There is one thing we can definitely agree on: sewing is the best hobby in the world. As long as you manage to avoid the worst sewing mistakes. I'll help you solve sewing problems of all kinds. Stress-free.
The most important things at a glance
- With this post, I want to help you avoid the worst sewing mistakes and mishaps
- Every project that goes wrong is an opportunity to learn something about sewing and to keep growing
- Sewing problems are always solved in the opposite direction, so if the thread is looping UNDER the fabric, you should first check if the TOP THREAD is threaded correctly :)
Sewing mistakes: Avoiding the worst sewing problems
For some things, you just need a little practice. Especially when it comes to dealing with sewing problems calmly and coolly - and not immediately throwing your botched sewing project into the nearest corner (or your sewing machine out the window).
Over the years, you might not necessarily make every sewing beginner mistake anymore.
But you do make others...
With this post, I want to help you avoid the worst sewing mistakes and mishaps.
So that your favorite hobby is even more fun (and costs you fewer nerves)!
First of all: An old sewing proverb says: Sewing problems are always solved in the opposite direction.
So: If the thread is looping UNDER the fabric, you should first check if the TOP THREAD is threaded correctly. :)
The interfacing is stuck to the iron
Solution: I don't know how many times this has happened to me. Before ironing, check again whether the plastic dots of the interfacing* (or the shiny side) are really facing the back of the fabric. For safety, it helps to place a dish towel between the interfacing and the iron.
By the way: If it has already happened, there are various methods to save a ruined iron. Depending on the condition of the iron, you can try the following household remedies:
- Spray oven cleaner on the hot (!) soleplate, let it take effect, and repeat if necessary
- Chrome cleaner
- Nail polish remover (with acetone)
- Ceramic cooktop cleaner
- Vinegar essence
- Facial toner
- Rub the warm soleplate with a paracetamol tablet
Prym offers a special cleaning stick for iron soleplates*. I haven't tested it myself, though.
By the way, I have a small guide HERE that you can use to build your own mini ironing board!
The sewing machine is getting louder and louder
Solution: When was the last time you cleaned your sewing machine? While you are sewing, dust and lint collect under the stitch plate, in the bobbin area, and inside your sewing machine.
Every now and then, remove the stitch plate and clean the machine with a vacuum cleaner.
A bristle brush is very helpful for this. It can reach places where the small brush usually included with most machines is too short.
Be sure to read my blog post on how to clean and oil your sewing machine.
The sewing machine just won't sew
Solution No. 1: Has the thread tangled in the take-up lever or the hook? Re-thread it.
Solution No. 2: Is it plugged into the outlet?
Solution No. 3: Is the presser foot down?
Solution No. 4: Is the machine set to bobbin winding mode?
The fabric design is upside down
Solution: Or the pattern, depending on your perspective. You have the greatest possible security if you cut your pattern pieces on the fold and mark all pieces with a fabric marker*. Especially with baby and children's clothing, it's easy to sew the crotch seam and pant leg together. I speak from experience. ;)
Double gauze fabric is difficult to work with on the sewing machine
Solution: Try treating the edges with spray starch before working with it, press it well, and then finish the edges with a serger (learn everything about sergers vs. coverstitch machines). If necessary, you can also use a walking foot.
You can also use this trick with other fabrics that are difficult to work with.
Would you like to know more about double gauze and muslin?
The jersey fabric is rippling at the seam
Solution No. 1: Never pull on the fabric while sewing! The machine manages the feed all by itself. ;)
Solution No. 2: Is the presser foot pressure set too high?
Sometimes it's a combination of both.
Solution No. 3: Are you sewing with a stretch or jersey needle?
You can find a first-aid checklist to print out with even more tips in the post Help, my jersey is rippling!
You will also find many helpful tips in my blog post on sewing stretchy fabrics.
Forgot to open the zipper
Solution: You remembered the turning opening for your new cosmetic bag (for example, the pretty Alsterprinzessin cosmetic bag), but it didn't go so well with the zipper?
Help in distress: Try to open the zipper a tiny bit from the bottom through the lining.
You can do this by grabbing the slider (that's the name of the part that is often referred to as the zipper pull) from underneath with your fingernail. You can then open the rest through the fabric.
If nothing else helps: Simply rip open the turning opening again. ;)
If nothing else works: Rip open a bit of the seam and open the zipper. :)
Appliqué sewn through both the front and back
Solution: Try removing the sewing table of your sewing machine. Then you can, for example, slide the T-shirt loosely over the free arm and the back is out of danger.
Did you know? There is also the possibility of applying appliqués without sewing.
Cut holes in the fabric with the seam ripper
Solution No. 1: Is your seam ripper possibly dull?
Then you need too much force when ripping open the seams. Because of the pressure, it's easy to slip and cut holes in the adjacent fabric. It's better to replace the old seam ripper with a sharp one.
