So you think you can sew?
Sewing is one of the most challenging and rewarding hobbies
there is. When sewing enthusiasts perfect their craft, it can be a fulfilling
and highly profitable job. If you are a sewing beginner who wants to become an
expert tailor or seamstress, we have come up with ten top tips to help you,
whether you want to go professional or just advance your hobby.
Get Rid Of Self-Doubt
One of the most difficult things to overcome through sewing
is the negative voice in your head that says you cannot do it. People who are
trying to take their first steps in the sewing world often find they cannot
start because they are worried about failure. The most important thing to do is
not less the bullying voice in your head stop you from reaching your full
potential. A little positivity goes a long way!
In any sewing project, there is absolutely nothing to be
afraid of. Even if the project turns out badly, you will have learnt new
skills. Remember that each mistake is an opportunity to get better. Don’t put a
sewing project off, get stuck in and boost your sewing confidence. Yes, sewing
is challenging, but it truly is the most fun learning how to overcome those
obstacles. In the end, you will be holding up a piece of work, proud in the
knowledge that you made it yourself.
10 Top Tips To Boost Your Tailoring Prowess
Refine Key Skills
As with any hobby or job, certain essential skills can help
you perfect your craft. Sewing requires attention to detail, creativity, manual
dexterity, perseverance and problem-solving. Don’t worry if these traits do not
come naturally to you, and they can be perfected in and out of the sewing room.
An excellent way to enhance your creativity is by keeping a
scrapbook and collecting colours, fabrics, designs and artwork. Whenever your
imagination is stuck, leaf through your book and hopefully, the ideas will jump
out at you.
Check Twice, Cut Once
Cutting patterns carefully is one of the most important
skills for a tailor. Always measure at least twice before cutting, there is no
point wasting valuable material for trying to save time. Always follow your
instructions carefully, particularly paying attention to the fabric grain and
the direction of the thread. This is a vital step in the way the product will
fit, hang and look.
Tailor’s Chalk Is Your New Best Friend
Make sure you mark up every piece of material that matters
to your project. It is always a good idea to mark up the centre-front for
example. Keep a variety of colours of chalk at hand and stick to a colour code,
so you know what every marking means. This will save you valuable time
throughout the project.
Measure Seam Allowances Carefully
Seam allowances can change for different parts of the
project so don’t just assume a standard amount. Seam allowances are vital
in helping the shape and flow of the garment, so it is important you allow the
right amount of material. To allow your project to take even better shape,
remove excess from a seam by adding notches around corners and curves.
Sewing Machine Is Your Friend, Not Enemy
Many people blame their sewing machine for spoiling a project. However, bad
fabric handling is the primary cause of problems with sewing machines. Problems
include sewing over pins, broken needles and pulling the fabric through too
quickly. Always check to make sure the timing of your computer is right
(rotation of bobbin hook to the downward needle) and be patient.
Embrace Gadgets
While crafting with fabric is traditional, your methods do
not need to be. Keeping up to date with new technologies and machinery can help
you to learn more about the craft, allowing you to experiment and advance your
skills. Sewing gadgets can not only save you time but help you have fun with
your work and may be useful to learn if you plan on going into the sewing
business.
Don’t Underestimate Pressing
Pressing fabric properly can enhance the shape of the
product you have created. There is no point spending time and effort creating a
piece for it not to fall into the right shape. Pressers can be a great investment and can add a
quality touch to your piece. Make sure always to test a spare piece of fabric
in the presser to check the temperature and durability of the material.
Make It Your Own
While a steady hand and methodical approach are needed to be
a top-class tailor, allow your creativity to bloom to add your distinctive
style and make the piece your own. You can do this by hand-stitching or
by adding embellishments – anything that inspires you and helps you to practise
new skills. Tiny details can make your project unique and give your work
something special that sets it apart from the rest.
Only Work On What You Enjoy
There is no point working on something that doesn’t inspire
you. If you do not enjoy a sewing job, it will waste your time, reduce
motivation making you feel reluctant to put the effort in. Then, when it is
done, you will find yourself much more critical of the piece. If you are not
enjoying a sewing task, don’t get rid of it completely. It may just be the
fabric or design that you dislike, which can easily be rectified to make the
project more enjoyable.
Keep A Portfolio Of Your Best Work
Whether sewing is a hobby or profession, keep evidence of
all the pieces you are proud of. It will help you to see how far you have come
and it will allow you to showcase the niches that most inspire you to produce
your best work. Keeping a portfolio can help you to find your sewing identity
and focus you in the areas you enjoy the most.
Hopefully, these top tips will help inspire you to get back in the sewing room and create some fabulous pieces. Remember, curiosity is at the heart of sewing. So, keep learning, and soon you will become an amazing seamstress or top-class tailor.