What’s the Best Sewing or Quilting Advice You Ever Received?

Sewing Advice Nancy Zieman blog

What’s the Best Sewing or Quilting Advice You Ever Received?

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What’s the best sewing or quilting advice you ever received? The advice that I use every time I sew, came from my mom. “Sew, press, sew, press.” I can hear her say those four words to me over and over as I was sewing my 4-H projects. That phrase has stuck with me over the years, and I rarely sew a seam without the next step being to press it. If I don’t follow that advice, I feel guilty!

I learned to sew on the sewing machine that my dad gave to my mom in 1953. Last Christmas, mom surprised me by having the cabinet refinished to the original blonde tone and the Pfaff 130 tuned up! The cabinet looks almost as new as it did in this great photo of my mom with her gift.

Sewing Advice Nancy Zieman blog

So in honor of you, Mom, I’ll always, “Sew, press, sew, press!”

  • The photo features a princess-style seam. I always stitch with the longer layer next to the feed dogs. This mechanism “bites” or eases the longer layer to meet the shorter area. Magic!

Sewing tips from Nancy Zieman

  • I probably should have had an iron in the photo, but this way you can see that I pressed over a seam roll. Pressing over this curved surface prevents the edges of the seams from leaving an imprint on the right side of the fabric. A bonus, more sewing advice!

Sewing tips from Nancy Zieman

Share the best sewing and quilting advice you ever received!

Post the advice that you often follow when sewing or quilting. We’ll choose a random winner and they’ll receive one of my favorite notions, the Seams Right!

Seams Right sewing notion Nancy Zieman

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

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168 Comments

  • Janice
    September 21, 2013

    The advice that I remember from my 4-H leader is “if it is worth sewing, it is worth sewing with good thread.” So I never buy cheap thread.

  • Clem
    September 21, 2013

    I was always told, “take your time, never do things in a big hurry” when you get frustrated, walk away. I have found when I walk away and come back after either a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or just close my eyes and breath deeply (or come back another day) the frustrating part has worked its way out.

  • Laurie
    September 21, 2013

    Always sew quilt bindings by hand. The results are well worth the time.

  • Cathy
    September 21, 2013

    Measure twice, cut once….. and make sure your seams nest together

  • Marilyn Drumgool
    September 21, 2013

    My second best piece of advice (Nancy used my first, iron, iron ,iron) a quilter told me when threading a needle, wet both the needle eye and the thread. Works every time!

  • carmen Balko
    September 21, 2013

    Loved Your simple but so sweet tip….makes all the difference
    in the world…..it works..!!!
    Have been sewing for eons it seems…and never tire of it…
    One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that when we
    brake it down into segments…just like You have taught us on
    Public TV…it makes all projects so much more enjoyable..!!!
    You are an Awesome Teacher…guess that is why we all Love YOU so much….all my best to YOU carmen

  • Sandy
    September 21, 2013

    When my Mother brought me (at 10ish) a new doll from a business trip, the doll only had ONE dress, (NOT acceptable even in the 50’s) so I traced around the doll and sewed a dress on our treadle machine. Of course I was SHOCKED when it didn’t even come close to fitting her. (til then I’d designed clothes for my paper dolls and THAT technique worked FINE!) My angel of a Mother, who worked 2 jobs, took the time to explain the OBVIOUS to me and work with me til SOMETHING wearable was achieved. While I’m only SLIGHTLY better at drafting these days, I SO OFTEN silently send up a prayer of thanks for her patience. Also, my maternal grandmother lived with us and she CONSTANTLY reminded me ‘patience are a virtue’, and WHENEVER I run into a sewing issue, I hear her sweet voice repeating that to me.

    Nancy, you’ve been SEW much of my sewing life as I was fortunate enough to be a stay at home Mom, and NEVER missed your weekly Sewing with Nancy. Thanks for all the tips, hints, and inspitation.

    Sandy

  • Jan S
    September 21, 2013

    If you make a mistake while sewing, don’t panic; it can usually be fixed. (Thank goodness for seam rippers!)

  • Theresa Cussimanio
    September 21, 2013

    I’m a quilter and love to sew everyday. I like the idea if chain piecing because it saves thread and time but last year a stitch group friend showed me for her starter and ending piece she sews more strips that will become a border or sashing out of scraps, and so I try to do that by having the scraps right by the machine ready to sew at all times. Theresa Cussimanio

  • Kelly
    September 21, 2013

    From my mother, “If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right.” I am finding those same words coming out of my mouth when I am teaching my niece to sew.

  • JoanieZ
    September 21, 2013

    At 14, my mom my taught me to pin, pin ,pin, so I hated sewing until I was 40 and my sister turned me on to quilting, and her advice was to press, press, press. You, Nancy, have taught me many things about sewing, too many to name them all, but I love the wrapped corners I learned from you.

  • Carole S.
    September 21, 2013

    My most-used piece of advice came from you, Nancy. It was to break my sewing down into units so that when I have just a few minutes, I can still accomplish something. I’m working on a complicated quilt block now that would take several hours to do if I did it all at once. It will still take several hours to do, but rather than having to wait until I have those consecutive hours to work on the block, I can take 30 minutes here to do the half-square triangles, another 30 minutes there to sew them together, etc. I now tend to break all kinds of projects into segments, not only in sewing, but also at work, where long periods of usable time just don’t exist. I get more accomplished when I think of projects not as massive projects, but as groups of sub-projects that can be put together. Thanks for the great tip!

  • C Hillan
    September 21, 2013

    My mom’s advice was to CAREFULLY cut out your pieces and don’t run over your finger with the needle. She had a very old machine and more than once caught her finger. That’s why I use a stilleto.

  • Sandra Nettles
    September 21, 2013

    Finished is better than perfect! Perfectionism has resulted in way too many UFOs and a friend taught that some minor mistakes don’t matter in the final outcome and relaxing and enjoying the process is important, too.

  • Monica Wilson
    September 21, 2013

    Ironing is as important to sewing as sewing itself.

