Jody's Sewing Tips
You don't need an expensive sewing machine to sew. You can buy new and used ones that are priced reasonably. YOU WILL PAY FOR BELLS AND WHISTLES but a straight stitch machine with a few zig zags can do almost everything. It does need to run well so if it's a used OR a new one, be sure it is in GOOD working order by trying out various stitches before buying. Or get advice from someone you trust. Most sellers will let you do that and if not, understand your risk vs. the price. The best price for a machine is one that a family member will lend or give you. They may not be using it right now, so ask around. And don't forget to clean and oil your machine regularly and often New sewing machines that retail for less than $200.00 should be considered more a toy or for small crafts machine than one for sewing garments or home dec items.
Cutting out patterns is not the "most fun" part of sewing to me. To make this process go faster, I keep a bunch of heavy stainless steel flatware knives (not the sharp ones) near my cutting table and use these as weights whenever possible. FOR BEST RESULTS,CUT AND MARK AS PRECISELY AS POSSIBLE.
To mark patterns for darts, etc. I often will just use a pencil or chalk. After cutting the pattern on doubled fabric and while it is still on the cutting board, I place my fingernail over the dot, then carefully mark that point with my pencil on both pieces of the pattern. Try to mark on the wrong side of the fabric.
I almost always add a little extra room at the side seams of a garment while cutting (1/2 to 1 inch) . You will need to add the same amount to the sleeve or armhole facing at the underarm seam as well. Machine baste the front to back at the side seams and to get a roomier fit before proceeding. You can then easily take in this seam if the garment is "too" roomy. It is such a disappointment to cut a garment a bit too small or gain a few pounds and have no room to let it out.
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