The 5 Most Common Sewing Mistakes!

[@AlejandraSabina]

My daughter calls you "The sewing cowboy"

[@faithgathigia6341]

So accurate😂😂😂

[@veve7349]

I mean that's what he is 😄

[@CorneliusQuiring]

A tip of my hat to your daughter :)

[@jadelee6363]

I can't tell you how many times I was sewing late at night only to find the next day I made a huge mistake and had to rip out my work to start again. Great advice! Go to bed!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That is not a good thing to wake up to indeed :) I hear you.

[@charliepinto9657]

Yes it happened again last night. I hope I put it away for the next day

[@blowitoutyourcunt7675]

We have a rule - no cutting after midnight! We also don’t sew drunk cuz the sewing gremlins will get you when your tired or distracted 😂

[@katam6471]

Thanks so much! I've been sewing since childhood, I'm in my 60s now, and nobody ever explained this to me. You are never to old to learn! (Edit: talking about the pressing thing.)

[@GravesSmithing]

we live in a time where information is at an all time peak. people learning new trades have so much knowledge at their fingertips compared to days of yore.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That makes me happy to hear. I'm glad I could share a bit of useful information.

[@megadylanthomas]

I didn’t know that. That explains why my perfectly cut quilt pieces end up suddenly a little bit off. Already tried this….perfection!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, I'm glad to hear that it was a useful bit of info!

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

I had this same thought as I was listening!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I think one of the important tips are pressing vs ironing . I think pressing after sewing is really important and often skipped. Sewing when tired just leads to putting sleeves on wrong or cutting out incorrectly, ask me how I know. I buy my thread from Wawak, I can get a large ( not the enormous one Cornelius showed but 1093 yards) spool of good quality thread for about the same as a regular spool. Speaking of thread, I use neutral colors on seams and only use matching or contrasting thread for top stitch. The most important thing is use the best quality materials you can afford, your time is too valuable to waste on "bargains" that aren't really worthwhile, that doesn't mean that there aren't deals out there. You often find spools of thread at garage sales or thrift stores, beware that old thread often is weak or rotten, it's good to use for basting though ( I like to baste with a contrasting color). Just keep it separate from your good thread.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing all of your thoughts and solid advice indeed!

[@peggyfitzmaurice4100]

No one can beat your personality

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You are kind, thank you.

[@SandraL489]

In order to keep track of how much use one needle got through when I put it away because I need another kind for my next project, I made a little thingy. It's a piece of cloth with a grid and a piece of paper along one side. On the paper is a list of types (and sizes). So I put down the used needle into the fabric in a place corresponding to it's type/size. The further left the newer the needle, the more to the right the more it's been used. If I take a needle from the grid I mark it's old place with a short pin.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Now this is a great system that you've developed for yourself! Thank you for sharing in detail here with myself and others.

[@lynnsmith7371]

Would definitely watch you doing a documentary on anything sewing industry related. Thank you for the hard work and effort you put into these ‘lessons’ for us. Love your style.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I appreciate the support and thank you for the kind words. I'm glad to hear it.

[@mikea75201]

Make a toile! Make more than one! I’m on my third toile for my first pair of trousers because I want to get it right.

[@seffssweetsstitches2897]

I totally agree. Can't tell you how many times I've had to make sizing adjustments. I just did a commercial pattern (from a book) and realized the pattern was drawn backwards. In other words the pattern would be drawn on the right side of the fabric. During my toile, I was scratching my head thinking I did something wrong, then I realized.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

This is definitely a top tip! I make so many myself. Thanks for sharing.

[@grahamrichards8531]

Also add inlays to the pattern pieces where you think there is likely to be adjustment required to achieve better fit.

[@mikea75201]

@ what do you mean by inlays?

[@sartorst3376]

Toile. Had to google that auto correct kept adding a T. 😂

[@teekue]

Once you make a few handmade buttonholes you'll notice that having a sharp needle makes such a difference!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ahh, that's an interesting way to learn this tip. Thanks for sharing.

[@August84118]

This is THE BEST avoiding sewing mistakes/ giving advice video I’ve watched ( and I watch many ). You’re never too old to learn something new, or hear someone reinforce something you should already know, as in rushing a project. I have a horrible habit of rushing through something especially if I have put it on the back burner for a while. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I hear you. The end always seems so close ... just a few more things and it'll be done :)

[@Sheri...]

Ditto!

[@moranarevel]

I make a small folder with tabs for each needle size. If the needle is at the bottom it is well used, at the top-almost new. Old needles are used on paper for practicing odd shapes.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You system sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@susanwoodcarver]

Well ... this explains a lot. Thanks Cornelius.

[@paraboo8994]

Pressing makes so much sense once you see how tailors iron pieces into shape. With the right technique and enough heat you get curves into fabric you wouldn't believe. So, press people, don't iron.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Indeed, it's a bit like magic watching them shape fabric :)

[@patriciagodfrey6345]

How timely! I was just about to start sewing my husband's old denim jeans into a heavy duty work apron. Denim Needles on the shopping list first!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Nice, good on you for getting them and hopefully the apron turns out exactly as you hope.