  • Dolores Ostrowski
    September 21, 2013

    I was in the 8th grade having transferred to a private school, the first time I saw a pattern, scissors, sewing machine. Our project that semester was to make a pair of pajamas. The first rule was to select pattern pieces, fabric and more important, know and understand the directions. The next rule was to measure, measure, measure and cut once. Last rule, take your time, pin, baste, sew, press. I was so excited when my pj’s were finished. I started making my clothes using a 1920 something Singer treadle machine. That was almost 60 years ago, today I am never without some project. My Passion is to create…………..

  • Bertha G
    September 21, 2013

    When I started sewing after my daughter was born (I had not done any sewing for several years) I was stressing over my inability to sew a straight seam — My wise Mother gave me advice she said she got from her Mother — “It will never be noticed on a galloping horse!” So I think it means, move along and enjoy the experience.

  • Heidi
    September 21, 2013

    I also learned to sew from my mom, and then have kept sewing. I love to see my kids have the love of sewing and creating! Thanks Nancy for your diligence in teaching !!

  • Jane McLean
    September 21, 2013

    Connie Lebel, wonderful sewing teacher at the old Joseph’s Coat in Peterborough, NH, encouraged me with her “Try it–you can do it.”

  • Rose-Marie Bellinger
    September 21, 2013

    Best ever tip was –watch Sewing With Nancy.I’m still here after all these years watching on PBS.Wow.It just gets better and better!!I taught dressmaking and tailoring and my old Nancy tapes were almost worn out as I sought clearer directions for ordinary people.As I’m an obsessed knitter and quilter as well there is always inspiration on Nancy’s shows .May they go on forever!!

  • Deborah Powell aka Nightsewer
    September 21, 2013

    After working in two sewing factories, the first rule I learned at the factory was that pins meant lost time. Time is money. The second rule I learned was WATCH WHERE YOUR FINGERS GO!

    I do use pins now, 40 years later, but I still watch my fingers!!
    Deborah Powell
    aka Nightsewer

  • Joanna
    September 21, 2013

    The best sewing advice for me was encouragement. I took lessons at the Singer Sewing Center one summer and remember it being fun and positive. At home, my mother was the same; ready to help and very encouraging and complimenting. I think because I enjoyed my early experiences I kept at it.

  • Christine Gibbons
    September 21, 2013

    “A Stitch in Time Saves Nine!” My Mom has said this all my life. Repair a small tear before it becomes large tear. I too was taught take your time and enjoy the process. Sewing is my relaxation. I’m always happiest with a needle and thread.

  • nancy
    September 21, 2013

    Just like carpentry-“measure twice, cut once”

  • Cindy Pilkington
    September 21, 2013

    My Mom would always say ” Clip those curves or it will not lay correctly”. When I made a monogrammed madras a-line dress in the mid 60’s,the first thing she said was “You didn’t clip the curved seams in the neckline, did you?”. She had me take out the top stitching, and then trim and clip those curved areas. It amazed me how much nicer the top stitching turned out the second time!

  • Donna Clements
    September 21, 2013

    Measure twice and cut once! Boy does that piece of advice save a lot of headaches and wasted quilt fabric. I don’t recall where I heard it first, but I’ve practiced it for almost 20 years of quilting.

  • Yupa chainapapong
    September 21, 2013

    i learn sewing when I was year 10 from the school. i like it very much After that I have two babies. I sew the dress for them until they studied in high school they said mom i want the tenage style. And i stopped sewing So when i work hard idon!t have time until i retire i return to use my sewing machin again i like to sew bag tote purse and backpack to sell and i gave to my sister in newyear. So this is sewing i love veryyyyy much

  • Emily Williams
    September 21, 2013

    I always remember my mother telling me, “It’s not done until you’ve ripped out at least one seam.” Which translates to the wisdom: Take your time to do your best work but everyone makes mistakes … so just fix it, learn from your mistake, and move on!

  • Nancy M
    September 21, 2013

    Relax…. breathe… Have fun

  • Becky Lomasney
    September 21, 2013

    I learned to sew in 4 H and 6th grade home economics class. I had the same teacher for both.She stressed to “take the time to do it right”. When I find myself rushing I try to remember to slow down to enjoy what I’m doing and make fewer mistakes.

  • Susan Slovinsky
    September 21, 2013

    The best sewing advice I’ve received was from my friend who taught me to sew in high school – relax and have fun with it. Whenever I forget that things just don’t go right. Just registered that I’ve been sewing for over 50 years – wow, how the time flies.

  • Rosemarie
    September 21, 2013

    Pin, Baste, Sew.. Since I have been following that I have had much better results it is “sew” simple.

  • Rhonda
    September 21, 2013

    I think it must be basting! Without it, your quilt project can slip, and I found with basting my quilt, I do not have that problem.

  • Liz Flaherty
    September 21, 2013

    Mine wasn’t advice but a discovery. When I started making quilts for my grandkids and for the children’s hospital , I figured out that kids didn’t care if my seams didn’t always match. Doesn’t mean I don’t wish they did, but the quilts are still warm and pretty when they don’t.

    You look just like your mom! I love the picture.

  • Clara
    September 21, 2013

    I was in ninth grade when first introduced to sewing and my first project was a dress. I made a huge mistake and the teacher, Mrs Rousseau, was so kind and helped me correct the problem. This taught me to READ and FOLLOW the pattern instructions closely. Since that time, I read the instructions as many times as necessary before cutting. That was about 65 years ago and I still think of Mrs. Rousseau every time I begin a project be it clothing, quilting, etc. I have learned so much from you, Nancy, and try not to miss any of your productions. Thank you.

