What's Your Best Sewing/Craft Tip

Do you have a Sewing or Craft Tip you would like to share, then add a comment to the blog and we will also add it below. For every tip added , you will go into the draw to win a fabulous goodie bag from us. Retweet this blog and you will get an extra chance to win ( just leave a comment that you have Retweeted). You can leave a comment by signing into to a number of accounts like Twitter,Google,Typepad, etc - just choose from the dropdown menu when you sign in). Be sure to check out the other competitions we have on the blog.

To kick it off we will offer our Tip

From The Oz Material Girls

When starting a new pattern, make sure you read the entire instructions so you understand everything and follow each step in order -it is easy to want to skip steps but they are in order for a reason .

From Sewing Addict

Keep a small magnet in your sewing basket .If you drop pins/needles on the ground then use the magnet to pick them up - Thank You Sewing Addict for your great tip and RT - you have 2 draws in the competition

From Sangeetha Nimmagadda

When trying out a new pattern, first use a less expensive fabric this way you would know whats need to be worked on later on the actual fabric. Even if you make changes to the pattern, the actual fabric wont be at risk. - Thank You Sangeetha, that is a great tip and your RT - you have 2 draws in the competition

From Hip Little One

When you have bought a fabric you love, check that the receipt shows a model no/name or just copy it from the the roll at the store before you leave. If you make a mistake or you are short of fabric later it is a lot more likely you can still trace some more of the fabric. (Learn from someone who has tried to explain with: flowery, with little dots and pink and a bit of green...). Also retweeted plenty of times already :).- Thank You Hip Little One, that is a great tip and your RT's are greatly appreciated- you have 2 draws in the competition

From Kym

Make sure your sewing scissors are sharp before you start any project. It is worth the time and effort to have them sharp, nothing worse then a jaggered cut and it saves a lot of cursing! Thank You Kym, an invaluable and for your RT- you have 2 draws in the competition

From Kym

Make sure you have everything you need before you start, pins, thread, needles etc, nothing worse then have to keep racing off to grab things. Thank You Kym for another great tip,and for your RT- you have another 2 draws in the competition

From The Oz Material Girls

Here's another one from us - If you are sewing a large project make up a few bobbins in the same colour so you don't have to stop to refill

From Mumaclare

I always have some of those pretty lined storage baskets on hand so that when I am working on a project I can keep everything I need all in one place. When the little grandsons visit everything is quickly popped out of reach but remains together. It works for me. :)Thank You mumaclare for a very helpful hint you have a draw in the competition

From Quiltingkaz

Make sure you change your needle on your sewing machine regularly as blunt needles will draw threads on your fabrics. I have retweeted this. Thank You Quiltingkaz for a very helpful hint and your retweet , you have 2 draws in the competition

From Alison

When sewing (quilts or clothing) always press at each step. You might think it's unnecessary, but it makes a big difference in the presentation of the finished item.Thank You Alison for this handy hint, you have a draw in the competition

From Rainbird

Once you have used a tissue pattern, to store for future use just iron it smooth, fold it and use a ziplock bag to keep all parts together. Ziplock bags are great too for storing all items for a single project.Thank You Rainbird for this great hint, you have a draw in the competition

From Gnomeangel

Oh my goodness the Melly & Me patterns are divine! I found your blog via Twitter! Love it! Thank You Gnomeangel for this great hint, you have a draw in the competition

From Cate Bolt

Don't take short cuts when sewing. Clipping, trimming & finishing edges make an ordinary project extraordinary. It might take a little extra time, but the end result is worth it. And don't forget to press your seams at every stage. Thank You Cate Bolt for this great hint, you have a draw in the competition, plus extras for your retweets

From Cate Bolt

Don't be complacent with OH&S issues, even if you're a hobbyist. Long hours at a sewing machine or doing detailed hand stitching with bad posture can cause serious long term damage. Remember to take breaks and sit on a sensible chair with good posture.Thank You Cate Bolt for another helpful hint, you have a draw in the competition