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Have a favorite sewing tip?  Have a question that you'd like us to answer?  Email it to us at DiscountVacSew@aol.com.  If we decide to put it here on our website, we'll credit you with the tip!

SEWING/TRAVEL/SAFETY  TIP

Getting ready for a trip? Stitch hidden pockets in the inside of garments to stash cash and credit cards for safekeeping.

SEWING CURVES TIP

When stitching curves, shorten the stitch length. Shorter stitches reinforce the seam and make it easier to maneuver curves.

SERGER TIP

To make a beautiful braid, serge over 1/4" wide ribbon using decorative thread such as Pearl Cotton in the upper looper and fusible thread in the lower looper. To attach the braid to your project, position the braid with the fusible thread next to the fabric, cover with a press cloth, and press. Permanently stitch in place with monofilament thread on your sewing machine.

EMBROIDERY TIP

When embroidering with metallic thread try these tips to tame those temperamental threads: Use a vertical spool pin, reduce your top tension, and stitch at a slower speed.

SERGER TIP

If a serged edge ripples, rather than being straight and smooth, slightly tighten the differential feed. When the differential is tightened, feed dogs bite more fabric, eliminating bubbling or bowing. Its especially helpful when serging around curves such as a neckline.

Fuse a strip of interfacing equal to the width of a hem on the wrong side of the garment. Stitch in the interfacing and no hemstitches will show on the outside of the garment. This technique makes a crisp hem that hangs beautifully.

MY THREAD KEEPS BREAKING

This has almost become an epidemic!  It's true that there may be a mechanical problem with your machine.  We offer FREE estimates and can give you one ON THE SPOT!  The majority of the cases we've seen is due to poor quality thread.  Unfortunately, most of the thread you find at chain stores, fabric stores, etc. are low priced and low quality.  It has a low tensile strength which means when you pull on it, it breaks easily.  The simple strain of going through your machine is enough to make the thread break...and break...and break!  We attend MANY service seminars because of all the brands we carry.  Almost all manufacturers recommend using Mettler brand thread.  This high quality thread has a very high tensile strength and resists breakage.  In fact it's so good that if it does break, it probably means the problem is with your machine...not the thread!  Since Mettler brand thread has such a consistent quality, it means less tension adjustments to your machine.  Isn't that nice? 

The standard used to be Coats & Clark.  Since they moved their manufacturing to Mexico, we've seen a huge increase in thread breakage from this brand.  It seems to no longer be the quality thread it once was. Mettler brand thread seems to be the new standard for quality.  We have a full assortment of Mettler brand silk finish 100% cotton thread in 50 wt. and all-purpose polyester thread  in stock.  We even carry the full line of Mettler brand fine machine embroidery thread in 60 wt. 

MY NEEDLE UNTHREADS ITSELFAND/OR I GET MULTIPLE THREADS WHEN I REMOVE MY FABRIC FROM THE MACHINE

These are common problems with a simple solution.  It's because your take up lever is not at its highest position.  What's your take up lever?  It's the silver lever that goes up and down when you sew.  It's on the front of your machine in the top left corner and the thread runs through it.  When you take your foot off the foot control, see if your take up lever is in its highest position.  If it's NOT, turn your handwheel towards you until it is.  When you remove your fabric or begin to sew again, all will be fine.

STICKY NEEDLES

If you sew on something sticky, the adhesive will gum up your needle.  Examples are sticky stabilizer or material with glued on sequins.  Simply put some alcohol on a cotton ball and rub your needle with it.  The alcohol will remove the residue from your needle.  Be careful not to have the alcohol drip into the bobbin area.  The alcohol will remove the lubricant.

SKIPPED STITCHES

If your stitches don't always form perfectly (or if they don't form at all), then you are experiencing skipped stitches.  This can either be from your machine's timing being off, or from a defective needle.  What is timing?  When your needle goes down into the bobbin area, a part called the hook picks the thread off the needle and forms the stitch with the bobbin thread.  If the hook isn't at the right place at the right time, it misses the needle and your stitch doesn't form.

However, it may be as easy as changing your needle.  If the needle is bent or has a burr on the end of it, it may skip stitches.  If you are experiencing skipped stitches while sewing stretch material, then you may want to try using a stretch needle.  A stretch needle is specifically designed for stretch material and all but eliminates skipped stitches.  Visit our Centers for stretch needles and for more information on needles!

MY MACHINE KNOTS UP UNDERNEATH