[@siobhananto6148]

My mother, (then 92) who made most of my clothes, and worked from home as a seamstress throughout my childhood in the 1970's, phoned me during lockdown in 2020 to complain that she had broken the needle on her Singer sewing machine. She didn't have a replacement needle, nor could she go out to buy another during lockdown.. I asked when she had last changed the needle.To my astonishment, she never had. She bought that Singer sewing machine new in 1953, and had been using that same original needle ever since then. I immediately mailed her a packet of 5 needles from my reserve supplies, because I do expect to swap out my sewing machine needle for a new one every once-in-a-while. So, that's her, my mom, set.- for the next 200 years.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wow! They must've made needles different back then! But also kudos to her for getting that much just out of 1 needle. Thank you for sharing that story.

[@jhwilliams6550]

A week before lockdown my daughter and I set up a new machine for my Mom. She called me before Christmas to help troubleshoot her machine. I couldn’t believe she had never changed the needle.

[@susanmckay7450]

Long ago, needles were far different. And if we were working on heavy goods and did dull a needle we sharpened them quite nicely. At our house we used the same emery cloth we used to polish the top of the cast iron cookstove. Things change.....

[@sherrillsturm7240]

I routinely make my garment in the longest possible stitch with a different color while I adjust fit issues. I can later remove these basting stitches once my final look is achieved. When doing the final, to avoid thread puckering after washing, I decrease the tension by one click.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh nice, that's a solid approach. Getting the fit right is definitely worth the time and effort. Thanks for sharing.

[@Sheri...]

That's a really good tip!

[@lisag.6599]

@@Sheri... I agree!

[@stevieandthebarbies]

60+ years of sewing and I never understood the “walking foot” (not that I’m a big user of knitted fabrics). I now consider my Monday afternoon of frivoling on KZbin as well spent.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, I'm glad to hear I could help make sense of it. Time not wasted indeed :)

[@Sheri...]

Me too

[@victoriasamala1234]

You make your facial expressions so fun to stick to the video and the speaking scissors is perfect!! Love your inspiration!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you and I'm happy you enjoyed the speaking scissors bit. I wasn't sure if it would translate :)

[@grahamrichards8531]

I agree, wonderful facial expression, a one of a kind YTer, a real professional and great experience and advice to boot, greeting from New Zealand.

[@tropes_]

Taking your time and fixing your mistakes is something I’ve been learning. To my surprise, garments aren’t ruined if one line of thread doesn’t work out as intended. I didn’t realize you can take it out and retry with virtually no damage done to the fabric in most cases. I used to think it was over if a seam got screwed up towards the end of a project.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's a great realization to have and must be empowering, I imagine. Good on you for going back to fix them.

[@lazygardens]

When I am into the "just one more hour and it's done, and it's late and I'm tired" for ANY project, I stop and get a good night's sleep, get up a bit early and finish it when I am well fed and rested.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I like your approach. It's amazing what a good nights sleep does.

[@Scottinqc]

yep, best to walk away, and finish it in an hour the next day, than spend an hour undoing a mistake, and then fixing it..... BTDT....

[@wyyeti4004]

Good morning. This may be a bit lengthy. I just recently came across your videos. I am 69, and haven’t sewn in, at least, 40+ years. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to find some sewing machines, and now have 6. Two of them are antique treadle machines... Elias Howe, Jr. & a Franklin. One was purchased and one was gifted. One has recently been “restored”. I got them to use…so they’re not “collectibles”. They have wear & personality. The others are an old Singer Hand-crank machine, a Singer Featherweight, a contemporary Brother & a contemporary Heavy Duty Singer. At my age it will be a steep learning curve; but I’m going at it one machine at a time. I’ll be digging into your videos. Kind regards.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing that story. Good on you for getting back into it after all this time. Those machines with personality sound wonderful.

[@Sheri...]

Wow, learning to use all of those machines will be so exciting! I'm jealous. Have fun & remember, age is just a number.

[@wyyeti4004]

@ Thank you. One thing at a time. 👍🙂

[@isobelsmith6999]

@wyyeti4004 Wow! What fun you're going to have 👏😀

[@tweetybirdmom]

holy crap all the years of sewing you just taught me something new thank you

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ten my work here is done :)

[@IDoItCauseICan]

The needle thing… essential!!! I wouldn’t put an exact timeline on it, but after years of sewing I can feel exacly when it’s due. Also the size of the needle according to the fabric. So important. However one thing I noticed is that my serger can go on with a set of needles for basically infinite times at the time.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

To have a feel for it is a real skill to have! You're a pro. That's interesting though in terms of your serger.

[@kat1963]

Every new project gets a new sewing needle and thread that is for the specific fabric I’m working with. Not just my sewing machine but the serger as well. I also take my sewing shears to be sharpened every 3 months.

[@suekennedy1595]

That’s a huge waste of needles and waste of money.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

@kat1963 I admire your diligence.

