22 Critical Sewing Safety Tips for Beginners

Sewing should be a calming experience, but you can only do it be a calm one, as far as you follow a few simple sewing safety tips. It is not a new information that the average seamstress is handling quite dangerous utensils, which include sharp cutters, electric cables, pointed pins and needles, and hot irons. Taking this into consideration, we are here to show you how to make sure you keep your sewing experience as calm and safe as you can.

How to keep calm with sewing safety

The sewing process includes cut, sew and finish. To keep your sewing room safe, you should follow some essential safety tips.

Step one: Cutting

It is a good idea to start with the rotary cutter. It is one of the most dangerous sewing utilities that you may have. It is sharp, swift and it can easily get out of control if you don’t follow some of the most important safety tips.

1. Follow the basic recommendations that come with the cutter and carefully read how to handle it.
2. When you are not using the cutter, keep the rotary shield closed because the rotary cutter blade is very sharp.
3. When you need to replace the blade, make sure you carefully follow the given instructions. Make sure you efficiently dispose of the old blade, once you change it. If the new blade comes in a plastic sheath, use it to dispose of the old blade. If the new one doesn’t come with the plastic sheath, wrap the old blade in some duct tape or strong tape to seal it off. Put it in a packet or bag to safely dispose of Even if it is old, you should take care because it is still sharp.
4. When you cut, always do it away from your body and never roll back and forth with the blade on the fabric. You need to make sure you cut directly and cleanly. Instead of make cross over cuts, you should rather use your cutting ruler and cut on one side. In case you are right handed, cut on the right side. If you are left handed, you should secure the ruler with your right hand and cut along the left side. Make sure you keep your fingers away from the ruler’s edge.
5. For the cutting process, you should use the correct rotary cutting mat and ruler. The rotary cutting mat is meant to protect your table, while also keeping your fabric secure. In case you use very slippery fabric, you should also use fabric grips to secure the fabric to the cutting board as you cut.
6. When you use the rotary cutter, keep it in a standing position. If you can’t stand and cut, then you are recommended to look for alternative cutting options that allow you to safely cut while you sit.
7. Only use the rotary cutter for sewing and for cutting fabric, nothing else. Keep it in a safe place and guard it. Never use it as a quick option for other tasks.
8. Scissors can also be dangerous weapons, so keep them in a safe place.
9. Also, pay attention to seam reapers. They can also be dangerous items because they are pointed and sharp.

Step two: Sewing

This step refers to the actual process of sewing up the item you want to make. This process includes the sewing machine, pins, and needles, as well as other sharp instruments, using the hot iron, and watching your posture while you sew.

10. Your sewing machine is a powerful tool and you need to take care of it, as it is really helpful in your job.
11. Your sewing machine is an electrical power tool, so it contains electric wires. Make sure you don’t drag them across the floor, to avoid them from being tripped on or played with by toddlers or pets.
12. Avoid plugging in too many cords and outlets into the same power source.
13. After you finish using your sewing machine, pack it away carefully.
14. Sewing machines use needles. The needle used in the machine is sharp, so it can be quite dangerous. When you need to change a needle, you are recommended to switch off the sewing machine.
15. Most sewing machines have a speed selection, so you should try slow and steady if you are working on a more difficult project.
16. Pins are also dangerous, so you should be careful when using them. Avoid putting pins in your mouth, as you could swallow them. One of the most safety devices that you could use is the old pincushion. If you need to move around a lot in your sewing room, you could use a wrist hugging pin cushion.
17. Although you may not consider it as part of your safety, you should know that your sewing posture is also part of your safety. Spending a lot of time sitting in front of your machine could harm your body, so you should make sure you are sitting correctly.
18. Avoid sewing when you are exhausted, when you don’t feel well or if you’ve had too many celebratory drinks.

Step three: Trim and Finish

You came to the point when you need to trim your garment. This step also requires most of the safety features mentioned in the previous steps.

19. The iron is dangerous for the garment, as well as for the seamstress. When you use the iron, you should be truly careful and cautious.
20. If you own pets, you should make sure they don’t go into your sewing room. Pets are known to raise pins from the carpet and floor, and this could lead to serious problems that take you to the vet immediately. So make sure your pets stay safe, by not allowing them into your working space.
21. If you have a long hair, make sure you tie it up before you start working on your sewing project.
22. Use a thimble when you work with hand sewn trims to protect the tips of your fingers. Although metal thimbles may be uncomfortable, there are also other options, such as leather ones.

Conclusion

Remember that sewing safety is essential. Keeping safety in mind helps you enjoy a truly calm and pleasant sewing experience.