patch work will be not as difficult if you follow some of these ideas:
- Whenever chain piecing quilts, try a “protection blanket” (a smallish piece of scrap fabric) to start your piecing therefore the textile and threads don’t jam up when commencing to chain sew.
Having trouble stitching with metallic thread and getting many thread breaks? Try out lowering the thread tension.
Attach your measuring tape to the side of your sewing desk with self stick velcro for easy and quick access
Keep a little magnet in your quilting basket. Use it to get any pins that drop on to the floor.
If quilting needles get rusty or dull, rub them lightly with fine steel wool to bring them back to life.
Always leave some thread in the needle before putting it in a pin cushion. You’ll be able to find it more quickly.
Make use of nice and clean, dry plastic egg cartons to store thread.
Store pattern pieces and their envelopes in self sealing bags so you can begin to see the pattern.
When patchwork items are finished, run double length of thread through a pile of patches, departing the twisted end of the thread at the end of the stack. They will stay collectively and you will display each one of these as needed.
When you sew on buttons, coat the thread with wax. Simply run it around a candle several times. This makes the thread stronger and helps getting it through 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 stitching basket for all poking and stuffing needs.
If you are not certain where the seam is lying when you’re quilting in the ditch, place a lamp or flashlight underneath the quilt and the seam allowances can be seen.
When working with pinking shears always have fabric between your blades. Never open and close the cutters without textile between them, this will dull the blades.
Use a low melt glue gun when working with net, tulle or sheer synthetic textile. A hot glue gun will burn you and melt the fabric.
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 without delay
Avoid the frustration of threading frayed edges by folding thread in half, and yanking the smooth edge from the needle
To Open that caught Zip: Rub the teeth with a bar of soap or spray with shaving cream.
Soap makes an ideal Pin Cushion: Use a bar of soap to make sewing easier and the needle just slides through hard fabric and materials.
Photography film containers are wonderful safe way to store bent needles and pins.
To examine a quilt pattern at a distance, put the pieces on a backed table cloth, and hang it up anywhere to see what the quilt will look like done.
Save time and prevent eye strain by threading a number of needles onto your quilting thread without cutting it off the spool.
Safety first! Never run holding sharp scissors or pins .
should you cut yourself, ensure you do not bleed on the material
When ironing a bias strip shut off the steam on the iron so you will not burn your fingers.
Never ever make use of your sewing scissors for chopping paper; it blunts them.
For more patchwork tips, fabrics and accessories visit www.patchwork-online.com.au
