In the world of sewing and DIY cosplay, little tricks can make a huge difference. 

I decided to combine the creative minds at First Stop Cosplay® and their decades of knowledge to build an awesome list of clever hacks that are sure to level up your “me-made” game! After surveying our in-office experts, I did some extra research and gathered a few more fun sewing tips for beginners from online sources (who I’ll shout out along the way). 

These practical, game-changing sewing hacks range from simple solutions that might surprise you, to odd objects you’d never expect to see near a sewing machine. They can help with anything from hand sewing projects to sewing room organization — so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

Use the code CLEVER15 at checkout for 15% off our FSCO Starter Tool Set and the FSCO Travel Starter Tool Set! 

Fabric & Wig Care Tips

• Hair dryer for wig bumps: Got a wig that arrived with an annoying crease or unflattering bump? Use a hair dryer on a low heat setting to smooth it out. Just hover over the spot for a few seconds (from the outside of the wig) and gently press the fibers into place. Source: Sarah, Social Media Coordinator. 
  
• Vodka for odors: Costumers swear by this trick! Grab the cheapest vodka you can find, pour it into a spray bottle, and lightly mist your cosplay. The vodka evaporates, taking bad odors with it. Just make sure to do a spot test first, especially if your cosplay is made of a delicate fabric. Source: Amanda, President & Founder.
  

Hassle-Proof Solutions

• Spray starch for curling fabric: Keep jersey fabric from curling by spraying starch along the edges. Lay the fabric curling face down against a surface, then spray generously along the edge before using a pressing cloth to iron it down. The starch will wash out later, but it’ll keep things manageable while you sew. Source: Evelyn Woods.
  
• Chopsticks for turning out corners: Use them to gently push out fabric when a sewing project requires turning corners right side out. The tapered end of a chopstick helps achieve crisp, well-defined corners without poking through the fabric — providing control without risking damage. Source: First Stop Cosplay sewing pattern instructions. 
  
• Rolled-up bath or hand towel for ironing curves: If you’re working with curved seams, such as a princess seam, sleeves, or pant legs, a rolled-up towel can act as a budget-friendly alternative to a sleeve ironing board or pressing ham! Source: Amanda, President & Founder.
  
• Old garment bags for repurposing zippers: Need an extra-long zipper but don’t want to splurge? Instead of buying a new one, salvage zippers from old garment bags or even sturdy duffel bags! Source: Timothy Totten.
  
• Fray check for buttonholes: Use a thin layer of fray check to seal the fibers on a sewn buttonhole. This helps prevent fraying, keeping your buttonholes intact even with frequent use. Source: Ashley, Patternmaker. 
  
• Arm's length for quick measuring: Need to estimate a yard in a pinch? When you stretch your arm straight out to the side, the distance from the tip of your nose to the tip of your fingers is roughly one yard (for most people). It’s a handy trick for quick fabric measurements when you don’t have a ruler nearby! Source: Amanda, President & Founder.
  

Workstation Hacks

• Rubber jar opener for foot pedal stability: If your sewing machine’s foot pedal keeps sliding around, place a rubber jar opener underneath it to keep it in place. Source: Elaine, Project Manager.
  
• Measuring tape for your sewing table: Tape a spare measuring tape down at your workstation or the edge of your sewing machine as a quick reference. Source: Timothy Totten.
  
• LEGO brick as a seam guide: Stick a LEGO brick onto your machine’s needle plate with tacky putty for a perfectly quirky seam guide. Source: Dorothy’s Daughter.
  
• Lint roller for picking up loose threads: Keep your sewing area tidy by rolling up stray threads – so they don’t take over your workspace! Source: Timothy Totten. 
  
• Extra-long tweezers for small spaces: Use these to pull out tiny threads after seam ripping, as well as to remove loose threads from tight spaces, and thread your machine — particularly when working with a serger. Source: Ashley, Patternmaker. 
  
• Grabber for fallen items: Save your back by using a grabber tool to pick up items that roll or fly away while sewing (like spools of thread or fabric scraps). It’s especially handy for those with mobility concerns. Source: Dorothy’s Daughter. 
  
• Telescoping magnet or magnetic wand for dropped pins: Picking up fallen pins and needles is effortless with a telescoping magnet. No more crawling on the floor looking for sharp surprises! Source: Dorothy’s Daughter.
  • If you want to grab more pins at once, a magnet wand is another great option. While it doesn’t telescope, its larger magnetized surface area makes sweeping up scattered pins even easier. Source: Amanda, President & Founder.
    

