Sew Like A Pro: 5 Tips To Improve Your Sewing

Sewing like a pro

When I first got back into sewing my sewing was anything but pretty and no one would have known my mother was a professional tailor that had taught me to sew at an early age. I definitely didn't sew like a pro. My kids were young and my free time to sew was limited. Whenever I could grab a few minutes I would work on play clothes or PJ's for them. I tried to use shortcuts and timesaving tips I heard at the fabric store.  I remember the first few things I made for them. Let's just say it's a good thing they were young and wore them around the house! 

It didn't take long for me to realize that those time-saving tips and shortcuts were keeping my sewing from looking its best. While reading and taking sewing classes I quickly learned that there were a few key steps that I needed to follow. I also found out one of my biggest time-saving tricks was causing a lot of my problems.  You may be surprised that it's some of the simple things that will elevate your sewing to the next level!

Are you ready to sew like pro?

Follow these 5 tips and you'll be on your way!

1. Use quality thread and fabric

The success of a sewing project can be traced all the way back to the raw materials chosen. You can follow all of the other advice I give in this post but if you choose poor quality fabric and thread it will be hard to make it look good after the first wash.
When it comes to choosing fabric there really isn't an all-purpose fabric.  When you’re just learning to sew, you want to brush up on the many types of fabrics out there — from cottons to wools to silks to synthetics. Understanding how these fabrics work  will help you choose the best fabric for your project. If you're not sure what to look for Fabric 101: A guide to Choosing Fabric will help you.
The importance of thread is not to be underestimated, as it is the fiber that is holding everything together. I prefer to use Gutermann thread whenever possible. If you need help choosing what thread to use with your project  Thread 101: A Guide To Choosing Sewing Thread will have you choosing thread like a pro in no time!

2. Prewash Your Fabric

I know that it can be tempting to skip this but it really does make a difference! Prewashing prevents puckers, shrinking post sewing, and removes chemicals and extra dye. Getting Your Fabric Ready to Sew has all the details you need to know.

3. Top-Stitch

Any time you top-stitch you make your project look more professional.  Top-stitching should almost always be at least ¼″ from the edge. It does take practice to make a clean even stitch but if you pay attention and  go slow you'll quickly get the hang of it.  When you’re just learning to do top stitching using an edge stitching Foot Can help. If you're not sure how to use the foot I have a video and post that will walk you through it. How to use an edge stitching foot. The video also shows you how to keep the stitching straight if you don't have the foot.

4. Finish Your Seams

There are a number of ways to finish your seams. The easiest is to trim your seams with pinking shears. Other options include French seams, using an overcast stitch or a Zigg-Zagg stitch along the edge of the seam or finishing all your seams on a serger.

5. Press As You Go

You need to press your fabric before cutting your pattern pieces out of it.  If you don’t you may end up with irregular pattern pieces that won’t fit well together. If you are looking for that clean, crisp edge in your sewing you have to press your seams as you go! Your pattern instructions will usually tell you when to press.

Do you have any questions about the tips I shared? What's your biggest challenge when it comes to sewing?