My Top 10 Sewing Tips for Beginners | Know Before You Sew

sewing tips

If you’re new to sewing or if you want to learn some awesome sewing tips, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’m going to share with you my top 10 sewing tips. Even if you don’t plan on being a professional seamstress, knowing how to sew is a GOOD THING!

These tips are not listed in any order of importance, so make sure you check out the whole thing! You can also watch the video tutorial at the end of the post.

I’ve been sewing for a long time (since junior high school) and have used these sewing skills a ton throughout my life. Not only did these sewing skills come in handy to help put me through college working in sewing factories, but I was also able to make a little money while working from home when my kiddos were little.

I used to sew dance and drill team uniforms while they were at school, and now I am able to share my passions teaching others to sew.

top 10 sewing tips

Over the years I’ve learned a few things and am excited to share with you my top 10 sewing tips. Of course, I have several other tips, (and I hope you’ve been able to catch them in my video tutorials and blog posts over time).

For this particular post, I’m going to focus on the ones I find most important. So without any further ado, let’s get into those sewing tips.

sewing tips machine

Sewing Tips #1 – You Don’t Need A Fancy Sewing Machine

You don’t need to buy a fancy and expensive sewing machine, especially if you are new to sewing. I went a LONG time without needing a sewing machine that had all the bells and whistles.

Let me tell you, there are some expensive sewing machines out there and all you need is a good solid machine with the basic stitches. I recommend looking into buying a USED MACHINE.

Check your local online local classified ads and the Facebook marketplace. Sewing machine repair shops will often have used machines that have been refurbished for sale.

sewing tips sergerAs you continue to sew, you can always upgrade to a different machine and even buy an overlock/serger machine, (which I do recommend you get if you can).

I’ve had many many different types and brands of machines over the years, and I have my favorites. I’ll go over some sewing tips in the near future on how to pick out the right machine for your specific needs.

Sewing TipS #2 – Become Familiar with Your Machine

Your sewing machine will come with a manual, READ IT! If you buy a used machine and it didn’t come with a manual, you can get online and find a copy of the model and make of your machine. You can also get on YouTube and find some great tutorials showing you specific things regarding your machine.

The owner’s manuals will show the parts, how to care for and how to use all the functions of the machine. It’s amazing the things I have learned when I have taken the time to actually read through this information.

I know, that when you get a machine, you are eager just to dive in and start sewing. Take the time to become familiar with it and you’ll save time in the long run.

presser feet youmakeitsimple.com

Another sewing tip I want to mention about your machine is that it will come with several different presser feet. I encourage you to get familiar with them and learn how to use them. 

I have a post and video tutorial showing you what the basic feet are and how to use them. 

Sewing Tips #3 – Get the Basic Sewing Supplies

When starting to sew, it’s nice to have all the BASIC sewing supplies. This isn’t going to cost you a lot of money and it will save you from being caught off-guard without an item that would really make the task a lot easier.

I have a video tutorial where I share with you a buyer’s guide and my loved recommendations.

YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Here are some of those items I go over.

Sewing Tips #4 – Learn To Use A Rotary Cutter & Mat

Of course, this is optional, but I find this little tool saves a lot of time AND gives you really good results, especially when cutting straight lines. A rotary cutter doesn’t cost a lot of money and there are so many options out there.

I have a blog post and video tutorial giving you all the details on how to use them, what kind of mats and cutters are best, how to care for them, and some valuable safety tips. You can read the post and watch the video tutorial HERE.

Sewing Tips #5 – Take Care of Your Sewing Machine

Your sewing machine needs to be taken care of just like any other machine. It needs to be cleaned, covered, and occasionally tuned up. Even the best-made sewing machines will need to have a good service once in a while.

I recommend taking your machine into a sewing machine repair shop occasionally to have it serviced, especially if you’re having issues with your stitch! I do have a tutorial showing Common Sewing Machine Problems and how to troubleshoot the issue.

sewing tips threading

Most of the time, you can fix the issue with some of these simple things (Like re-threading your machine).

