Facings, Hems, and Darts

I get sewing tips in my email from Singer and this was one of those tips. Hope it helps with your next sewing project!

Facings
Sew interfacing to the facing with RIGHT sides together in a 1/4" seam. Then trim the seam to 1/8" wide, and then turn right side out. Next, press the facing flat before sewing to garment. If you used fusible interfacing, the pressing will also fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the facing fabric.

Hems
When pressing narrow hems, begin by spreading a sheer pressing cloth on your ironing board. Lay the edge you want to press over the pressing cloth, leaving 4" or more of the cloth showing. Align a piece of card stock (a file folder works perfectly) along the fold line. Fold the pressing cloth over the card stock edge and press the edge. The pressing cloth holds the tiny hem in place, allowing you to iron it without burning your fingers.

Darts
When you're 3/8" from the point when stitching a dart, shorten the stitch length and stitch off the point. Lift up the presser foot, reposition the needle inside the dart tip, and stitch for 1/2". This way you secure the dart point without bulk or handiwork.