It takes very less time to develop a bad habit. Sewing is not exception. I have many bad habits in sewing. More or less everyone have bad habits in sewing. It is very difficult to get rid of the bad habit, but not difficult. If you try, you can free from the bad habits.
I know, once you developed a habit, you get used to it. Its quite difficult to break them. Before deciding to quit the bad habits in sewing, the first step is to acknowledge them.
So, in this post I am going to list 10 famous bad habits in sewing. You have to notice them and think which of these habits you have adopted. Then try to remind it every time you repeat those habits.
10 Bad Habits In Sewing
While trying to end any of your bad habit is to recognize it. After recognizing the half of the work is done. Then always be mindful to what you are doing unconsciously.
1. Putting Pins In Mouth
This is the most common bad habits. I, myself had this bad habit. I have tried so much to avoid. Finally, I got succeeded. While you are busy in sewing, instead of going anywhere and keeping pins in their place, we hold the pins in mouth with the help of the teeth. While doing so, you can hurt the tongue, jaw or hurt the enamel of the teeth. Sometimes, you may engulf the pin in to the stomach. In that case, you may have to go to a Doctor. Always use a pin cushion or pin magnet to keep the pins in a safe place.
2. Not Washing The Fabric Before Stitching
We often start to sew the fabric directly just after buying it from the store. This is a big mistake and bad habit. When the fabric is washed, it get softened and is easy to handle and cut. Washing also removes the folds and creases from the fabric. Many naturals fabrics like cotton. linen and wools shrink after washing. So, if you wash after stitching a beautiful dress and it becomes tight and you dont feel comfortable while wearing it will be a waste. So, its better to wash it before sewing.
3. Not Changing The Needle Frequently
It is advised to change the needle after 8 hours of sewing. I often forget to change it. Sometimes I also want to use the needle as long as it is fine. Needles also go through wear and tear. When the thread passes through the needle, it rubs against it. If you see the needle in microscope, you can see ” saw like teeth” on the needle. These tooth gradually weakens the thread by scratching it and eventually break it. To avoid breaking of the thread in the middle of sewing, you should change the needle after 8hrs of use.
4. Not Servicing The Sewing Machine Regularly
If you are a professional in sewing then you are earning from this machine. If you are sewist by passion then you are sewing because you are enjoying it. So, in both of these cases, sewing machine is your everything. Its your duty to take the sewing machine for regular servicing. Every machine needs maintenance. If dusts build up in the machine the parts will jam and will stop working. Regular Cleaning and oiling is necessary for a sewing machine to work smoothly.
5. Using Sewing Scissors In Other Works
Sewing scissor is meant for sewing. It needs to be sharp, so that it can cut the fabric smoothly. Cutting other material with sewing scissors will make the shears blunt. Experienced sewists avoid this mistake. Beginners adopts this bad habit after seeing new tools. I always keep good quality scissors with me and sharpen those when needed.
6. Sewing With Bad Posture
We often neglect our health while sewing. Sitting with a poor posture for a long time can create serious health problems. Always make sure to sit in a comfortable position while sewing. Think that you are sitting in front of a computer desk. Sewing machine is like a computer with a desk. Keep the feet on the floor. Use an ergonomic chair. Sit upright with your lower spine supported in the chair. Don’t keep the shoulders tensed. It should be soft and relaxed. If you sit in a poor position for a long time then you can get neck pain, headache. Always sit in a good posture while sewing.
7. Not Pressing The Fabric
Not ironing the project while or after sewing is indeed a very bad habit. The costume you made will look “homemade”, if you don’t press it. If you iron at every step of sewing before moving to the next stage the thread will settle into the fabric, which results in a perfect, smooth seam at the end.
8. Buying Fabric Unnecessarily
When you are a beginner and starts sewing, you buy fabrics whenever you to store without having a project in mind. As a result you gather bundles and bundles of fabric in the cupboard. So, it is a bad habit to spend unnecessarily in buying fabrics. We buy fabrics and then forget. I also love to buy fabrics whenever I visit the store.
9. Using Incorrect Needles For Fabrics
This is a very common bad habit which beginners do. Experienced sewists also do this out of laziness. Beginners don’t know which needles to use for a particular fabric. Different needles are there Always test with different needle on a sample fabric. You can check Different types needles used in sewing for this.
10. Not Checking Measurements on your Pattern
Sewing the costume without measurement on the pattern is a very bad habit. It can cause $$$ loss. After designing the complete costume, you find that it is not fitting well. It will be more frustrating than anything. The paper pattern can’t be used in a ready to wear clothing. While sewing you generally sew up 2 or 3 sizes.
Conclusion
I have listed some serious bad habits in sewing that should avoid. I myself have few of the above habits still with me. I am trying to overcome it. You check which of these bad habits you have with you. What difficulties you face because of these bad habits in stitching. Try to avoid these habits and don’t repeat it again. You will surely overcome it. Comment down which of these bad habits you have in sewing.