[@isabeedemski3635]

Good lighting

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for noticing :)

[@ChelleC33]

Thank you! The interfacing thing was kinda new to me. I thought the iron on stuff I was taught to use was sub-par. I will look out for the real deal! And my tip: don’t forget to hold your tongue right 😋

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad there was a useful bit in there for you. As for the tongue tip ... to tier advice :)

[@Scottinqc]

Ill also have to look for the better interfacing... locally, all I can get is the cheap iron on stuff, and its near worthless after assembly....

[@Sheri...]

I'm wondering how to use sew-in interfacing when the pattern calls for fusible interfacing.

[@ChelleC33]

@@Sheri...I’d try basting it on

[@Sheri...]

@@ChelleC33 thanks

[@bonniem.pederson7105]

Big thank you for the thread schooling👀🙏👍

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wonderful, I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@janetpeters3060]

Years ago (seems like a century) I took a tailoring course and invested in a dressmaker’s ham, seam roll, tailor’s clapper, a point presser/clapper, and various ‘inexpensive tools,’ and a wool/heavy cotton press cloth. These have been invaluable. The press cloths have been replaced but the other items are still perfect. I’m enjoying your videos, Cornelius. Thank you! So many fabric stores are closing and it’s becoming more and more difficult to shop for what I’d like to buy. Is online fabric purchasing the way of the future? I will not be shopping in the US as I live in Canada.

[@suekennedy1595]

Australia has some good online fabric stores Tessuti,the fabric store from New Zealand is great for wools. allamoda is amazing but be warned has amazing prices.lots of Italian silk 170 dollars a metre. I have bought from all of these.

[@janetpeters3060]

@@suekennedy1595 Thanks, but unfortunately shipping costs from overseas (any country) would be out of sight. I think Cornelius is located in Canada, so hoping he can offer some suggestions.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It sounds like you've got a great collection of tools and definitely worth the investment. I would suggest checking out BlackBird Fabrics. They're a Canadian online fabric store. I hope that helps.

[@linneailona]

I love these tips, thank you!❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it :)

[@victoriahannah1633]

Very good tips and advice. Also if you’ve been absent from sew for some time. Take your time also.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I like this bit of advice. Thank you.

[@kimmcalister3594]

Cornelius, these are all spot-on! I have been sewing for 50+ years and decided to take a sewing machine repair course to become a certified technician. The cheap and/or wrong thread = need for more cleaning and servicing. Same also with not changing the needle. Thank you for your wonderful channel!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Good on you for taking the course to become certified! Thank you for elaborting on the problems too. I'm glad to hear that my thoughts and advice hold up.

[@kimmcalister3594]

@@CorneliusQuiring Well, it was cheaper to take the course than to pay to service all of my machines for a year , ha ha! Your advice is wonderful and I love your sense of humor!

[@TheOldMayfieldPlace]

Great video! I would like to add don't omit the prewash or your fabric might shrink after the garment is made and now it is all puckery and doesn't fit properly.

[@sarahdaugherty6849]

It is good to baste the fabric before washing for the first time too. 😊

[@seffssweetsstitches2897]

Completely agree! Good tip to add.

[@MARYREED-nh7gb]

Especially for quilters that are mixing different fabrics that are the same general wight!

[@barbaraclarkson2000]

I like to serge the edges of wovens before washing.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ahh yes, good point. a prewash is essential.

[@ausnein7139]

My tip is: be and work as accurate as you can in every step. Measure exactly, don’t skip ironing etc. Little mistakes or inaccuracies will happen by itself during the whole process of making a garment, I can’t avoid it and they ad up.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

This is a top tip indeed! Thanks for sharing it in the comments here.

[@jaredccain]

Answering the question "why" is one of the most satisfying things in life. Thanks very much. Currently on the journey of selecting a machine that is at least pretty good at everything from light to heavy fabric, has advanced convenience features I haven't earned as a budding sewist with a price that still matches my amateur status. Yes, Cornelius... I'm hunting a unicorn despite advice to start with the thrift-store special... 🤷‍♂️ #bougieonabudget

[@Ramphastos333]

After trial and error with used machines, I bought a new BabyLock Presto II. I have made bags, quilts, etc. on it and love it to pieces. it's reasonably priced and does a great job. Long throat, good lighting, just a fantastic machine for the price. The ONLY thing I have problems with is when I have 8 layers of fabric, 2 layers of Bosal foam, a zipper, plus additional things like stabilizers, etc. at a join in a bag. I find I hand-crank that part and it seems to work fine. Highly recommend this great all-around machine!!!

[@tinamcnalley2575]

I will second the opinion that Babylock is a good brand for a new machine, along with Janome. Probably looking at $300 to $400 for a really good mechanical machine with good basic features. However, if you know anyone that sews and knows anything about machines, 1980's to early 90's machines tend to run around $60 and will offer all of these features, but someone needs to be able to judge/clean/lubricate the machine properly. A simple built-in buttonhole, stretch stitch features along with 3 or 4 overcast stitches will allow you to sew almost any garment - no serger will ever be needed! As for bag making, denim, leather, if you can lay your hands on an old fashioned treadle, it will give the best piercing power of any residential machine, plus they were engineered to deal with the thicker fabrics that were made 75 to 100 years ago. With a basic Singer model 15, or 66 or 99, many parts are still being manufactured if needed! I have a 15-88 made in 1948 that sews fabulously. My 1990 Kenmore, made by Janome, purchased new, is still going strong. I have performed all service myself over the years. I did decide to retire it from the heavy stuff, most especially because I need to start making my own jeans.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I get it. We've all looked for a unicorn at some point. Keep searching and just maybe :) There's also good advice here.