Solution No. 2: Before inserting the seam ripper into the seam itself (i.e., between the two pieces of fabric), try opening the seam from the outside in a few places.
My tip for seam rippers: I always use the one with the rubber nubs* - that sounds weirder than it is - because I can use it to rub the thread residues directly out of the fabric.
Detailed reviews on pins and magnetic pincushions can also be found here on the blog.
Then you can better position the seam ripper between the two fabric pieces. Make sure the seam allowances are folded to the side.
You can see this well in the picture below. Be sure to tension the fabric when ripping or work with a third hand (feel free to also check out my post Total Sewing Tips).
A detailed seam ripper review can also be found here on the blog.
The thread breaks when threading the sewing machine
Solution: Is the presser foot perhaps down while threading? Raise the presser foot, re-thread.
The thread breaks while sewing
Solution: Are the top and bobbin threads possibly of different quality?
The top and bobbin threads should ideally come from the same spool of thread. By the way, Gütermann Allesnäher* works best for both my Janome (you can read my detailed Janome review of this mega machine) and the Brother.
It is suitable for practically all sewing projects, is tear-resistant, and makes beautiful seams.
When sewing clothes, cut the front or back piece twice
Solution: Keep the pattern pinned to the cut piece. Then it's no longer available for mistakes of this kind. ;)
Your automatic thread cutter is not working properly
Solution: Could it be that you didn't pull the fabric piece out to the back under the presser foot?
Then the thread cutter doesn't work on some machines. My sewing whisperer told me that...
You sewed over a metal zipper
Solution: Quickly replace the needle*. If it is bent or has a burr, it may ruin your next sewing project.
When quilting, waves form in the fabric
Solution No. 1: Your sewing machine's feed dog might be overwhelmed by the many layers of fabric. Try using a walking foot* when quilting.
My tip: It is also suitable for working with jersey, silk, viscose, or other difficult fabrics.
Solution No. 2: It can help if you baste all the layers of your patchwork project together well with temporary adhesive spray. Alternatively, it also works if you connect all the layers crosswise with coarse basting stitches.
My favorite temporary adhesive spray is this one*. Because it is the only one so far that doesn't gum up my sewing machine needle. I've been a fan of Odif since my coating odyssey anyway.
Also feel free to read my post on how to sew a quick patchwork quilt.
The seam pieces slip while sewing
Solution: If you don't feel like pinning with pins*, try fabric clips* - or a good spray of temporary adhesive spray*.
The seam allowances are hard to press open
Solution: Try stretching the fabric over a wooden spoon handle or a rolling pin. Then you can easily press the seam with the iron.
The appliqué is backward
Solution: If you like appliquéing, you surely know that you sometimes have to think in "mirror image." If you forget that, wonderfully silly things happen...
So: Take a moment to think before you sew on the appliqué. ;)
Sewed holes in the fabric with the serger*
Solution: To avoid this, it helps to pin the pattern pieces together with long pins* about five centimeters away from the cut edge so that no corner of fabric can sneak into the area of the serger blade where it doesn't belong.
It is very important that the pins have a proper distance from the presser foot and therefore from the blade!
The overlock machine blade is no longer cutting properly
Solution: Did you perhaps sew over a straight pin? Zippers also simply aren't good for the blade's edge. It can happen... ;)
There's nothing left for you to do but to have the blade replaced.
The specified pattern measurements do not match the finished sewing project
Solution: Did you perhaps print the pattern too small? Pay attention to the test squares: print the pattern at 100%, not scaled to fit the page size.
My post on common pattern problems contains more helpful information for you.
The finished item is too small
Solution: You printed the pattern at 100% scale, but the piece is still too small?
Was the seam allowance included in the pattern, or did you have to add it yourself?
It's best to clarify that before you start cutting the fabric.
Your sewing machine is creating a bird's nest of thread on the underside of the fabric
Solution: Is the bobbin not clicked properly into the bobbin case, or is it not sitting correctly overall? Take it out, put it back in, and listen for the little click when it locks into place.
The rotary cutter isn't cutting properly
Solution: You may have run the blade of your rotary cutter over a pin or into your ruler.
It's best to change the blade immediately. Otherwise, individual threads tend to fray when you pull on the fabric, causing the entire weave to ripple unattractively.
Trouble with bulky seams
Solution: Trim the seam allowances after finishing your sewing project. Especially at the corners, you should trim the seam allowance diagonally up to 2 mm before the seam. This allows the corners to be turned and shaped much better without being under tension.
For simple, non-reinforced fabrics, you can alternatively press the seam allowances open with steam. A rolling pin can help with this (see my post on the most unusual sewing supplies).
Have you already read my post Sewing over thick spots?
The sewing machine is skipping stitches
Annoying. Especially when you want to topstitch.
Solution #1: Is it possible you haven't cleaned the machine in a while? Remove the needle plate and clear the sewing machine of any lint that has accumulated inside over time.
Do you know my post Cleaning and oiling your sewing machine?
