

I agree, but of my three machines, all different manufacturers, the widest I can get by moving my needle is 1/2”. I do use it as many indie patterns call for a 1/2” seam allowance.

[@rhondamicek4497]

How do I join the club and have all the stuff that you have that you

[@denisedorsey2889]

@@rhondamicek4497 I buy second hand machines. I was even given one for my sewing classes that someone was no longer using.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

@@rhondamicek4497 I started sewing clothes by hand at the beginning of the pandemic, then my aunt gave me her 40 year old machine. Then I scrounged some sewing feet from my sister's broken sewing machine and started an actual piggy bank to save coins to put towards buying sewing tools and fabric because my budget for hobbies is so small. It's not easy or fast to gather equipment and supplies this way but it is possible.

[@lindagillespie6556]

Thank you!

[@marjorlecharles5138]

I am happy I found your channel. Your presentation was very informative. I always wanted to learn to sew and so I recently purchased a Singer machine. I plan to start with a mask; the machine has been with me for over two weeks now and I haven't plucked up my courage to start using it as yet but I will now that I have watched your video. Great content.

[@pmorganworkshop]

I really enjoyed watching this, Alisa! It was a really well done video! Your wise tips and suggestions are going to be so helpful to amateurs such as myself, thank you so much for posting them! I wonder if you have any strong opinions on brands of scissors ✂️ for cutting. More specifically, in your experience is there any noticeable difference with one type of scissor staying sharper for longer than other types of scissor brands? (Perhaps you might make a video about this one day in the future? )

[@ChrisW228]

I keep a large rubber band around the base of my machine and move that back and forth where I want the fabric edge to be. Not only is it a clear visual, but also a tiny physical edge to run along.

[@madeatbentwood]

Neat cutting wont fix poorly centred fabric. It’s so important to keep your fabric design centred, or to make sure the lines on your fabric are laying perpendicular to the pattern properly (especially when working with folded/doubled fabric). I too use a small (28mm) rotary cutter for cutting garment patterns. The small blade turns armscyes etc much easier than the big blades. Magnetic seam guides are cheap to buy and really useful. Use the correct thread weight for the needles you’re using and use the right needles for your fabric choice. I agree Alisa, so much of what makes for a great sew is wonderful prep work 😊 oh, and learn to under-stitch instead of top stitching. Such a small thing but makes a huge impact.

[@mariacristinaoclos9804]

Wow your a good teacher 😍thanks for all the tips. God bless

[@idareandevers9211]

I all way keep a open mind for learning your information make me a lot better sewing.. Thanks

[@Lyonmydesigns]

Thank you ❤謝謝

[@petro3441]

Thanx

[@peggymason7438]

All good tips, especially pressing. My ex mother-and sister-in-law never pressed seas or anything. They could make something in a few hours and it looked. Neither ever made anything that wasn't puckered and looked totally thrown together, which it was.

[@AngeVPV]

Great video!

[@concettapitarresi2969]

Ti adoro

[@beckysonnier6369]

Great advice

[@queenelcene638]

ThankYou ❤

[@tinimaus1986]

So true! 👍🏻

[@heatherpenman3906]

Hi Alisa, Thank you for the video. As I was listening, I made one of your headbands for the second time. Matches the dress I completed yesterday. From New Zealand 🌏

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

That's awesome! The best part about sewing - creating what we like how we like it :)

[@issy5814]

hi alisa. I've watched your videos for a while and i really want to learn how to sew princess darts but i don't know how. Could you make a video on how to draft and sew them? ( If you know how to. )

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Hi Issy, it is something we will do on the channel but it might be months before we do as this is not a priority and I have a long list of videos to make. Meanwhile, please use following resources to achieve what you want : 1) library and books 2) Google 3) KZbin 4) sewing classes.

[@issy5814]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity thanks alisa, i do have some books, but i don't really understand them, i guess i'll do some research on google and youtube.

[@saraalicea3363]

Thanks for sharing it, very useful. Can’t find where to sharpen them,. Thanks 😊

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Google in your area. Also, if you have a hair salon or hair master you go to, or know of - ask them, they usually have a person who sharpens their scissors.

[@janicespringstube1678]

Thank you! 😇 😁

[@Justdiggingit]

Good information! Do you have some help on setting in sleeves on woven fabrics in jackets, etc.?

[@gwenwerner8795]

Thank you for your help

[@gwenwerner8795]

Its been 20 years until the pandemic hit I start sew again

[@louisasimonskitchens634]

re neat seams: I adjust the stitch width in order to move the needle to make the distance from the needle to the edge of the foot exactly the distance that I need.

[@barbaraness4507]

Painter’s tape placed on your machine makes for straighter seam.

[@paulacornelison243]

Most of this information is in store bought patterns and in Sewing books. I find that a physical book is better than an ebook. With a physical book. You can leave the book open or search with ease.

[@christinabullen2021]

Fantastic tips! My grandmother always said the inside finishing should be good enough to wear the garment inside-out! Question: when is it best to finish seam raw edges: before sewing the seam or after, if you don’t have an overlocker (serger)?

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Christina, hello there! It depends on what kind of seam finish you're using and how sure you are of a fit of garment. I have a video on seam finishes and there you can see some examples.

[@catherinedavidson1523]

Alica what material did you have for the cardigan you are wearing?

[@ba-12-]

do you have a video of how to make a hand towel?

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

I know you've done videos on binding and bias binding, but do you know a fail safe way of it looking good from BOTH sides?! I'm at my wits end to be honest, and am actually thinking of giving up on it!!

[@Pureimagination200]

Many videos on sewing bias tape on KZbin. Do a search on it.

[@christinesahadeo6207]

Can you tell me why the top thread breaks often...the needle thread

[@vb8801]

Neat cutting is my #1 struggle, staying on grain even while I'm pinning the pattern, marking it out, ugh!!! Its so frustrating

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Oh I am so sorry! If I work with fabric that irons well, I press the fold on which the pattern (center back or center front) will sit and that makes it easier to keep everything in one place as that fold part now is flat and does nut bubble up. Maybe this will help!

[@vb8801]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity thank you!! I will try that next time 🙂

[@raraavis7782]

@@vb8801 Just make sure, you can actually remove that crease again afterwards. Be very careful, if there is any amount of synthetic fiber in there - fabrics like that can crease permanently, if you crease them with heat and pressure. If in doubt, just slightly dampen the area, to encourage the fabric to lay flat.

[@charlottejones7341]

I have the lines on my machine but there's no numbers on it

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

It is okay, every machine is different, you can just take a piece of painter's tape or masking tape and write your own numbers and stick it on top of the plate.

[@charlottejones7341]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity thanks

[@jessicalarreau3647]

As a beginner what is the best setup for a sewing machine, cutting mat, tools, desk placement etc...

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Jessica, hi! That would be really up to you and what is comfortable for you, it all depends on what you sew, how you sew, how much space you have, how big of a table... anyway, here's a video that might give you some inspo - kzbin.info/www/bejne/apfcZXZooMqpjsk

[@paraboo8994]

Cutting neatly is the bane of my existence...

[@salems_gigi6309]

I place a strip of washi tape on the machine as a guide for seam allowance

[@versinaviani7988]

You should have your own school girl bye