TIP # 1: Before you layout your fabric, trim all of your seam
allowances to 3/8". Trim neck seams and enclosed seams (i.e.
pockets, center front plackets, facings, collars, etc.) to 1/4".
This will eliminate trimming and clipping seams after your garment
is sewn.
TIP # 2: Chain your seams together. For example, start at the
hem and sew up to the armhole, then butt the shoulder seam up
next to the armhole and continue sewing without clipping the
threads. Continue sewing the the shoulder seam and side seam
butting the seams right next to each other. After you get to
the bottom of the opposite side seam clip all of the threads
at once.
TIP # 3: Set aside all of the pattern pieces that require
interfacing. Then cut a piece of interfacing and a piece of fabric
large enough to accommodate all of the pieces. Now fuse the interfacing
to the fabric following the manufacturers instructions. Layout
the pattern pieces and cut them after the interfacing is fused
on. The results are great!
Tip # 4: Lay out the cut pieces in the order that they will
be sewn together on a table or chair next to where you are working.
Then just lift the pieces off of the stack as you are sewing.
Believe it or not, this step speeds up the process quite a bit. |