julieblack
08-03-2008, 08:14 PM
Sewing tips
Stop a thimble from slipping - put some blu-tack inside and see the difference
Stick a small cork on the side of the sewing box to hold the thimble when not in use
Sew a paper clip carefully under the zero mark on a tape measure; it will be easier to clip onto work for accurate measurements.
Keep a box of paper clips in your sewing box. They’re easier and quicker to use tan pins when tuning up hems on nylon or net.
Keep cotton reels tidy in the work basket by threading them onto a knitting needle and fixing a cork on the end.
Don’t stick needles through cotton reels, instead stuff the centre of the reel with a piece of foam and stick the needle into that. Or keep a magnet on the table to rest the needle on.
A needle can be threaded more easily if a little hair lacquer, starch or beeswax is put on the end of the thread.
Sharpen a machine needle through a piece of sandpaper.
To stop a needle from breaking when sewing thick material, rub grease down the seam.
For a needle threaded, use fine fuse wire bent into a small loop.
After oiling a sewing machine, place two thick sheets of blotting paper under the needle and stitch through several times, to absorb the surplus oil.
Keep old mascara brushes and wash well. They are useful for cleaning the sewing machine.
Use a feather instead of a brush for removing fluff and dust from around the spool or bobbin of a sewing machine
A stitch in time saves nine
 
Stop a thimble from slipping - put some blu-tack inside and see the difference
Stick a small cork on the side of the sewing box to hold the thimble when not in use
Sew a paper clip carefully under the zero mark on a tape measure; it will be easier to clip onto work for accurate measurements.
Keep a box of paper clips in your sewing box. They’re easier and quicker to use tan pins when tuning up hems on nylon or net.
Keep cotton reels tidy in the work basket by threading them onto a knitting needle and fixing a cork on the end.
Don’t stick needles through cotton reels, instead stuff the centre of the reel with a piece of foam and stick the needle into that. Or keep a magnet on the table to rest the needle on.
A needle can be threaded more easily if a little hair lacquer, starch or beeswax is put on the end of the thread.
Sharpen a machine needle through a piece of sandpaper.
To stop a needle from breaking when sewing thick material, rub grease down the seam.
For a needle threaded, use fine fuse wire bent into a small loop.
After oiling a sewing machine, place two thick sheets of blotting paper under the needle and stitch through several times, to absorb the surplus oil.
Keep old mascara brushes and wash well. They are useful for cleaning the sewing machine.
Use a feather instead of a brush for removing fluff and dust from around the spool or bobbin of a sewing machine
A stitch in time saves nine