Sewing ShortCuts: Quick & Easy Sewing Cheat Sheets to Sew Easier, Faster, and Better

Sale price $19.00 Regular price $39.00

Struggling with your sewing machine? Tired of looking up how to do things every time you want to sew a project? Can't remember how to thread your machine? Not sure how to finish that seam? Feeling clueless about which fabric and color to use in the first place? The Sewing ShortCuts guide can help, with over 40 step-by-step diagrams and 50 sewing worksheets and planner pages! Each of these "cheat sheets" show you exactly what to do for easy, fast results every time.

  • All About Sewing
  • How to Use Your Sewing Machine (One-Page Overview)
  • How to Setup Your Sewing Machine
  • How to Prepare to Sew
  • Sewing Machine Types
  • How to Find Your Sewing Machine Manual
  • Important Pages in My Sewing Machine Manual
  • Know Your Sewing Machine Parts
  • Sewing Machine Labels (like the ones on my machine!)
  • Know Your Sewing Tools
  • Know Your Sewing Supplies
  • Know Your Cutting Tools
  • Know Your Measuring Tools
  • Know Your Threads
  • Thread Tips & Tricks
  • Know Your Needle Parts & Color Codes
  • Know Your Fabrics (Is it Woven, Knit, Felt, or Coated?)
  • Fabric Names
  • Parts of Fabric
  • Common Sewing Terms
  • How to Thread a Sewing Machine (Four Types)
  • How to Thread a Sewing Machine (Upper Thread)
  • How to Wind & Insert a Bobbin (Lower Thread)
  • Know Your Bobbin Shapes & Styles
  • Basic Machine Stitches
  • Basic Stretch Stitches
  • Common Presser Feet
  • Common Seams and Edges
  • Common Material Types
  • How to Convert Sizes From Inches to Yards to Meters
  • How to Convert Yards and Get Enough Fabric
  • How to Clip, Notch & Grade Seams, Corners, and Curves
  • How to Combine Fabric Colors
  • Sewing Order From Darts to Buttonholes
  • How to Troubleshoot Your Machine

These special sewing worksheets, organizers, and planner pages are also included:

  • My Measurements
  • My Color Palettes 
  • My Primary Sewing Machine 
  • My Secondary Sewing Machine 
  • Pre-Sew Checklist 
  • My Favorite Brands 
  • My Favorite Web Sites 
  • My Pattern Files 
  • My Favorite Settings 
  • My Inspirations 
  • My Sewing Goals 
  • My Project Queue 
  • My Project Ideas 
  • My Project Information 
  • My Support Records 
  • Where Is It? 
  • My Tools Inventory 
  • My Supplies Inventory 
  • My Notions Inventory 
  • My Fabric Inventory 
  • My Swatches 
  • My Material Notes 
  • My Shopping List 
  • My Wish List 
  • My Sewing Planner 
  • Monthly Planners 

This guide works for nearly any sewing machine!

Please note that this is an instant digital download (nothing will be shipped).

Here are some sample pages from the Sewing ShortCuts guide: 

All About Sewing

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Please note that this is an instant digital download (nothing will be shipped).

All of the products in this bookshop are digital downloads only.

Not sure how to download? Below are some common download instructions:

Important: Most mobile devices such as phones and iPads, do not allow for downloading through a link. The exception is for iOS devices running iOS version 11 and higher (so you may want to upgrade before downloading).

ZIP Files: Some of my products are sent using a compressed ZIP file.

Here's how to unzip a ZIP file:

On a desktop or laptop: Save the ZIP file to your computer, right-click and select, "Extract All" (Windows) or double-click (Mac). This will create a new file on your computer in which you can open. If you need to get the files onto your mobile device, add the file to iCloud or Dropbox, or simply email it to yourself. Alternatively, you can check your order email on your mobile device and re-download it from my store. If you have issues with downloading, make sure you have a strong Internet connection and/or try using a different browser.

On a mobile device (phone or tablet): If you have an iPhone or iPad, upgrade to iOS 11 or higher if possible. If you this is not an option, you may need to get a free app to unzip it BEFORE you attempt to download it. This will allow you to unzip the folder to access it. Another solution available on some mobile devices is to long hold the zipped file icon and then click, "Extract." On iOS 11 and higher, you can click "Preview Contents" to view the items inside the ZIP file and then save them individually to your device.

All files are sent using PDF format. Virtually all computers these days have pre-installed Adobe Reader software on them. If your particular desktop, laptop, or mobile device does not have a PDF reader of some sort on it, you'll need one to view the items. Adobe Reader is the most common one and it's free. You can download it here.

Can't find your file? Most downloaded files automatically go to the Downloads folder on both Mac and PC. On the Mac, click on the Finder icon in your dock and click on Downloads to see what you've downloaded recently. On the PC, look under My Computer or search the title of the file on your computer for where it could be hiding.

Note: Some web browsers will load the PDF directly into the browser. You can make a copy of this PDF and save it somewhere that makes sense on your computer by clicking File > Save.

Printing Note: If you attempt to print my PDFs from an iPad, you may encounter an iPad bug that prints the pages without the images. If this happens, you need to print from another location (laptop or desktop computer) or email the PDF to a local office supply store (Staples, OfficeMax, Office Depot) for printing. This is a known iPad bug without a good workaround. I mention it now to save you from wasting ink and paper.

If you need more help, please contact hello@jennifermaker.com

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Filter Reviews:
ML
07/01/2024
Melissa L.
Canada Canada

Brilliant!

I hadn't sewn since high school, so I had forgotten just about everything plus, sewing machines are far different than they were back then, so having this resource to help me was outstanding. Thank you so much!

A JenniferMaker Customer
G
06/11/2024
Gina SVG verified by SHOP
United States United States

Sewing is one of my greatest hobby interests, and this is stuffed with information. Great for beginners and more advanced sewists alike!

PH
01/05/2024
PAMELA H.
United States United States

Perfect beginner book for my granddaughter.

It was easy to print and put in a binder. She was so excited about the project planning. She is 11 and has only done small projects. I can’t wait to help her learn how to create designs for herself!

KD
01/05/2024
Kayla D.
United States United States

Excellent Book

Very happy i got the book, has helped out alot

AR
01/04/2024
Anna R.
United States United States

Seriously needed these!

Thank you so much for putting these together! I hadn’t sewn for about 20 years, other than simple mending projects. Some of these tips and tricks are things I had forgotten and these cheat sheets are a great reminder and huge help to get back into using my machine!