8 of My Best Sewing Tips and Hacks for Beginners

Рет қаралды 57,549

Күн бұрын

In this sewing tutorial, I show you 8 of my best sewing tips and hacks that are great for those who are beginners and for those who have been sewing for a while. #janhowell #youmakeitsimple
These tips and hacks will make your sewing experience so much easier and less stressful.
0:00 Introduction
00:49 How to keep your rotary cutting ruler steady
1:57 How to start and end seams the right way
3:54 How to sew over bulky seams
8:16 Handy ways to use masking tape and painter's tape
8:39 Topstitching tips
9:25 How to keep your sewing machine pedal from moving
9:49 Funky stitch... re-thread your sewing machine
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-- LINKS -- (When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission)
5 lb. Hand weight - Amazon (paid link) geni.us/l44N
Hump Jumper - Amazon (paid link) geni.us/Vt7y
Rotating Cutting Mat - Amazon (paid link) geni.us/HmCz
Fusible Feece - Amazon (paid link)geni.us/FqMT
Olisio IRON - Amazon (paid link) geni.us/dZi6
ROTARY CUTTER/RULER- Amazon (paid link) geni.us/ATm7mH
Fabric CLIPS - Amazon (paid link) geni.us/TDTvm
Wool Pressing Mat - Amazon (paid link) geni.us/dpBPVj

Пікірлер: 177

@paulabildson157 4 күн бұрын

These were great tips, Jan! Thank you. One thing I learned after I had been sewing for awhile is that if you store your sewing machine with the presser foot up, you are putting stress on the mechanism and it could wear out faster. Take a spare piece of fabric (with a little thickness preferred), stick it between your feed dogs and presser foot, and leave the presser foot down. The fabric will also protect your feed dogs from wear.

@saraaronzon4562 3 күн бұрын

Thanks so much for this tip!

@thecarjacful 4 сағат бұрын

This is what I was taught by my mum ove 50 years ago and I still do it today 👍🏻🧵🪡

@Sue-ec6un 5 күн бұрын

My best advice to new sewers is...when you have become frustrated, just turn the machine off and walk away. Come back tomorrow, start from the beginning, thread your machine over again...check your settings and try again. Frustration BUILDS into anger, and nobody enjoys that which makes them angry all the time. And when it finally works correctly, don't be shy about patting yourself on the back a little...everything takes time and practice to improve, so take your time, practice and enjoy the process.

@SusanSmith-hl3iv 4 күн бұрын

❤❤❤❤❤ Yes! Sometimes you just need to just walk away….

@SusanSmith-hl3iv 4 күн бұрын

❤ I always learn something new from you. Today it was the serger tails. So simple! Thanks for all your videos. So informative and you get right to the point. Good close up camera work makes it easy to see what to do. Thanks for all your posts. 😊

@roslyngraf1737 3 күн бұрын

Exactly. No stressing. 😊

@quiltr141 2 күн бұрын

Absolutely!!

@teresafarrell6457 2 күн бұрын

Thank you. 👍

@gamadebdegamadebde 5 күн бұрын

I had no idea what that little black button on the dresser foot was for. Now I need to play with it. Thank you Jan for another great tip that I did not even know I needed to learn!

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

You are so welcome!

@nancynprice2023 4 күн бұрын

😂I’ve been using my hand weights for yrs for this purpose. When I go to my work room I tell my husband that I’m going to Work Out! Love your ideas.

@ireneterpstra1366 5 күн бұрын

I want to add that a jean needle is a must for sewing denim.

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

yes, thanks for sharing

@privateinfo1711 4 күн бұрын

I've been sewing for 59 years. I wish I'd known these tips! Thanks!

@VickiKolman 5 күн бұрын

Along with rethreading the machine, another good tip is to change the needle. I don’t know how many times one or both of these things has helped!

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

so ture, thanks for sharing

@mregister3945 3 күн бұрын

Thank you for these great tips! 😊❤ I've told my Granddaughters "mistakes" can become "unique designer" additions. 😊 Others normally don't notice errors.

@louizabell9905 2 күн бұрын

Love the bulky seams tip as well as how to start seams on thin and fleecy materials. And I finally know what the the black button is for! Thank you Jan!

@nancycronin601 5 күн бұрын

Am 74 and have been sewing since I was 10 or so. About half the tips were things I did not know and will definitely use. Thank you so much. Love your channel. 😊

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

Thanks. You are so kind!

