Sewing Tips and Tricks . How to Sew

Threading Needles
Apply some hair spray on your finger and to the end of the thread, stiffening it enough to be easily threaded

Sharp Machine Needles

Sharpen sewing machine needles by stitching through sandpaper.

Heavy Seams

Rub seams with a bar of soap to allow a sewing machine needle to easily pass through.

Button Storage

Buttons can be stored in empty pill bottles with snap-on tops.

Needle Holder

An empty thermometer case is ideal for holding long and fine needles that may easily be lost in a sewing kit.

Recycled Zipper

Stray a used zipper with spray starch and it will stitch in like new.

Long-lasting Buttons

Coat the center of buttons with clear nail polish and they'll stay on longer.

Another Button Tip

n a four hole button, sew through two holes at a time, knotting the thread and tying off for each set of holes. If one set should break, the other will still hold

Sewing Accessories

Rummage sales and thrift shops are good for finding unusual bottoms and trims.

Emergency Thimble

When hand sewing and unable to find  a needle, wrap a couple of Band Aids across the end of your finger.

Handy Thread

In your sewing basket keep 10 or 12 needles threaded with often-used colors for quick repair jobs.

Spool Storage

Use an egg carton to store spools of thread

Magnet Tip

Instead of groping around your floor for fallen needles and pins, keep a magnet in your sewing kit. Simply sweep it across your rug to pick up these strays.

Scrap Bag

Save small scraps of fabric in a paper bag near your sewing machine to use in stuffed toys and throw pillows.

Sewing Machine Pad

Rest your sewing machine on a foam rubber pad about 1 1/2 inches thick to absorb vibration and avoid sliding.

Stretched Sweaters

Stitch elastic thread along the inside of sweaters whose bottoms have been stretched out of shape.

Extra Notches

Add more notches to leather belts by heating a steel knitting needle until re-hot and poking through the leather.

Sewing Emblems on Clothing

Dab household glue on the back of the emblem and place in position on the garment. Let it set for a moment, then stitch around the edges. The glue will wash out.

Sliding Foot Pedal

Prevent sliding sewing machine foot pedals by gluing a piece of foam rubber to the bottom.

Stuck Zippers

If a zipper sticks, run a bar of soap over it and it will slide easily.

Sewing Machine Oil

Stitch through a blotter after oiling your sewing machine to prevent extra oil from damaging your garments.

Storing Patterns

Instead of trying to fit used patterns back into their envelops, store them in plastic bags

Rip-less Patterns

Keep patterns from tearing and wrinkle free by spraying with spray starch.

Hidden Hemline

Hide hemline marks with rows of zigzag stitching.

Mending Gloves

An old fashion clothespin can be inserted into the finger of a glove that needs repairing.

Baggy Knees

Apply an iron-patch to the underside of the knee portion of children' pants to keep the knees from bagging and wearing out.

Pajama Feet

Reinforce the feet of children's pajamas by applying iron-on patches to them.

Ribbon Trim

Use grosgrain ribbon to bind worn coat sleeves and pocket edges.

Men's Suits

Ask for scraps when a new suit is  being tailored. Use them later for mending or for taking along to stores to match shirts, ties, etc.

Shirt Stays

Cotton swabs are ideal for using as shirt collar stays. The padded ends will not poke through material.

Recycled Elastic

Remove elastic waistband from used pantyhose for use in other sewing projects.

Jacket Cuffs

Used old knee socks to make new cuffs for children's jackets.

Outgrown Arms

Sew a pair of woolen wristlets to the outgrown arms of children's snowsuits.

Outgrown Pajamas

Sew ruffles or other trim to the out grown legs of children's pajamas.

Baby Washcloths

Double thickness of old T-shirts make great washcloths for babies.

Outgrown Snowsuits

A toddler's play jacket can be made easily if the shoulders of an outgrown one-piece snowsuit still fit. Cut off at the crotch and hem.

Eyeglasses Case

An Attractive case for glasses can be made by folding a pretty potholder in half and stitching across the bottom and up one side.

Blue Jean Blanket

Save good portion of worn out blue jeans and stitch irregular patches together to make a sturdy beach blanket.

Discarded Purses

Remove all zippers from worn-out purse before throwing it away to use in making dresses.

Ski Pants

Blue jeans can be converted into ski pants by spraying with a waterproof fabric protector

Covered Buttons

Cover a button in wool or flannel before covering with silk or other sheer fabric for a smoother look.

Mending Sheets

Use old white socks to mend corners of fitted sheets. The knitted fabric will have more give to stretch over the mattress.

Short Blankets

If a blanket is too short for a bed, sow a wide strip of unbleached muslin along one end. This can be tucked under the ,mattress to hold the blanket in place.

Fitted Mattress Pad

If a fitted sheet wears out in the middle, but the sides and ends are in good shape, sew a mattress pad over the middle. The sheet will keep it smoothly in place.