  • Lana DuBois
    September 21, 2013

    “Don’t look at any sewing project as impossible. It only needs to be broken down into steps.” Unlike many of your readers, I didn’t learn to sew from my Mom. She could embroider beautifully, bit sewing itself was a foreign language to her. So in Jr. High Home Ec class, when we were sewing simple gathered skirts, I was a complete failure, at first. Dad took me to the fabric store to buy my fabric, and he advised that only squares would wear the tame plain prints. Mine was giant pink and black squares, and some of the black squares had big orange circles in the center of the square. Yuck ! My machine gathering showed, as I couldn’t sew a straight line. My side zipper was at the hem end, my hemming was all puckered; you get the drift. These were the days before teachers were politically correct, and our teacher snorted and said I would NEVER learn to sew. Within a couple of days of the deadline to be finished, and all the others were on to the next home ec. project, I was sitting on the couch trying to hem that ugliest of ugly garment.
    Our school principal moonlighted as a tailor for a local men’s clothing store. He came in to observe our class, and saw me sitting alone, embarrassed within an inch of my life. He came over and sat down and asked me how I was coming along. I wanted to die. Somehow he didn’t laugh. He sat down next to me, said the above phrase about breaking down things into steps, and started showing me how to do the things that I had messed up so badly. He stayed with me the whole period, and made sure I understood how to do the various steps.
    As I have aged, I often times have thought of that crass teacher, the kind principal, and the fact that I have sewn probably a hundred quilts, sewn prom dresses, men’s shirts, taught and judged sewing in 4H, etc. I’m not saying that I haven’t ripped out miles of stitches in these past 55 yearsof sewing, but I’m not afraid to embark on a tough sewing project nor a tough quilt pattern. I try to break the pattern down into pieces and tackle a bit at a time.

  • Maga
    September 21, 2013

    Always read the pattern instructions through before doing anything else with the pattern. I have also learn with age that it is a good thing to leave the garment pieces to cool after pressing before I continue construction. Something I never had the patience to do when I was younger.
    Thank you, Nancy et al, for all the very good and helpful tips you provide not only in the videos but also here on the blog. Much appreciated!

  • penny m roberts hyde
    September 21, 2013

    I don’t know if this is the best advice, but it certainly was the piece I heard MOST OFTEN, “when you get frustrated and balled up, WALK AWAY!!!!” I would sit there and try to resolve an issue, often ripping things out multiple times. She would keep repeating, “walk away”. And when I finally would, the moment I went back to it, the seam would go together perfectly. It took years to learn that once again, Mama knows BEST!

  • susanb
    September 21, 2013

    Sew something you love and it goes a lot easier than something you don’t. Also, when doing quilting, if you press seams on one row one way, and the next row the other way, you can line up the seams and easily have a nice, matched 9 patch.

  • Traudy Chinneck
    September 21, 2013

    I also have enjoyed a lifetime of sewing enjoyment – thanks to wonderful high school teachers! My words of advice harkens back to something my mother did to encourage my sewing. As a teenager she would agree to buy me fabric, but not completed dresses. This was such a good idea, as I was a clotheshorse. Now my passion is to sew for my granddaughter. In retrospect – I had a smart mama!

  • Nancy Eriksen
    September 21, 2013

    ALWAYS press before cutting! And go buy a 1/4″ foot you’ll be much happier – and I am!

  • Karen Cannell Jamieson
    September 21, 2013

    I learned to sew from my Mum as a lot of girls did back in the 60’s.i started sewing on her sewing machine when I was 8, and when I was 9, she showed me how it worked. You should have seen her face when I told her I already knew how to sew on it! She taught me a lot of things about sewing that I still do now, but one of the first and probably most important things was to press everything before you go on. Even when my sewing room was on the top level of our house, I still went all the way down to the basement to iron when I was sewing anything. (It wasn’t an option to have the ironing board upstairs) Another thing she taught me was how to lay out a pattern to get the most of the fabric and to have the least amount of waste possible. The next is to cut out the pieces as accurately as you can. Not only does this save fabric, but the garment/item goes together better and has a more professional look to it. Over the years, I have surpassed my mother’s skills in what I sew and have recently added quilt-making to what I love to sew. I still have a few of her sewing books and a slew of patterns from the 30′, 40’s and on that I have kept. Surprisingly, some of the styles are coming back!

  • Mary Jo Pigott Groom
    September 21, 2013

    Best sewing advice I got came from you Nancy. First, never sew over pins and always use good thread. This has saved quite a few needles and projects over the years. For thirty years now, I have fine tuned my skills and loved sewing by listening to you. Thanks for all the advice, Nancy 🙂 When I am stuck, I think what would Nancy do.

  • Joan N
    September 21, 2013

    Put it down for now” is the best advice I ever got about sewing – also from my Mama.. She always said after you make a mistake twice, PUT IT DOWN, and walk away for a bit. Each of us has made mistakes and then, determined to fix it, will make the same mistake again. Then we are really mad. That is when I hear my mother’s calm voice say….” Put it down for now”.

  • Carolyn H
    September 21, 2013

    The best advice I ever got was from my grandmother: “Always keep your sewing machine oiled!”

  • Patricia
    September 21, 2013

    I have such good memories of learning to sew. Starting with making doll clothes by cutting holes in toes of socks into panties, shirts, and skirts. Some of my old dolls still wear the toe sock panties I made. Then I progressed to bits of leftover fabric my mother gave me. Home Ec class in 7th grade cemented my love for sewing with the most patient teacher, Mrs. Koogle. I started sewing all my clothes until my mid 20s when I needed a more professional wardrobe for work. When my daughter was born I sewed all of her clothes, too. Then came the quilting exploration of fabric. Like many others, I have an overflowing bedroom dedicated for all my sewing gadgets, materials, two sewing machines and serger. I also have 20-30 VHS tapes filled with Sewing With Nancy episodes. Unfortunately, they are not indexed in any way so even though I know Nancy showed me a neat trick, I have no way of finding it. Haha! I’ll still keep the tapes forever, though. My advice for anyone is to try new things and don’t be too critical with the results. And Nancy’s advice to sew, press, sew, I guarantee, will always make your project come out better.

  • Shirley Clark
    September 21, 2013

    My Home Ec. teacher in high school made us use those seam rippers! She would not settle for anything less than perfect. We had to match our plaids, and put in a sleeve without any gathers showing on the outside. I thought I would never get that sleeve in to please her, but now I’m glad she taught us so well.
    Now I own all kinds of fancy seam rippers. 🙂
    The schools these days don’t teach sewing and cooking like I had. One reason why so many people don’t sew at all! I also learned to read a pattern guide and use it!

  • Starla
    September 21, 2013

    I am learning by myself, with good advice from Nancy’s blog and show and from many experienced sewists and quilters … I’ve received lots of good advice. But the advice I keep repeating to myself is, allow yourself to be creative and have fun!

