Sew Like A Pro: 5 Tips To Improve Your Sewing (2024)

by Margaret 8 Comments

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 elevateyour sewing to the next level!

Are you ready to sew like pro?

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

Sew Like A Pro: 5 Tips To Improve Your Sewing (2)

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 choosingfabric 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 Threadwill 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?

Related Posts:

  • How to Pin Your Fabric For Sewing Like A Pro
  • 7 tips for drafting patterns like the pros
  • Sewing with Denim: Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free Sewing
  • How to Sew with Knit Fabrics: Top Tips for Beginners

More Sewing

  • How to Topstitch: Top 10 Tips for Perfect Stitching
  • Navigating the Textile Landscape: Directional vs. Non-directional Fabrics
  • Using All Natural Dye for Fabric and Yarn: Part One
  • Do You Really Have to Stay Stitch?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Derek Mcdoogle

    My wife has recently shown interesting in sewing and making clothes. You mentioned the success of a sewing project can be traced all the way back to the raw materials chosen. I had no idea the beginning was so important. Do they have classes for these types of things? It might be beneficial for her to take some classes.

    Reply

    • Margaret

      I think my Sewing 101 class would be perfect.

      Reply

  2. Susan Rose

    Hi Margaret,

    I agree with you.

    These 5 tips might seem easy but most forget them. Can't stress enough about the importance of choosing a quality fabric and thread.

    Your sewing project final output almost depends on how good the fabric is and how well we handle them.

    Reply

  3. Tahna de Veyra

    Time to put our sewing machine to good use! Thanks for this. 🙂

    Reply

  4. fibrofitnessjourney

    They say "the devil is in the details" and it so true that the smallest of things could be what hold us back. I am hoping to start taking some sewing classes soon. but these tips are great to keep in mind!

    Reply

  5. krish

    Very informative...,,great details and insight..
    Regards

    Reply

  6. hollysbirdnest.com

    Wow this is great! I like to sew but have never been very good! I love your tips! Thank you! I will be back!!

    Reply

    • Margaret

      If you have any questions let me know!

      Reply

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Sew Like A Pro: 5 Tips To Improve Your Sewing (2024)

FAQs

How to make your sewing look professional? ›

Press your seams, always. No excuses! Finish your raw edges, not just with pinking shears or a zigzag stitch, with proper seam finishes like French seams, felled seams, or bound seams. Serged edges aren't a very professional seam finish.

What is the most important sewing rule? ›

Rule # 1: Sewing Perfect Seam Allowances. Why it exists: Perfect seam allowances on a garment ensure that you get a consistent size. If your seam allowance is 5/8, and you sew 1/2 inch, you will have a garment that's too big, and in reverse, a garment that's too small.

What are some sewing mistakes? ›

Beginner Sewing Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
  • Mistake 1. Not Measuring Twice, Cutting Once. ...
  • Mistake 2. Not Preparing Fabric. ...
  • Mistake 3. Getting Too Complicated Too Quick. ...
  • Mistake 4. Spending Too Much Money.

What is pro stitch? ›

Pro Stitch Lettering Online continues to be a leader in athletic lettering and custom apparel. Since 1996, Pro Stitch has set the standard for custom Tackle Twill lettering and embroidery. Pro Stitch is always interested in your organization and your personal success.

What is the strongest stitch style? ›

Backstitch is similar to running stitch but you go back over the stitch you've just formed so there are no gaps in the fabric between stitches. It takes longer to do than the running stitch. However, it looks neater if the stitch will be visible on the outside of a garment. It's also stronger on hems.

What is the strongest stitch called? ›

The backstitch is one of the strongest, most adaptable, and permanent hand stitches. It's also a bulk-free knot replacement for the beginnings and endings of hand-sewn seams. It's called a backstitch because the needle goes into the fabric behind the thread of the previous stitch.

Is sewing a skill or talent? ›

Sewing is a skill that will be needed for life.

Is sewing a hard skill? ›

Sewing isn't hard, but it's not easy either. It takes serious effort and commitment to spend time and money to learn this life-long skill. Some days are easier than others. When you get down, remember patience, practice, and the process will help you reach your sewing goals.

How do I build confidence in sewing? ›

The simplest and quickest way to overcome my fears and boost my sewing confidence is to take it one step at a time. Instead of reading through the whole thing, I only focus on the step I'm currently working on and the move on to the next.

What is the first thing you should learn to sew? ›

One of the first things most sewers will learn to make is something simple like a cushion cover. This is a great project to try, because it allows you to practice basic sewing skills and whip up your first pattern very quickly.

What is the most important tool in stitching? ›

Rotary cutter and cutting mat

As we touched upon before in the tailoring scissors section, cutting fabrics is one of the most important parts of the sewing process. A rotary cutter is a good investment as it helps cutting pieces with patterns very simple and straightforward.

What is the most important tool in sewing Why? ›

Bent-handled fabric cutting shears are the most important tool in your sewing kit. Also known as dressmaking shears, these scissors feature a bent handle to allow the lower blade to slide along the flat cutting surface. Fabric shears are made for either right or left hands, and come in 8″ length or longer.

How long does it take to get good at sewing? ›

Learning basic sewing skills is estimated to take around two to three weeks, depending on how much instruction you receive. Self-learning will take longer–roughly six to nine months–to produce consistent and clean results.

How do you strengthen fabric for sewing? ›

Interfacing is a sewing notion that is used to stiffen fabric or help a part of a garment hold its shape. A shirt's collar and cuffs are two common ways to understand what interfacing does. It is also used in a facing to help a garment edge hold its shape but not stiffen the viewable area of the garment.

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