How to Get Great Results with Every Sewing Project
Making Templates for Sewing Projects
When sewing multiples of one item, I make cardboard templates to the exact dimension and angle. Then I can skip measuring each piece with a ruler. Sometimes I can even skip pinning. If the piece is relatively small, I hold the template in place while I sew.
Joyce from Lake Hopatcong
More on Making Templates for Sewing Projects
I read the tip about cardboard templates and want to add my own twist.
I use heavyweight clear plastic report covers (like office centers use to bind large reports) to make templates. I use them not only for sewing but also for ironing in hems.
The advantage to the clear plastic is that I can see my fabric design, for example, to make sure it is centered. Just be careful not to touch the plastic with a hot iron; stay on the fabric!
Shannon from Oakland
Sewing Perfect Corners
I was trying to follow a sewing pattern that called for hemming a perfectly square corner. It directed me to pinch the two sides together and cut off a piece to reduce bulk.
But when I tried that, I sometimes cut too much so the edges frayed ruining the whole project. Or too little leaving a bulky, bumpy corner.
So I reached deep into my memory banks for some of that high school geometry "they" said I'd never use again and came up with this neat solution. It's difficult to explain, so I've included a diagram.
After pressing the four hems of a square (1), focus on a corner and envision a little box with a plus sign through it (2).
Take the outer corner and fold it diagonally in half, making a right triangle exactly half the size of the little box. Notice how the dotted lines (the lines you already ironed in) line up perfectly (3).
This visually helps you to get the correct angle. Press the triangle into place. When all four corners are done, fold along the hem lines and press again. Notice that (the reverse side of) your square now looks like a picture frame with perfectly mitred corners (4).
Becky from Kansas City
Let Your Pattern Be Your Guide, Not Your Ruler
I rarely follow the layout guide given with each pattern. I look at my sewing project pieces like a puzzle and invariably come up with big savings in fabric. I also leave only 1/4-inch for seams; sew carefully; and rarely need to trim.
When making rectangular tote bags, I take the width of my fabric and divide by two or three. That determines how many bags I get from one length of fabric. With zero waste.
For example, if my fabric is 60 inches wide including unusable edges, I cut three strips of 19 1/2 inches for three generous tote bags. My pattern called for 20 inches. Think of all the waste that would have left!
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