Sewing Techniques

I copy my fabric on the scanner, print out the copy, then use these paper pieces to pick out my pattern.  I can cut the paper pieces to any pattern to see if it will really work with that pattern.

When I baste my quilt I thread my long needle and do not cut the thread from the spool until I reach the spot that I need to stop. That way I do not have to thread the needle as often, saving much time. bunny quilter2@webtv.net

If you can not see to well to thread your needle  in a sewing machine or if you are hand sewing and trying to thread your hand needle just put someing white behind your needle and your thread will go right in the eye of the needle. Some thing white will help you see the eye of the needle better and you can put the thread right in the eye of the needle.

When ironing keep a spray bottle of water near your iron to help keep seams flat.

don't throw those shower scrubbies away when they get worn.  They are great for cleaning all the small  fabric threads from your cutting board

When threading a needle, either hand or machine, don't wet the thread, which will cause the thread to swell and make it harder to put through the eye. Instead, wet the eye of the needle. The dry thread will be dawn to the wet needle, making it easier to thread.

If you have trouble vacuuming up the sewing threads from carpet, use a new nylon bristle toilet bowl brush.  It does a good job.

After washing cottons or cotton mixed materials they tend to fray alot.  If you are like most people you iron and then sew them and if you let them lay around awhile they tend to get soft and start to fray.  My grandmother told me years ago to use a heavy hairspray to bond the edges.  It keeps them from fraying while you are putting the top together.  Another good idea is to spray your materials with starch before cutting them it makes the material stiffer and you get less fray also.  For those of us who like our quilts to look crisp spray starch then iron again.

I like to cut out all the fabric for my quilt at one time.  When I cut out the amount called for, I put all that size in a zip bag and label the bag.  That way when I start to sew on the quilt, I know exactly what size it is and don't have to measure again for lengths that are close.

"If you find you are having trouble moving your needle in and out of your fabric when hand quilting you might want to try this.  I purchased eyebrow tweezers that have loops for your fingers like small embroidery scissors have. Just grasp the end of the needle and clamp down and pull.  It works like a charm"