Hello friends thanks for being here, I appreciate you!! Let me know which habits have helped you the most? Did you know I am vlogging my life over at @lifebyclaire check out my latest vlog here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rKycoJuHqsDadas.htmlsi=6c2WTKeo8ESBl1yg If you like my content and want to support my channel please purchase me a "kofi" www.ko-fi.com/penguinandpear 🤩

Hey Claire! I've been sewing more than 50 years and I want to commend you for this video. There is NO FLUFF in this video. Every thing you mention is really important for good results! Every single thing you talk about in it was covered by my Home Economics teacher when I was in junior high-school (years eight and nine of USA education). I don't think sewing is even taught in school any more and that may be fine but people now must rely on folks like you. It does take time for all this to sink in and most of us have to learn the hard way but you've done your job by putting it out there. Well done sister!!!

I agree that testing the stitching on a scrap piece of fabric is important. I make my samples with the fabric doubled. I try out the stitch length, tension, etc., for normal seams as well as for topstitching, as I like to use a longer stitch for topstitching. I write down the stitch length and tension settings for each. I also prewash my fabrics. I've always been sorry when i didn't. Yes, pressing is very important! In fact, all the tips in your video are very important. Great video, as always.

You look fantastic in that colour, Claire. It suits you so well. Great tips. I was guilty of sewing over pins, but I don’t do it anymore after the needle hit one and it snapped the pin, which flew right at my face. Thank goodness I was wearing my glasses, but it could have been a much worse outcome. If you really need to keep the fabric exactly in place, and particularly if it’s tricky fabric that shifts everywhere, pin it, then hand baste the seam. That way you don’t need to keep the pins in, but the seam will be accurate. Just use a different coloured thread which stands out and sew in. Big basting stitches. Mine are usually about a 1/2 inch to an inch long so it’s easy to remove later.

I keep a stash of neutral colored bobbins on hand. The only time I match the bobbin to the top color is if I'm doing top stitching. One trick I find is helpful before pre-washing the fabric is running a line of either zig zag or serge along the raw edges-- saves the tangle mania that can come out of the washer from the loose threads. PS love how Fred pops in to supervise from time to time.

Bonus tip: If the fabric is ALREADY off-grain for the print - you can use an iron to iron (one direction), and a spray bottle of water, to help you stretch it back in place. Won't always work, but... That's overly fiddly for a lot of projects. But quilting squares with grid patterns... or pattern matching, it can be helpful.

I was told that I could sew over pins at a sewing class when I was a very, very beginner, so I did. She was the leader of the group. Turns out that the sewing machine needle broke. I heard the snap of it. I was blessed that it didn't hit me or anyone else when it went flying. I haven't sewn over pins since.

I love when I win the bobbin war and there’s very little left on the bobbin when I finish a project, lol. I run it out and I’m not bothered if I have to rewind a bit to finish.

I may have said this before but my top tip is having an experienced friend (you!) to guide you along! So many tips I’ve learned from you. I now consider straightening up my area as a pre-game activity. I just don’t do it when I’m finishing a garment. Also, I always wash my fabric. I’ve been in a few different warehouses and warehouses aren’t clean. Wash it. I have heard that we should walk away when we’re frustrated but I need to get good and angry, rant for a bit, and then get down to business. If I walk away I may never come back, but if I see it through I triumph. You just have to know yourself for this one. I learned the bobbin thing the hard way. I pre-wind now.

great tips and very good for sewist who have been sewing for long term. Easy to overlook and we need to reset our mind. Stay safe

Having had stitches in my finger from a rotary cutter, blade safety is a good habit to keep up. No one wants to interrupt the sewing mojo with a trip to the hospital. Good lighting, don’t sew hungry or tired and have fun - sewing is my meditation.

Your honesty and self-deprecating humor is 🤌💛💙

Your top is a lovely color. Teal is one of my favorite colors too. It suits you very well.

My bad habit is being in a rush to finish, taking short cuts etc. Causing not only mistakes but frustrations as well. Although I am behind on my list of things to do, I will slow down, follow instructions and enjoy what I love. Thank you this was such an eye opener for me.

Oh boy…I recall my hubby having gone and used my best fabric scissors……I was so annoyed! He’s not touched them since lol ❤❤❤❤

Looking great Claire...Thankyou for another video with wonderful sewing tips . CJV

I stoppede working in october (I’m 62) and I really enjoy taking my time when sewing. When I was still working, I had to rush it - and a lot of times the garment was not good. Now I can take my time with fitting etc.

Completely agree with every tip. I have always turned my sewing machine off every time I leave it to serge, press, tidy up, or whatever the case may be. I'm surprised I haven't worn out the on/off switch! Even after all these years of sewing, I am notorious for forgetting to change my needle when I switch fabric types (woven vs. knit). Ugh! I'm all ready to sew, but . . . no. I have to stop before I even get started because I have to change the dang needle. I learned to sew in the dark ages loooooong before YT. What a great and wondrous resource. Tips and tutorials at our fingertips. As always, love the video, Claire.