The sewing machine mechanic can give it a good cleaning. (You’d be amazed at how much lint and gunk can get into crevices that you can’t get to). It’s worth the money and will keep your machine running smoothly and make it last longer!

Your handbook will give instructions on how to maintain and clean your machine. With newer machines, they usually don’t recommend oiling anymore. Just check your manual.

sewing tips SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES

Sewing Tips #6 – Use The Correct Type of Needle

Most of the time you can get away with using a universal sewing machine needle if you’re sewing on cotton, cotton blends, or some kinds of synthetic fabric. Using the wrong type of needle can put holes in your material and give you a poor stitch.

For example: if you use a regular needle on a KNIT FABRIC, you will put holes in the fabric. If you use a thin needle on denim, you’ll most likely break the needle.

sewing with fleece needle guide

I have a blog post giving all these details AND I offer a free printable PDF that you can download that has a chart showing needle types, size, and what to use them on. YOU CAN GET IT HERE.

Another sewing machine needle tip I have is to use a needle sorter. If you’re like me, I put a needle in my machine and then I FORGET what type and size needle is in there.

There’s no way my eyes can read that tiny print on the needle telling what size it is. That is where this nifty little PIN CUSHION comes in handy. You can learn more about it here, and get the PDF iron-on printable to make your own.

Sewing Tips #7 – Keep Fabric Scraps Handy For Testing

I like to keep small scraps of fabric handy by my sewing machine for testing out new stitches and colors of thread. This allows me to test out the stitch length, width, and color of the thread.

You can also test buttonholes, and decorative stitches before sewing on your final project. It’s much better to make mistakes on a scrap of fabric than on valuable fabric that you’ve cut out and prepared for your project.

Sewing Tips #8 – Use Upcycled/Recycled Clothing As Fabric

If you’ve been following me, most likely you know that I LOVE upcycling. Re-purposing an item of clothing to make something else brings me so much joy, and I like the idea of recycling.

Not only do you save money, but you can also create some really cute, unique, and fun items that you don’t see everywhere. Most of my patterns and tutorials have options to use upcycled clothing.

Here is a post and video tutorial where I give several tips and ideas for thrifting and upcycling.

sewing tips upcycling t shirtsOh, the fun things you can make with an upcycle T-Shirt. Check out some of the ideas here.

Sewing Tips #9 – Be O.K. With Making Mistakes

Even the best seamstress will make mistakes. No matter how long you’ve been sewing, you’re going to make mistakes and have to unpick, and that’s o.k!

Once you understand and accept this, it won’t be quite as frustrating when you have to take out a few stitches or even start over again.

Sewing Tips #10 – Take Your Time & Have Fun!

When you are working on a project, I recommend setting up your sewing station, even if that is your kitchen table, and don’t rush.

I went many, many years without a sewing/craft room and I created a lot of items right there on my dining room table. You are going to make a mess, that’s what creative people do, and you can clean everything up when you’re finished.

If you sew in a rushed state, most likely you’re going to be stressed and more prone to making mistakes. Set some YOU TIME aside, and slow down and enjoy the process!

Check out my SEWING ROOM MAKEOVER HERE.

SEWING TIPS JAN

I hope you found these tips helpful! Please reach out if you ever have any concerns or questions and I will try to help out.

You can find my video tutorial on my YouTube channel.

My PDF sewing patterns can be found here on my site.

Have fun sewing!

jan3

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Creamy Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

cafe rio tomatillo dressing

This creamy Cafe Rio tomatillo dressing is made with tomatillos, ranch seasoning, cilantro, lime, jalapeño, mayonnaise, and buttermilk. This recipe is as close as you’re going to get to the original. So creamy and delicious, you’re going to want to drink it. Fresh tomatillos really give this dressing the amazing flavor that you’re going to love.

What is a tomatillo?

A tomatillo is a small, green, spherical fruit that looks like a small tomato. In fact, tomatillo means “little tomato” in Spanish. The tomatillo plant, which is a relatively disease-resistant member of the nightshade family, originated in Mexico. Tomatillos can be eaten raw or cooked. They’re perhaps most often associated with salsa verde.