[@snowwhite5842]

Get your machines serviced often. You will never regret that expense. I have my mom’s 970’s Kenmore that I was using to make clothes professionally. I would put 30 hours a week on it, so I would bring it in at least every six months. That baby still runs better than anything I’ve had before.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Another top tip and definitely agree! That sounds like a solid machine you got there.

[@Scottinqc]

If you get a good machine and take care of it, you will never wear it out... Mine are all old retired industrial units, from the 40's to the 70's and with a bit of care, still run like new. clean'em, oil'em and USE'EM

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

"Slow Down!" "Put that away!" and similar things are my daily auditory talking points, for a lot of things, not just sewing. To the point where a family member may come in and ask if I said something to them. I watch for sales on interfacing and buy lots. Recently bought an entire bolt of 36" medium weight woven (not fusible) really cheap because they were discontinuing that brand.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Those are good mantras to have. Also, a whole bolt, now that's a deal.

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

@@CorneliusQuiring I think the 36" width non-fusible was not selling very well.

[@huntersurname5851]

I’m here watching videos as I sew my own wedding dress ❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh snap, well what're the chances of that. May it turn out even better than you hope and you have a beautiful wedding day!

[@bookwyrms.2658]

"Press or stretch" as I was told once. There are places where 'stretch' is useful, but most of the time it causes problems.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I like this expression! Thank you for sharing it.

[@lydiakupresak4293]

I only just discovered the microtex needle thanks to being faced with hemming a pair of pants. Gamechanger. I thought it was my machine. Been sewing for 40 years and have formal sewing training and broad experience. You never stop learning!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's good to know. Thank you for sharing your experience in the comments here.

[@G.L.McCarthy-vr1oe]

Don't know why you don't have 500,00 subs! Thanks for the reminders😁

[@DianneMckenneyOrwig]

I agree!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I appreciate the support.

[@myfanwyeaves3602]

So do I!

[@bethroberts674]

Maybe my quilts won’t be so wonky because I am dragging my iron. I appreciate your advice and wisdom so much. I learned about old needles trying to sew fleece watch caps for Christmas. Thank you so much Mr. Corn Q.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Indeed, may your future quilts be pristine and nicely lined up. Most lesson are learned the hard way, I find :)

[@mizbubba9673]

Pressing vs. ironing…to me, it depends on the fabric and the objective. It’s faster to iron large, uncut yardage, such as following the preshrinking/colorfasting process for quilting cottons. Also, densely-woven quality cottons usually stand up adequately to ironing. But I agree that pressing is better for just about anything else. And using a pressing cloth is absolutely necessary for some fabrics.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ahhh yes, a pressing cloth is another good detail. Thank you for bring it up in the comments. Indeed there are always some exceptions to a rule :)

[@bonifacefinthan2606]

I am Dr. Finthan Boniface from Nigeria. I am a 38 years old man, and also, a beginner apprentice in sewing. I wish to perfect this skill and establish my fashion house. Thank you.

[@kone.handmade]

Nice one doc. 😊 Welcome to this amazing world of sewing 🎉

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear you're taking up he skill and may you make plenty of beautiful garments!

[@juanitaconover8836]

Your demonstration of “drag” ironing compared to “press” ironing was jaw dropping! I am now PRESSING instead; thank you!

[@abbiem3231]

You've definitely helped clear up some mysteries for me! I've noticed the ironing stretch myself on multiple occasions and now understand what my modern sewing machines little clock sticker that says "6-8" means. Thanks for these tips, onto more accurate, well-fitting sewing!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, I'm glad this video helped clear some things up!

[@Scottinqc]

many of these mistakes go hand in hand.... My last project, I was tired, and managed to sew one sleeve in backwards.... (fabric didnt really have a "wrong" side to be able to tell) and only figured it out after I had double stitched AND serged the edges..... I did manage to get it all back apart, and sewn the right way in thankfully. All I really had to do was rethink the seam allowance due to what the serger had previously removed... In the end it turned out great, but that was TIME, EFFORT and FRUSTRATION I cant take back.... Now when I start seeing things, I walk away, so I dont have to fix major mistakes.....

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Some lessons seem to be hard learned, eh? I'm glad to hear you could fix the mistakes.