Wonderful tips! Yes, write down any adjustments you make to a pattern because chances are, you will not remember!!! Ask me how I know...also, keep a record of what size and type of needle, stitch length, bobbin pressure, etc., you used on a project for the next time you use a similar fabric, or even the same fabric, if you had extra - saves time figuring it out from scratch all over again. I also zig-zag ends of fabric before washing and wash everything that can be washed to control for shrinkage, too.

Claire! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I've been sewing for over 50 years and had always made my own clothes! The last few years, I've put on quite a bit of weight, basically because of age and health ,(not a good excuse...)! Anyways I quit sewing for myself because nothing would fit right, even after altering the pattern! I watched your video on how to make clothes fit! IT WORKED!!! I have made myself 4 blouses so far...and they fit!! Again, thank you for your help!

I've realised I often have a favourite quote in your videos (though my memory is terrible for quoting verbatim). Here, it was something like - "wanted it finished before I'd started". My brain sounds like that too!

Love this class, although I have goose bumps from your needle in the finger episode, notes are a good way to go, thank you

Turn your machine off, and if you have a cat (or a toddler) COVER IT! Cats can't spit thread out once they start chewing it due to the barbs on their tongue. A short off-cut can pass through their system, a long piece can cause significant harm. I have a lidded garbage can in my sewing room, and a small lidded desk can for this reason. Since my adorable monster likes chewing thread, string, cord, elastic... Incredible motivator to keep at least the dangerous bits tidied up.

Great tips 😊

Love this video Claire. Great tips and I’m also passionate about pre washing my fabric too. Have a great week and happy sewing.😊

So funny about using your scissors on paper. My daughter is 50 and remembers me making sure no one was using my fabric scissors when she was a kid.

Another brilliant vid. I'm glad you mentioned the tip 'what's the hurry'! lol I'm guilty. I need to walk away when I'm tired & leave the project until I've re-charged. May many Blessings be yours.

Thank you for this. I have some good habits and some bad, that I need to change. I always prewash my fabric. I didn’t used to, but I’ve learned how essential it is. I sew too fast and need to slow down. I do press every seam. I had not realized it sets the thread into the fabric until a couple of years ago but did not know to press the seam closed first. I always trace off everything, very particularly. However, I always want to rush from one project to another and don’t always to practice seams on scraps. I have had to break the bad habit of sewing over pins. That was hard to relearn.

Fantastic Claire. 👏🏾👏🏾 I have a small sewing space and I make sure tidy it up after sewing. That way when I return next time, I dont have to tidy up, because if I do, by the end of I dont want to sew. My sew Jo went and by decluterring like you, it made my sewing space a less chaotic and more enjoyable haven. Adding plants, playing music or a podcast, and snacks (dolly mixtures😄). Preparation before and during sewing is key. I learnt this the hard way. I have a sewing journal in which I keep notes on things I've sewn, pattern, sizes, adjustments, thread colours, fabric swatches, stitch sizes etc. For me this has been a great help. Another great vid Claire 👏🏾👏🏾

Thank you Claire, you always find new content and things to learn. xxx

Sound advice Claire! I once had a needle go through my nail and finger, the needle snapped and left the point in my finger which resulted in surgery, so was a pretty bad experience. I can also strongly agree with not leaving your sewing machine switched on whilst unattended as I once witnessed mine setting alight. Fortunately I was home and smelled the smoke but imagine what might have happened if no one was home. Does this make me a mini disaster or do I have to wait for a third event? 😅

Great tips. I would add make a toile, saves alot of fitting frustrations and abandoned projects.

Some fabrics have dyes that run , it makes sense to use salt water and soak the fabric overnight and wash in washing liquid. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Good advice ! Hello from Texas!! Love your accent!!

It's fun to hear the difference in terms that we use. The bobbin tip is a good example, in the USA we wind our bobbins rather than roll them. The tip is also a great one. Btw, I like to prewind several neutral colors because it's amazing how well they blend. I only really match thread to fabric if I am topstitching.

Love your suggestions, especially the one about slowing down. I make mistakes when I rush. Thanks for all you do!!!

Another sewing video for beginners, oh no not again! But I was wrong. I agree with all your recommendations. Whether you're new or old, you need to follow all of these tips.

Great Tips!

Love you, Claire, thanks for the video!

All good tips. I've disobeyed several to my detriment at times. On being tidy, I just started using an empty tin to corral the tools I'm currently using on the table. My sewing box is on the chair beside me but I tend to scatter the tools about. I get frustrated with the chaos as the day/s go on. The tin just keeps it in control better as I'm working with the few tools I've pulled out of the kit. Do you happen to know what "dressmakers pins" ate best for? I generally use glass headed pins but have a box of the all metal ones with flat heads.