@dorothydeiratani5093 5 күн бұрын

Great ideas .I think the weights are a great idea. I esp .like your tip on starting and ending seams !

@sharontrumble4872 2 күн бұрын

I agree with the first commenter…I am 75 and have been sewing since 7th grade ..my mom’s best friend was a home economics teacher and I was her summer project I guess. Most of these tips are new to me, too! Thank goodness you shared the one with the 5 pound weight….thought it was just me not applying enough pressure on the long ruler.

@johannechampagne7332 4 күн бұрын

Never knew what that black button on the presser foot was for! Thank you.

@nancynprice2023 4 күн бұрын

That was also a new one to me.

@julien7935 4 күн бұрын

For bulky seams, I just use an ice cream/lolly pop stick, or two, and works brilliantly. Obviously rather cheap too LOL :)

@Tla81 Күн бұрын

When I worked my way through college in a custom drapery shop. I loved it more than school. I finished school. My mom was a professional sewer along with the neighbor across the street with small kids. I babysat often. They both taught me how to sew since I was 12. I’m 61 now. The wonderful lady I worked for taught me that the first time she instructed me on sewing a certain item, you whip up a string of the item, such as flanged pillows, ❤for a period of time and later you move onto another project for a while. When then come back to the original item, you forget the minor steps. She told me she would teach it a second time and the person would never forget how to do it!

@saraaronzon4562 3 күн бұрын

When I make a mistake, I chuckle and laugh! It seems to help me avoid frustration.

@lalagamma4452 5 күн бұрын

Great tips and tricks! Today's Quote: "Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love." - Brené Brown. Huge hugs. Namaste 🐞🐞🐞

@helenweatherby1694 Күн бұрын

My best tips. Prewash your fabric. Iron every seam. Tacking stitches are life savers.

@MrsBennett67 4 күн бұрын

Great tips! I’m 56, have been sewing most of my life and out of the 8 tips, there were only 3 I’ve known about and personally used. Thank you for sharing! 😊

@karenj4641 4 күн бұрын

Lots of great tips. I never thought to use tape on the fabric to sew a straight line. Thank you for sharing with us.

@dianneunderwood8456 5 күн бұрын

I used an extra grip (to open jars) to put under my foot pedal as I didn't have any rubber mesh at hand. And have found the painter's tape very helpful for many projects to help get the straight seams! Thank you for your tips and here's a general guide to help with needle tension, presser foot tension and stitch length: The thicker the fabric, increase needle tension, decrease presser foot tension and increase the stitch length. The thinner the fabric, decrease needle tension, increase presser foot tension and decrease the stitch length.

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing!

@saraaronzon4562 3 күн бұрын

Great idea!

@lesleygilbert1945 4 күн бұрын

Some great tips. I did the 're-threading' one the other day and it worked. I like the idea of folded cardboard as a 'humper' which allows for different thicknesses 🤩

@marydiamond3322 2 күн бұрын

I keep meaning to catch the thread on the serger. Thanks for the reminder

@debcobb9739 5 күн бұрын

A tip I use when sewing slippery fabric is to place the fabric under the presser foot about a half inch from the beginning of the seam. Hold the threads and take a few stitches backwards and then forwards...I find the fabric doesn't get eaten by the feed dogs.

@SparkyOne549 5 күн бұрын

I use a piece of fabric as a leader and ender, never get fabric sucked into the machine just like she does.

@joellen6956 Күн бұрын

Thank you so much for your tips! Using the weight on the ruler is brilliant. Also helpful is your tip about re-threading the machine if the stitches start causing a problem. You have saved me future stress on these things when sewing.

@jeanetteburch1435 3 күн бұрын

Totally agree with the hand weight! I had my thumb joint replaced a year and a half ago. I bought 10 lb. hand weight to help with cutting fabric while I was recuperating. I still use it, because I have found that my cuts are more accurate. Just like you said, "game changer."

@notesfromleisa-land Күн бұрын

Great tips Jan. A longer stitch works well, too, for machine binding a quilt. It allows the stitched edge to lay down flatter, eliminating the flanging look if a shorter stitch is used. We all know that "Shift Happens". I have an antique hand iron (my grandmother's I think). I put felt strips on it so that it will not scratch my rulers. Stitch issues: In addition to rethreading, check your needle to ensure that it is (1) compatible with your thread; or if it is past it's useful life and needs changing.

@joycej9415 Күн бұрын

I made a rice bag to use instead of one of those weights. Works great and I can heat in microwave if my arthritis needs that too. These are all good things for beginners to know.

