We\u2019re sewing mad at Contrado<\/a>. After all, we make everything by hand (and sewing machine), right here at our studio, and, over the years, we have worked with many sewers, some brand new and some seasoned professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are starting your sewing\njourney and just understanding how to sew, it is so easy to make sewing\nmistakes. Sometimes, it is the best way to learn. However, we want to help\neradicate these mistakes, or at least, help rectify them, if they are made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just remember to practise, practise,\npractise and don\u2019t give up if you do make a few errors. Practise makes perfect!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Inaccurate cutting of your pattern.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you align accurately with\nfabric grain lines. Lay your cloth on a flat surface, like a clean floor.\nIf you place your fabric on a table, make sure parts of it aren\u2019t hanging over\nthe edge, as this may pull it out of shape. If you need to cut on fold, ensure\nthe fold is exactly on grain. Always check twice that the pattern pieces are\nperfectly aligned with grainlines, then pin all around them, before cutting.\nInaccurate cutting is one of the worst beginner sewing mistakes. By following\nthese steps, you can easily avoid it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Not using your presser foot properly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The presser foot holds the fabric in place, so you can always stitch neatly, so make sure you use it. <\/em>Forgetting to put the presser foot in the \u201cdown<\/em>\u201d position before you begin to sew will cause the material to jump around and it won\u2019t \u201cwalk<\/em>\u201d backwards easily; you might get bunched up with your threads in a tangled mess!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Not checking your tension dial or your bobbin.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tensioning is a common complaint for\nsewers, and it is a tough skill to master, which even experienced sewers can\nstruggle with. The tension dial does exactly what it says on the tin \u2013 it\nadjusts the tension on the spool of thread. Sometimes, when the stitching looks\nuneven or it is very tight on the top side, this can be a result of the thread\ntension. Before you begin fiddling with the tension settings, check that your\nbobbin is threaded properly. The bobbin should be threaded into the bobbin case\ncorrectly, with thread unspooling in the correct direction (usually\nanticlockwise). You can sew test fabrics first to check your tensioning is\ncorrect. We recommend taking note of your settings before you start trying to\nadjust tension dials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Sewing your seams the wrong side up and not pressing them.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are sewing clothing, then\nknowing about seams is vital! When sewing seams, you\u2019re constantly working on\nthe inside<\/em> of your garment, and reversing. This can be a tricky\nmove to get used to, but it is so important to make sure you sew seams on the\ncorrect side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When using patterned textiles,\nremember to place patterned sides facing each other<\/em>, because when\nyou reverse, they will end up on the outside. Also, try and get used to\npressing your seams as you go, before joining seams, and ironing your fabric\nbefore you get started. This will make your finished project look a lot more\nprofessional and reduces the risk of puckering. Bumpy fabric can also result in\ninaccurate cutting and sewing, which could all lead to a sewing disaster!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Not measuring yourself to get accurate buttonhole placements.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Buttons and buttonholes can be a tricky skill to master. If creating for yourself, an important tip is to ignore the buttonhole placement guides that come with a pattern, and measure yourself carefully, adjusting buttonhole position to the curves of your body. These guides are generally very standardised whereas our bodies are not, and buttonhole placement can often make the difference between having a shirt gape at the bust and having one sit perfectly flat. The same model applies to making clothes for other people. Get as many measurements as you can and then adjust buttonhole placement accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Choosing the wrong fabric for your project.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t get side tracked by the pretty, colourful fabrics, if they are not the right textiles for the job at hand! It can be very easy to be persuaded to use a certain textile, thanks to its colour, pattern, or style, but most patterns have suggested fabrics, which have been carefully chosen to best suit the structure of the finished garment. By choosing a fabric based on its aesthetics alone, you might not be able to complete your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Choosing the wrong type of needle and thread.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When making most kinds of garments,\nyou should use a 100% polyester, all-purpose thread. Make sure you check the\nlabel, as certain threads, such as rayon, silk and quilting thread are not\nappropriate for garment construction. Universal needles are mostly used for\nsewing natural fibres, and ballpoint or jersey needles are best for sewing with\nknits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are needles designed for\nstretchy fabrics, such as stretch needles, as well as speciality needles for\nmaterials such as metallic and leather. Ensure you match the needle to the\nweight of the cloth and check the intended purpose before starting your\nproject. While we are on the subject of needles; make sure the needle in your\nsewing machine is changed regularly. It is recommended that sewing machine needles\nshould only be used for 6 \u2013 8 hours of sewing time, before being replaced by a\nfresh one. This will ensure a smooth and more accurate finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Not being able to understand a sewing pattern and sewing terminology.