Cafe Rio Storefront

The famous Cafe Rio Creamy Tomatillo dressing is part of the Cafe Rio experience. This “fresh mex” restaurant started out in Utah and is now located all over the western United States and several locations now in Maryland.

This Cafe Rio Tomatillo dressing is not only delicious on a salad but yummy

  • poured over burritos
  • tacos
  • quesadillas
  • sandwiches
  • and used as a creamy vegetable dip
cafe rio tomatillo dressing

Cafe Rio Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 (1 ounce) packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix or better yet my HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING MIX
  • Buttermilk / 1 cup
  • Mayonnaise / 1 cup
  • Tomatillos / 2 (husks removed and chopped)
  • Garlic clove / 1 minced
  • Cilantro / ½ bunch chopped
  • Lime juice / 1 tablespoon (more to taste or if you want the dressing a little more runny)
  • Jalapeno / 1 seeds removed (if you prefer a more spicy dressing, leave the seeds in)
cafe rio tomatillo dressing

Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing Instructions

1- Place all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor.

2- Blend until smooth.

3- Place in the refrigerator for an hour to chill before serving.

4-Serve as a dressing over the salad or as a dip for veggies and chips.

Recipe Tips

Use real buttermilk. If you need to substitute milk and vinegar, start with only ½ cup of the mixture and then add a little at a time until you get your preferred consistency.

Creamy Cafe Rio Tomatillo Dressing (Copycat Recipe)

cafe rio tomatillo dressing

A delicious creamy dressing with tomatillos, ranch seasoning, cilantro, lime, jalapeño, mayonnaise, and buttermilk.

  • Prep Time10 min
  • Total Time1 hr 20 min
  • Ready in1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield10 servings
  • Cuisine
    • Mexican
  • Course

INGREDIENTS

    • 1 (1 ounce) packet if Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix or better yet my HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING MIX
    • Buttermilk / 1 cup
    • Mayonnaise / 1 cup
    • Tomatillos / 2 (husks removed and chopped)
    • Garlic clove / 1 minced
    • Cilantro / ½ bunch chopped
    • Lime juice / 1 tablespoon (more to taste or if you want the dressing a little more runny)
    Jalapeno / 1 seeds removed (if you prefer a more spicy dressing, leave the seeds in)

INSTUCTIONS

1

Place all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor.

 
2

Blend until smooth.

3

Serve as a dressing over salad or as a dip for veggies and chips.

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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The Easy Way To Put On a Bracelet by Yourself // Quick Simple Hack

bracelet

It can be a little challenging to put on a clasp bracelet by yourself, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve got a quick and simple hack that makes this task a piece of cake.

bracelet bobby pin

Putting On A Bracelet Hack

All you need is your bracelet and a BOBBY PIN.

bracelet

Instructions:

1- Slip the bobby pin into the end ring of the bracelet.

bracelet clasp2- Open the clasp with one hand.

bracelet3- Use the other hand to hold the bobby pin as shown in the picture above.

bracelet clasp4- Wrap the bracelet around your wrist and insert the clasp into the end ring.

bracelet 5- Pull out the bobby pin and Viola! You just put on a bracelet by yourself. No assistance was required!

Now wasn’t that simple? I sure wish I’d known how to do this years ago!

No more struggle when it comes to putting on a bracelet by yourself!!!

I hope you found this bracelet hack helpful.

Learn how to make some fun bracelets out of upcycled zippers.

 

Simple Fitted Sheet Hack / How To Mark Which Direction It Goes

bracelet pin 1
Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Read More

How To Make a Tomato Pin Cushion // Free Pattern

tomato pin cushion

This adorable tomato pin cushion is such a fun little sewing project and a nice asset to your sewing supplies. You can make this pin cushion out of quilters cotton scraps or of course, a felted wool upcycled red sweater!

tomato pin cushion supplies

Tomato Pin Cushion Materials & Supplies

zipper bracelets items and materials
tomato pin cushion cutting out

Tomato Pin Cushion Instructions

1- Cut out 4 tomato panels

2- Cut out 1 leaf and one stem from felt

tomato pin cushion panels

 

3- Place two of the tomato panels (RST) right sides together and pin in place.