@lisacorbin4477 4 күн бұрын

The leveling button!! 10 yrs with my machine and I had no idea. Thank you!

@sharonkhor7433 Күн бұрын

The dumbbell is brilliant, I have a 2kg one and now I can make full use of it, thanks

@judymorris214 Күн бұрын

Joy Bernhardt said to check you out.I will follow you.Joy is a good teacher also.You might enjoy her.

@debbiehall4155 5 күн бұрын

My favorite tip was about the hand weight. I have hand weights, now I will keep one in my sewing area. You just never know what can be helpful! I’ve been using the leader and ender trick for a while, it’s one of the best tips I’ve ever learned. I’ve had the issue of skipped stitches when I sew denim, I will try the folded cardboard. And the trick about the rubber fabric under the foot pedal is so smart and so easy, thank you! These were all very helpful.

@gamadebdegamadebde 5 күн бұрын

I saw the hand weight trick on another quilting tutorial a few years ago and have used it ever since. It is great for arthritic hands like mine, you will love it.

@lovly2cu725 5 күн бұрын

i ordered a hand weight

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

You are so welcome!

@jeric2773 5 күн бұрын

Your tips on dealing with serger tails was very helpful! Thank you.

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

Awesome, glad it was helpful.

@sewforthandsewon 4 күн бұрын

Thank you! I didn't know about the black button on my J foot. I'm going to use it today! ❤

@user-xn1hm3we2h 17 сағат бұрын

Thank you so very much for tips, regards from Guyana 🇬🇾

@williamsews 2 күн бұрын

Using the plastic drawer liner for the pedal works well and a piece under a ruler will hold it firmly with no slipping - just a small piece will hold it tight. Thank you for the tips.

@notesfromleisa-land Күн бұрын

I use it on my rulers as well. A little bit goes a long way.

@healthjourneystories6892 3 күн бұрын

Best tips video I’ve seen! Thank you!

@niafabutoliver3097 2 сағат бұрын

Thank you so much for your tips they did help 5 of them I will use thank you again peace and blessings ❤

@mariannatrapani5859 3 күн бұрын

Great tips thank you. I’m 83 and still sewing. Didn’t know what the black button was for. Thank you again

@Hacker3588 Күн бұрын

New to sewing and enjoy these videos. Thanks so much for your effort and time!

@deborahsmith5357 4 күн бұрын

Thank you! I learned something new today. The serger tips were so helpful!

@ivysuz 3 күн бұрын

thank you!

@jennifermharvey9882 3 күн бұрын

Thank you

@marvam1414 3 күн бұрын

Thank you so much

@sandramichaud8033 5 күн бұрын

Hump jumper with cardboard or nail file, and the serger tail were most helpful. Always appreciate your videos. Thanks!!!❤

@DonnaBush-ul3gg 5 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for explaining the hump jumper!

@buzzi2k 5 күн бұрын

Brilliant tips, especially the neat overlocking tails one!

@charlottebreckenridge8047 2 күн бұрын

Use my under-used yoga mat for my foot pedal and under my sewing and serger machines. Enjoyed your video looking forward to seeking out your videos. 👏🏾

@PathsOfReason 2 күн бұрын

Thank you 👍

@lynneferraccio8843 4 күн бұрын

I use the weight on the ruler! Love it!

@dianec1712 4 күн бұрын

Ty. You always tech me something. You are appreciated

@ChristinesCraftTable 2 күн бұрын

Thank you! Great tips!

@rolltidechic1984 12 сағат бұрын

OMG THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THIS!!!!!!

@joannsanchez8764 4 күн бұрын

Thank you so much Jen those tips were very helpful 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️

@lindaskinner5887 3 күн бұрын

Thank you for sharing these tips.

@MaryJaneCambria 2 күн бұрын

Thank you, great tips ❤

@sandyphillips2467 4 күн бұрын

Brilliant thank you

@hannahcoleman2940 2 күн бұрын

Thank you 🙏💚☘️

@carolyndrawdy3416 3 күн бұрын

Great tips! Love using the 5 lb. Weight!

@cynthiadecker1424 2 күн бұрын

Great tips

@joyceschetter5871 12 сағат бұрын

Super sewing tips

@alexandrabattaglini9448 2 күн бұрын

This is great. Thank you!

@mrsbecky2 4 күн бұрын

Excellent! Thank you!!