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are following a pattern, it\nis important to remember that every single mark, symbol, and label on the\npattern is there for a reason, and they all mean something. Phrases such as;\nthe grainline, fold lines, finishes measurements etc., all mean something, and\nwe recommend reading up about sewing terms before getting started on your\nproject. Education is key, so if there is anything you don\u2019t understand, look\nit up or ask someone with more sewing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Not having enough fabric in case of errors.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are just getting started, it can be very easy to make an error or mistake when you are cutting out a pattern, which leads you to having to discard that piece of fabric. When you buy the material for your sewing project, buy a bit extra, to cover these kinds of errors. Some fabrics also tend to shrink in the wash, so by having some extra material, all your bases are covered. This leads us onto the next mistake to avoid\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Not prepping your fabric correctly.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prepping your fabric before you embark\non your project is a necessity! Some textiles need to be washed or even\ndry cleaned before they can be used. Denim, for example, needs to be machine\nwashed and wool needs to be dry cleaned. Some fabrics can shrink after washing\nthem, and if you haven\u2019t prepared for it, then your garment will not fit\nproperly when it is made. Sewing disaster!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Using the wrong sewing tools for your project.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of simple sewing mistakes can be\navoided by simply using the correct tools. We have looked at the importance of\nusing the correct needles and thread, but it goes beyond that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scissors. There is a world of difference between kitchen scissors and sewing appropriate scissors. Not all scissors are created equal! You need good quality SHARP scissors to cut your fabric. Never use your regular household scissors, that you have used to cut paper, packaging etc, to cut your material. This will blunt your blade significantly. Keep sewing scissors sharp and well-maintained so they can chop through fabric smoothly. Also, don\u2019t use scissors to rip out a seam. Use a seam ripper instead \u2013 they are made specifically for this purpose. They are quicker and better than scissors, and will prevent your fabric from ripping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Getting paralysed by the look of patterns, especially as a beginner.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ellie Whittaker from (@EllieWhittakerStudio<\/a>)<\/strong> \u201cDon’t let a pattern overwhelm you. If you’re just starting out, begin with a blog tutorial for something very square…a pillow, a tote bag, a pillowcase dress. Something with no pattern and perhaps just some measurements. This way you’ll learn the basics of using the machine without having to also wrangle a complex pattern. It’s almost like learning to drive automatic with Siri guiding you before manual (stick) with a paper map! Play with a few of these kinds of tutorials and then start adding your own detours (pockets, paperbag waists, hidden zippers etc!)\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Choosing a pattern too difficult to start with.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jess Wright from (@Willow_and_Stitch<\/a>)<\/strong> \u201cMake sure you don’t choose something too difficult to start with. There is nothing more disheartening than having to give up on your first attempt because it is all too complicated. ‘Very Easy Vogue’ patterns may be very easy once you know what you’re doing but commercial patterns like these can sometimes be quite brief with the instructions. Choose an indie designer to begin with (such as Sewliberated, Made by Rae or In The Folds); not only are they likely to have detailed instructions walking you through each step but you may also find that there are videos, sew alongs or blog posts which can help you out with any tricky bits. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting a small business rather than a large company.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ellie Whittaker from (@EllieWhittakerStudio<\/a>)<\/strong> \u201cWhen you’re finally ready for a more complicated pattern I would highly recommend asking the sewing community which pattern companies they find easiest to follow. Many indie pattern makers include really great instructions but also blog posts and even vlogs to guide you through it! The great thing about supporting indie pattern makers is \u2026[if a locally sourced is that] they will have the most relevant measurements (imperial or metric), sewing colloquialisms AND fabric recommendations. You’ll be zooming down the highway blasting Beyonce (ie. cruising along sewing your own, rad-as wardrobe!) in no time!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake? <\/strong>Not knowing your measurements when making clothes for yourself.