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Handy Sewing Tools Not Found In The Notions Aisle

2/1/2020

9 Comments

 
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Hello Sewing Friends! I recently had the chance to be a guest on the Brother sponsored Facebook show hosted by Angela Wolf. My friend Emily Thompson was there too. For an hour we had a great time chatting about all things sewing related, visiting with everyone who popped into the show, sharing ideas, and having a few laughs.
 
There's a link to this show at the end of this post but one of the topics bantered about was that of favorite sewing tools. My first thoughts were the big tools, our modern machines that make almost anything possible. But then I swung to the opposite extreme and my thoughts went to semingly insignificant tools found outside the notion’s aisle. None of these are earth shatteringly new, but they may be new to you, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.
One of my "go to" tools has been in my sewing space for a few decades. I use this pair of small, smooth (non-serrated) needle nose pliers as a griping tool.
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I think my Snap-On brand E 708 model might be a collectable now but I'm sure you can find something similar from a good tool supplier. Here's what I use them for most often:
  • The pliers save my fingertips. The small, smooth tips allow me to grab threads tails when ripping stitches.
  • They're wonderful for removing bar-tacks and other stubborn stitches while prepping for alterations.
  • Perfect for pushing or pulling hand sewing needles through stubborn fabrics. Sometimes I'll put a piece of cloth between the pliers if I need to pull on something rough and I don't want to damage the smooth surface of the pliers.
  • They're ideal for pulling up basting stitches sewn for gathering.
Truly, any time you need to get a grip on the tiniest of things, these come in handy. This tool takes top place top on my list, within arm's reach whenever I am sewing anything, cos we all know you rip what you sew!

P.S. If you need help in your search, ​I saw a pair of jewelry pliers that look very similar. Here is the link: 5-inch chain nose pliers.
Eyebrow trim and shape razors work as an alternative to a seam ripper on some occasions. 
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Simply spread apart your seam and gently nip the stitches with the serrated blade. This technique is especially helpful for ripping seams sewn with a super short stitch length.
I love this little lambswool duster for dusting off the outer casing of my sewing machine and serger. 
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I use bristle brushes made for sewing machines for cleaning out the real nitty gritty lint, but this is great for a quick polish of the outside casing. Keep in mind, the less dust there is on the outside of the machine the less will migrate to somewhere inside, like tension mechanisms. The soft nature of the wool means you won't have to worry about scratches. Again, I've had this little gem for years. I think I picked it up on a trip to Amish country but similar ones are easy to find on Amazon. From time to time I wash mine with baby shampoo to freshen it up.
My handy dandy lint roller gets used every day. I clean my rotary mat with this, use it to pick up stray threads from ripped stitches, clean up embroidery designs after final trimming, etc., etc., etc. I also like to use it on the wrong side of fabric pieces before inserting lining, so no dark or unsightly thread shows through when I'm finished. If I'm sewing something fuzzy it is essential as a clean up tool for whatever I'm wearing too!
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I keep this on a clip so I can hang it on my closet rack and always know where it is at.
The last item for today is tape. Specifically, low tack painter's tape which I use for a dozen things, including marking the wrong side of fabric to avoid confusion, and then my ever-present roll of 3M™ Transpore™ medical tape for in-the-hoop embroidery projects. 
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The medical tape tears easily and works well to hold fabric, zippers, and such temporarily while stitching. In most cases it is sticky enough to stay in place but removes easily. Speaking of removing, never let tape stay in one place for very long or the glue may transfer to your fabric and leave a permanent residue.
Next to sewing and craft stores, I love to browse hardware stores and office supply establishments. We all know that a tool by any other name is still a tool! Whatever it's named and wherever it came from is of no consequence. As long as it works it can go right into the notions drawer along with our other sewing must haves.

I'm sure many of you have some genius ideas for using unconventional tools as useful items in your own sewing space. Please share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd all love to learn your best kept, unconventional sewing tool secrets! If you like, you can CLICK HERE and send me a photo of your favorites. I'll do my best to update the post with your tips and your photos too.
Below, you'll find the video with all the sewing chit chat and more tips for making the most of your machines. Enjoy!
9 Comments
Helen Dobby
4/4/2021 03:48:14

I started sewing because as a short person I found it difficult to purchase dresses to fit. Blouses and Skirts were fine, but once I discovered back length alterations, the world of dress fitting became my piece of cake. Then, being a left hander, I struggled to make a hand needle go the correct way for me, compared with the illustrations put up in my "Domestic Arts" classes. I enjoyed the sewing process so much I eventually became a sewing teacher and seldom wore a purchased garment. Quilting has now taken over my life and I am happily still sewing.

Reply
Arnelle Burroughs
4/4/2021 09:23:54

My Mother stated my sewing at an early age with her old treadle machine. She made beautiful quilts and had all kinds of fun squares she had cut out all over the upstairs room. I remember friends coming over and wanting to play with them. She stared my sewing with making my doll clothes on her machine. She had to add wood on the bottom of her machine so I could use it. I was so was small.
She gave me the love of seeing something I had made and it stays with me at my age. No better feeling then seeing something you have made with your own hands! Always will remember the start of my love of sewing!

Reply
Janice O'Malley
4/4/2021 09:25:54

I started sewing when I was in 5th or 6th grade. My Mom and grandmother, who lived with us, both sewed. But one day I wanted to make a skirt and back in the late 1950s very full skirts were "in." I rummaged in Mom's closet, chose a full skirt, and cut it up using the fabric to make myself a skirt. I truly didn't think I had done anything wrong. As the oldest of 5 I was lucky that my parents were very patient people. That's when Mom realized how serious I was about wanting to sew so she brought me to the local sewing store and bought me yardage and I started making skirts and vests. When I was a senior in high school in 1965 I entered a sewing contest (Make It Yourself With Wool), won in my town, and came in third in Massachusetts. The state contest was held on Cape Cod. I had made a lined wool skirt, pants, vest, jacket and hat! In 1967-1968 I made my wedding gown! It took 9 months with all the hand-beading. I was very pleased with the results. Then I was making my former husband his suits - Nehru was the style! In 1983 I married my husband Jim and decided to surprise him with PJs. Well, not thinking, I used Velcro for the pants opening. No, no, no! Very quickly my seam ripper came out and buttons/buttonholes went in. In the 1990s I was able to buy my first sewing/embroidery machine and then in June 2020 I replaced it with a Brother SE1900 and I LOVE my new machine that threads needles and cuts the threads. It's amazing and my dream machine. Wow! I learn so much from you, Joanne, and can't thank you enough. :)

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Kathy Lehman
4/4/2021 10:05:22

I started sewing because I came from a family with 8 kids (4 girls)(4 boys) and 1 pay check. So whenever I wanted to join any kind of club in junior high or high school with outfits (uniforms) we couldn't afford them so my Mom and would sew. Funny out of 8 kids I'm the only onne who sews.

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Sandra CUNNINGHAM
4/4/2021 11:04:21

My late mama was my inspiration for sewing. I envied the top-of-the-line machine (with cams for embroidery) from Singer while I worked on the antique black Singer that went forward and back. period. That heavy baby went with me to my first home with a new husband and I made lots of home dec and clothes. I thought I'd upgrade to a new machine, but after years of pounding the table more than sewing I bought a GOOD machine that cost a dear price and WHAT A DIFFERENCE THAT MADE! It was only utility stitches because I thought those other stitches never worked and so I was limited, but happily sewing.
Then I added a serger and it was an explosion of new work with knits that no longer frustrated me. WoW!
After decades I was able to afford my DREAM machine--a Brother sewing and embroidery machine NV4500. It was a couple steps up from the one I thought I could afford because it's used. No longer held back by 4x4 frames on a PE150 I again expanded my sewing skills. And ALL THOSE STITCHES WORKED!!!
You'd think by my late 60s I'd be done, but I gifted myself a coverhem machine and expect it to make even more difference! I never stop learning. You shouldn't either.

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Karen Robbins
4/4/2021 12:12:42

I started sewing about age 9. My mom was an avid sewer and I got her 'bug'. She bought me my first Singer sewing machine for $10. I started making barbie clothes so I have them to play with. Throughout the years I have made dance costumes, coats, wedding dresses, prom dresses, underwear, bathing suits and curtains. Even though my Mom passed away when she was 42, I still talk to her in my sewing room and ask her advice. It is amazing what solutions pop into my head when I am communicating with her!!

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JD Cogar
4/4/2021 23:54:48

I started sewing in "Home Ec" in my junior high years. My mom was a beautiful seamstress so she was very helpful in getting me started. The thing I was most proud of doing was what my high school teacher called a "hand picked" zipper insertion in a wool jumper. I loved that jumper and the zipper worked just like it was supposed to when it was finished. I sewed most of my clothes when I was in high school. I made all my daughter's clothes when she was born and up into when she was in junior high and started to make her own wardrobe. I sew very little for myself now but have a very nice sewing and embroidery machine, a serger and a ScanNCut that I enjoy using these days. I like making quilt tops but don't seem to enjoy quilting them although I have completed several queen size quilts and one king size. But I have several tops that need to be quilted. I still love sitting at my sewing machine and piecing. This summer I would like to start making some garments again just to see if I still enjoy that part of creating too.

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Susan Cornell
4/5/2021 08:12:28

I took a sewing class in high school. Didn't learn a thing. One summer my mom set me down with a sewing machine and all the supplies to make a skirt. Learned more on my own than I ever did in class. From that day on I was hooked on sewing.

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CARLA link
4/5/2021 12:27:13

I will never forget my first sewing project and I can't remember my age probably around 12 or 13 (this is because I am old) but it was to get a badge in Girl Scouts. I decided on a short sleeve shirt as it was summer time. I didn't do very well but still earned my badge. Then I bought a WHITE sewing machine in 1973 or 1974, it wouldn't work well so I took it back and then bought a SINGER Touch & Sew II with the cams that were difficult for me to work. I made pj's for my son with a flat felled seam and they were perfect. Then I started to make my clothes because I was long waisted and I had such a small waist & hips and the top was large...ha ha. Then I bought a PFAFF1471 and it was computerized (not a lot) but I could program items in it and I sewed my aunt's name on all her clothes because I had put her in assisted living & then a nursing home. Before that I took 3 pairs of drapes and sewed them together to fit this enormous picture window. That was in '80 and they are still up there but now I am working on white ones to replace them-have to sew them together. I bought a PFAFF serger 5 thread in 1990 but never had time to learn how to use it and it is still with me unused. Bad for me but no one knows how to work the old machine (that's what they tell me) & wants to sell me NEW. Then after I retired and had time to do other things besides work, I went to the sewing center and saw a discontinued BROTHER LAURA ASHLEY SEWING & EMBROIDERY machine (new in the box with no updates) and that is where I am now with working on that machine to do lots of embroidery items for everyone. My son gave me an old beautiful SINGER treadle machine with cabinet about 5 years ago to join all my machines, yes I still have all of them. It has been an adventure of over 60 years and I can say that I know more than when I first started as a 13 year old at the VIRGINIA POWER BUILDING in VA Beach VA & they did cooking classes also to earn another badge. Love your emails, videos & blogs....learn so much from you and meeting you in person in 2015 was the best. Sorry so long on this but didn't want to forget anything in my adventures in sewing.

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