In this article, I’ll explore some common bad sewing habits and discuss why you need to quit doing them. Sewing is a delightful and rewarding craft, but like any skill, it requires practice and the development of good habits. Unfortunately, some sewing enthusiasts may inadvertently develop bad habits that can hinder their progress and affect the quality of their projects.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, it’s essential to identify and break these bad habits to improve your skills and enjoy a more fulfilling sewing experience. Don’t worry, though! By kicking these common Bad Sewing Habits you’ll be well on your way to smoother sailing (and stitching) in no time.
Not Changing Needles Regularly is also included in Bad Sewing Habits
Using a dull or worn-out needle is another bad sewing habit that can negatively impact your sewing projects. Over time, needles become blunt, causing them to snag fabric, break threads, and produce uneven stitches.
Get into the habit of changing your sewing machine needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing or whenever you notice signs of wear. It’s a simple yet effective way to ensure smooth and professional-looking stitches.
Cutting Corners with Pinning
Pinning is a fundamental step in sewing that helps ensure accurate seam allowances and prevents fabric shifting during stitching. Some sewers may develop the bad habit of cutting corners by skipping the pinning process altogether or using too few pins.
This can result in misaligned seams, puckered fabric, and overall poor construction. Take the time to pin your fabric pieces securely before sewing to achieve precise and polished results.
Rushing is a Bad Sewing Habit
Sewing is a skill that requires patience and attention to detail. Rushing through projects is a common Bad Sewing Habits You Need To Quit Doing that can lead to careless mistakes and subpar results. Take your time to measure, cut, and sew accurately, focusing on each step of the process.
Quality takes precedence over speed, and the extra time invested in your projects will pay off in the form of beautifully crafted garments and accessories. General Sewing Gremlins:
Cutting Paper with Your Sewing Scissors
Cutting paper with your sewing scissors may seem convenient, but it’s a bad sewing habit You Need To Quit Doing. Sewing scissors are designed for fabric, not paper, causing them to dull quickly when used on rougher materials. This dullness leads to imprecise cuts and can ruin your fabric.
Paper residue can accumulate on the blades, further diminishing their effectiveness. To preserve your sewing scissors, use them exclusively for fabric and invest in separate scissors for paper. By breaking these bad sewing habits, you’ll ensure clean cuts and prolong the lifespan of your sewing tools.
Not Marking Notches and Darts
Not marking notches and darts in your sewing projects might seem time-saving, but it can result in poorly constructed garments.
Notches help align pattern pieces accurately, ensuring a proper fit, while darts add shape and structure to clothing. Neglecting to mark them can lead to misalignment, resulting in uneven seams and ill-fitting garments.
Taking the time to mark notches and darts with a tailor’s chalk or fabric markers ensures precision and professional-looking results. By prioritizing this essential step, you’ll achieve well-crafted garments that fit beautifully and showcase your sewing skills effectively.
Not Pinning Before You Sew
Neglecting to pin fabric pieces before sewing might seem like a time-saving shortcut, but it often leads to sloppy and uneven seams.
Pins securely hold fabric layers, preventing shifting and ensuring accurate stitching. Without them, the fabric can easily slip or bunch up during sewing, resulting in misaligned seams and poor construction.
Taking the time to pin before sewing improves the accuracy of your stitching and reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes and the need for time-consuming adjustments later on. Prioritizing this step enhances the overall quality of your sewing projects, resulting in professional-looking finishes every time.
General Sewing Gremlins
- Pins and Needles (Literally): Putting pins in your mouth is a safety hazard, and reaching for them one-handed can slow you down. Invest in a cute pincushion to keep them handy and safe.
Taking the time to pin before sewing improves the accuracy of your stitching
and reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes and the need for time-consuming adjustments later on.
Prioritizing this step enhances the overall quality of your sewing projects, resulting in professional-looking finishes every time.
- Pressing Problems: Ironing as you go isn’t optional – it flattens seams, creates crisp edges, and makes your project look professional. Keep your iron within reach and use it frequently.
- Sewing Speed Demon: Slow and steady wins the sewing race. Rushing through your stitches can lead to uneven seams, skipped stitches, and mistakes that take longer to fix than slowing down in the first place.
Sewing is a journey, and there’s always room to improve. By ditching these bad sewing habits You Need To Quit Doing, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your craft and creating projects you’ll be proud of. So, grab your fabric, keep these tips in mind, and happy stitching!