Common Sewing Mistakes And How To Fix Them

Sewing is a rewarding skill, but common sewing mistakes can create havoc for the sewer. and troubles with sewing machines can turn a fun project into a frustrating hassle. Knowing what these issues are and how to address them can save a lot of time.

Thread Tension Problems

First on the list is thread tension problems. This is where the thread either pulls too tight or is too loose, causing stitches to be the same, either too tight or too loose. It’s crucial to adjust the tension dial according to the fabric and thread you’re using. So always test on a scrap piece of fabric beforehand. I find that on most machines if the tension is set at half way you’re probably going to sew fine with most fabric. 

For Example, when setting the tension dial half way, first look at the tension knob and you’ll see that (most likely) the numbers go from 0-9, if you turn the dial to about 4 or 4.5, halfway between 0-9, your stitches will probably look good. It’s also important to know how to adjust the tension on the bobbin case. There is a way to adjust the bobbin case tension with a small screwdriver or even using a dime. You don’t really need to turn the little screw very much at all to notice a change. Make sure to test on your fabric to see if the stitches are balanced. You can also purchase a bobbin tension meter. Not that common but useful. When your stitches are balanced you will not see the top thread on the bottom side nor will you see the bobbin thread on the top side.

Here’s a checklist of items to check. Make sure the needle isn’t bent and make sure to replace if it is.  Check the thread direction, make sure the thread is unspooling in the correct direction. A dirty machine can cause trouble with tension so keep your machine clean and you’ll eliminate many problems before they even happen. Check your spool, make sure the thread is not caught on the spool, thread stand, or thread guides and some machines require your spool of thread to go in a specific direction.

One last thing check the thread take-up spring and adjust it until it the thread isn’t too loose or too tight.

Thread Jams

Another frequent issue is thread jams, typically this happens because you have threaded the top thread wrong which will cause the tension to be off thus causing the machine to jam. Try rethreading and if you’re not sure how to thread the machine try referring to your manual for the correct threading on your machine. If you don’t have a manual you can usually google to find a manual for your machine using the make and model number.

Needle damage is also important to consider if you’re getting thread jams, using the wrong size needle, needle inserted into machine incorrectly, or wrong needle type will cause jamming. Keep in mind the  importance of changing your needle frequently.

Consider using quality thread, as inferior thread will cause fraying and breakage and threads to jam.

A good cleaning and oiling will also help maintain your machine and may help to keep jamming from happening.

Skipped Stitches

Skipped stitches are also high on the list. A sewing machine can skip stitches for a bunch of reasons. For example needle issues, thread issues, tension issues, hook issues, and a big reason for skip stitches can be due to lint and dust buildup. It’s possible that you might need your machine serviced, perhaps something is mechanically wrong. 

As you can see much of this has been covered above, so it highlights how crucial it is that all the above issues are looked at to avoid skipped stitches as well many other issues. Thus, it’s important that everything on the machine be maintained well. 

Bobbin Troubles

Bobbin troubles can mess up your whole flow, having your bobbin wind unevenly can cause thread bunching. Making sure your bobbin is wound and correctly placed into the machine can prevent most of these issues. Regularly checking the bobbin area (inside where the bobbin sits) for loose threads or dust is also wise. Nine out of ten times when you start out stitching and the stitches mess up-check the bobbin first and see if it’s in the machine wrong (usually backwards). Do this first it might solve things fast.

Some machine have the bobbin unwinding clockwise and some machine the bobbin unwinds counterclockwise. So keep this in mind when placing the bobbin into the case.

Fixing Bad Sewing: Techniques and Tips

Everyone messes up from time to time, even the most experienced sewers. Recognizing and fixing bad sewing techniques can be a real game-changer for improving the overall quality of your projects. So you should get used to making mistakes and fixing them. Don’t be in a rush complete your project. Take time to fix sewing errors it will make you a better sewer, give you more patience and you’ll avoid becoming a fast and sloppy sewer. I’ve seen plenty of those. When you first start learning do everything slowly and thoughtfully over time you will become a better sewer and you’ll start sewing faster and more accurately. So if you’re in a class and other students are doing a great job and sewing faster than you don’t try to catch up, everyone learns differently and in their own time. Although, I do know there are beginner classes that have you sew a project in a fixed amount of time, I don’t like sewing class structures like this. There aren’t many but see if you can find a class that lets you sew at your own pace, they might be more expensive but you’ll really learn so much better with this type of class.

Uneven and Misaligned Seams

One common mistake is uneven seams, which often results from not guiding the fabric properly, or pulling as you guide your fabric back, or working with the wrong needle size. Practicing steady, consistent fabric guiding and keeping your stitches on track. As well, it’s a good idea to start to train your eye using the seam guides line on the throat plate. Most throat plates have seam guide lines for the various seam allowances. Practice sewing a straight stitch line. Place the fabric at the seam allowance, let’s use the 5/8’s line. Place the cloth under the foot and line it up straight with the 5/8’s guide line. Lower the pressure foot and now look lower on the fabric say about 1 1/2-2″ below the needle and use your eye as you sew keeping your eye guiding the fabric along the 5/8’s line. Your eye is looking at the stitch line and the 5/8’s guide line about 2″ lower than the needle. By setting up your seam correctly at the 5/8’s guide line and your eye looking below the needle, will ensure that when it reaches the needle you’re sewing and continuing a straight seam allowance.