[@isabelperry4097]

My three favorite tips I have learned: • Directional sewing on things like collars helps them lie flat. Sew from center back to center front on each side instead of all the way around in one go. • Mend, *then* wash. Sure, it's gross, but it maintains the integrity of the piece and means less work overall. Also, it really is better for the thread to break rather than have the fabric tear - easier to mend and do invisibly. • Don't over-construct stuff. Beyond taking extra time and not being necessary for the durability of the garment, if you need to get in there for alterations, you don't want to have to struggle to undo the work you put in previously just to change something small. It’s frustrating, you have a higher chance of damaging the garment, and the stress on the fabric both in the making and deconstructing is more likely to be seen after the alterations. I appreciate the tips, and I would 100% watch a documentary on thread! ❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Those are 3 top tips indeed! Thank you for taking the time to share them. I also appreciate the support. Netflix, you heard it here :)

[@Sheri...]

Isabel, these are good tips. Thanks!

[@catherinephillips8925]

I make sure that I follow grainlines but have found I can get my pieces more economically if I can have all my pieces copied out , instead of the standard cut 2 or 4 of something, So I can place them all out at once . definitely swear by good thread ! And yes early on , I saw the thread throw off fibres in the right light from cheaper thread , I care too much about my machine to want that in there . Something I’ve also recently learnt is about sewing seams in the same direction, Who knew it could make such a difference. Thank you for your teaching .

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for taking the time to share the various tips and things to avoid. You bring up a great point about placing multiples one at a time.

[@itcouldbeanyone]

Quilter here, had my nieces helping with a project and had to have pressing vs ironing lessons 😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Good on you for kindly teaching them :)

[@drkatel]

I’m pretty new to sewing (~4 years now). My random thoughts… 1. Pressing: promptly started an ear-worm that was singing “Stop draggin’ my…stop draggin’ my…stop dragging my heat around.” 2. Needles: Tried to figure this out myself. I have a tick-marking method to keep track of usage. I also yeet any needle that pisses me off (ie, I’m not happy with *something* about my stitches). 😂 3. I’m a perfectionist. I fix every mistake which is why I’d go broke if I tried to make $ from sewing. I’m slowwww. 🐢 4. Thread: thanks for educating me on this one! 5. Interfacing: If I get into making clothes, very good to know. For bags etc, the fusible stuff seems great. Still have lots to learn!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well it sounds like you have plenty of experience beyond your 4 years! Thank you for sharing your tips and insights.

[@natashabourne2167]

SO true!! I was sewing a tank top and was using my "old needle" and a cheap thread (because the colour matched). It was horrendous! The thread broke 30-40 times and bunched horribly underneath. The needle would NOT go thru the bengaline fabric properly. It was a nightmare. I bought the proper $10 thread and an $8 packet of needles to fix. The difference was like night and day!! Thanks for the great videos 😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wow. It sounds like a nightmare just reading your comment, I can only imagine the pain doing it :)

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

Even for hand sewing a new needle vs. an old needle can make a huge difference. Of course, fabric and thread also play a part in this.

[@NadoCrowFriend]

Ironing, vs Pressing- can really cause especially big issues with fabric on the bias.

[@MARYREED-nh7gb]

The stuff of which nightmares are made.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's a great point too.

[@DianneMckenneyOrwig]

FANTASTIC tips!! I work with extremely fussy upholstery fabric (I make bags and gifts from rescued samples) and learned the hard way how important all of the information contained in this brilliant video really is. You continue to help me level up my skills and it shows in all my products - great quality construction is the #1 compliment I get. As always, Cornelius, thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well it sounds to me like you're a real pro already, but I'm glad to hear you get something from my videos. Thanks for watching.

[@audreygervais8508]

I used to replace my needles only when they bent or broke. I check them and replace them regularly now and use the proper needles for the fabric I am using. (Schmetz usually) I also never buy the serger thread to use in my sewing machine. I am a quilter and I think that for the time and effort I put into making a quilt, that you shouldn’t cheap out on any part of it. ( fabric, batting or thread) I currently have a 22 year old Phaff with a walking foot and I still love it. I bought it new. I am 66 years old and have been sewing since I was 11. I used to sew clothes, but now I just repair the odd garment. I quilt all the time. I am still learning things all the time. Thanks for all your tips and tricks.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's a great way of looking at it. Indeed with the time put into it, why save a couple bucks only for it to turn out subpar. Thanks for watching.

[@carolschulien6168]

Thank you for the overview of different thread types!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad that part was useful!

[@Sheri...]

Would love a more detailed video about thread.

[@rnicholson4135]

My Granddaughter was taught at school to sew over the pins. Horrified me told her not when using my machines thank you. Soon after she sewed over a pin on the overlocker damaging the blades. Expensive mistake! I still love her though 😅 I have a hard and fast rule for replacing needles - if I’m starting a new project with fine or expensive fabric I replace the needle, check the old one and if it passes the eyeball and finger test it gets used in my overlocker. As I mostly use natural fabrics I don’t need to change the needle so often as they are easier on it than synthetic fabrics Agree with everything you say on this video and it’s really nice to hear the reasons why!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Some lessons are just learned the hard/expensive way it seems. I like your rules in terms of deciding when to replace and use the older needles. Thanks for watching too.

[@donnalewis4895]

I would love the dicumentary on different threads. Most people just say buy the expensive one it's better. You made sense as to why. I am old and never really knew the difference mire than size or what thread is made of. I am guilty of using serger thread for sewing. Oops. 😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Perhaps I will get it made one day. Also, we've all made some version of the cheap thread mistake. haha

[@Sheri...]

