MUST READ: 37 Life-Changing Sewing Hacks

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Want to improve your sewing game and make DIY sewing projects easier? Learn these cool sewing hacks from the pros and go from beginner to expert seamstress in no time. Shortcuts and tips you will wish you had learned long ago, learn these sewing hacks to start sewing smarter and faster. From pattern tips to needle threading to sewing tool tips to measuring shortcuts, we have some sewing tips for all.

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When I first learned how to sew, it seemed like everything took forever to do – and it did! When it comes to sewing tips for beginners, I highly recommend you learn a few of these time-saving hacks before you work on too many projects. They definitely helped speed things up for me and boosted my confidence, too. With a few nifty tricks, you’ll soon feel like a pro, and your sewing projects will look nicer, too!

Best Sewing Hacks and Tips

1. Needle Threading Secret

andreasnotebook
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Needle Threading Secret

 

I just love time saving DIY shortcuts like this. It always seems I have the most trouble threading a needle at the last minute, too, when I need it most. Too many times I have realized when it is time to walk out the door that I have a loose button or hem. Use hairspray to make needle threading simple. Check out the tutorial to learn how.

2. No More Stubborn Straight Pins

makeit-loveit
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | No More Stubborn Straight Pins

Who would have thought a bar of soap was an amazing sewing secret? Certainly not me! Try this sewing hack to keep your pins in order and ready for your next project.

3. Unbelievably Easy Sewing Hack With A Rubber Band

diyjoy

Sewing Hacks | Easy Sewing Machine Tip With A Rubber Band

I can’t believe I never thought of this sewing trick myself. Use a rubber band to keep your sewing machine paddle from slipping. This little sewing hack is one of the simplest, and in my opinion, best tips I can share. This tip for a sewing machine has saved so much time and frustration.

4. Gather The Easy Way

raegunramblings
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Gather The Easy Way

If you’ve tried to learn how to gather fabric and given up in frustration because everything is uneven, try this sewing hack for gathering fabric the easy way. The threads won’t snag or come out the wrong way.

5. How To Make The Waist Bigger on Jeans

ehow

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How To Make The Waist Bigger on Jeans

This sewing tip is so easy for making pants or jeans a little bit bigger ! Another easy sewing hack I wish I had known long ago. Instead of throwing out jeans that are too small in the waist, try this easy sewing hack to adjust the waistband size.

 

6. Cutting Tables With Measuring Tape

mellysews

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Cutting Tables With Measuring Tape

7. Find Fabric Grainline the Easy Way

ColletteHQ

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How To Find The Grainline

It is important to find the grainline so things fit right. Unless your pattern specifies otherwise, your pattern pieces need to be be cut on the lengthwise grain. Make sure your fabric drapes properly by finding the grain – use this method to quickly test one corner by pulling a thread.

8. Sewing Tip Keeps Buttons From Falling Off

MacGuyverisms

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Sewing Tips for Buttons

Losing your buttons? Use a drop of clear nail polish to keep threads together and buttons on longer. I love using this on clothes that get extra use – perfect for baby clothes, too! This is such an easy way to keep buttons in place – so smart!

9. Use 2 Pencils when Tracing Sewing Patterns

sewmccool

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use 2 Pencils when Tracing Ottobre Patterns

10. Pin Sharpening Pin Cushion

craftypod

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Pin Sharpening Pin Cushion

I think this is probably my favorite sewing tip ever, and it is one I never would have thought of. Brilliant and simple, just stuff a pin cushion with steel wool to keep pins sharp.

Here are all the sewing hacks below in one YouTube video, watch and learn.

Then, check out the links to the tutorials in this article for all the specifics.

11. How to Fix Your Drawstring and Never Lose it Again

mabeyshemadeit

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Fix Your Drawstring and Never Lose it Again

12. Serger Sewing Tip Tuck Your Tail In

thesewingloftblog

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Serger Sewing Tip Tuck Your Tail In

13. Helpful Tip on How to Store and Organize Your Buttons

mellysews

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Helpful Tip on How to Store and Organize Your Buttons

14. How to sharpen scissors and other sewing tools

so-sew-easy

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to sharpen scissors and other sewing tools

15. Sewing Tip: Pin The Button Hole

simplesimonandco

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Sewing Tip: Pin The Button Hole

16. How to Cut Fabric Perfectly

allfreesewing

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Cut Fabric Perfectly

Love DIY Crafts? Follow me on Pinterest for more cool ideas!

