These are some of the best sewing tips of all time. No matter what your skill level is, you’re sure to pick up some great ideas that will save you time, money, and aggravation.

 The best way to press while you sew is to press with the grain line of the fabric. This means pressing hems up and down instead of back and forth. It takes less effort and prevents distortion of the fabric.
 Cut and sew accurately. If your measurements are as little as ¼ inch off, the finished piece may not look right.
 If you want to look taller in height and thinner in the hips, make your skirt hems ¼ inch longer in the back than the front.
 Eliminate the “high water” look of your pants by making them ¼ inch longer in the back than the front.
 Always use shoulder pads, especially if over 40 years old, to help balance your hips and bust.
 Make your hips more slender looking by moving the pockets of jackets and coats ½ to 1 inch towards the back past the normal pocket position shown on the pattern.
 If you have a bit of a tummy, disguise it with low cut waistbands; never tuck tops in; and tie blouses in a knot at the front of your waist. Pleats should always be angled rather than straight, and not sewn down.
 To update the look of your wardrobe, peg your straight skirt hems by tapering them 1 inch on each side. Taper your pant hems by ½ to 1 inch.