11 Tips to Help You Sew Like a Professional in no Time (2024)

If you want to sew like a pro, you have to act like a professional. The professional seamstress has years of experience, and every item that they purchase has a purpose. Sewing is fun, exciting and complicated when you’re just starting out.

These few tips that I’m going to be sharing with you today can help improve your sewing.

1. Start with the Right Sewing Machine

First and foremost, you need to start with the right sewing machine. If you plan on sewing through several layers of denim or canvas, a heavy-duty sewing machine like the Janome HD3000 will perform much better that a less expensive model.

If you plan on quilting, choose a machine that’s designed for quilting with a large throat and ample table space. Go here to see a list of quilting machines we recommend.

2. Always Read Through the Manual

Sewingmachines are complex, and the one entity that knows more about the sewingmachine than you is the manufacturer. Read through the sewing machine’smanual so that you know the basics, such as:

• Maintenance
• Functions
• Special care

3. Take Classes Anywhere You Can

Sewingrequires practice, and if you’re not taking classes, you should be. Sewingclasses are a lot of fun, they help you meet new people, and they also allowyou to hone your skills. The great news is that you can:

• Take online courses
• Go to sewing workshops
• Join sewing clubs

Ifsewing is truly an art that you want to master, there are ample opportunitiesto hone these skills.

4. Adjust Stitch Lengths

Stitchlengths make a major difference when sewing. While long lengths may look nice,shorter lengths are what most seamstresses choose when sewing. The shorterlength will provide a more durable stitch and prevents seams from tearing.

Shortstitches are durable and neat, so go short whenever possible.

5. Master Your Cutting Skills

Ifyou have excess thread hanging off of a garment, it will look messy. You wantyour garments to look nice and neat. The trick to garments looking nice andneat is cutting off all of the necessary thread.

Trimall of your fabric.

Check the garment for any protruding fabric, and cut as needed. These additional cuts will make your project look more professional. There are many fabric cutters to choose from that will make your garment look as professional as possible.

6. Match Thread and Fabric Colors, with One Exception

Threadand fabric colors need to be properly matched. When you match the colors, thethread will not be noticeable. But there are times when matching the two colorsis ill-advised. You won’t want to match the colors when you’re trying to usecontrasting colors.

Gymapparel, for example, heavily uses contrasting colors – it provides a uniquelook.

Alight blue fabric may be paired with dark blue thread to make the seams of thepiece stand out. This is a nice addition in some projects, but it’s not anaddition that’s ideal for all projects or when working with high-end apparel.

7. Start Pressing Your Seams

Seams should be pressed with a steam iron. This should be done before you start any project. Professionals will wash and press the fabric before they begin any serious project. The project will look neater, and there’s another added bonus: better fit.

Fabriccan shrink in the washer or dryer, and if you’re working with a fabric that youknow will shrink, it’s best to wash it first.

Thegoal is to cause the fabric to shrink before starting the project so that itfits properly in the future.

8. Practice Maintaining Your Sewing Machine

I remember my mother having a high end sewing and quilting machine. It ran well for years and years. In fact, it was still working perfectly the last time I saw it operate. She had the same sewing machine for decades.

Whatwas the secret to the machine’s longevity?

Shemaintained the machine properly throughout the years. She knew that her fabricswould get stuck, lubrication would fade, and that the manual’s recommendationsfor maintenance would allow the machine to last longer.

Usethe appropriate lubricating oil, and before you sit down to start your project,check to make sure that any loose thread has been removed.

9. Don’t Be Cheap on Fabric or Thread

Fabricand thread make a major difference in your final product. If you use thecheapest fabrics and thread, you’re going to have a garment that is at risk offalling apart. The raw materials that you use need to match the quality thatyou desire.

Ifyou’re making a garment that is just to hone your skills, you can skimp on thefabric and thread.

Otherwise, you want to choose quality fabrics that will lend to the longevity of the project.

10. Start Using Top-Stitches

Atop-stitch looks professional. If you want a quick and easy way to make yourproject look more professional, use a top-stitch. I recommend using an edgestitching foot when you’re first getting started on your project.

Thefoot will allow you to stay at least ¼-inch from the edge, which manyprofessionals recommend.

Butyou have to practice this stitch often. The top-stitch is one that can make aproject look professional when it’s done properly. When the stitch is doneimproperly, it can make the project look like an amateur completed it, which isthe exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.

11. Practice Finishing Your Seams

Areyou finishing your seams? If not, you should really start. The seams of yourproject ought to be finished so that the project looks professional. One way todo this is to use shears and to make sure that you trim all of the seamsneatly.

Youshould be doing this anyway, as it’s good practice for any type of sewingproject.

Butyou also have the option of using a serger. A serger machine will be able toproduce consistent, professional quality seams that look great on everyproject.

Sewingis an art, and as you master all of the basics, you’ll find that it’s often thesmall details that can make a piece look like it was made by a professional.Spend your time educating yourself on proper seam and stitch techniques, andsoon enough, you’ll be sewing like a professional.