If the fabric is slippery, pin it to a sheet of tissue before cutting out the pattern.
Use sharp scissors to limit fabric movement when cutting.
To eliminate slippage while sewing, use a flat-bottom presser foot and increase the presser-foot pressure.
Pin lightweight silks within the seam allowances. Be sure pins are sharp and free from burrs.
Make sure your sewing machine is free of lint and oil.
Sew with polyester thread.
For lightweight silks use a new, sharp 65/9 needle; for medium- and heavyweight fabrics, use an 80/12 needle.
On lightweight fabrics, use a straight-stitch throatplate so the fabric isn't pulled into the hole.
If your machine only has a zigzag plate, cover a portion of the hole with clear tape.
To avoid puckered seams and/or slippage, place tissue paper on the seamline on top and under the fabric before stitching.
Mark lightweight silks with tailor's tacks or dressmaker's chalk.
Finish seams with serging or use French seams to prevent raveling. Consider adding an extra 1/4" to seam allowances when cutting fabrics that ravel easily like doupioni, noil and tussah.
