Must-Have Tools of the Trade

When you first start a particular craft, it can be hard to know what tools you’ll really need.  And no idea what some things even are! Here are some handy tools I can’t live without.

Figure 1 – General sewing, cutting, pattern making related tools

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This Sewing Machine Kills Knits + Stretch Fabrics!

If you’re using a standard sewing machine and trying to reconstruct t-shirts or sewing on knit fabrics, you’ll want to use a zig-zag or stretch stitch. The zig-zag allows the stitch to stretch with the fabric, so it doesn’t break when you try to get your newly reconstructed t-shirt on or off.

If you plan to be sewing a lot with stretch and knit fabrics, you might want to consider investing in a serger (sometimes called an overlock machine).

A serger is a special sewing machine that uses 3, 4, or 5 threads. It trims off the seam allowance and sews “around” the seam, locking the edges to prevent rolling and fraying.

Sergers are very well suited to sewing stretch fabrics because it’s stitch allows for a significant amount of stretch without breaking- more than even a zig-zag stitch.

Sergers aren’t cheap, but there are some decent inexpensive models on the market. One I can personally vouch for is the Brother 1034D.

You still might wind up being stuck sans serger for a while, so if you can’t resist the urge to sew with knits and other stretch fabrics in the meantime, here are a few more tips if your sewing machine tends to go Cookie Monster on your fabric:

• If the sewing machine sucks the fabric into the machine or forms a big wad of thread on the underside when you first start sewing, try sliding the edge of the fabric about an inch or so past the foot when you first start sewing. You can also try wrapping a piece of tape or tissue paper around the edge of the fabric to add extra stability. It may also help to sew the first few stitches by turning the wheel by hand manually.
• Make sure you’re using a ball point needle for knits. Standard sewing machine needles are made for woven fabric and can snag the fibers of knit fabric. Some machines are very temperamental about this. Others are not.
• You can try an overlock attachment, but I have no experience with them. From what I’m told by those that have, it is NOT really anything like using an overlock/serger machine, it merely makes stitches that look like it.

Super Deal! 500 business cards for free!

OvernightPrints is offering 500 free business cards, all you have to do is pay the shipping!

This is a really good way to get hang tags for your product for free-  Get the cards printed with your logo, punch a hole in it, and then attach it to your goods.  Voila! High quality printed hang tags for cheap!

You could even get a smaller logo printed 2-3 times on one card to double or triple your savings, especially if you prefer smaller tags.

And of course, you could always just get them as business cards. I had some printed that can double as a business card and a hang tag.

The Secret to Straight Seams

If you’re having trouble keeping your seams straight, you probably just need some more practice. Go slow- don’t put the pedal to the metal just yet. Some machines are really fast, so you’ll need to practice keeping steady pressure on the pedal at a speed you can keep up with. It’s really a lot like driving.

You can also get a handy little tool called a Seam Guide. It’s a little magnetic doo-dah that sticks to the plate of your sewing machine. You adjust it to fit your seam allowance, and then while you’re sewing, line the edge of your fabric up with it.

Seam guides should be readily available at your local craft/sewing supply store like Joann Fabrics.

Fabric Junkies Alert!

I don’t deny it. I don’t even try to hide it.

I am a bonafide fabric junkie.

I’ve probably got enough fabric in my stash to fuel a small sweatshop for a year, but that doesn’t stop me from buying more. And more. AND MORE.

And I know I’m not alone, so here I am to share today’s score (plus a ridiculously awesome coupon), from Fabric.com:

I’ve already got plans for some awesome homecoming/formal dresses with that zebra print!

Shipping is free if your order total is over $35. I don’t know when this coupon expires, but I used it successfully today to get 25% off! (Saving that kind of cash to me = MORE FABRIC!) The coupon code is 2try9