Making the Mark Mark the things that matter most. Always mark the center front, fold lines, button/button hole placement, dots, and hem lines. Thread-trace lines that need to be seen on the right side (pocket placement, roll lines). Color-code your markings to distinguish large dots from small dots? Marking all the essentials may seem to take a lot of time but it will save you from having to pullout the pattern pieces to double-check a marking many times.
Look at your sewing machine Take a good look at your sewing machine and see if it needs some TLC. Proper sewing machine maintenance and upkeep can keep you sewing longer and more enjoyably. Do you have nicks across the top of your bobbin case? These can be caused by broken needles, sewing over pins, or the needle striking the bobbin case in a machine whose timing (the relationship between the needle's downward stroke and the rotation of the bobbin hook) needs adjusting. Breaking your needle on a pin at high speed can be enough to knock a machine's timing off.
Do you have scratches on your throat plate running out backward from the needle opening? This is caused when the needle is bent backward, usually when you use your hands to"help" the fabric feed through the machine. This practice causes unnecessary wear and tear on machines.
Be sure to read your owners manual and find out how and when to oil your machine regularly. The manual should also show you how to clean the machine with those brushes that came with it. A regular cleaning by a professional is a good idea especially for very busy sewers who use their machines a lot. Proper maintenance and upkeep can extend the life of your sewing machine.
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