  • Janice T.
    September 21, 2013

    I agree with Carole S., and followed Nancy’s advice to break down a project into smaller units. I stopped waiting for some huge block of free time to open up in my life, and started working on quilt block units ten at a time. I truly felt that I had made that first quilt in 10 or 20 minute segments, and enjoyed it so much. I have made many quilts since then, still following the same advice, and am always grateful that Nancy helped me become a quilter.

  • Cindy Cox
    September 21, 2013

    I have been sewing for almost forty years and have had a few different sewing positions. My best advise I gained from my mother was to always read through the directions before you begin a project. I didn’t do this in the beginning because I thought I knew better. Since then I have always done this and it has saved me from hours of frustration.

  • Elaine
    September 21, 2013

    The best advice I got was , “Don’t watch the needle. The needle knows it’s job but it can’t feed itself. Your job is to feed the fabric accurately.”

  • Bev Leischner
    September 21, 2013

    “As you sew, so shall you rip” I learned from my mom so that’s the one thing I remember and use to this day. When I don’t bother to rip and do over, I am always disappointed.

  • Cynthia Edwards
    September 21, 2013

    When you sew use the best and take your time. This applies to cloth, thread, tools, work space and anything else you need to do a good job. It shows in the finished product.

  • Elaine
    September 21, 2013

    1) Don’t trim until you KNOW it’s right…
    2) If something “keeps going wrong,” something probably IS wrong…look at it again, and you’ll save yourself a lot of problems.

    Love the picture and story of your mother! And what a legacy for you, the teacher of others who sew.

  • Gail
    September 21, 2013

    A seamstress once told me: “You are your own worst critic. Don’t point out your own sewing mistakes when folks compliment you on your sewing. Just say thank you and keep in mind to do better.”

  • Nancy McKenzie
    September 21, 2013

    I took a class on jacket tailoring from Annike, who told us that anything more than 1/16″ shows. It helps to have that rather tight measure to consider as you decide to rip or not. Now, lots of projects don’t need that kind of attention, but Annike is right. If you are putting in lots of work in the first place, take a few more minutes and get it right.

  • donna
    September 21, 2013

    So many good ideas posted! I think it is really important to use a new needle, and the right kind of needle. I also keep a box of bandaids with my sewing tools.

  • Cynthia T.
    September 21, 2013

    A long time ago, a friend told me to enjoy the process. Sewing is good for the soul if you just enjoy the process. Take time with each project.

    Recently a different friend reminded me of this when she said, You are not sewing for a grade anymore. Relax and enjoy….break rules!

  • Kris
    September 21, 2013

    My friend’s mom saw me pinning a pattern piece down with the pins perpendicular to the cut line and suggested parallel pinning closer to the cut edge. Small suggestion, big difference.

  • Judith Hanson
    September 21, 2013

    As a beginner, I read directions, plan, reread direction, think it through, pray and sew. repeat. Do not be in a hurry. Haste makes mistakes.

  • Cindy Breene
    September 21, 2013

    The best advice I can give is to be curious! My curiosity has taken me to a regular machine with thousands of miles on it, to a top of the line computer and sewing machine (2 actually), to 2 sergers, to heirloom sewing, clothes construction, quilting, embroidery, and on and on. My sewing friends have been the best, and my mind and heart kept active, indeed! The next bit is to learn from Nancy. She has learned from the best, and if you keep up with her, you’ll not need to buy other “advice”—-she has already learned all the new techniques!

  • Patricia Dyke
    September 21, 2013

    My very best sewing advice is to test, test, test. Test the thread, machine, fabric, etc. before you start a project.

  • Jan Bacon
    September 21, 2013

    Don’t stress too much over color selection. If it’s sewed together, it goes together. That’s what one of my quilting friends told me when I first started quilting.

  • Rob Mac
    September 21, 2013

    The best advice I received was just like they tell you when cutting wood, measure at least twice BEFORE you cut. Applied it to sewing by checking the layout of my pattern (are all the pieces on the fabric) before I cut it out.

  • Karon Farber
    September 21, 2013

    I love both sewing and quilting. The best advise I’ve ever heard was to try a glass of wine when stuck on a project. Well I was sewing a “double wedding ring quilt” and I just couldn’t get those four corner pieces to join neatly. I sewed, then ripped over and over until my fabric was ruined.

    Then I remembered that hint. I’m not a person that often drinks but I did have a wine cooler in the fridge, so I took a few minutes to relax while I drank the wine cooler. And you know what, in those few relaxing minutes I came up with an idea that worked!! The piece went in with no problems and I was able to continue. The quilt turned out great. I’m not sure if it was the wine cooler or just taking a break that did the trick. But this hint worked!

  • Melissa
    September 21, 2013

    The best advice I ever got was to, “cut it! Really! They will design more fabrics.” I don’t want to cut my favorite fabrics because I might mess them up and then not have them. I am a true fabric hoarder:)

  • Donna Rae
    September 21, 2013

    So many “best” advice. How to choose one. I read the answers so many posted and they are the same that come to my mind. So I will post the very first advice I was given when learning to sew. Don’ t use your sewing scissors for anything besides fabric and don’t let anyone borrow your scissors. I still follow that advice to this date, even when my DH tries to con my scissors from me.

  • NancyD
    September 21, 2013

    My Mom always said “less is best”. This has
    helped me in many ways, including getting
    dressed for an evening out, or whether or
    Not to add that piece of trim.

  • joyce w
    September 21, 2013

    measure twice, cut once and iron as much as you sew

  • Bonnie Schoenthaler
    September 21, 2013

    Dear Nancy,
    The best advice I ever got was from you. 10-20-30 minutes to sew. I leave things in the ready so a free 10 minutes means I can work on my project. I also sew on the lovely Singer machine my Mother bought in 1954. It still runs like a dream
    with a little TLC on occasion. Love your website.
    Thanks, Bonnie

  • Kim H
    September 21, 2013

    The advice I gave to my granddaughter just the other day was just like what your mom said, Nancy. I told her that pressing is the most important step on any sewing project.