Me too! I bought 4 each rolls of all different colors of serger thread, planning on using it for both sewing & serging. I've got a nice collection of colors now. But now I've learned that I shouldn't use it for regular sewing.

[@yul498]

🤦 First mistake with ironing is my own way. Thank you Cornelius, you are brilliant as usual.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear there was a useful bit of info in this video :) Thanks for watching.

[@FindJustMarty]

It’s the hand slap for me! Educational and entertaining!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It hurt too. I did it too hard :) Thanks for watching!

[@mari.rukavina]

Dear God sent you, Corn 😇😅 THANK YOU. Both. In the first seconds of the video, my troubles were solved. I have been sewing bucket hats these days and for the life of me I could not even pin those curves in place, let alone sew neatly. One part was always being larger than other so I had pleats on the brim. I tried different patterns, made my own, measured and checked sizes, grain, etc, with no explanation. So frustrating. And... Yes, I was ironing and pulling those seams out after sewing them. Thank you, Cornelius, you are the star 🤩 and I wish God sent you some solution, nice people and gifts in return 🤩

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well good on you for trying to find a solution. I hope this is what makes the difference and your hats turn out exactly as you hope, moving forward. Many blessings to you too.

[@sonipitts]

Never assume a pattern will fit you as-is just because it's your size, the finished garment measurements given on the instructions match your own, and/or the pattern measures out to match your desired end product. One of the most disappointing mistakes you can make is to follow a pattern straight out of the package on your nice (expensive) fabric only to find out, after hours of painstaking work to do everything just right, that it just doesn't fit. Every person has a unique shape, weight distribution, physical quirks, proportions, asymmetries, and so on, which a pre-made pattern can never account for. Consider a pattern to be a starting point that is designed to get you into the general ballpark of your size and shape for that design, and ALWAYS do a mock-up the first time you use it to identify what needs to be tweaked, changed or adapted from that base pattern to get the rest of the way there. Once you perfect the fit to your unique shape with the mock-up, make a new pattern from *that* and store it and the original together for later use/adaptation/updating as desired or needed.

[@lana7422]

Pattern sizes do not coordinate with purchased garments. They never have. Also, there is no pattern industry standard, the same as in purchased garments. So choose according to body size as you mentioned. Also check the finished garment sizes to see how much ease for wearing is included.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for taking the time to write this out. You bring up some a very important point about patterns and fitting.

[@Scottinqc]

I consider each "first run" piece a prototype and make changes to the pattern as needed.... sometimes I just dont like a certain element in that pattern, so I combine with another to get what I do want. At this point, at least for MY patterns, I have stuff that I like, and that actually fits. Something that I cant get in a store usually, as I am BIG AND TALL, not one or the other, as much off the shelf stuff seems to be.... even at the $$$ specialty stores.

[@lifeofjoy9404]

I'm watching this on Mute in a dentist office while waiting for my mom's procedure. Even though it's muted I can still get the gist of what you're saying because your video is so well produced. (And entertaining!) Great job, Cornelius.🤓🤩👍 (I'll watch it with sound later just for funsies!)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh wow! A compliment of the highest order, thank you or watching. I hope everything went well for mom.

[@nodularification]

I remove the needle and inspect it, by twirling it in your fingers, you can see a glint from the tiny flat spot that develops as the needle dulls. Then feel for burrs with my fingernail. If it's fine, back in it goes.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ahhhh, interesting. Thank you for sharing your way. Good to know.

[@avdm196]

I learned the hard way to always mark the wrong side of the fabric, as well as right and left pieces when it matters, buy enough fabric to allow for small mistakes correction and lay the pieces in the same direction if possible, even when there is no obvious nap. Next to sharp needles, sharp seam rippers and scissors are also a must. As to collars, if the shirt is in good state but for the collar, I turn the collar with the under collar up. However, the interfacing used by the manufactuurer makes it sometimes impossible both because it bubbles and creates pleats that cannot be ironed out but also because the glue turned the fabric yellow (fashion fabric requires a different iron temperature than the interfacing). And last but not least, testing : the stitch, the thread,whether the fabric is suitable for the project...It saves a lot of aggravatiom.

[@valexander4855]

I just saw on another video, ironing instead of pressing the iron-on interfacing causes the bubbles.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

These are all great tips! Thank you for sharing them. Indeed, a little time spent up front testing saves a lot of time down the road.