4- Using a ¼ inch seam allowance, sew along one side of each set, back stitching at the beginning and end of seam.

5- Clip seam allowance with little v cuts, making sure not to cut into the seam.

 

6- Place the two tomato panels (RST), lining up the seams.

Pin or clip in place.

7- Starting about 1 inch from the top seam, sew around the tomato stopping about 1 inch from the seam.

Back stitch at the beginning and at the end of seam.

8- Turn the tomato right side facing out.

Poke out curves with your fingers.

tomato pin cushion filling

9- Fill the majority of the tomato full of the crushed walnut shells.

Use a funnel and a cookie sheet underneath to help control spillage.

10- Top off the tomato with the fiberfill stuffing.

11- Double thread a needle with red thread and knot the end.tomato pin cushion closing opening

Sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch. (the video tutorial shows close up of how to sew this stitch).

tomato pin cushion indent

Tomato Pin Cushion Indent

1- To make the tomato indent, double thread a needle with the UPHOLSTERY THREAD.

Knot the end. Insert the needle into the bottom, center of the tomato. Poke the needle out of the top center. (You may need to use a pair of little pliers to pull the needle out).

2- Take BIG stitch, and direct the needle back up through and coming out the bottom of the tomato.

Repeat this process until you have the intent you like. Take a stitch and knot close to the thread. Cut the thread.

Tomato Pin Cushion Stem & Leaf Application

1- Take the 1×1 inch stem piece and apply some craft glue to one side.

Start rolling to form a little stem.

2- Clip a little slit into the center of the leaf.

3- Slip the stem into the slit and extend it about ¼ inch pas the leaf.

4- Apply a light application of hot glue to underneath side of the leaf to adhere the stem to the leaf.tomato pin cushion

5- Using the craft glue, apply a light coat of glue on the underside of leaf.

Press the leaf onto the tomato.

Tomato Pin Cushion Stem & Leaf Application

1- Take the 1×1 inch stem piece and apply some craft glue to one side.

Start rolling to form a little stem.

2- Clip a little slit into the center of the leaf.

3- Slip the stem into the slit and extend it about ¼ inch pas the leaf.

4- Apply a light application of hot glue to underneath side of the leaf to adhere the stem to the leaf.

5- Using the craft glue, apply a light coat of glue on the underside of leaf.

Press the leaf onto the tomato.

Top Stitching Leaf Embroidery

This portion of the project is optional. I like the added character of edging the leaf with a small ladder stitch.

1- Separate out 2-3 strands of green embroidery floss. Thread a needle and knot the end.

2- Starting at one of the inner corners of the leaf, stitch around the edges of the leaf.

That’s it!

I hope you enjoyed that tutorial. Have fun sewing!

Other projects you may be interested in.

 

jan3

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Upcycled Zipper Bracelets | 3 Adorable DIY Styles

zipper bracelets

These upcycled zipper bracelets are unique, easy to make, and quite adorable. In this tutorial, you will learn how to make them using 3 simple methods. Oh, how I love upcycling and making useful items out of repurposed items! When you think “outside the box” you can come up with so many fun things that are UNIQUE and ONE-OF-A-KIND.

zipper upcycling storage binIn a previous post, I gave some great tips for zipper upcycling that you may want to check out. These bracelets can also be made with new zippers, after all, zippers are inexpensive and you may not have a zipper stash as I do. LOL.

zipper bracelets

These zipper bracelets are really cute layered with other types of bracelets and can also be made into cute necklaces.

Here are 3 different styles and methods for making bracelets.

zipper bracelets items and materials

Zipper Bracelets Materials & Items Needed

wide band zipper bracelets

Wide Band Zipper Bracelets Instructions

1 – Plug in your hot glue gun and get that heated up.