Solution #2: Your needle might be dull—or it has a nick in it. This can happen, for example, if you accidentally sewed over a metal zipper (something you would SURELY never do on purpose! ;) ). So: change the needle.
Solution #3: The sewing machine needle* (I always recommend Schmetz—they are incredibly sharp and long-lasting!) is not pushed all the way into the needle bar. You can tell if it's not if you hear the needle clicking against the stitch plate. So: loosen the screw, push the needle deeper into the guide, and tighten the screw well.
Solution #4: The needle might be slightly bent (for example, from a zipper you may have sewn over, or because you were impatient and pulled on the fabric before you could cut the thread). So: change the needle.
The thread breaks while sewing
This can happen if you are trying to use a thread that is too thick for your needle.
Solution: Test whether the needle size really matches the thread. Here's how:
Thread the needle, hold the thread taut, and let the needle slide back and forth. If it moves loosely, the needle size is correct.
Do you know my post All about sewing machine needles?
The fabric ripples/puckers while sewing
Solution #1: Check to see if you are letting the sewing machine's feed dog do the work—or if you are perhaps pulling or pushing the fabric while sewing. You should avoid doing both.
Solution #2: Is the needle too thick for the fabric you are using? Try a different needle size.
Solution #3: Are you using a very fine, thin fabric? Then you might need to stabilize the fabric in the seam area using fusible interfacing*. Alternatively, you can try placing parchment paper or a sheet of printer paper underneath.
Solution #4: The presser foot pressure isn't set correctly. Try adjusting the pressure and see if the fabric feeds more evenly.
Solution #5: Is the upper thread tension perhaps too high? Adjust it and see what happens.
Read more here about what to do if your jersey fabric ripples while sewing.
The stitch quality is uneven
Solution #1: The bobbin is wound too loosely. The thread then unwinds unevenly. Rewind it.
Solution #2: Are the stitches perhaps too short for the material? Try a longer stitch length.
Solution #3: Has the machine not been cleaned in a while? Then get to it! ;)
Your seams are crooked
Solution: Could it be that you are lining up your fabric with the needle* rather than the stitch plate? For better guidance, you can prepare the free arm of your sewing machine with washi tape or rubber bands. Read more here if you are interested in unusual sewing supplies.
Your crinkle fabric tunic is too tight
Solution: Did you iron the fabric before cutting it? In my post about sewing muslin you can learn more about this. Feel free to also read here if you would like information on common pattern problems.
Messy stitches and loops forming?
Solution #1: The upper thread might not be threaded correctly—you'll notice this because the seam looks chaotic and the bobbin thread is forming loops. So, start over. It's best to check the bobbin thread again, too.
Solution #2: You might have set the wrong thread tension on your sewing machine. The bobbin thread tension is correct if the thread unwinds very easily when you pull on it.
Solution #3: Is the machine threaded correctly?
The thread forms loops while sewing
Solution: Perhaps the upper thread is bypassing the tension discs. This is a common problem with older machines or industrial sewing machines. You can also recognize this by loop formation and irregular stitches. Re-thread the machine.
The needle falls into the sewing machine when changing it
Problem: A needle that has fallen into the sewing machine can cause severe damage deep within the mechanics. Sometimes the machine even has to go to the repair shop, for example, if you can no longer retrieve the needle yourself.
Tip: For such occasions, I always keep a small sticky note pad next to my sewing machine. The adhesive strip ensures that the paper won't slip while you're working.
Solution: A very simple trick helps here. When changing the needle, simply place a sheet of paper or a piece of fabric over the stitch plate. If the needle falls, it will be caught before it can fall through the hole in the stitch plate.
The sewing machine needle breaks
Solution #1: Is the needle seated correctly in the shank?
Solution #2: Did you tighten the needle clamp screw properly?
Solution #3: Does the needle make contact with the presser foot during the selected stitch program? Change the presser foot or select a different stitch program. Definitely bring the needle to the upper position beforehand. Never change the program while the needle is in the fabric.
Solution #4: Is the fabric too thick for the needle being used?
So many fabric scraps—and no ideas?
Solution: You can create your own wonderful new fabric from fabric scraps! For example, with the pizza technique. Quite classic and still really cool is this method for sewing with fabric scraps. With instructions and many examples!
You're annoyed about ruined sewing projects
Solution: Following the motto "He who does nothing, does nothing wrong":
Every project that goes wrong is an opportunity to learn something about sewing (and your own frustration tolerance). So, view that ruined cosmetic pouch as a good learning experience, write it off, and throw it in the trash.
If you leave it lying around, the ruined project gives you a sense of failure and blocks you. You get annoyed about it every time you see it. And that is bad for your creativity! ;)
You will see that as soon as the piece is in the trash, new creative energy will flow through you! Result: You'll want to start a new great sewing project immediately!
So: get rid of it. It has served its purpose. :)
Happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
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