Why your sewing projects look bad… and how to fix that!

Hi guys! I’m sharing my top 5 reasons why your clothes look homemade and why they haven’t turned out as good as you had hoped! When you’re a beginner the act of sewing can feel so fun that you forget about all the details that will really help elevate your finished garment. What do you think of these tips? Let me know in the comments!
Things I’ve found useful when sewing:
My iron: amzn.to/47NmniG
Wooden clapper: amzn.to/46uQjyG
Best beginner friendly sewing machine: amzn.to/3sM2SYN
Best beginner friendly overlocker: amzn.to/49QnQXe
Pinking shears: amzn.to/3GcYAwA
Fabric guide book: amzn.to/3sLF3QK
The camera I film with: amzn.to/3M68P9p
Fabric shop I love: tidd.ly/3utoV70
A good cotton for dresses: tidd.ly/3STlLnm
A good linen for shirts, shorts or dresses : tidd.ly/3sSycF9
Beginner friendly tote bag pattern: www.tammyhandmade.com/product...
Beginner friendly trouser pattern: www.tammyhandmade.com/product...
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#sewing #beginnersewing #sewingtips #fashiondesign
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[@Marinlss]

I've been sewing for around 5 years but mostly on a sewing class, I learned a lot about patternmaking and different sewing techniques but my teacher was LAZY, she never taught me how to make my sewing look professional. And whenever i wanted to try something different on my seams she would become annoyed. This year I finally quit her class and I'm learning so much more from the internet ❤ Only started to press my seams this year and it makes a huge difference

[@Tammy.Handmade]

I'm so glad you were able to recognise that and are now learning better techniques and ways to sew! KZbin is such a great platform for learning new skills, so you're in the right place! Pressing seams is such a game changer!! ❤️

[@karendodsworth6515]

Thank you for your advice. Love your patterns. Can my believe that you have only been seeing for 5 years, has given me both hope and inspiration.

[@Tammy.Handmade]

thank you so much Karen! I can't believe that either! 🤣

[@marywallace5248]

I also think that the fabric should be pressed carefully before cutting out and the pattern pieces should be pressed too. The number of experienced KZbinrs I see smoothing out crumpled pattern pieces is crazy. It really is common sense. Great advice Tammy.

[@Tammy.Handmade]

So glad you love the video Mary! I completely agree and do find it bizzare when I see that too! You’ll just cut incorrect pattern pieces 😂

[@india1422]

I have an entry level Laurastar iron. It is a steam generator. The steam until sits in the floor, so no gravity feed. And it just so happens to look stylish too!!

[@Tammy.Handmade]

I love the look of those irons! I need a more stylish looking iron 🙈

[@user-om4gd5qc3i]

Something that is crucial for making a Garment that actually fits is to test the pattern first ie making a toile. There is no way I would ever cut fabric now unless I knew the pattern fit.

[@Tammy.Handmade]

Yaaas! I feel like people really underestimate the helpfulness of doing a toile!

[@karenminet9275]

Tammy that was so helpful. I hate pressing seams, but it really is necessary for a nice garment. I have sewn forever, and all your tips, and their rationale, are spot on. Keep those patterns coming. And Happy Holidays to you and your partner.

[@Tammy.Handmade]

I'm so happy to hear that Karen! I really appreciate your support and hope you have a lovely Christmas too x

[@taraking2309]

That was so helpful. I rush and need to slow down. I've wasted lots of fabric because I mess things up. My New Year 's resolution I have just decided is to slow down, press seams, read instructions 10 times and buy appropriate fabric. I am fed up of people saying did you make that?? Thank you.

[@Tammy.Handmade]

I’m so glad you love the video! I also tend to rush and need to remind myself constantly to slow down and enjoy the process ❤️

[@KlingonPrincess]

Currently hand blind hemming the sleeve hems on a dress before I continue. I tried the blind hem foot and several settings and it just wasn't working. I love ironing 😊 I have so many tools to aid this process and use them appropriately. I enjoy knowing I'm building in good results with my iron. I so respect all your recommendations

[@Tammy.Handmade]

That so lovely to hear! I’ve never tried sewing a blind hem, I definitely need to try that detail 😍

[@pavlal.4552]

I always enjoy your videos. I'm definitely guilty of several of these, not pressing my seams being one of them. Now I would always get everything ready, my sewing machine and serger bd my iron too. Once it's all prepared even before I start sewing, I have no excuse not to use it.

[@Tammy.Handmade]

Thank you so much! That's so lovely to hear ❤️ That's exactly what I do too, I set up my iron and everything before I start sewing so it's easier for me to do it!

[@comfortableshoes4478]

Yhank you Tammy for the inspiring video.

[@Tammy.Handmade]

So glad you love the video! ❤️

[@Yahoo1339]

Totally agree with you ❤

[@Tammy.Handmade]

So glad you love the video :)

[@masuahkokro8957]

Thanks for sharing

[@Tammy.Handmade]

So glad you love the video ❤️

[@user-zn1hz4nd9u]

Hi mine always look homemade, frustrating, but im taking your advice😊

[@Tammy.Handmade]

It definitely takes practise to make garments that look more high quality but I hope these tips help you get there quicker ❤️

[@india1422]

Truly, not ironing every seam shouts “ look, I made this at home and I can’t sew”

[@Tammy.Handmade]

I couldn’t agree more!! 😂

[@MinervaDotCom]

❤

[@Tammy.Handmade]

Your fabrics are beautiful ❤️

[@user-mz7pl5ww1i]

Buying cheap fabric, thread, needles etc is always a false economy. If you are going to spend precious time making something, trying to do it on the cheap is a mistake and will always disappoint you. It is sewing, not fast fashion! If buying quality fabric is outside your budget, look for charity shop garments that you can cut up and refashion. There are always ways to get creative with budget limitations.

[@maryfields877]

I couldn't agree more when it comes to fabric. I found a shop where the rayon challis was only 2.97 a yard and they had tons of bolts. I bought 3 yards. I cut it last night and realized how crappy it was. I couldn't even chalk mark it because the fabric was tissue thin. It was not suitable for dress making; it would have been fine for a scarf or head wrap. I compared it to some rayon challis I have that was $14/yard and the difference was astonishing! No more cheap fabric for me.

[@Tammy.Handmade]

Honestly when the fabric is really cheap it can feel papery and just won't hang well on the body. I have found Pound Fabrics website pretty good though for cheaper fabric that still sews well!

[@Tammy.Handmade]

I completely agree and something I didn't realise until only a few years ago. If you're spending time making something, why not give it the best chance by using good quality materials - I found a great bedsheet cover in my local charity shop for £3 the other day and it feels really nice agains the skin!

[@user-om4gd5qc3i]

Cheap thread also ruins your machine.

[@Marinlss]

also cheap sewing pins that pull fabric. I bought some very cute heart shaped pins that I never use for this reason.

[@TheSongBirdRainStar]

How many pieces would you say you have made over your five years of sewing?

[@Tammy.Handmade]

My gosh I couldn't count! Over 100+!