Photo: TextureWorld (Shutterstock)
Your sewing machine has grease and oil inside of it, which helps it function, but which can also transfer to new projects if the machine has been sitting for a while. Before starting a new project, throw a few stitches into a paper towel to catch any grease that would otherwise have transferred to your fabric. (Bonus: You can do the same thing with a can opener! Just pretend the paper towel is a can lid, clamp it down, and degrease.)