  • Natalie
    September 21, 2013

    I’ve been sewing for , what, 47(!?) years, and am always glad to learn something new. Within the last 5 years or so, I learned that there is a front and a back to a hand sewing needle. Now, a needle threader or self-threading needle will eliminate this problem, but if you find yourself without these aids, and are having difficulty getting that thread through, TURN THE NEEDLE AROUND. Works every time for me. Another favorite piece of advice came from Nancy (of course!): when laying up a pattern, use pins only on the grainlines — use pattern weights for the rest. That one has saved me YEARS of time, I’m sure!

  • Phyllis Oldfield
    September 21, 2013

    My best advice is “if it doesn’t feel right, STOP, check out the procedure you are using. It always turns out something
    is definitely wrong. this is from experience.

  • allen
    September 21, 2013

    Keep your machine clean and covered at all times when not in use.

  • Linda
    September 21, 2013

    The advice I got a lot when I was learning to sew at age of 10, was that the inside should look as good as the outside. Trim those threads, finish the seams according to the fabric and press, press, press!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Margarette Woodard
    September 21, 2013

    HAVE FUN~Love what you sew! Measure~Measure~Measure~then Cut!
    Iron~Iron~Iron and Iron some more!

  • Jane
    September 21, 2013

    Be sure to close/lock your rotary cutter after each cut.

  • Vicki
    September 21, 2013

    Cut your pattern accurately. If you start out sloppy, your project is doomed.

  • Judy
    September 21, 2013

    My favorite is to thread 8 or 10 needles with the shorter lengths required for hand-stitching the binding on a quilt…so much easier than stopping to thread each time. I also do the same when beginning a quilt project, fill 7 or 8 bobbins so it’s an easy task to insert a new one when needed.

  • Pamela Black
    September 21, 2013

    The best advice I got was while putting on the binding.
    I hate to hand sew so consequently I never finished the tops of my quilts nor did any project that involved a binding. Anyway, after you sew it to the back and roll it to the front use those decorative stitches on that binding to sew it on the front!!!

    Thank you.

  • Beverly
    September 21, 2013

    The best advise came from my mom. I can still hear her saying – don’t be upset if you have to rip it out and start over! Learn how to be a good ripper and you’ll be a good sewer! I’m the best ripper I know! 🙂

  • Norma Weeks
    September 21, 2013

    My beloved aunt, who actually taught me by my watching her create masterpieces, always said: you must finish the inside of your garment as if you were to wear it inside out. Great advice that I always try to follow.

  • Brenda K
    September 21, 2013

    My HomeEc teacher said read the instructions to the end, then cut out and mark the whole project, interfacing and all. This has worked well for me and I can just get down to the fun of sewing once the ‘work’ is out of the way.

  • Beckie
    September 21, 2013

    My mother taught me to take a break from the machine if the task was frustrating me. Come back with refreshed eyes & thoughts. Sometimes the solution is easier to see after a few minutes or after a good night’s sleep. My mother was an excellent seamstress & I am blessed to have learned from her and used those skills.

  • Helen Bressler
    September 21, 2013

    A lesson I was told by my Godmother, who taught me how to sew, was “Always buy the best fabric you can afford.” Too true, anyone who has tried to make something lovely out of a poorly made fabric will agree. Tailoring is infinitely easier on good quality fabric!

  • Deborah Nelson
    September 21, 2013

    I also began sewing in 4-H at the age of 8 with my mother as instructor. One of the first things I learned was to do the work myself and that my seam ripper was my best friend, if I was to win contest. Perhaps I became too much of a perfectionist, but my sewing allowed my to meet people, travel, earn money from contest, fairs, and selling Barbie clothes, scholarships, and make all of my clothes when that was all I could afford.

  • Mary
    September 21, 2013

    I really can not pin point any one particular advice from anyone over the many years of sewing. Watching and listening to the great teachers on their TV programs of which you, Nancy, are my favorite. “smile”

  • Sue
    September 21, 2013

    Start each project with a fresh needle in your machine. It seemed wasteful to me when I was younger, but I have much less frustation when I remember to do it.

  • Sue
    September 21, 2013

    In learning how to do zippers in my Home Ec class FIFTY YEARS AGO :>o, the teacher said to match thread to the fabric, but if you cannot, go darker. Great advice!

  • Kathy B.
    September 21, 2013

    One of the dress patterns wasn’t fitting correctly (I probably was in a hurry and didn’t follow my mother’s careful directions) but instead of being upset with me my mother and I created a new pattern (adding some white inserts to a mint green dress which looked stunning when completed). I learned from her to have patience, never get upset and walk away from a piece when it isn’t working – just make lemonade with the lemon:)

  • Judy G
    September 21, 2013

    From my mother I learned to “Do It Right”, from experience I learned to “Press, Press, Press”, but the best tip I can give is buy Nancy Zieman’s “SEWING A TO Z”. I have learned more little details that make a project easier and look more professional from that one book than any other in my sewing library.

  • Berenice
    September 21, 2013

    After overhearing a conversation I was having with my grandmother where I was complaining about how seams in the the skirt I was making did not match, my grandfather told me in his gravely voice, “Babe, it sounds like sewin’ is a lot like wood workin’. You got to measure what you’re doing a couple of times before you go cutting anything. That way you always have a perfect fit.” Grandpa was a wise man and always went around saying “I ain’t going to have any stupid women in my house”. He taught us to change a tire, clean a carburator, change the oil and build a house. Thanks to him I have only had to call a plumber once in almost 25 years of home ownership. I never saw him use Grannie’s sewing machine, but he was wicked with needle & thread. Love you Dinty!
    Nancy, love your mom’s smile in the photo!

  • Nancy
    September 21, 2013

    My Aunt always said the secret to sewing is pressing. And always measure twice cut once !

    thanks for the giveaway

  • Dawn
    September 21, 2013

    When I was in high school, I cut out some corduroy to make an olive green skirt, but didn’t follow the nap. My mother made ME re-buy the fabric. I have not made that mistake since with over 40 years of sewing.

  • Debbie
    September 21, 2013

    I was told to have good tools to work with.Having sharp scissors,blades and a sharp seam ripper,are what makes the job easier,too. You don’t have to buy the most expensive things but don’t buy the cheapest either.

  • Jay
    September 21, 2013

    Should you, by some unfortunate happenstance, cut the web between your thumb and first finger with your rotary cutter be sure to take the cutter with you when you go to the Emergency Room as it may prove to the physician your injury was not from a domestic dispute. That sort of a cut is often seen in cases of domestic disputes where one or the other persons involved are armed with a knife. It is mandatory for a physician to call the Police if he suspects domestic disputes with injuries.

  • Priscilla
    September 21, 2013

    First let me say your mother is beautiful!
    Don’t be afraid to ask for help when a project is over your head. Takes courage to do so- not weakness.

  • char thiel
    September 21, 2013

    My two most reassuring pieces of advice when I became a quilter were: “if your error can not be seen by a galloping horse it will be o.k.” Or, “don’t fret, only God can make a perfect quilt.”

  • Mary Ann
    September 21, 2013

    The best advice I ever got was from my Mom. She told me that when I got frustrated when deciphering directions or gauging size, I should leave the project and go do something else. Then, after having had time to think about what I was doing, I could go back and finish up.

  • Nancy Owens
    September 21, 2013

    My sewing machine repair man showed me how to thread a needle. As simple as that seems, it has really helped because the needle threader on my machine rarely works. The trick is to use sharp scissors and trim the end of the thread on a diagonal, or a 45 degree angle. The thread will practically put it’s self through the needle. Old eyes, old hands, but I never have trouble threading my needle!

  • Ssharon
    September 21, 2013

    Mom to always said that I could “make do” even if I hadn’t done it perfectly. A lesson she brought home when I desperately wanted to wear the new tunic I had sewn to a party, but I hadn’t put in the buttons and button holes on the cuffs. With my date scheduled to arrive any minute, she simply sewed the buttons on while I was wearing the tunic. Laughing, she said I couldn’t possibly sneak in late, since she had to un-sew me so I could go to bed.
    I’ve had to make do many times over the years, ( haven’t we all,) and I thank Mom every time, for showing me how to think outside the box.

  • Jacque
    September 21, 2013

    I learned to sew on my grandmothers treadle machine. She taught me the basics, which gave me my love of sewing. I started sewing clothes and am a new quilter. You have helped me in both areas with so many things. Thanks!

  • Frances Powell
    September 21, 2013

    The best advice I got was to take your time and not rush through a project. If I rush, I always seem to make mistakes.
    After all, it was the tortoise that won the race.

  • LaMerle
    September 21, 2013

    I learned to sew in school. One thing that always has stuck in my mind (and the idea transcends to all fields of endeavor) is to learn to love to rip out stitches . To me that means that we must be okay that making mistakes will happen.but thence need to correct them in order to improve. All is not lost when we make mistakes. We just need not to accept poor qualify work. We only get better with practice and correction of our mistakes.Although I do not sew as much now as I did when I was younger, I have applied this principle to other creative arts..

  • Linda B
    September 21, 2013

    Press, press press! Learned from a neighbor’s Aunt who was a seamstress from France, she spoke no English and I no French, but she got the message through to me! I have remembered this for 40 years.

  • Lynnie
    September 21, 2013

    Every time I made a new outfit in Jr High, my grandma would check to see if I finished my seams and did a neat hem. She said that was the mark of a quality garment, and I follow her advice to this day.

  • Lynn
    September 21, 2013

    Best advice: Measure twice, cut once!

  • Carol
    September 21, 2013

    Take your time; it isn’t a race. I also was taught by my grandmother. If I rush, it shows. It has been more than 61 years, but I’m STILL learning.

  • Karen
    September 21, 2013

    My Aunt Lou taught me how to sew at an early age, around 13 or 14 yrs. old. I received so much sewing knowledge from her. Her ” best advice” Make sure you do it right, be proud of what you accomplish with your sewing. If it’s not right or doesn’t look right take it all out and redo it until you can be proud of what you have made. I have always lived by that and I’m very proud of what I make. My aunt has gone to heaven now but she’s still with me and giving me her “best advice.”

  • Buddy S.
    September 21, 2013

    From my Mum years and years ago: if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right and always take care of your tools.

  • JaniceB
    September 22, 2013

    1. My best advice came from my daughter. She said “Mom don’t be so picky. No one is going to look at that as closely as you do.” So remember if you can’t see the problem from 3 feet away, it’s OK.
    2. When sewing for your children or grandchildren, remember that the garment is going to be worn by a “moving target”.
    3. A mistake is a creative design opportunity.

  • Sandy Curtis
    September 22, 2013

    The best advice is measure twice, cut once. Also, think before you sew, to make sure right sides are together. (Or, as in the case of my first blouse at 13, the sleeves are in the correct armhole!)

  • Betty Jo Tatum
    September 22, 2013

    My dear departed mom taught me to sew so long ago I am not quite sure how old I was–5 or 6. But one of the first things she taught me and insisted on as I grew as a sewist was to maintain my machine…clean it, oil it, dust it.

  • Dot W
    September 22, 2013

    “It’s only fabric.” I know that seems blasphemous…but mistakes can be picked out, and if the project can’t be salvaged, the fabric certainly can be repurposed into another project.

  • Sharon P
    September 22, 2013

    Wet the needle not the thread.

  • Cathy
    September 22, 2013

    The best advice came from my Home Ec teacher so many years ago—when clipping seams, only use the tip of the scissors. I thought it would be so much easier to use the thicker, back part of the scissors and inadvertently cut through the stitches. From then on, I always hear her voice AND is only use the tip!! I haven’t made that mistake again.

  • Brenda
    September 22, 2013

    First, thanks for this post, as I am remembering lots of good advice, some that I had forgotten…and Nancy, you taught me a lot! You might be the one who taught me to follow the directions, STEP BY STEP! I taught 4-H sewing, and was reminded, that following directions is not really taught in school, but, I hope those students will remember my repeating that to them, MANY TIMES! lol

  • Darlene
    September 22, 2013

    Measure twice and cut once has saved me a lot of mistakes!

  • Bonnie
    September 22, 2013

    My Dad always said it takes less time to do it right than it does to do it over. I always remember that when I am in a hurry and want to skip a step of a pattern. It has saved me many times of frustation. If I am stuck in a pattern I just put it down and walk away for even a few minutes and it helps me see instructions correctly and avoid a do over.