[@Scottinqc]

agreed on the marking the "right or wrong" side of the fabric. I do this after prewash, as many of mine dont have a very distinct difference between the two sides. Nothing like noticing later that one piece is "backwards"

[@RDmary84]

Best tip ever. I I tend to stay up too late when sewing…just don’t want to quit!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

haha. We're all guilt of some version of it :)

[@sheilaheinrich2656]

Never cut good fabric or trim away part of a seam allowance when you're really tired! Making Irish dance dresses and using expensive fabric taught me that. You can make better decisions (that can be very final when cutting) when rested. At 9 p.m. I either quit for the day or did a step that didn't involve cutting.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

All the most important lessons are learned the hard or expensive way :)

[@michaeldangelo5810]

I will follow your advice, Corn because you've earned a good rep with me. In one of your other videos, you spoke about having a box of the most used sewing items. Thank you! Applying the idea, I no longer waste time (over and over each session) looking for where I put down the snips or where I put down any number of other things I use during a sewing session Yes, although I had a designated spot for them to go and usually put them back there when a session was done, I wasted untold hours looking DURING each session as I tend to use things and mindlessly put them down as I continue with the project. Now it is MINDFUL and feels much better. Thank you!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, I'm glad that was a tip that stuck with you. It has also saved me countless hours. Good on you for being open to changing your process. Also, thanks for watching!

[@AlejandraSabina]

Great video as always

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you :)

[@ZeldaSews]

Great information Cornelius! 👏🏼 Thank you!😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That make me happy to hear.

[@meacadwell]

I've found using titanium needles seriously last so much longer than regular needles. It's all I use now. You're talking roughly 4-5 times as long on cotton fabric, meaning it's more eco-friendly and wallet friendly. And you'll hear a little "pop" noise when it's time to change the needle. Then, I keep that old needle to use on looser fabrics, such as upholstery fabric to get even more life out of them.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh that's interesting. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@elsafischer3247]

I love your tutorials, Merci

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you!

[@elizabethkarabaki1163]

I LOVE THIS GUY!!!!!! better than any class.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

thank you 🤠🙏🏻

[@talloolahmoon]

I love your show and your content. Thank you Cornelius.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That makes me happy to hear. Thank you.

[@katem1105]

I was making a test block. I totally agree. Stop fix what wrong. Get what you will need for the next day. The block came out great because I knew I needed to stop and come back when I was well rested.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You're a true hero being able to stop and come back. I'm glad to hear it turned out well.

[@seffssweetsstitches2897]

My mantra is: Don't sew when mentally fatigued and don't sew with a metal fatigued needle 😁

[@CorneliusQuiring]

hahaha. I like that one. That's clever.

[@lyndaofiowa718]

I find that changing needles also depends on the fabric you've been sewing. Fabrics with metal is very damaging to needles

[@CorneliusQuiring]

This is a great additional point.

[@alfredovazquez1915]

Amazing. . ..got that for granted Bravo, Cornelius, Thanks and congrats from Spain 😀👍🏼

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for watching. Hello back from Canada.

[@lyra2112]

I am new to sewinge and these are invaluable tips! All well explained and illustrated!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you.

[@scrapanarchy7258]

I always love your videos!!! Thank you so much Cornelius!!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@teekue]

Now here's a mistake: not enough basting! Baste baste baste. It will make your life so much easier.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

A good tip indeed!

[@Mabelduck]

I love your videos so much, thank you for all of the help and making me laugh too

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, that makes me really happy to hear :)

[@sunnasmilieu]

I actually did a buttload of research before buying large spools, and I was lucky to find large spools of all purpose thread at $8. I'm sure it's not the best quality, but it does hold up.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, well good on you for finding such a deal!

[@Scottinqc]

@@CorneliusQuiring getting from a sewing supply house rather than the WallyWorld helps... they tend to have larger quantities of better stuff for not a lot more money (You showed WAWAK on your last vid, and thats where I get most of my supplies). Just say no to dimestore thread!!!!

[@ElianeDAguiar-b2n]

Thanks for sharing. Stay blessed.🇬🇾

[@bernicelycklama7619]

The speaking scissors ¿How to sharpen and how often. I had a blacksmith tell me to run the blade along the neck of a glass pop bottle. Someone else told of using pieces of tin foil and cut through it. I have sent mine to a shop. Are there other ways and how do they measure up. I didn't look for a video in your list. Thky for reminding us of so many tips. It is interesting to gain the understanding of why these things are good to do. When I start to make mistakes it reminds me to take a break or nap or go to bed. Make a cup of tea and have a biscuit and invite a friend to chat. I'm 77 I can a test that these are good practices you share. I really like the visuals. I wish I could print them. I'll be sure to have my granddaughter check these out. Again ThkU

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I appreciate your interest in what I share and that you feel I am share good information. I don't know too much about the specifics of sharpening scissors but will be learning a bit more in the coming months. The one thing I do know is that tin foil is to remove tiny microscopic burrs.

[@Sheri...]

That thread tip came a bit too late for me. Not knowing that serger thread is weaker, I got the bright idea to buy 4 cones each of a lot of pretty colors figuring I could use them for both regular machine sewing and serging. I was planning on not buying regular thread anymore. Now I've got a really nice collection of serger thread, but still need to round out my regular thread collection. Can't thank you enough for that tip, Cornelious! You've saved me from having all of my garments fall apart in time.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Good on you for being willing to still go out and get the right thread. Some lessons do cost a bit of money sometimes :)

[@yoursewingbestie]

Rushing - couldn't have said it better! All the many lessons I learn the hard way.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Indeed. It seems to be something we all do :)

[@cc.s3850]

I press all fabrics covered with a linen cloth. Then i use a Klepper to absorb the moisture the moisture /let it cool down. My yuki dx 7 sewing machine is now 5 years old and i am so happy with it. I have a very old bernina ( 50 years old ) Ackermann, gütermann, madeira are good. Do not purchase cheap yarns! It's twisting and leads to troubles! I learned the hard way! And one very important point: store the yarns in a drawer or box, so daylight cannot fade the colours! And cover all the fabric in dark bags. I just discovered some of my fabrics have a fade line even when stored in a dark place like a box or cabinet. Best regards cc

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Those sound like quality tools and machines you have. Also, those are pro tips in terms of storage. Thank you for sharing.

