Sewing Tips

• A number of stores, especially where travel supplies are located, sell pre-threaded needles. These are sometime available in a variety pack with multiple colors or may be sold in a package with white and black thread only.
• For tips on threading a needle, also see Is there an easy way to thread a needle?
• Threading a needle may also be difficult due to a disability other than vision, such as arthritis. Another suggestion might be to ask a friend or family member to pre-thread several needles for you and keep them in your pincushion or sewing box until needed.
• A business envelope can hold several threaded needles. You might think of using one for white and one for black.
• A magnetic pincushion can make it easier to collect your pins and needles in one place and keep them accessible.

Sewing on a button — a technique:

• First locate where the button is to be replaced. You may find remnants of old thread. You can also close the garment, and using the buttonhole, mark the button's location with a piece of tape.
• Place the button over the tape or thread remnants, and sew through the holes Continue to sew through each hole until secure.
• Fasten your thread with a knot to the underside.
• If tape was used, it can be removed at this time.
• If sewing a 4-hole button, sew through 2 holes and then knot the thread before sewing through the next 2 holes, this will help to firmly secure the button onto the garment.

Sewing a hem — some suggestions:

• Use a metal seam guide on the sewing machine and place it as far from the needle as the depth of the hem desired.
• Create a pinwall along the hem and follow the wall for hand stitching.
• Tape the hem in place with a piece of masking tape. Using small, close stitches on the machine or by hand, sew directly through the tape. When finished the tape can be torn away leaving the stitches in place.
• Try using one of the new NO-Sew sewing glues, or tapes. Some of these glues may require a hot iron to set the glue, so ask for help when choosing the right product for you.

Other Sewing Hints:

• Keep a magnet in your sewing box or by the sewing machine to help with locating dropped pins or needles.
• Mark the dials and seam guide on your sewing machine with raised dots or contrasting dots, using foam pads, glue or Wite-Out, etc. Only mark frequently used settings to eliminate visual clutter.
• Use a pincushion to hold your pins and needles. These come in a variety of styles, colors and shapes so explore before choosing one.
• Try using an old fashioned chatelaine. This item is a heavyweight cord or chain worn around the neck. On one side hang a pair of scissors. The other side can hold a pincushion, needle case or magnifier. This is a useful item, that a friend might want to give you as a gift. It can make a big difference in helping you keep track of your scissors and hand magnifier!
• Use good lighting. Lamps with a flexible neck help provide ideal task lighting. Try using full spectrum light bulbs to help with true color identification.
• Talk with your eye doctor about low vision devices that might help you see patterns, directions, or handiwork while keeping your hands free. Examples to consider include: stand magnifiers, or hand magnifiers worn around your neck. Some people use a Closed Circuit Television Set (CCTV) when working on crafts.
• A variety of tape measures and rulers are commercially available with large print numbers and markings. Some are also available with tactual markings. You can easily add tactual markings to a fabric tape measure by placing staples at every inch.

Adapted Sewing Machines

If you've used a sewing machine in the past, you might find a few adaptations, or tactile markings will help you to continue doing this independently.

Good lighting is very important. Lamps with a flexible neck help provide ideal task lighting. Try using full spectrum light bulbs to help with true color identification.

Read more sewing tips here.

For sewing products, see our crafts section or our catalog listings in Products for Independing Living.

Useful websites about needle crafts and low vision:

• Horizons for the Blind: "How to.." books in large print, braille and audio cassettes
• Knitting pages by [link opens in new window]Shell: links to patterns in braille and on cassettes
• [link opens in new window]Clotilde: Adaptive equipment: