That moment before you sew


Hi Reader,

The moment right before you start sewing is often the hardest.

Not threading the machine.

Not cutting the fabric.

Just… starting.

In class this week, one of my learners had everything ready.

And then she stopped and said:

“I’m scared to sew in case I make a mistake.”

So, I asked her:

“What happens if you do make a mistake?”

Her answer, and what came next, is something I see all the time.

And it’s probably the one thing that keeps people stuck for the longest.

I’ve written about it here:

Quick Sewing Tip

Unpicking isn’t failure. It’s a normal part of sewing.

But it’s much easier when you’re using the tool properly.

You want a sharp seam ripper with a little plastic bobble on the shorter side of the hook.

That bobble is there to protect your fabric.

Start by sliding the sharp point under one stitch somewhere in the middle of the seam.

Gently break that stitch, and maybe one or two more, just to create a small opening.

Then switch to the bobble end.

Slide it into the seam, pull the fabric slightly taut, and the threads will lift so the blade can cut through cleanly without risking a hole in your fabric.

Once you get the hang of this, unpicking becomes quick, controlled, and far less frustrating.

Your seam ripper blunt?

*affiliate link. I only recommend things I actually use

If you’re wanting to start sewing but keep hesitating, start smaller than you think you need to.

That’s exactly why I created the Straight Stitch Starter Pack to give you a safe place to begin without the pressure of a full project.

Because honestly?

The only real mistake… is not starting at all.

Vee Tanner

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