Episode 491: Know Your Sewing Machine Better

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Unless you only do handwork, your sewing machine is your most used (and probably most expensive) item in your sewing room. But are you really using it to its full potential? Doris, the editor of Quilt Sampler magazine, shares some tips for learning more about your machine, as well as some fun and surprising things we've learned our machines do after digging in more. We hope some of what we talk about inspires you to learn more about the capabilities of your machine – whether it's just reading the manual to see the correct settings or how to care and clean your machine, to having fun playing around with all the different features your machine has to offer! You might just be surprised at what it can do.

Doris highlights how three quilt shops (two in tourist towns) are coming up with creative ways to connect with their customers during the pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions. To see more from the quilt shops and to support them, visit:

• Changing Tides in Juneau, Alaska
• Village Quilting in Rock Hall, Maryland
• Quilts n Gifts­ in Bluffton, Indiana 

Buy the newest issue of Quilt Sampler magazine here.

Lindsay shares YOUR best sewing advice to common quilting struggles. Tips include gifting advice, storage solutions, and cutting and sewing hacks.

We always love hearing everyone tips, so if you have one to share, email us at apqtips@meredith.com.

Joanna, the editor of Quilts & More magazine, talks about tips for trimming blocks and units to size. Many quilters like to make their units like triangle-squares and Flying Geese larger, then cut them down to size in an effort to be as accurate and precise as possible.

We bet some of our listeners have their sewing machine accessories shoved in a drawer or even left them in the sewing machine box in the closet. But if you own more than one machine or want to make the most of your accessories, it's important to have them organized. Elizabeth, the art director for American Patchwork & Quilting, shares ideas for organizing your cords and accessories, no matter how many machines you have.