@allisonstevens7141 4 күн бұрын

I had no idea about the levelling up button and my machine has this. Thank you Jan ❤

@rebwolfe2702 16 сағат бұрын

Great tips! Thanks

@ritafairclough6470 Күн бұрын

Very helpful everyday tips!

@cherylrinaldi1713 3 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for all these useful tips

@klz4377 4 күн бұрын

Thanks

@debbietanner9172 22 сағат бұрын

Thank you for the great tips!❤

@mimihaines2891 4 күн бұрын

Thank you. Very helpful. Love the hand weight trick.

@sharonwhite8075 3 күн бұрын

Thank you for these wonderful tips.

@ruthgreen7424 4 күн бұрын

thank you for those tips

@triplewinlin5576 4 күн бұрын

Always great information, Jan!

@clarepurtill1790 5 күн бұрын

Great tip ideas, liked the weight on a ruler, I thought I was the only one that couldn’t cut straight with a ruler! T he button on the J foot is new one and starting and finishing seam on the serger was great. That you for all this info. you always check me through with great tutorials.

@mariamullin4031 4 күн бұрын

Great tips , thank you

@user-pm7uk1vd9h Күн бұрын

Thanks for the great tips❤

@vinnirodriguez6906 5 күн бұрын

Thanks! Loved this info! 😃

@elaineforan4751 3 күн бұрын

These are all useful and practical. Thanks so much.

@JessicaLopez-fe5si 4 күн бұрын

Awesome hacks and tips!

@user-ij9nc7sx5b 4 күн бұрын

thank you for the great tips.

@eileenharrison7816 7 сағат бұрын

Very helpful. More please ❤

@joweston7036 3 күн бұрын

Love your help and advice. You are so clear and helpful. Thank you for sharing your amazing knowledge 👍

@cindychoquette8090 2 сағат бұрын

Very helpful, thank you 😊

@ramshakhalid8253 4 күн бұрын

These tips are wonderful, especially save a lot of time and facilitate us to remember kids are asking for something❤

@JEMaude 3 күн бұрын

Great video. Thanks😊 for sharing

@susanv5684 4 күн бұрын

I’ve been using a 5lb kettle ball on my long ruler and it works great.

@vivianjones9130 5 күн бұрын

Jan, thank you for all your tips. I have learned a lot of tips from watching you. ❤❤

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

Thanks. You are so kind!

@carolentringer8836 5 күн бұрын

I never knew how to use the leveling button. Thanks!

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

Awesome, glad it was helpful.

@doriswhitegiver9334 4 күн бұрын

Thank you Jan for the great tips especially the one on the little black knob on the side of the presser foot. I had no idea lol

@yvobalcer Күн бұрын

I have two tips to pass along, do not use old thread, it can pill up and break, and change needles often. Needles eventually have burrs which have all kinds of problems.

@linc5104 5 күн бұрын

Thank you, you've solved my problem with rulers! I'll be using the hand weight!

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

glad it was helpful

@TheLillypad1752 5 күн бұрын

Great ideas especially rethreading your machine when it gets wonky! Thank you 😊

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

You are so welcome!

@janehargreaves3867 5 күн бұрын

Thankyou very helpful ❤

@JanHowell 5 күн бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@user-oy4yt1tp1f Күн бұрын

Enjoyed your video and found it very helpful.

@user-sf2qf2ch9j 2 күн бұрын

Same with me about walking away

@debrizzo7031 11 сағат бұрын

Just found you! Thanks so much ❤

@barbaraprice599 2 күн бұрын

Factories have been using your locksmith hack for many years. That's where I learned it. But it's a lot easier on an industrial server.

@barbaraprice599 2 күн бұрын

I meant to say "locksmith" hack.

@barbaraprice599 2 күн бұрын

😢. Lockstitch hack

@denisedorsey2889 Күн бұрын

You can edit your comments after posting. The three dots on the right? Click there and a menu pops up so you can edit.

@coni-ne5km 11 сағат бұрын

Excellent tips, thanks a bunch for sharing. A problem I've encountered (even after reading instructions several times) is I cannot make buttonholes. Do you have videos on that? I have a BabyLock machine.

@thefairyqueen369 19 сағат бұрын

Thank you these tips were great...I have subscribed!

@stitchinggrannyof18 4 күн бұрын

The ruler has a lip on one end so that it fits at the edge of the mat closest to you. That helps the ruler not to move also. I was taught to walk my hand up the ruler when the mats and rulers came out. . Good tips for newbies