17. How to Shorten or Lengthen a Pattern

burdastyle
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Shorten or Lengthen a Pattern

18. TrueGrips Non-slip pads for rulers

so-sew-easy
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | TrueGrips Non-slip pads for rulers

19. How to Understand The Walking Foot

seasonedhomemaker
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Understand The Walking Foot

20. The Secret to Hemming Curved Edges

mabeyshemadeit

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | The Secret to Hemming Curved Edges

21. How to Use Elastic Thread

rufflesandstuff

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Use Elastic Thread

22. Add Any Trim to a Seam Without Pins

gotosew
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Add Any Trim to a Seam Without Pins

23. Finish Seams Without a Serger

seasonedhomemaker
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Finish Seams Without a Serger

24. How To Sew Bias Tape The Proper Way

danamadeit
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How To Sew Bias Tape The Proper Way

25. Use Mini Clothespins when Sewing Bindings and Piping

positivelysplendid
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use Mini Clothespins when Sewing Bindings and Piping

26. Trim Edges Of Your Corner Seams Before Turning Inside Out

keyka
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Trim Edges Of Your Corner Seams Before Turning Inside Out

27. Use A Plastic Grocery Bag as Stabilizer when Sewing Fluffy Cloth

threadsmagazine

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use A Plastic Grocery Bag as Stabilizer when Sewing Fluffy Cloth

28. Thread Cone Holder Hack

patsloan

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Thread Cone Holder Hack

29. Using the Double Needle Without The 2nd Spool Holder

makeit-loveit
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Using the Double Needle Without The 2nd Spool Holder

30. Helpful Hacks on Understanding Sewing Machine Stitches

crazylittleprojects

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Helpful Hacks on Understanding Sewing Machine Stitches

31. The Best Way Installing A Basic Zipper

makeit-loveit
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | The Best Way Installing A Basic Zipper

32. Use A Pegboard To Organize A Sewing Room

sewcaroline
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use A Pegboard To Organize A Sewing Room

33. 5 Tips For Better Darts

indiesew
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | 5 Tips For Better Darts

34. Use a Sewing Machine to Sew Knit Fabric

andreasnotebook

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use a Sewing Machine to Sew Knit Fabric

35. File and Organize your Fabric

thinkingcloset
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | File and Organize your Fabric

36. Use a Bodkin to Easily Insert Elastic Into a Casing

thesewingloftblog
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use a Bodkin to Easily Insert Elastic Into a Casing

37. How To Make Invisible Zippers

burdastyle
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How To Make Invisible Zippers

Want to improve your sewing game and make DIY sewing projects easier? Learn these cool sewing hacks from the pros and go from beginner to expert seamstress in no time. Shortcuts and tips you will wish you had learned long ago, learn these sewing hacks to start sewing smarter and faster. From pattern tips to needle threading to sewing tool tips to measuring shortcuts, we have some sewing tips for all.

Best Sewing Hacks and Tips

1. Needle Threading Secret

andreasnotebook
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Needle Threading Secret

 

I just love time saving DIY shortcuts like this. It always seems I have the most trouble threading a needle at the last minute, too, when I need it most. Too many times I have realized when it is time to walk out the door that I have a loose button or hem. Use hairspray to make needle threading simple. Check out the tutorial to learn how.

2. No More Stubborn Straight Pins

makeit-loveit
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | No More Stubborn Straight Pins

Who would have thought a bar of soap was an amazing sewing secret? Certainly not me! Try this sewing hack to keep your pins in order and ready for your next project.

3. Unbelievably Easy Sewing Hack With A Rubber Band

diyjoy

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Unbelievably Easy Sewing Hack With A Rubber Band

 

I can’t believe I never thought of this sewing trick myself. Use a rubber band to keep your sewing machine paddle from slipping. This little sewing hack is one of the simplest, and in my opinion, best tips I can share.

4. Gather The Easy Way

raegunramblings
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Gather The Easy Way

5. How To Make The Waist Bigger on Jeans

ehow

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How To Make The Waist Bigger on Jeans

This is so easy! Another sewing tip I wish I had known long ago. Instead of throwing out jeans that are too small in the waist, try this easy sewing hack to adjust the waistband size.

