Sewing Tips

• For pattern economy do not cut masters, instead trace the size required
  onto greaseproof paper or tracing Vilene.
  
  
• Use greaseproof paper and scotch magic tape if you need to make alterations to your pattern
  (scotch tape can be written on and will peal off and re-apply if you need to readjust it).

• Use Vilene if no alterations are required or as a final copy of successfully altered paper patterns.
  (Vilene is difficult to work with if several alterations are required).

• Use pattern weights when tracing patterns, also when placing pattern pieces onto fabric,
  to keep grainlines straight prior to pinning. Fishing sinkers, heavy washers or even small tins of food, eg. cat food, all make successful and cheap weights

• .

  Arm yourself with 3 pairs of scissors
  1	A pair exclusively for fabric
  2	A pair for paper and general use	cutting paper with your fabric scissors will blunt them prematurely.
  3	A small sharp pointed pair by your machine for snipping threads and cutting buttonholes.	these are much quicker and easier to handle and will save you valuable time.
  Another apir of scissors that are a useful inclusion in your sewing box are -
  	Applique or duckbill scissors	They make grading seams a breeze.

• Machine needles are very specialized. Make sure you use the correct type and size needle
  for the type and thickness of fabric you are sewing.
  

Type of Fabric	Needles to use
Woven fabric	universal or standard twin
Stretch knits	ballpoint or stretch twin
Lycra	ballpoint or stretch or stretch twin
Fine sheers, silks, microfibre	microtex
Leather	leather
Denim and Faux Fur	denim

• Many machines come with a small quilting guide. It makes an excellent seam guide if you have
  difficulty seeing the lines on the base plate.

• Use clover tracing carbon and a tracing wheel to transfer pattern markings onto fabric,
  if is fast and effective.

• Use tailors tacks on sheer fabrics as chalk marks may remain visible.