Quick-Tip: Thread

Here are a few quick-tips when it comes to thread! 

1. Use the same type of thread in the bobbin as well as on top for an optimal sewing experience.

2. Use cotton thread when working with cotton fabric

3. Black thread can have more issues when sewing because it contains more dye on it (to make it black).

4. A good neutral thread is grey. Grey works with any color of the spectrum!

5 Step Zipper Tutorial

Zipper packages actually have directions inside but sometimes I find other ways are easier or hearing directions from someone who has done it before can be helpful. 

 First off, here's a foot you would use to sew on your zipper. Don't put it on the machine just yet though. 

Steps:

1. Do not lay down your zipper yet. Machine bast the length of your zipper onto your garment with a 5.5" stitch or whatever the highest stitch is that your machine will allow. Keep your foot down on your garment, move to step 2.

2. Sew the rest of the garment opening (where the zipper will not be) at a 2.5" stitch.

3. Pin zipper face down with the middle of the zipper directly in your garment seam. See below:

4. Put your zipper foot on the right side (you can choose; right or left) and sew (regular 2.5" stitch) down the left side of the zipper as close as you can to the actual zipper part. Then switch the zipper foot to the left side and sew in the same way down the right side of the zipper. 

5. Turn your garment inside-out and slowly rip out (with a seam ripper) the section of garment you have sewn together in step 1. You'll only rip out the length of the zipper... any further and you'll have a hole! 

Quick-Tip: Transparent Thread

Quick-Tip:   When sewing, do not put transparent thread in both the top and bottom of your sewing machine. It's bad for your sewing machine as well as for whatever you are sewing on.

Why This Is Important:   Before I knew this rule I quilted with transparent thread on top and through the bobbin. I thought the reason my thread was always bunching up or "catching" on things was because of me. Then I learned what I should have been doing!

Solution:   If quilting, use your transparent thread on the top and a cotton thread on the bottom/in the bobbin. Also, make sure your cotton thread matches your quilt on the underside because it will show.

Quick-Tip: Beware of the Sun!

Heat/the sun will destroy your sewing machine!!

Explanation: I had a neighbor call me over to her house because her sewing machine was not running correctly. Sure enough as I tried to turn her needle so it would go up and down, it was as if it no longer wanted to move! I could see that the grease that should be on the machine was non-existent. Long-story short; she had her sewing machine placed in front of her window where the sun would shine directly on it from about noon to sundown. The sun had dried up and warped her sewing machine parts! Her repair bill will now be $60 - $90. So please be careful of where your sewing machine is and keep it away from the sun and heat!