5 Things Sewists Who Know Don’t Sew

In the 30+ years that I’ve been sewing, I’ve learned so many lessons (and made some silly mistakes along the way). Probably the lesson I’m the most grateful for – is how to say no.

1. Sewists who know don’t sew cheap stuff.

Cheap items are available everywhere. If you want something speedily sewn with inexpensive materials you won’t have to look very far or pay very much for it.

 

Sewists who know (including me) will buy the cheap stuff (let someone else make it) and use their precious sewing time for making something unique, high quality, and not found anywhere else.

 

2. Sewists who know don’t accept projects they can’t finish in time.

I’ve been guilty of this in the past – accepting projects that come with a deadline, especially deadlines that I can’t meet.

My sewing place is only my happy place when I’m not rushing (or not rushing too much). So I’ve learned to say no if a new project would cause me undue stress or make me drop everything else that I’m already working on.

 

3. Sewists who know don’t sew too long in between sewing machine cleanings

Sewists who know (and love to sew) take good care of their machines.

I used to hate looking underneath the needle plate – I avoided seeing all those dust bunnies any way that I could!

 

Now I try to never go more than a week without a quick brush-out and more intensive cleanings are a must (here’s how to clean your sewing machine the safe way).

Depending on your machine, you might also take your it to your dealer for a professional checkup on a regular basis.

 

4. Sewists who know don’t sew without interfacing.

When I first started sewing, I thought there was nothing as annoying as interfacing. So I left it out.

As you can imagine, my facings were floppy and my bags were, well, baggy.

 

Now I keep a stash of the interfacings that I love and I never leave it out. Sometimes I add interfacing when it’s not even called for – like to reinforce a buttonhole or a tote lining.

 

5. Sewists who know don’t sew clothes with fabric that’s not pre-shrunk.

I admit that I rarely pre-shrink fabric when I’m making quilts – and there are experts who take either side of that argument.

As for me, I don’t pre-shrink any of my quilt materials. When I’m done with a quilt, I wash and dry it and let it get all wrinkly and cuddly. That’s just the way I love my quilts.

But when I sew clothes? I always pre-shrink my fabric. Sometimes I’ll wash cotton knit fabrics more than once, just to make sure they don’t have any more shrinking to do.

 

I don’t want to work hard on anything – even a shirt – and then have it become unwearable.

I’d much rather be safe than sorry so I wash and dry my garment fabrics using the same settings that I expect to use on the finished piece later.

What about you? With all you know, Is there anything that you won’t sew?

Tell us in the comments. I love hearing your stories.

Happy Sewing!

P.S. If you want to know more about any of the projects in these photos – just click the pictures. I have linked them all so you can read more! 🙂