patch-work can be less of a challenge if you follow some of these hints:
- Whenever piecing quilts, try a “protection cover” (a smallish bit of scrap material) to start your chain piecing so the cloth and threads don’t jam up when commencing to chain sewn.
Difficulties quilting with metallic thread and having plenty of thread breaks? Try decreasing the thread tension.
Attach your tape-measure to the side to your sewing bench with self stick velcro for fast and simple access
Keep a small magnet in the quilting basket. Use it to get any pins that drop on to the floor.
If stitching needles get rusty or dull, wipe them carefully with fine steel wool to bring them back to life.
Always leave some thread in the needle before placing it in a pin cushion. You will be able to spot it a lot quicker.
Use fresh, dry vinyl egg cartons to store thread.
Store pattern pieces and their envelopes in self-sealing bags so that you can see the pattern.
When patchwork pieces are finished, run double length of thread through a pile of patches, departing the knotted end in the thread in the bottom of the heap. They’ll stay collectively and you may pull off each one of these as needed.
Before you stitch on buttons, coat the thread with wax. Simply run it around a candle once or twice. This makes the thread stronger helping getting it with the holes.
For thoroughly clean, sharp and handy pins and needles, use a covered steel wool pad as a pin cushion.
Keep a chopstick in your sewing basket for all poking and stuffing needs.
If you’re not certain that the seam is lying when you’re quilting in the ditch, place a lamp or flashlight underneath the quilt and the seam allowances are easily seen.
When working with pinking shears always have textile between your blades. Never close and open the blades without having material between them, this will dull the blades.
Use a low melting temp. glue gun when you use net, tulle or sheer synthetic material. A hot glue gun will burn you and also melt the material.
Keep soap slivers in the freezer to use as markers for quilts. This keeps soap hard and easier to use. Additionally, it washes out right away
Steer clear of the disappointment of threading frayed edges by folding thread in half, and yanking the smooth edge with the needle
To Open that jammed Zip: Rub the teeth with a bar of soap or spray with shaving cream.
Soap makes an ideal Pin Cushion: Make use of a bar of soap to make stitching easier and the needle just glides through hard fabric and materials.
Photography film containers are excellent and safe way to store bent needles and pins.
To look at a quilt pattern at a distance, put the portions on a backed table cloth, and hang it up someplace to see what the quilt may be like done.
Save your time and avoid eye strain by threading a number of needles on your quilting thread without cutting it off the spool.
Safety first! Never run holding sharp scissors or pins .
should you cut your self, be sure you do not bleed on the fabric
When ironing a bias strip shut off the steam on the iron so you will not burn your fingertips.
Never use your sewing scissors for chopping paper; it blunts them.
For more information on Patchwork accesories fabrics and much more visit www.patchwork-online.com.au