Another frequent issue is misaligned seams, especially when piecing fabrics together. Pinning the edges of your fabric correctly before sewing and then basting your seams is like giving your project a helping hand. Then when you’re ready to sew use the seam guide line and a good eye as mentioned in the paragraph above.

When your sewing gets better and your seams are even you can try pinning perpendicular to the edge of the fabric. You should always pin your seams and basting is good too but if you pin perpendicular to your fabric you can now sew over your pins. I highly recommend learning to baste everything in the beginning because as you become a better sewer you’ll use different fabrics and you’ll know which ones you should baste and which ones don’t need basting. Just remember if you’re not basting use pins perpendicular sew you can sew over them and if pinning parallel to the fabric edge, remember to take the pins out as you go.

Accidentally stitching over pins that are parallel with the fabric or forgetting to remove them as you sew, could lead to broken needles or distorted stitches. Always make sure to remove pins right before they meet the needle. If you’re guilty of this, you’ll definitely want to slow down and double-check as you go.

Fixing these mishaps is all about practice and patience. Don’t rush your sewing, as it’s easy to make more mistakes when hurried. Taking time to prep your materials, being attentive to thread choice, and checking machine settings leads to better-finished projects.

Concealing Sewing Mistakes

Nobody likes to admit to sewing mistakes, but we all make them and I’m one that likes my sewing perfect. So I always propose that you take it apart to correct it properly. Then again not all mistakes are that simple.Sometimes a tear will happen and if its not in the the seam then it’s a tear and most likely you’ll have to find a way to hide it. knowing how to cleverly fix these mistakes or hide them can transform those little blips into creative opportunities. 

Stitch witchery is a handy product to help when you created a slight tear in your fabric. It looks like press on interfacing but it’s a tape that has press on glue on both sides and can aid in permanently mending that small tear. Strategic use of fabric choices plays a big role too. Patterns and busy prints can disguise minor imperfections more effectively than solid colors, so if you’re using something like stitch witchery with a busy fabric, voila, you’ll probably never see it. Playing with fabrics that have a bit of texture can also help to hide less-than-perfect seams or tears.

If you’ve got a misplaced seam or an accidental hole, turning it into a design feature might work to your advantage. Creating a visible seam or adding a decorative stitch in a contrasting thread can make it look planned and add character. I don’t love appliqués and patches but if you’re creative enough you could use them as embellishments and make your project perfect looking

It’s worth noting, sometimes embracing these so-called flaws makes the piece unique and personal. Developing a mindset that sees mistakes as potential design features instead of failures can be quite liberating.

Essential Sewing Tools for Correcting Errors

Every sewer needs a reliable sewing box to tackle those inevitable sewing errors. A well-stocked sewing box can mean the difference between starting over or simply making a quick fix.

A seam ripper is an important tool but often misused and can damage garments. It is a tool for undoing stitches If used properly, think of it as an eraser for fabric. It allows you to carefully and accurately remove unwanted stitches in your material. I also highly recommend fabric snips. Another inexpensive tool that should be in your sewing box. I actually teach my new students to use this first to take seams apart, so to avoid damages made with a seam ripper.

A rotary cutter can help correct uneven fabric edges made during cutting. Pairing it with a clear ruler ensures accuracy and precision, letting you trim down to an even edge cleanly. Make sure that you get yourself a pad to go with the rotary cutter.  This goes underneath as you glide the cutter without damaging the surface below and it also help for accuracy.

Pins and clips might not seem like part of fixing mistakes, but they’re crucial for preventing them in the first place. They keep your fabric in line and help anticipate issues before they arise. You need to always pin before you sew or use clips.  While I’m on the topic of the importance of pinning, please find away to learn how to baste your seams.  So many new sewers do not learn this step and it’s crucial for using especially when sewing with really light weight fabrics, like silk chiffon but more on this with another post.

Finally, a good iron is indispensable. When you sew a seam you press the seam. Proper pressing brings a finished look to your pieces, and can sometimes make minor errors less noticeable. Also, it’s important to have an ironing board.

In conclusion, Investing in quality tools and keeping them maintained and in good condition will help you avoid future errors. Preparation remains the best strategy in sewing, ensuring not just quick fixes, will allow you to be on your way to completing beautiful garments. And keep in mind a well-oiled and clean machine runs smoothly, so keeping it clean and allowing it to rest between long sewing periods will help your machine give you years of fun with your sewing. So with this guidance continue to focus on sewing slowly and carefully and with good tools and a good running machine I promise you will be happier on your sewing journey.