6. Cutting Tables With Measuring Tape

mellysews

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Cutting Tables With Measuring Tape

7. Find Fabric Grainline the Easy Way

ColletteHQ

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How To Find The Grainline

It is important to find the grainline so things fit right. Unless your pattern specifies otherwise, your pattern pieces need to be be cut on the lengthwise grain. Make sure your fabric drapes properly by finding the grain – use this method to quickly test one corner by pulling a thread.

8. Serger Sewing Tip Tuck Your Tail In

thesewingloftblog

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Serger Sewing Tip Tuck Your Tail In

9. Keep buttons on longer

MacGuyverisms

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Sewing Tips for Buttons

Losing your buttons? Use a drop of clear nail polish to keep threads together and buttons on longer. I love using this on clothes which get extra use – perfect for baby clothes, too!

10. Use 2 Pencils when Tracing Ottobre Patterns

sewmccool

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use 2 Pencils when Tracing Ottobre Patterns

 

 

11. Pin Sharpening Pin Cushion

craftypod

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Pin Sharpening Pin Cushion

12. How to Fix Your Drawstring and Never Lose it Again

mabeyshemadeit

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Fix Your Drawstring and Never Lose it Again

13. Helpful Tip on How to Store and Organize Your Buttons

mellysews

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Helpful Tip on How to Store and Organize Your Buttons

14. How to sharpen scissors and other sewing tools

so-sew-easy

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to sharpen scissors and other sewing tools

15. Sewing Tip: Pin The Button Hole

simplesimonandco

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Sewing Tip: Pin The Button Hole

16. How to Cut Fabric Perfectly

allfreesewing

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Cut Fabric Perfectly

Love DIY Crafts? Follow me on Pinterest for more cool ideas!

17. How to Shorten or Lengthen a Pattern

burdastyle
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Shorten or Lengthen a Pattern

18. TrueGrips Non-slip pads for rulers

so-sew-easy
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | TrueGrips Non-slip pads for rulers

19. How to Understand The Walking Foot

seasonedhomemaker
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Understand The Walking Foot

20. The Secret to Hemming Curved Edges

mabeyshemadeit

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | The Secret to Hemming Curved Edges

21. How to Use Elastic Thread

rufflesandstuff

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How to Use Elastic Thread

22. Add Any Trim to a Seam Without Pins

gotosew
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Add Any Trim to a Seam Without Pins

23. Finish Seams Without a Serger

seasonedhomemaker
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Finish Seams Without a Serger

24. How To Sew Bias Tape The Proper Way

danamadeit
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How To Sew Bias Tape The Proper Way

25. Use Mini Clothespins when Sewing Bindings and Piping

positivelysplendid
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use Mini Clothespins when Sewing Bindings and Piping

26. Trim Edges Of Your Corner Seams Before Turning Inside Out

keyka
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Trim Edges Of Your Corner Seams Before Turning Inside Out

27. Use A Plastic Grocery Bag as Stabilizer when Sewing Fluffy Cloth

threadsmagazine

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use A Plastic Grocery Bag as Stabilizer when Sewing Fluffy Cloth

28. Thread Cone Holder Hack

patsloan

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Thread Cone Holder Hack

29. Using the Double Needle Without The 2nd Spool Holder

makeit-loveit
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Using the Double Needle Without The 2nd Spool Holder

30. Helpful Hacks on Understanding Sewing Machine Stitches

crazylittleprojects

Helpful-Hacks-on-Understanding-Sewing-Machine-Stitches

31. The Best Way Installing A Basic Zipper

makeit-loveit
The-Best-Way-Installing-A-Basic-Zipper

32. Use A Pegboard To Organize A Sewing Room

sewcaroline
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use A Pegboard To Organize A Sewing Room

33. 5 Tips For Better Darts

indiesew
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | 5 Tips For Better Darts

34. Use a Sewing Machine to Sew Knit Fabric

andreasnotebook

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use a Sewing Machine to Sew Knit Fabric

35. File and Organize your Fabric

thinkingcloset
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | File and Organize your Fabric

36. Use a Bodkin to Easily Insert Elastic Into a Casing

thesewingloftblog
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use a Bodkin to Easily Insert Elastic Into a Casing

37. How To Make Invisible Zippers

burdastyle
Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | How To Make Invisible Zippers

 

Sewing Hacks | Best Tips and Tricks for Sewing Patterns, Projects, Machines, Hand Sewn Items. Clever Ideas for Beginners and Even Experts | Use Mini Clothespins when Sewing Bindings and Piping |

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