We're working on content for a class we'll be teaching at a local fabric shop next month and want to make sure we're not missing some obvious stuff.

birdsnest under the plate! plus, when that has happened, how do I even detach the fabric without pulling anything too hard???

when sewing something big, it drags my seam out of true (nb: ironing board at same height as sewing table ftw)

I know where I want to sink the needle to turn a corner nicely, how do I do that, how far in advance do I need to start planning??

@evergreensewing

@evergreensewing I would say thread tension, I need to make small adjustments between every project. And tell them to regularly clean out the bobbin compartment.

@evergreensewing

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From my observation, newbies benfit from getting to learn that:

- low quality (including old but deterioating quality) thread can ruin the fun and the project
- needles should be sharp
- thread and needle should be adequate for the project's, i.e. thread fiber and thickness, needle size and type for the fabric used and technique applied
- hold the threads when starting a new seam
- if in doubt, rethread the machine
- not all SMs handle knits well
- not all SMs -->

-

@evergreensewing the spaghetti ball on the throat plate. Difficult/dense fabrics pulling down into the throat plate. Thread tension. Needle choice.

@evergreensewing

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<-- handle several layers of denim well
- reading a machine's manual cannot be recommended highly enough
- making stitch samples before stitching project seams is highly advisable.
- Pressing seams is as important as stitching them!

I think that's it in general. Thanks for passing your skills on to others, best of luck!

@evergreensewing
As others have said, tension troubles are the fastest way to derail a sewing project. Fortunately for me, I did a lot of my early sewing at sewing shops, in classes. Folks were helpful enough to point out that tension troubles are usually problems with the upper threading. My newer machine is much easier to thread, so I'm learning that the incorrect needle might be causing problems on current projects.
#sewing