  • Sherrie Lilly
    September 22, 2013

    Grandmother told me to press all seams. Mom tol me to clean the lint out of the bobbin area every time I sew.

  • Gloria
    September 22, 2013

    My little Mother in Love taught me to quilt. She was the mother of eight children her best advice was, “Always be sure to hide your good shears from the husband and the children as they will cut anything but fabric with the shears.”

  • Peggy V
    September 22, 2013

    Accurate cutting, equals accurate piecing, equals accurate project! That was my Mother’s mantra! As I have learned she is a very wise woman and a great teacher!

  • nancy
    September 22, 2013

    Always was told to not sew over pins and to always clip curves. Another tip was to use pinking shears to cut out the pattern. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years and always follow those simple rules.

  • nancy g
    September 22, 2013

    I’ve always been told to (1) not sew over my pins (2) clip the curves (3) cut out the pattern with pinking shears. I have been following these tips for over 50 years.

  • Linda Ziebell
    September 22, 2013

    Mom told me there’s no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t understand something don’t be afraid to ask.

  • Rita Sheloff
    September 22, 2013

    The most important advice I ever got (and saw first hand on someone else’s garment was that you need to iron each seam after you sew it. Iron it closed (the way you sewed it) and then iron it either open or to one side.

  • Kathy
    September 22, 2013

    A Good friend gave me a tip I use often. When you pick up a pin, straight or safety, and it won’t go through the material rub it across your hair. The oil from your hair makes the pin slide through the fabric easily.

  • Jenny l
    September 22, 2013

    It has been said many times but I still think it is the best advice I ever had. Measure twice and cut once. The number of times this has saved me from making a big cutting error is more times than you have had hot dinners, as they say.

  • Carol Simberg
    September 22, 2013

    My mom Helen made me learn to sew after she caught me cutting my knee socks into Barbie dresses. She always said I should try just 1 new “thing” with every project. Try a different notion, or a new seam finish, or a fabric you’ve never worked with before. That is a great way to not get overwhelmed, and a great way to reinforce techniques you already know! And after *mumble-mumble* years of stitching, I STILL am trying discover something new or novel with each project! Keeps the brain and fingers nimble.

  • Stella Lou
    September 22, 2013

    Keep it clean – not only my sewing area but also my machine. After every sewing project I clean out the lint in the bobbin area and around the work area. When it’s time to start the next project it’s such a good feeling to sit down and begin sewing.

  • Bonnie G
    September 23, 2013

    I was always told to take your time and if you get frustrated or run into a problem, walk away and take a break. It took me awhile to learn to follow these but now that’s exactly what I tell my sewing students.
    Thank you Nancy for the opportunity to win your sewing gauge. It’s been great to read all the advice,

  • CECILE
    September 23, 2013

    aLSO FROM MY DEAR MOTHER:
    always cut on the straight of grain and space gathering evenly when I was sewing school clothes the Summer between the 8th an 9th grades. I’ve loved it ever since. Even sewing my daughter’s wedding dress.

  • Naomi Monge
    September 23, 2013

    I have been sewing for 82 years[yes ,I am 90].I agree with all the comments.I have learned from experience that to thread your sewing machine,always cut the thread on a diagonal,and keep a white calling card in easy reach to place behind your needle [especially if you are using dark thread].Voila,no problem!

  • Joanne Cybulski
    September 23, 2013

    This is so simple , but when starting to sew, make sure both threads go back, the top one under the foot.

  • Terri
    September 23, 2013

    Walk away when you can’t figure something out, it will brand new the next day after you’ve had time to rest your mind.

  • Mary Haggenmaker
    September 23, 2013

    I am with you. There are many times when the iron has been my best friend. At first something can not look just right but if you iron it, it all comes out okay.

  • Mary R. Beat
    September 23, 2013

    Our neighbor when I was 13 years old, many wonderful clothing instructors on television (yes, you too Nancy), Ruby Sarver of Bettendorf, IA (now in the Grand Sewing Room), and teachers who helped me, improved me, expanded me, and gave me LOTS of advice. The one snippet I pass on when I teach today is buy the very best iron you can! This advice follows yours, Nancy. Sew, press—with the best iron!

  • Coni
    September 23, 2013

    I was taught to keep a journal of repairs and maintenance, and to sew in a well lit area.

  • Clara Steendahl
    September 23, 2013

    Mrs. Mordhorse taught me to sew in 7th & 8th grade Home Ec. She was the best. I graduated in 1966, & took every sewing class in school that I could. It was one time Mom would buy the fabric, so I would get a new outfit for school.
    If I wanted more I would have to use my hard earned babysitting money. Over the years I think the best advice I used, is to lay your pattern all going the same way on the fabric, making sure the nap is going down, avoiding funny shinny parts on your garment, like on the bum!
    All my teachers were great, but you Nancy taught me to CREATE!! So much more fun, love you!

  • Karen
    September 23, 2013

    “Leave your self-doubts and feelings of not doing things as good as ….. at the door”

  • Liz
    September 24, 2013

    Measure twice cut once

  • pam
    September 24, 2013

    Walking away for awhile will help but a small prayer can help a lot also!! Has helped me through a lot of times.

  • Monica Wilson
    September 24, 2013

    You really don’t sew better after a couple of glasses of wine.

  • Julie M
    September 24, 2013

    Sewing seems to be a dying art, so pass on your knowledge. I have a sewing friend that I made by asking for advice. She invited me into her home and showed me how to do what I needed help on. I invite gals that need help to my home.

  • Robin Harsh
    September 25, 2013

    From my Home Ec teacher: Read the pattern instructions all the way through before you start. From my sewing mentor: When in doubt, change the needle. From my own years of sewing experience: If it isn’t fun I’m not doing it right!

  • Paticia Smith
    September 25, 2013

    The best sewing advice I got came from my sister-in-law over 40 years ago -she told me to make a project look professional cut thread close to the fabric

  • Jodi
    September 25, 2013

    Read through the entire pattern before you start cutting

  • Bob Geigle
    September 25, 2013

    What I was told to do was to read all the directions, sew straight lines and pay attention to detail. Once i learned the basics…I learned deviation. I love deviation. I started sewing at age 21. I am now 64, and I love to sew.

