Let’s be honest—bagmaking is usually a blast. But every now and then, a skipped stitch, a sticky needle, or a forgotten tag can turn a fun project into a frustrating one. 😅
That’s why I’m so thankful I attended the Linds Handmade Sewing Retreat in April 2025. It was the perfect weekend of stitching, learning, laughing, and connecting with fellow fabric lovers. And yes—I came home with a fresh dose of inspiration and a bunch of clever tips that actually helped me fix a few real-time sewing slip-ups during the retreat.
(Yep, that’s me —smiling after I was able to fix a few mistakes and keep on sewing, all thanks to these handy tips! 🙌)
Whether you're navigating a tricky machine, testing edge paint, or just trying to keep your topstitching smooth, these are the hacks that helped me get back on track—and I hope they’ll help you too!
🎯 Faux Fix for Skipped Topstitches
You know the heartbreak of a perfect topstitch... except for that one skipped stitch. Here’s a quick fix: use a hand-sewing needle to come up through the hole your machine already made, loop your thread over the topstitch, then go back down through the same hole. Tie it off on the backside and singe the thread to seal. Looks like it never happened!
🛢️ Oil That Needle (Especially with Tape!)
Sewing through double-sided tape and your needle’s getting stuck? Dab a little oil on the needle. It helps glide right through without the drag. Slippery = stress-free stitching.
📐 Perfect Topstitching Corners, PIVOT Style
Topstitching around corners doesn’t have to be a pain! For smooth, sharp results, stop stitching with your needle down, and then just as it starts to rise, pivot your fabric, and hold your thread slightly tighter as you begin again. It helps keep your stitches clean and consistent—no weird jogs or wobbles. (And yes, I totally hear Ross from Friends yelling “PIVOT! PIVOT! PIVOT!" every single time. 😄)
🎀 Pull Your Threads to the Back for a Clean Finish
For a professional look, skip the backstitch and pull your top threads to the back of your project. Tie them off and snip for a clean, polished finish. Perfect for when you want your topstitching to really shine.
🎨 It’s All About That Base (Coat)
Want buttery-smooth edge paint? Don’t skip the base coat! It preps the edge so your color lays down evenly and beautifully. Truly the secret to that luxe, finished look.
📎 Staple-Smart Sewing
This one blew my mind: if you staple your seam close to the edge, you don’t have to remove the staples. Just trim your seam allowance, and the staples come off right along with it. Easy peasy!
🧵 Give Your Industrial Machine a Confident Start
If your industrial machine acts up on the first few stitches, try holding the top thread tighter than usual as you start. It helps the stitches lock cleanly and keeps those annoying nests at bay.
🏷️ Tag Placement, the Easy Way
Forgot your bag tag? Can’t decide where to place it? No problem. Topstitch it by itself, then glue it on once the bag is done using your adhesive of choice (like Leather Weld or Heat n Bond). Add a tiny stitch in each corner for extra hold. Done and done—no stress, no crooked tags.
Honestly, this retreat was sew worth it. I left with new friends, a bunch of fresh techniques, and the reminder that even when things don’t go perfectly, there’s almost always a way to fix it. 💕
If you ever get the chance to attend a sewing retreat—go for it! And if these tips help you out of a sewing jam, pass this blog along to your sewing bestie who could use a few clever tricks too!
Stay fabulous & keep on stitching,
—Katie