Sewing Tips & Tricks--Finishing Touches

When you have finished sewing your latest handmade masterpiece, there are a few simple things you can do to make it look more professional. Using a lint brush, chopstick and a steam iron will give it a polished finish. Here are some before and after photos to show you what I mean.

Drawstring bag, fresh off the sewing machine. It needs some help to look its best.

A plain old chopstick (unused) leftover from takeout will help make the wonky corners look like crisp 90 degree angles. Your children will use them as Harry Potter wands, light sabers, to conduct an orchestra, as a drumstick...so if yours is missing--check the kids' rooms.

Gently use the pointier end of the chopstick to push out the bunched up fabric at the corners. The chopstick is just pointy enough to make crisp corners, but not too pointy to damage or poke holes in the fabric. Be cautious until you have done this a few times.

Now use a steam iron to make the bag look even crisper. A steam iron is your best friend when sewing. I spend more hours with my iron than my sewing machine. It is well worth the effort!

Ready for a ribbon drawstring.

Another handy tool when sewing is a lint roller brush. It's up to you which style you prefer. When we had a cat, the type with sheets of masking tape was a must. Now, I use it to pick up stray threads that are everywhere in my studio.

Lastly, paying attention to the little details adds another level of professionalism to your work. If you are making something to give as a gift, it shows the recipient that you took extra effort on top of creating them something handmade.

Angle the ends of ribbon pulls with scissors to even them out and also to help prevent any future fraying.

Stack pieces neatly before putting them in the carrying bag.

Taking a few extra minutes to polish your handmade item makes it look like it belongs in a Newport boutique! Your gift recipient will better appreciate the time and effort you spent making their gift, never thinking that you threw something together at the last minute. Happy gift-making!