2 – Cut zipper to the desired length.

For an adult bracelet, I recommend cutting 6-7 inches. If you’re making bracelets for a child, measure then cut.

3 – Unzip the zipper and flip the zipper teeth to the outside.

Decide which side of the zipper you want to expose. (I prefer exposing the metal teeth over the colored teeth), but it’s just preference.

***If you want to embroider on the bracelet, do it now before you glue the two pieces tougher. You can add any kind of bling you want to the bracelet at this time.

4 – Apply hot glue to one side of one section of the zipper.

You can apply all the glue at once or do it in sections as you stick the two pieces of the zipper together. Line up the fabric edge of one zipper section with the other section’s zipper edge teeth as shown in the photo.

5 – Trim the ends of the zipper to square off and cut any threads.

Apply a bead of Fray Check to the raw edges on both the top and underside of the ends to keep the fabric from fraying.

6 – Take the ribbon clamps and apply them to the ends of the zipper using needle nose pliers. Clamp tightly.

Apply a jump ring and the lobster clasp to one end and a jump ring and an O ring to the other. You can add more jump rings or charms at this point.

Center Cut Zipper Bracelet Instructions

You can use this method to make a single wrap bracelet, a double wrap bracelet, or a necklace/choker.zipper bracelet choker

1 – Cut a zipper 7 inches long for a bracelet, 14 inches for a double wrap bracelet, and 15-16 inches for a choker necklace.

DO NOT SEPARATE THE ZIPPER!

2 – Using a pair of scissors, cut along the edge of the zipper teeth on both sides of the zipper teeth.

Using a lighter (I like this long handle lighter) burn the edges of the zipper fabric to keep it from fraying. (If it is an all-cotton fabric zipper, you may need to use the Fray Check to keep the edges from fraying. The Fray Check dries clear. 

3- Take the needle nose pliers and remove 2-3 sets of zipper teeth.

How many teeth you remove depends on the length of your clamp beads. (it literally feels like you’re pulling teeth).

4 – Apply a dab of school glue to the end of the zipper fabric and roll it with your fingers to keep the ends together.

5 – Apply the crimp bead over the fabric ends (make sure the right side of the zipper is facing the way you want it to be) and clamp tightly using the pliers.

Add the jewelry hardware the same way as described above.

Embroidery Thread Wrapped Bracelet Instructions

1 – Cut a zipper to the desired length and separate the zipper. (You’ll only be using one side of the zipper).

2 – Cut a strand (all six threads) 4 x the length of the cut zipper.

For a 7-inch zipper cut at least 28 inches. It doesn’t have to be exact, just make sure it is long enough so you’re not running out of thread.

**tip:  I have found a trick that keeps the embroidery floss from separating and coats it for moisture protection. Simply take a piece of bees wax or other wax and pull the thread along an edge of the wax. It will lightly coat it with wax which also makes it easier to work with.

3 – Remove 2-3 zipper teeth on each end with your pliers. 

4 – Burn the edges of the zipper fabric as shown above.

4- Apply a dab of glue to the fabric end of the zipper and place the end of the embroidery floss on top of the glue.

Twist the ends of the zipper and floss to stick them together and then apply the crimp bead. Do this to only one end of the zipper at this time.

5 – Start wrapping the embroidery floss around the zipper and between the teeth.

Continue wrapping until you’ve covered the whole zipper.

Cut any remaining embroidery floss and apply glue, twist and then add the crimp bead. Add jewelry hardware and you’re finished.

These zipper bracelets are fun little on-the-go crafts for traveling or to do while watching a good movie.

Be on the lookout at thrift stores, yard sales, and even in items of clothing for a GOOD ZIPPER! You can find some really cool zippers with great colors and hardware if you look for them.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

Be sure to check out my other upcycling posts and video tutorials.

T-Shirt Yarn | Made From Upcycled T-Shirts

Upcycled T Shirts – Ideas and Tips

Upcycled Denim Jeans – Ideas and Tips

Have fun making zipper bracelets!

jan3

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Read More