patch-work will be easier if you follow some of these hints:
- Whenever piecing quilts, try a “security blanket” (a smaller piece of scrap fabric) to start your chain piecing therefore the material and threads don’t jam up when beginning to chain sew.
Having trouble stitching with metallic thread and getting numerous thread breaks? Try decreasing the thread tension.
Fix your tape-measure to the side of your quilting desk with self stick velcro for quick and easy access
Keep a compact magnet inside your sewing basket. Use it to pick up any pins that drop on to the floor.
If quilting needles get corroded or dull, wipe them softly with fine steel wool to bring them back to life.
Always leave some thread in a needle before putting it in a pin cushion. You’ll be able to spot it swifter.
Work with nice and clean, dry vinyl egg cartons to store thread.
Store pattern pieces and their envelopes in self-sealing bags so that you can start to see the pattern.
When patch-work pieces are accomplished, run double length of thread through a pile of patches, departing the knotted end in the thread at the bottom of the heap. They’ll stay together and you can display each one of these as needed.
When you stitch on buttons, coat the thread with wax. Simply run it around a candle a couple of times. This makes the thread more powerful helping getting it with the holes.
For thoroughly clean, sharp and handy pins and needles, make use of a covered steel wool pad as a pin cushion.
Keep a chop stick in your sewing basket for all poking and stuffing needs.
If you are not certain where the seam is laying when you are quilting in the ditch, place a lamp or flashlight beneath the quilt and the seam allowances can be seen.
Whenever using pinking shears also have material between your blades. Never open and shut the cutting blades without cloth between them, this will dull the cutting blades.
Use a low melt glue gun when working with net, tulle or sheer synthetic cloth. A hot glue gun will burn you and also melt the material.
Keep soap slivers in the freezer to use as marker pens for quilts. This keeps soap hard and easier to use. Additionally, it washes out right away
Stay away from the annoyance of threading frayed edges by folding thread in half, and yanking the smooth edge through the needle
To Open that trapped Zip: Rub the teeth with a bar of soap or apply with shaving creme.
Soap makes an ideal Pin Cushion: Make use of a bar of soap to make quilting easier and the needle just glides through hard fabric and materials.
Photo film containers are perfect safe solution to store bent needles and pins.
To examine a quilt pattern far away, place the pieces on a backed table cloth, and hang it up somewhere to see what the quilt may be like completed.
Save time and avoid eye strain by threading a number of needles onto your quilting thread without cutting it off the reel.
Safety first! Never run holding sharp scissors or pins .
If you happen to cut your self, ensure you do not bleed on the cloth
When ironing a bias strip turn off the steam on the iron so that you don’t burn your fingers.
Never ever use your sewing scissers for chopping paper; it blunts them.
For more patchwork tips, fabrics and accessories visit www.patchwork-online.com.au