Thank you Claire great tips

i have a sewing notebook, i make notes on top stitching or adjustments i’ve made…this has helped when i make something again.

Love this video.

Most excellent advice, thank you Claire! Brilliant :)

I have started my sewing lessons again.

Hi Claire, thank you for all those important tIps, youve reminded me to take a lot more care before i start sewing xx

Great tips!

Great video! Thank for the useful tips! 💗I also learned the hard way to test markers and chalks to see if they come off after pressing 😅

good stuff 🙂

Fantastic idvises ❤

Thanks!

Thank you Claire - please forgive if I don't watch the needle in finger video - bit squeemish - I'll check out some of your others they're always good :)

Good tips for a beginner! I do all, except for tracing. I just don't have the mental energy/motivation to do it.😂

Had to get my husband and a pliers to remove one needle misadventure this year. He was more squeamish than me but it did put a damper getting some projects completed for a bit. 😮

i can’t watch tv while sewing….i find myself watching the tv! music or a podcast for me…plus it’s safer! 😂😂

YES YES YES AMEN SISTER. I started sewing my own clothes when I was 7, stopped sewing for about a decade in adulthood, and now I've been quilting regularly and sewing clothes for my kid for four years with no "break" in the hobby other than for major surgery. BOBBINS. I wind about 6 at the start of a quilt, depending on the size. I mostly work in dark/deep colors, so black or dk grey for all my piecing. For clothes, at least 4. STOP WHEN YOU'RE TIRED OR FRUSTRATED. This isn't mindless work It engages all the parts of your brain and also all that math you swore you'd never use from middle school. My personal rule is "First mistake - fix it, move on. Second mistake in the same sewing session? My brain is telling me we're done for now." MY SEWING STUFF IS THE BEST ORGONIZED IN MY WHOLE HOUSE. It's not exactly how I want it, it's not my dream sewing room, but I can put my hands on stuff right quick if I need to. Going slower - YES YES YES. Aquiring new and useful skills and reinforcing those new neural pathways takes time and repetition. I think of each project as stages, and it gives me a lil dopamine hit at each stage. SO once we've picked out the pattern, I've measured the kid, I've washed and pressed the fabric and made my bobbins, **that's an accomplishment all on it's own**. Getting everything cut out and the markings transferred? ANOTHER ACCOMPLISHMENT WOO HOO MAKEYOURSELF A FANCY COFFEE, lol. You, your body & brain, are worth the time to take things slowly. I love this video. Keep on keepin' on!

My mom accidentally sewed through her finger as well. She got the needle stuck in her finger and had to get it surgically removed. It was not good. After my mom told me about it when I was little, I've been wary of sewing machines ever since. I do most of my sewing by hand as a result. I have trust issues with sewing machines now. At least you're not the only one who has made such a blunder. It was a valuable life lesson: that sewing machines, as innocent as they may look, are not to be trusted.

I sewed for many years and never had a needle through my finger, then I did it twice in one week! I did pull the needle out myself, though.

❤😊!

Hello! My comments on this? 1. Agree. I sometimes am a neat sewer. 2. Nope. I own 3 machines with 3 different bobbins. So I just re-spun one bobbin. 3. Ew, always. Wash and dry tumble. Everything goes in the dryer so the fabric has to do it. 4. always test it! 5. Learnt it the hard way. I read them entirely and then step by step. 6. That I have to learn. I made myself a clapper and a ham. 7. I Never sew on a deadline. It stresses me out. 8. Bummer. It’s a must. 9. I just don’t know why I feel ashamed to make notes. I have to learn to do that! 10. Ok, I made this today. 11. My rotary cutter can tell stories…it cuts everything and has a notch 😮😅 12. I have a small pillow for used needles. But I use the needle according to the fabric. 13. Melanie, rip. We love you! No sewing over pins! 14. Never did it. Electricity is expensive 😅

i’ve always washed my fabric, it’s been sitting in a store gathering dust, and who knows what else

Great video… lots of great tips! I will try to remember much of what I learn from your videos for when we collaborate… some day! 😅😂 ❤ Iggy x

Im always using the same needle 🙈

When I was about 15, I ran the needle thru my finger. It was not in the nail, just right next to it. I yelled for my brother and he turned the wheel to remove it while I held down the finger. ... years later, my father used my mother's really nice shears on seat cushion foam. Big problem. No wonder the marriage didn't last. 😉

Hi Claire, great video with some good pointers for beginners! My family know better than to use my scissors that I use for sewing! 😊

i saw RN, i work at a hospital….i thought registered nurse?

A sewing machine is a power tool, not a craft doohickey. Respect its safety rules like you would a power saw. If you don’t believe me, hand sew a dress. Or two.

Great tips!

Thanks!