Sewing problem solved: 10 sewing hacks you definitely don't know!

Are you really well-versed in the world of sewing? And have you already mastered all sewing problems? We're introducing 10 sewing helpers that you definitely don't know yet! :)

With some of these things, we really wondered how we managed without them for so long! We could have saved ourselves a lot of searching, a lot of money, many sewing mishaps, and even more nerves if we had found them sooner.

So that the same doesn't happen to you, we are introducing our finds in this post!

How do you store bobbins?

How do you actually store bobbins so that you can correctly assign them to the corresponding top thread?

These silicone bobbin holders solve the problem: simply attach them to the bobbin and place them on the thread spool. Done.

By the way, the pieces I use for storage are called MagiDeal^*. The version next to it in pink, purple, and turquoise is called Bobbin Buddy^*.

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How do you alter clothing and sewing patterns?

If, like me, you enjoy sewing clothes, you surely occasionally adjust sewing patterns to your measurements. I find that occasionally very challenging. Especially when it comes to adjusting armholes. Or sewing shirts tighter symmetrically on the sides.

For such challenges (e.g., also for taking in clothing!), there is a little helper from Prym. It's called a curved ruler^*. And it is primarily at home in professional tailor shops.

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We "normal" sewists can really learn something from that.

How do you press hems?

Also a professional sewing helper: A firmly stuffed tailor's ham from Prym, which you can use to easily press open the seam allowances of clothing. Of course, you can also use it to help with ironing shirts (the cuffs!). Available in round^* and elongated^*.

Who shares professional sewing tips with me?

Inge Szoltysik-Sparrer is a master tailor. In this paperback, she has collected all her professional tips on sewing techniques, tricks, accessories, materials science, pattern making, and much more.

The book is aimed at both beginners who are just thinking about buying their first sewing machine, as well as advanced sewists who are dealing with the intricacies of sewing.

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Easy to understand (and provided with many pictures and sketches), I find the "Nähgesetzbuch" (Sewing Law Book)^*. It helps to tackle - and master - challenges at every sewing level.

How do you prevent injuries when sewing and ironing?

Do you feel the same way I do (and like Dobby!)? Especially when I'm making bias tape myself or trying to press open seam allowances, it happens. And then it's time to blow on it and cool it down.

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For such cases, there are these little friends^* right here. Called silicone finger guards. And ever since a blog reader recommended them to me recently, they always stay parked on the ironing board. :)

They come in three sizes. Great also for quilting and embroidery because the needle doesn't slip off the silicone as easily.

Can you iron on a cutting mat?

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Sure you can. But to prevent the cutting mat from warping and deforming, I use this little treasure:

A heat-reflective ironing mat^*.

The big advantage: You can use it on the work table next to the sewing machine. And incidentally, while sewing, quickly press open a seam without standing up.

We addressed that problem recently in this article - and promptly built ourselves a mini ironing board. :)

How do you avoid accidentally cutting into the seam?

Is THAT annoying? New T-shirt finished sewing. I want to wear it tonight to the meeting with my girlfriends. They will be amazed! Now quickly trim the seam allowances and BAM! it happened.

Appliqué scissors^* is the magic word. Sometimes they are also called duckbill scissors. Because they can be used for exactly that: Due to the wide edge, the appliqué scissors help to trim seam allowances accurately without damaging the seam itself.

By the way, also a good idea for quilters, patchwork lovers, and appliqué junkies. :)

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How do you sharpen tailor's chalk?

The chalk is dull and makes centimeter-thick lines? How are you supposed to work accurately? Quite simple! A chalk sharpener^* helps! Basically, it's a plastic box with blades, over which the narrow side of the chalk is drawn. The fine chalk dust collects at the bottom and can subsequently be used for refillable chalk pens.

The professional device is found primarily in tailor shops - and in sewing rooms where a lot of clothing is made.

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How do you mark seam allowances?

In tailor shops, they use a double marker for such tasks. The principle is quite simple: one wheel travels along the sewing pattern, while the second wheel marks the seam allowance at the previously set distance.

And here is where the chalk dust that collected in the chalk sharpener comes into play! With this fine chalk dust, the cartridge can be refilled inexpensively.

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The parallel tracing wheel^* is also a great thing if you want to enlarge bag patterns or trace a sewing pattern.

How do you measure seam allowance?

I myself did that for a long time with an ordinary ruler and kept "mismeasuring." Because it's always about millimeters. But with the finished sewing project, you still see the inaccuracies afterward. Eventually, I got fed up with it and asked the tailor I trust (who, by the way, avoids modern sewing machines and relies exclusively on wonderful, incredibly heavy and fast industrial machines) how she does it.

Bea then showed me a thin metal ruler with a little plastic tooth on it. She calls it a seam gauge^*.

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This is what it looks like:

It is hooked onto the needle and with the plastic tooth, the required seam allowance is determined exactly. By the way, also suitable for measuring seam allowances or for taking measurements when knitting. Thanks for the tip, Bea! :)

Do you like my clever solutions for all kinds of sewing problems?

Feel free to leave a comment :)

Happy simple sewing,

your Sabine