[@lynnb-TruckCastreauJr]

I'm very amused by you talking to, and cautioning, your future self. lol 🥰

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it entertains ... but also I need it.

[@lynnb-TruckCastreauJr]

@@CorneliusQuiring I think we all do. That's why it amuses me. It's reassuring to know I'm not alone. lol

[@Nicoya]

There's no solid timeframe to replace needles because needles generally don't succumb to wear and tear from only being pushed through fabric. 99% of the "wear" is actually due to the needle deflecting and hitting parts of the sewing machine (the hook, the bobbin case, the needle plate, etc) or striking a pin that you "forgot" to remove before sewing over it. This makes a lovely, pleasant crunching noise when it happens, and is a reminder to not manhandle the fabric as it's being fed through the machine, and to be careful when sewing over bulky seams. So if you hear that crunch, that's a good time to replace your needle. But sometimes you don't notice, or forget, and so since needles are pretty cheap, there's no harm in replacing them on a semi-regular basis just in case you missed your cue. If you want to fine-tune your replacement schedule, take the needle out now and then, look at it under a microscope or loupe to examine the tip for damage, and if there's a burr or flat spot on the tip, then the needle needed replacing. Likewise if the needle is bent.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well there we go! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience. It'd be interesting to taking a look at the needle under a microscope!

[@Scottinqc]

@@CorneliusQuiring that could be deceiving as well, as with more "zoom" you see more imperfections that are pretty much irrelevant. Comparing a "new" to "used" would be useful, but just looking at it waaayyyyy too close would have most of us throwing away perfectly good needles..... Unless leather or some other fabric where you need to pierce it cleanly (upholstery vinyl for one) the needle doesnt need to be that sharp actually.....

[@sartorst3376]

I have never seen a walking foot like that 😮 That may solve my issues when sewing vinyl upholstery ! I've been using baby powder to stop the pulling/ pushing from the upper foot 😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Hopefully it does help solve your problems! Happy sewing.

[@archivist17]

Have you done a video or short about your lovely hats? If not, please do.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I haven't but I just might :)

[@judyhansen6237]

One thing that has always stumbled me is when washing and drying a pair of pants the outer flap that covers the zipper gets wrinkled to the point that I have to iron it so that when my husband wears it it’s not exposing the zipper… any thoughts? Could it be the interfacing ? Not all fabrics this happens to. 😧

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It might be the interfacing, but it could also be the fabrics. Some fabrics are just more prone to wrinkling and folding.

[@Sheri...]

I've always wondered why this happens too! So annoying.

[@TheWoodburningWarrior]

Steady and slow wins the race! Said the turtle to the hare

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well said :)

[@joycecylkowski6213]

I love the ironing board pad. Where can i get one?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I love it. You can get it from Quality Sewing. Here's the link: www.qualitysewing.com/products/maywood-studio-wool-ironing-board-mat-with-grid?sca_ref=6454865.aqLkHhFi57HiDad

[@mydanshi9683]

A mistake I made this very day was to measure my disappearing pinwheel block veeeery carefully and then cut it, taking the ruler off to see I’d misread the ruler and made it 1/2” too short. I dropped everything, switched the machine off and walked away for a snack and to re-evaluate my life choices 🙄 I feel slightly better that I don’t make most of the mistakes in your video.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

haha. Well I hope post re-evaluation you've come to the conclusion that we all make silly mistakes every so often :)

[@Detailed_Outfits]

Amazing corrections Thanks

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you!

[@MLFTwinLake]

Cornelius - have you ever heard of Angelina di Bello? Her sewing show, Needles & Pins, on TVO in the 1970’s really is a national treasure, which sadly, no one can access now. The tapes must be sitting in dead storage - but they were master classes in sewing/haute couture.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing this. Those sound like wonderful shows.

[@MLFTwinLake]

Maybe ask your mother if she remembers Angelina… could be an interesting conversation.

[@MLFTwinLake]

Actually, there’s a huge gap you might be able to fill. You would be an excellent host on a daily sewing show - do you know anyone at HGTV????

[@lisag.6599]

I’m not a great seamstress by any means, but I’ve used regular fabric as interfacing at times. Just something I had on hand, rather than that fake stuff.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, that's a better alternative and a scrappy solution :)

[@kandacek63]

I did the stop and quit today. Discovered I have to redo something on some new pants I’m making, so it was time to quit for the day and come back later.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Good on you for having the will power to step away.