Sewing is such an amazing hobby (or career). It requires you to have precision and an incredible imagination.
But you might be feeling intimidated when it comes to getting started. Maybe your project looks just a bit too complicated, or maybe you’re out of practice.
Either way, seasoned sewers and crafters have some essential habits that you can practice yourself. These good habits make their projects turn out so much better, and save them a lot of time and stress.
And if you want to have your own successful project, then read over the good habits of experienced sewers below. They’re so helpful and very smart!
1. Choose an Appropriate Fabric for Your Garment
How your dress will mostly depend on the kind of fabrics you’ve chosen. The wrong fabric is capable of ruining your whole plan, and making it harder to sew a very simple design.
So before you start on your project, look at the kinds of fabrics others have used for the same (or very similar) craft. It’s a great way to save you time and money.
2. Always Buy the Best Quality Materials and Tools
This should go without saying, but a good purchase goes a long way. They may cost you more, but if you make it your habit to always invest in quality, your garments will always last longer and look better.
Quality equipment really does make a difference, so do some research before you select your tools!
3. Fit as You Go
It’s a very big mistake to wait until the end to see if an outfit is fitting correctly. You need to try on the garment throughout the different stages of its creation to make sure it’s a perfect fit.
So correct as you go and make any necessary adjustments to save yourself time.
4. Always Pre-Wash Fabrics
A lot of fabrics shrink and change after washing, and it can make a big difference to the fitting and overall look of the garment.
So washing them is one of the most important things to get done before you start sewing.
Also, many things need a pre-wash and this includes the zipper, ribbon, decorative braid and trim, lace, and interfacing.
Lastly, when working with garments and their different pieces, always check and see how each thing should be washed and dried so nothing gets damaged.
5. Add Piping and Trim
The easiest way to bring out your design and make your garment more noticeable is to add some cute piping and trims. Its absence may not be felt, but the presence of good piping can definitely make the difference.
And doing this styling habit is just a simple way to give your outfit a more chic look.
6. Read Directions Thoroughly
No matter how much experience you have in this department, reading instructions is always a must.
Also, they might even help you to start avoiding certain mistakes you didn’t know you were making for awhile.
7. Add Underlining
The underlining is very important for almost all clothes because it adds more strength to the garment. The underlining fulfills its job backstage while your outfit gets to look beautiful and last longer.
And while I know this is more work, I promise you that it’s worth it!
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.
Prewash trims (piping, lace, etc.), understitch, always press as you go, and follow proper seam finishes.
Great tips Shari, thanks!
Hi, I think you mean seamstresses. ‘Sewers’ are for garbage. Your points are well taken, but I would change the entry. Thanks
I would also like to add that sewing gives you a tremendous boost of ego and confidence. Never sew two seams together until you have ironed them. First iron closed then iron the seams open.
Thanks for the info it always helps to have somebody else’s ideas
Thank you