Professional Look to Homemade Projects

[Starfire]

Hi All,
I was wondering how to get a professional look to my sewing. I just invested in a double need. It gives tshirts and polar fleece a very professional look. The needle's are a bit expensive, but worth the result.

You see a tiny Heidi Klum lives in my head and yells at me when my sewing looks amature. Please help to silence this voice.

[JaeBird]

I'm not sure if this is the right section, but here are some things I do to make stuff a little more professional looking...IRON!! I used to refuse to do it, but it really makes things look a million times better. Also, iron seams to the side. If you don't do it already, you will be amazed at the difference (at least I was). Snipping all loose threads (sounds so simple but it really looks horrible if you leave them). Topstitching also makes things look better. Don't leave edges raw. If you are sewing knit garments try to use a serger, but if you don't have one, zigzag the edges. Its not as great as serging but it looks better than leaving it. If you are sewing non stretchy garments, you can try using different types of seams or use bias tape to cover the seam allowances. Also, pay attention to grain lines. If you are off it will sometimes make your garment look very weird. Idunno if you already knew any of this stuff, but I hope some of it helps. :)

[jadeTiger]

myself i prefer the professional look to the homemade look. lol thats probably why almost everything i make is for other people. As JaeBird (http://forum.threadbanger.com/member.php?u=10162) said the professional look is all in the details!

[be4ny]

For silencing the voice, I might suggest valium or something in that sort ;)

For ANYTHING that can be zipped up or is made of weird-feeling fabric... lining!! Sew it in when you sew the main garment or bag, and make sure the edges of that fabric are folded over twice! Professional seams mean (at least from what I've been taught) you don't see the raw edge of the fabric. Period.

Also, learning how to do applique and light crochet (both of which I'm working on myself!!) can add a special touch to things, if you're feeling brave enough. The best way to get proficient in something is to practice! :)

[kenny58]

One thing that I have heard is that for couture work, French seaming works well, also just making sure whatever it is fits perfectly, and I definitely second both ironing, well pressing actually, lining, and proper hemming. I know personally, I really like the look of a flat felled seam. It's all in the details, and as such, all in the amount of time you're willing to spend to make it look perfect, or at least, as professional as you want it.

[Animama]

I agree that proper pressing is very important for professional results. Here (http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C-309.pdf) is a .pdf of pressing pointers. Seam quality is important. Straight even seams with the proper stitch length, stitch width, tension, thread and needle are critical. And of course it doesn't matter how well a garment is sewn if it doesn't fit properly.

[Ludeykrus]

I agree that proper pressing is very important for professional results. Here (http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C-309.pdf) is a .pdf of pressing pointers. Seam quality is important. Straight even seams with the proper stitch length, stitch width, tension, thread and needle are critical. And of course it doesn't matter how well a garment is sewn if it doesn't fit properly.

^This. Pressing the seams and fabric beforehand, as well knowing how to use your sewing machine correctly are two of things that made a big improvement in my clothing.