Threading Needles
Apply some hair spray on your finger and to the end of the thread, stiffening it enough to be easily threaded
Sharp Machine Needles
Sharpen sewing machine needles by stitching through sandpaper.
Heavy Seams
Rub seams with a bar of soap to allow a sewing machine needle to easily pass through.
Button Storage
Buttons can be stored in empty pill bottles with snap-on tops.
Needle Holder
An empty thermometer case is ideal for holding long and fine needles that may easily be lost in a sewing kit.
Recycled Zipper
Stray a used zipper with spray starch and it will stitch in like new.
Long-lasting Buttons
Coat the center of buttons with clear nail polish and they'll stay on longer.
Another Button Tip
n a four hole button, sew through two holes at a time, knotting the thread and tying off for each set of holes. If one set should break, the other will still hold
Sewing Accessories
Rummage sales and thrift shops are good for finding unusual bottoms and trims.
Emergency Thimble
When hand sewing and unable to find a needle, wrap a couple of Band Aids across the end of your finger.
Handy Thread
In your sewing basket keep 10 or 12 needles threaded with often-used colors for quick repair jobs.
Spool Storage
Use an egg carton to store spools of thread
Magnet Tip
Instead of groping around your floor for fallen needles and pins, keep a magnet in your sewing kit. Simply sweep it across your rug to pick up these strays.
Scrap Bag
Save small scraps of fabric in a paper bag near your sewing machine to use in stuffed toys and throw pillows.
Sewing Machine Pad
Rest your sewing machine on a foam rubber pad about 1 1/2 inches thick to absorb vibration and avoid sliding.
Stretched Sweaters
Stitch elastic thread along the inside of sweaters whose bottoms have been stretched out of shape.
Extra Notches
Add more notches to leather belts by heating a steel knitting needle until re-hot and poking through the leather.
Sewing Emblems on Clothing
Dab household glue on the back of the emblem and place in position on the garment. Let it set for a moment, then stitch around the edges. The glue will wash out.
Sliding Foot Pedal
Prevent sliding sewing machine foot pedals by gluing a piece of foam rubber to the bottom.
Stuck Zippers
If a zipper sticks, run a bar of soap over it and it will slide easily.
Sewing Machine Oil
Stitch through a blotter after oiling your sewing machine to prevent extra oil from damaging your garments.
Storing Patterns
Instead of trying to fit used patterns back into their envelops, store them in plastic bags
Rip-less Patterns
Keep patterns from tearing and wrinkle free by spraying with spray starch.
Hidden Hemline
Hide hemline marks with rows of zigzag stitching.
Mending Gloves
An old fashion clothespin can be inserted into the finger of a glove that needs repairing.
Baggy Knees
Apply an iron-patch to the underside of the knee portion of children' pants to keep the knees from bagging and wearing out.
Pajama Feet
Reinforce the feet of children's pajamas by applying iron-on patches to them.
Ribbon Trim
Use grosgrain ribbon to bind worn coat sleeves and pocket edges.
Men's Suits
Ask for scraps when a new suit is being tailored. Use them later for mending or for taking along to stores to match shirts, ties, etc.
Shirt Stays
Cotton swabs are ideal for using as shirt collar stays. The padded ends will not poke through material.
Recycled Elastic
Remove elastic waistband from used pantyhose for use in other sewing projects.
Jacket Cuffs
Used old knee socks to make new cuffs for children's jackets.
Outgrown Arms
Sew a pair of woolen wristlets to the outgrown arms of children's snowsuits.
Outgrown Pajamas
Sew ruffles or other trim to the out grown legs of children's pajamas.
Baby Washcloths
Double thickness of old T-shirts make great washcloths for babies.
Outgrown Snowsuits
A toddler's play jacket can be made easily if the shoulders of an outgrown one-piece snowsuit still fit. Cut off at the crotch and hem.
Eyeglasses Case
An Attractive case for glasses can be made by folding a pretty potholder in half and stitching across the bottom and up one side.
Blue Jean Blanket
Save good portion of worn out blue jeans and stitch irregular patches together to make a sturdy beach blanket.
Discarded Purses
Remove all zippers from worn-out purse before throwing it away to use in making dresses.
Ski Pants
Blue jeans can be converted into ski pants by spraying with a waterproof fabric protector
Covered Buttons
Cover a button in wool or flannel before covering with silk or other sheer fabric for a smoother look.
Mending Sheets
Use old white socks to mend corners of fitted sheets. The knitted fabric will have more give to stretch over the mattress.
Short Blankets
If a blanket is too short for a bed, sow a wide strip of unbleached muslin along one end. This can be tucked under the ,mattress to hold the blanket in place.
Fitted Mattress Pad
If a fitted sheet wears out in the middle, but the sides and ends are in good shape, sew a mattress pad over the middle. The sheet will keep it smoothly in place.
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