Storage & Sewing Organization

• Magnetic dish for pins: Never lose a pin again! A magnetic dish keeps them all in one place, so you can toss them on without having to pause to stick them into a pin cushion. If pins end up on the floor or your table, simply hover the dish over the pins to sweep them up easy-peasy! Source: Ashley, Patternmaker. 
  
• Suction cup soap holder as a sewing organizer: Keep all your small tool essentials — thread clippers, seam rippers, pencils, and more — within reach by attaching a suction cup soap holder to your sewing machine. Source: Elaine, Project Manager.
  
• Large zip-lock bag for WIP projects: Keep your paper pattern pieces and notions together in one place so you don’t lose anything — especially the small stuff. Bonus tip: Our physical patterns come in sturdy, transparent bags that double as storage for smaller projects! Source: Amanda, President & Founder.
  
• Toe separators for bobbin storage: They aren’t just for pedicures! Prevent bobbins from unraveling and tangling by slotting them into the gaps of a toe separator for a fun, no-fuss storage solution. Source: see kate sew.
  
• Golf tee for thread storage: Store a bobbin with its matching thread spool by stacking them on a golf tee. While there are specialized tools for this, an unused golf tee works just as well and helps repurpose something you might already have on hand. Source: see kate sew.
  
• Safety pin for storing zippers: Organize zippers and keep them bundled together by piercing an extra-large safety pin through the zipper tape. Source: Amanda, President & Founder
  

• Toolboxes and tackle boxes for storage: Sewing organizers exist, but toolboxes and tackle boxes are often cheaper and just as effective for keeping small to medium-sized supplies neatly stored, so you stay on top of your sewing room organization game. Source: Amanda, President & Founder 
  
• Cardboard for DIY fabric bolts: Cut up clean cardboard boxes to create makeshift fabric bolts — perfect for neatly rolling and storing fabric. Source: Amanda, President & Founder
  

Stay Sharp!

• Strawberry emery for sharpening pins: Ever wondered what the little strawberry attached to a classic tomato pin cushion is for? It’s filled with grit that sharpens pins as you poke them through! Source: Unveiling our Favorite Essential “Sewing 101” Tools for DIY Cosplay Creation from the FSCO® Blog!
  
• Aluminum foil for sharpening blades: Run your rotary cutter or seam ripper blade a few times through a thick wad of aluminum foil to keep it sharp. It’s a quick and effective way to extend the life of your blades. Source: Dorothy’s Daughter.
  
• Bar of soap for preserving pins: Storing pins in a bar of soap keeps them sharp, prevents rust, and helps them glide through fabric more smoothly, which makes a big difference when working with heavy fabrics. Source: see kate sew.
  

Hand Sewing Tips

• Purple glue sticks for temporary hold: A non-toxic kids’ glue works surprisingly well for temporarily securing hooks, eyes, or buttons before sewing — plus, it washes out easily. Source: This Reddit thread.
  
• Mark your thumb for even stitches: Determine your desired stitch width, then mark it on your thumb with a pen. Use these small lines as a guide for consistent, perfectly spaced hand-sewing stitches. Source: Evelyn Woods.
  
• Beeswax for tangle-free thread: Run thread through beeswax to prevent tangles and knots. The first few stitches might feel a bit stiff, but it’ll be smooth sewing after that. Trust us, you’ll notice the difference. Just be sure to use this trick for hand sewing only, not machine sewing! Source: Ashley, Patternmaker.
  

Ready, Set, Sew! 

These surprising hacks and beginner sewing tips are sure to make your creative process easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re organizing your sewing space, sharpening pins, or preventing thread tangles, these tips will take your skills to the next level. 

Use the code CLEVER15 at checkout for 15% off our FSCO Starter Tool Set and the FSCO Travel Starter Tool Set! 

Have you tried any of these hacks before? Know another pro tip and want to spread the word? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! 

Connect with us on social media or on our public Discord server, where sewing and cosplay enthusiasts unite to bond, talk shop, share works in progress, and so much more! If you’re keen to keep learning, be sure to check out the FSCO Blog and our YouTube channel for more free educational and entertaining content. 

Looking for your next sewing project? Interested in sewing and cosplay but not sure where to start? Your days of wondering where to buy sewing patterns are over! Explore our shop, join our newsletter, and discover why we boast the best patterns for beginner sewers. There are sew many ways to develop your skills with First Stop Cosplay’s help. 

Happy sewing!

Written by Karina M. 

Published: 03/25/25