Yes, I Am Sew Brave. And You Should Be Too

That’s a funny title, but a somewhat serious topic. I want to explain why, yes I am sew brave. And you should be too. That is, if you want to improve your craft and learn new skills. Here’s the thing. More often than not, when I post a picture if something I’ve made, there will be a comment about how brave I am. So turning that into a positive (since I’m really not sure how they mean it), yes I am. Let’s dive into this topic.

Sewing What I Love

First of all, let’s understand that I’m just sewing some garments that I really love. I also like to try new things, so occasionally I will dive into a new pattern. Most often I get this comment when I have sewn, or am trying to sew, a new to me pants pattern.

One of the things that has allowed me to improve my skill level, especially as it regards fit, is trying new patterns. If I can get a great fit on a pants pattern I’ve never tried before, then the work is worth it in my opinion. How do you learn if you actually never try? I understand that fabric can be expensive, but it’s just fabric. Leaving it on a shelf isn’t going to serve you or anyone else. What you can learn and the confidence you gain from the attempt to sew yourself something is immeasurable.

Style

Trying something new will also help you determine what your style is. If you don’t know what you like or what looks good on you, go to a store and try things on. Doing this will keep you from using that fabric you have on garments you may ultimately hate (at least on you). Or, simply try out an easy to make pattern with some inexpensive fabric. I have sewn up some trendy items before that were quick and easy. They don’t become wardrobe staples, but they can just be those fun pieces in a color you might not be sure of.

Quite often I’m told I’m sew brave when I make a bold, colorful garment. That’s what I like and that’s what looks good on me. But I found that out by trying different things and using some fabrics that I fell in love with.

How You Can Be Sew Brave

For me, being “sew brave” is all about improving my skill level. I like to sew different garments because they require different skills. One of the best ways to learn is to incorporate different techniques into your garments or sewing projects.

You can also make samples. For example, I have done this when I was learning how to install invisible zippers. I cut a couple of scrap pieces of fabric, used a couple of 7″ zippers, and machine basted the zippers in. Then I removed the basting and started over again. I did this several times until I felt I knew what I was doing. The same can be done with welt pockets or any techniques that you like.

Sew…

So, yes I am sew brave. And you should be too. I believe this is the best way to improve your skill. For me sewing is a continual learning process that I enjoy. Remember, your makes don’t have to be perfect for you to be happy with the results and wear them proudly.

Twin Needle Stitching Tips

Not too long ago, I did a YouTube video on this process, but I also wanted to write a blog post. I want to give you readers some twin needle stitching tips. These are things I do myself that really help. Using a twin needle in your regular sewing machine can give a nice professional looking finish. I don’t have a coverstitch machine, so that is the reason I like this technique.

Twin Needles I Use

More often than not, I use the first twin needle pictured. I like the spacing of the needles and how the finish looks. I also get less tunneling (I’ll explain later).

When To Use Twin Needles

I use the twin needles for hemming knits and for stitching around necklines on knit tops. These tops were finished with a twin needle at the sleeve hems, bottom hem and around the neckline. It’s something I do for t-shirts especially. This is a way to get a nice looking finish on your knit projects.

Machine Settings

Some sewing machines will have special setting for using a twin needle. I have a Brother sewing machine that you must make sure to choose the twin needle, rather than single needle. If your sewing machine is like this (you can check your manual if you aren’t sure), be sure to make that change. You will also need to make sure that your stitch plate is not for a straight stitch only (it usually has only one narrow hole). Most regular needle plates have a wide opening that is good for straight, zigzag and twin needle stitching.

Stitching

Once everything is set, it’s time to sew! This is the fun part. You’ll need two spools of thread to thread the needles. If you don’t have two spools of the same color and you are trying to match your fabric, you can wind an extra bobbin. That bobbin can be your second spool. It’s important to note that all stitching is done from the right side of the fabric.

Here is an example I made using the two twin needles showing how the widths look compared to one another.

For most of my sewing, I prefer the narrower needle. It’s just a personal preference but I think it looks good for most fabrics and projects. The tunneling I mentioned earlier is when a raised area (ridge) forms in between the two needles.

Trimming

After you’ve sewn your hem, there may be excess fabric on the wrong side. I usually fold up my hem and sew within that in order to make sure I’ve caught all the fabric (remember, stitching from the right side). I trim off the excess fabric using either duckbill scissors or curved scissors.

Here is a link to my YouTube video where I show the processI use for sewing and trimming when I use a twin needle.

*The above post contains affiliate links.

This is a process that will give you some really nice, professional looking results. It may take a bit of time and practice, but it’s an easy process.

8 Ways To Inflation Proof Your Sewing

I decided to write this because it’s been something that’s been on my mind for quite some time. I’m always looking for ways to save some money. But I also want to be able to continue to do what I love. So in this article, I’m going to give you 8 ways to inflation proof your sewing. In this article I’m expanding on my video in which I give you 5 ways to inflation proof your sewing (the video will be uploaded over the weekend).

Tip #1

Sew your wardrobe essentials.

In this way, you can see what you already have and fill in those wardrobe gaps you might have. Whatever those essentials are is up to you. After all, it’s your wardrobe.

Tip #2

Use what you’ve got.

By using what you already have, nothing should go to waste.

plan projects based on the fabric you have
use those notions you have, which we sometimes forget about (zippers, buttons, elastic, etc)

Tip #3

What can you make with the patterns you have?

I have bought a few patterns lately, but not many. I have been more determined to use the vast collection of sewing patterns I currently own. And as we all know, many older patterns aren’t out of style. In fact, so many patterns have been repackaged and renumbered lately!

Tip #4

Sew wardrobe-builder pieces

It’s possible to focus your sewing on those pieces that you can get the most use out of. That can be things like:

T shirts/tops
Jeans/dress pants
Dresses/skirts
Jackets/blazers

I don’t think you can have too many basics because those are the pieces that can go from day to night or casual to dressy.

Tip #5

Think outside the box

Think of what you want to wear and create a unique wardrobe for yourself. Since you are already creative, use that to cultivate your own style. Remember, you don’t have to be like anyone else. Just be you!

Tip #6

Thrift stores

While a lot of people think of thrift stores for sewing patterns, I have shopped them a little differently. These are great places to get large sheets that can be used as fabric for making a muslin or mock-up. I have also bought men’s shirts for a few dollars that I used strictly for the buttons.

Tip #7

Organize

One of the ways many of us waste money is that we are buying things we already have because we can’t find something. If you can organize your supplies, that can save you from repurchasing those notions, etc that you need for a project.

Hanging jewelry organizer

And the last tip in my list of 8 ways to inflation proof your sewing is…

Tip #8

Make a list

Personally, I use a whiteboard on the wall of my sewing room to jot down things like thread colors (by manufacturer and color number) I’m running out of. Or if you don’t have that, a simple piece of paper will do just as well. It’s also a good idea to keep that list on your phone as well. If you find ourself at the store and want to get those list items, having it on your phone is a great idea.

Small white board

So those are my ways to save some money while still doing the thing I love to do. Many of these tips will also work for other types of crafting, or just life in general. Let me know in the comments if you have other ways of saving.

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