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SEWING TIPS |
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If you have a favorite sewing tip or 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! |
Most times, it's due to poor quality thread. Unfortunately, most of the thread you find at chain stores, fabric stores, etc. are low priced because they're low quality. It breaks easily. Most sewing machine manufacturers recommend using Mettler or Madeira brand thread. This high quality thread resists breakage. There also may be the possibility that there is a mechanical problem with your machine. We offer FREE estimates and can give you one ON THE SPOT!
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. We have a full assortment of Mettler and Madeira brand thread in stock.
Have you tried to use regular sewing thread with heavier home decor fabrics? Many times regular sewing thread will easily break with heavier fabrics such as drapery or upholstery fabrics. Your standard thread is too thin and isn't strong enough to stitch through the multiple layers. So, be sure to use a heavier weight polyester thread when sewing with home decor fabrics.
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Getting ready for a trip? Stitch hidden pockets in the inside of garments to stash cash and credit cards for safekeeping. |
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When stitching curves, shorten the stitch length. Shorter stitches reinforce the seam and make it easier to maneuver curves. |
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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. |
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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. |
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.
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MY NEEDLE UNTHREADS ITSELF AND/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.
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.
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!
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MY MACHINE KNOTS UP UNDERNEATH |
This is a common problem with machines and there can be several reasons as to why it knots up. If this happens, follow these three steps. First, try re-threading the machine. If that doesn't help, try changing your needle. If that doesn't work, use a high quality thread. If none of these three steps solve the problem, the machine may need a mechanical adjustment. We can always check your machine for a quick fix. We provide free estimates if an adjustment is needed and can get your machine back to you promptly.
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