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n No, we\u2019re not talking about the\nstandard store sizes, we mean YOUR actual body measurements. We have written a\nblog post about how to take\nyour measurements<\/strong><\/a>, which should help, if you need some advice for how\nto do this. By knowing the exact measurements of the body you are sewing for,\nyou will avoid a lot of heartache and annoyance at the completed project, if it\ndoesn\u2019t measure up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake?<\/strong> Skipping the step of making a trusty toile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A toile<\/a>:\n\u201can early version of a finished garment made up\nin cheap material so that the design can be tested and perfected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Julia Bobbin from (<\/strong>@juliabobbin<\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong> \u201cDon\u2019t skip making a toile\/mock-up! Making a toile is important for new and experienced sewers alike. Pattern sizing differs between companies and designers, and making a toile means you end up with a garment that fits! A toile is a great way to understand the instructions and practice new techniques before you cut into your beautiful fabric, and ensures you\u2019ll end up with something you love and feel proud of!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s the mistake? <\/strong>Focusing too much on creative outcome rather than the journey.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Emily Hundt from (@inthefolds<\/a>) <\/strong>\u201cMy advice is to focus on process, rather than output. It can be easy to be swept up in the idea that we need to make “all the things,” but there is a lot of satisfaction to be found in taking your time and enjoying the process of making a garment from beginning to end. There is something to be learned in every project – no matter how long you have been sewing for, and I find focusing on this leads to a much more enjoyable making experience. I don’t think it’s about striving for perfection, but taking the time to think about certain finishes or changes that will likely be the difference between creating something you will get a lot of wear out of and something you won’t wear at all. In saying this, sometimes things just don’t work out, and that’s okay too! Think about the enjoyment you had, the lessons you learned, and then gift it to a friend!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the sewing\/fashion influencers who have given us advice for this post are proudly Australian \u2013 check them out on Instagram! Now you\u2019re clued up on sewing, why not trying all different kinds of fabrics in your own swatch pack?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you just starting to learn to sew? Have you just taken up sewing and are looking for some tips to get started, and, most importantly, how to avoid those common sewing mistakes? We\u2019re sewing mad at Contrado. After all, we make everything by hand (and sewing machine), right here at our studio, and, over the years, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Check out some advice from top Australian sewing influencers on sewing mistakes and how to avoid them! Seamstress or beginner, this post is for you."},"categories":[2,4,1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to sew and avoid common sewing mistakes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Measure twice, cut once<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Use your presser foot<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"sewing](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Get the right tension<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Don\u2019t forget about your seams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Gaping buttons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"buttons\"](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/buttons.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Get the right fabric for the job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"fabric\"](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/9.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n7. Check your needle and thread<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Learn how to read a sewing pattern<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Have plenty of fabric at hand<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"lots](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/lots-of-fabric.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n10. Fabric preparation is key<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
11. Use the right tools<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"sewing](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/11.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n12. Don\u2019t get overwhelmed.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
13. And for when you are ready to start using patterns\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"sewing](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/4b.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n14. Know your measurements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
15. Make a Mock-Up!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"simple](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/simple-sewing-project-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n16. Enjoy the process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"100](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/fabric-swatch-pacpoly-k.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"student](\"https:\/\/au.contrado.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Student-Discount-Banner.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"