  • Bob Geigle
    September 25, 2013

    Read the directions. Sew straight lines. Practice. Once you have learned the basics, continue to practice. And then learn to deviate.. and make awesome stuff..

  • Sue Berryman
    September 26, 2013

    Nancy, you have always given wonderful tips and sewing ‘instructions’ online as well we in your tv broadcast, which I have also followed online.
    I took sewing lessons when I was first married and did quite a bit for my two daughters when they were little girls. Some outfits for myself, also.
    Now in my elder years, I’ve learned a little about quilting and hope during this new (indoor) season, I will continue with some sewing projects. (I even bought a woman’s quilted shirt-jacket some time ago to tackle. Just need to find some alone-time to get busy on these little things – and to finish the quilt top I ‘designed’ for my husband!!)

    Thanks, Nancy, for your ever-lasting tips and programs. (You, and Eleanor Burns/years ago, have always been my favorite domestic programs.)

  • Helen
    September 26, 2013

    So many of my favorite sewing tips or mantras listed here! I won’t repeat ones already listed; here’s two: 1) when working with white fabric, get up and wash your hands every half hour to keep the fabric as clean as possible (this is good for other delicate fabrics as well – especially if you have oily skin or hair), 2) if you are hand sewing & you prick yourself and get a spot of blood on the fabric, use a little spit to take it out.

    By the way, Nancy, you’ve helped me SO much over these last 30 years – I’ve learned a huge amount from you! Thank you.

  • Denise Z. G.
    September 26, 2013

    My Mom taught me how to gauge if I was too tired/frustrated to continue sewing; if you need to rip a seam for the third time, put it away for later.

  • Marilyn Barksdale
    September 26, 2013

    My beloved aunt was a sewing instructor for the Singer Co. I use to tell her that the best thing she taught me was “frog stitches” (ripit, ripit , ripit), meaning that if I made a mistake, rip it out and sew it again, never leave a mistake in that would have a negative effect on the fit or appearance of the finished garment. Oh, how I hated those frog stitches, but in retrospect I’m so grateful for the advice.

  • Marsha Nelson
    September 26, 2013

    Always buy good thread and fabric was advice I got from Nana. Use good, sharp scissors.

  • Billye Watson
    September 26, 2013

    “Let the dress, skirt, pants hang for one night before hemming”. It will be easier to hem correctly for a neater hemline.

  • Angela McPherson
    September 27, 2013

    Hold your tail threads behind the foot when you make your first few stitches to prevent the thread from tangling.

    Also I have learned through the years that if you keep little girls near by no matter what the project is or how bad it may be they will still love it. I make sewing a family event. Now my 10 year old had her new machine and I’ve been telling her to master the basics and learn the machine before starting any project. A clean machine, new needle, and a bit if oil works every time.

  • Sue
    September 28, 2013

    Nancy, I learn so much from you. I learned much from these notes. Only proves we are never to old to learn. I’m
    71 and have been sewing since I was about 8 ( treadle machine to my computerized one ) and I am still learning.

  • Patti
    September 28, 2013

    When learning to sew, they never stressed the pressing part, but after hearing it from Nancy several times I tried it (and I do mean press, press, press), it really does make any project look better.

  • Marty Brunskill
    October 1, 2013

    Best advice I ever got was from my high school home ec teacher, Barb Eicher. Was to pay attention to what you are doing.

  • Barbara Palmatier
    October 2, 2013

    Ironing as you go is a great idea…no doubt about it . It can make the difference between it looking home made or a professional outfit. But my own idea I always follow is as soon as I get the a pattern, I take it out and see what I am in for first.Then when starting it , I take one sentence at a time and do it. Then go back and see what I have to do next. You can get really frazzled just trying to read a paragraph . Especially if it is a tricky pattern. Those of you that are beginners, this is the best tip I could give you.

  • Beverly
    October 10, 2013

    The very best sewing advice came from Nancy. “Sew Press, Sew Press”. I did a good job sewing but when I started pressing as I sewed I saw dramatic results. Thank you so much

  • Susan
    October 12, 2013

    I still hear my mom’s sewing advice: Susan if it is worth sewing, it needs to be done right..RIP IT OUT. Oh sooooo many times I want to “pretend” I don’t see my mistakes but her voice invades my “prentending”. Thanks mom.

    • Judy
      October 13, 2013

      I can empathize as I’ve just spent a couple of hours ripping out a quilting pattern that didn’t go the way I wanted it to ;-( I, too, don’t want to finish a project unless I can be proud of it!

  • Mary
    October 12, 2013

    A friend shared her best sewing tip with me saying use a simple pattern but great (high quality) fabric. I think of that often when trying to decide what to sew next.

  • Samantha
    October 16, 2013

    My husband gave me some advice that I always keep in mind when selecting fabric for my next project: If something is worth spending hours of your time on, choose good quality fabric that you really love. This is probably the best advice I have ever gotten, especially since my first inclination is to shop from the sale fabric even though it may not be exactly what I am looking for.

  • Susan
    October 16, 2013

    Samatha: Does your husband have a brother?Imagine being encouraged to spend more money to get good fabric!! You are so blessed.

  • Judi
    October 25, 2013

    I got lots of good advice, much the same as the rest featured here, but one that seems to come back to me when I don’t follow it is: Don’t keep sewing when you’re tired. I can’t say how many times I needed to go to bed, but just wanted to finish that one last seam. That’s always the one that I sew on the wrong way. I did it twice in a row this week and had to rip it out, but the good news was that it was only doll clothes, so a short seam, LOL! I was close to throwing it away and starting over. When you know you’re tired, it’s time to stop for awhile.

    But my favorite one is to use quality tools, equipment and fabric. I have a carpenter husband who “gets it.”

  • Alicia
    March 15, 2017

    USING THE SEAM RIPPER PROPERLY (ball underneath, point on top) is the one most sewing essential! BE PICKY!!! Make EVERY step of project as perfect as possible! I am teaching my granddaughter to sew. She doesn’t want to but I make her rip it out.

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