patch-work can be not as difficult if you follow a few of these ideas:
- When piecing quilts, work with a “security blanket” (a smallish bit of scrap material) to start your chain piecing so the fabric and threads don’t jam up when starting to chain sew.
Having trouble stitching with metallic thread and getting numerous thread breaks? Try out decreasing the thread tension.
Fix on your tape-measure to the side to your quilting bench with self stick velcro for simple and fast access
Keep a little magnet in your quilting basket. Use it to grab any pins that fall on to the floor.
If stitching needles get corroded or dull, rub them softly with fine steel wool to bring them back to life.
Always leave some thread in the needle before putting it in a pin cushion. You will be able to find it more quickly.
Work with clean, dry plastic egg cartons to store thread.
Store pattern pieces and their envelopes in self-sealing bags so that you can understand the pattern.
When patch work items are completed, run doubled length of thread through a pile of patches, leaving the knotted end from the thread at the bottom of the heap. They will stay collectively and you may display each one when needed.
When you sew on buttons, coat the thread with wax. Simply run it around a candle a couple of times. This makes the thread more powerful and helps getting it with the holes.
For thoroughly clean, sharp and handy pins and needles, make use of a covered steel wool pad as a pin cushion.
Keep a chop stick in your quilting basket for all poking and stuffing needs.
If you’re not certain that the seam is laying when you’re quilting in the ditch, place a lamp or torch beneath the quilt and the seam allowances are easily seen.
Whenever using pinking shears also have fabric between your blades. Never close and open the cutting blades without having textile together, this will dull the cutting blades.
Use a low melting temp. glue gun when you use net, tulle or sheer synthetic textile. A hot glue gun will burn you and melt the material.
Keep soap slivers in the freezer to use as marker pens for quilts. This keeps soap hard and easier to use. Additionally, it washes out right away
Steer clear of the annoyance of threading frayed edges by folding thread in two, and yanking the smooth edge from the needle
To Open that caught Zip: Rub the teeth with a bar of soap or spray with shaving cream.
Soap makes an great Pin Cushion: Use a bar of soap to make stitching easier and the needle just glides through hard fabric and materials.
Photography film containers are perfect safe way to store bent needles and pins.
To check a quilt pattern far away, place the portions on a backed table cloth, and hang it up somewhere to see what the quilt may be like done.
Save your time and prevent eye strain by threading several needles onto your quilting thread without cutting it off the spool.
Safety first! Never run holding sharp scissors or pins .
should you cut your self, be careful and don’t bleed on the material
When ironing a bias strip switch off the steam on the iron so you wont burn your fingertips.
Never use your sewing scissors for cutting paper; it blunts them.
For more patchwork tips, fabrics and accessories visit www.patchwork-online.com.au
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