by Sarah J. Doyle
When a deadline is near, shortcuts can mean the difference
between it being wise or foolish for an expert or novice to
undertake a sewing project. For those home sewers who
dislike detail, or those whose temperaments demand that a
project must go quickly, shortcuts can mean the difference
between continued interest or giving up sewing completely.
Quality must not be sacrificed, and it needn't be if the
entire project is viewed with shortcuts in mind. Consider
some of the following shortcut suggestions.
* Rely on easy-to-sew patterns. Easy patterns have fewer
pieces, fewer seams and fewer hard to follow details.
* Utilize items which are already available. A favorite
chain or leather belt or scarf can eliminate the need for
making a belt or collar.
* If you have a more-than-one size figure, it may be easier
for you to purchase separate sizes in patterns for the top
and bottom of a garment, just as when buying ready to wear.
Or buy patterns styled for your easiest fit that have a
minimum of "fitting" requirements.
* Avoid difficult fabrics - ravelly ones, or those that do
not feed easily, or the one-way naps. Shun fabric designs
that require careful matching such as one-way stripes, plaids
or large designs.
* Cut the fabric with right-sides together; the wrong side
will then be exposed for quick marking.
* Sew the center seams right after removing the pattern from
the fabric.
* When you reach the end of a seam, and before fastening off,
check to see if there is another seam that can be fed into
the machine; this will make fewer starts and stops, and
clipping of loose threads.
* When you don't have a second seam to feed into the machine,
always clip the threads "as you go" to eliminate the need
for finding and clipping all loose threads when finished
with the project.
* Substitute basting tape or basting-adhesive glue stick for
basting stitches whenever practical, even for holding zippers
in place. This will eliminate the need to spend time on
removal of basting stitches.
* With fusible webbing, fuse pockets in position for top-
stitching; fuse hems instead of hand sewing them; fuse
facings. (Of course the use of this shortcut would be
determined by the type of fabric being used).
* When practical, sew in sleeves before sewing the side
seams and sleeve seams. If done in this manner, you can
make one "side seam" stitching from the cuff to the waist
or to the hem of the garment.
About the Author:
Sarah J. Doyle is author of over 25 sewing, craft and how-to
books, as well as author of online pattern making, sewing and
craft classes. Visit http://SewWithSarah.com for information
on books, classes, newsletters and the latest hints and tips
and http://SarahJDoyle.com for additional free articles.
(c) Copyright 2004, Sarah J. Doyle. All Rights Reserved
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