I have just finished inserting gathered sleeves into a dress, using a "belt and braces" approach: lining up the seams and notches with pins before hand-basting all the way round, and finally machine stitching. Time consuming, yes, but the results are spot on 😊 and that's what counts!
"belt and braces" is always a good approach, I will always baste material that does not want to behave, something that is guaranteed to creep if not properly held. The first ever sleeves I did looked like a crab had sewn them in, but then I learnt to 'pin, baste, stitch' the end result as you say is what counts.
Thank you for this comment, I am about to make an 1890s Eton jacket and doing sleeves for the first time which will have gathers, I'll remember to do it this way!
I always keep school glue sticks on hand. I prefer the purple sticks that turn clear when dry. It's great when I'm working on tricky things that are hard to pin. I put a bit of glue on and line up the fabric, or turn the tiny hem, etc. Then I press with a dry iron to set the glue. Then sew. It will wash out when the item is finished. I sew tiny, tiny gowns for an organization that makes layettes for stillborn babies. It is extremely tricky to pin the tiny bits of lace, trim, ribbons, etc. That need to be in place before sewing the lining fabric to the outer fabric. Couldn't do it without glue sticks.
I have to admit, I didn't even think to add glue to the list 😄 I've never tried it and an very sceptical myself! I works mostly be worried it would mark, stain or damage the fabric. But it sounds like you have success with it! Perhaps it is something I could try and 'myth bust' 😀
@@Evelyn__Wood I use clear washable school glue in a bottle with a thin applicator. That way I can put tiny dots where pins would go, iron in place, and sew. The glue washes out but even in a worst case scenario that it didn't it's all hidden in the seam anyway. I wouldn't want to use it on silk or something like that but for regular fabrics like cotton it works fine.
When I started, I used ALL the pins. Now, I don't need them on straight seams. Ruffles and pleats, yes. Sleeves, yes. When I need to jab myself -- absolutely!
Re pattern weights - you can make your own and use up a fair amount of fabric scraps. There are plenty of videos about how to do this, and you can use rice to fill them. My favourite is a pyramid with a small ribbon loop sewn into one seam, which makes them easy to pick up, and you can use the loops to string them together on another ribbon for storage. Since I trace out commercial patterns to grade from one size to another for better fit, I always use weights and chalk for cutting. Also - basting. During lockdown I learned how to make my own bras and basting is the absolute best for sewing tricky slippery delicate fabric bits accurately.
I make pattern weights from scrap glass. I fuse all my failed lampworking adventures into cabochons, the interesting ones get set into jewellery and the rest become pattern weights.
Hand basting is my preferred alternative. It's a great way to use up small amounts of thread leftover on spools and bobbins. For knit garments, I measure and press the hem and then use a lightweight fusible web tape. I find that it helps eliminate waviness in the fabric.
When I cut out my fabrics I use all the butter knives out of the silverware drawer. The heavy handles work perfectly for fabric weights. This is also what my mother used to do.
Wonder clips work very well for slippery or sequined fabrics. Clips to hold while basting slippery, or to hand sew sequins. Also spring clip clothespins are an alternative. Years ago they made 2-sided sticky washaway zipper tape. Put on the zipper, place the zip and slowly peel the other side protection add you place out. Sew zip; it did not budge at all while sewing. After first each It was all gone, leaving a perfectly sewn in zip. It was wonderful and zippers came out beautifully. I haven't seen it in a couple of decades doggone it. Don't baste right on your sewing line or fibers from basting thread will get caught, always in the most-visible spot! Even 1mm to the side is sufficient.
I have used metal hair clips, when I did not want to put pins in the fabric. They hold hems and binding in place without falling out (plus, they don't stick or cut me). I have also used common desk stapels, to hold many layers of fabric together. This is to keep the fabric from slipping while I cut with a rotate-cutter. I have never done this while cutting or sewing garments. I remove the stapels with a common butter knife. Never leave staples in fabric you are storing or washing. They will rust. I have used Elmer's white School Glue to hold layers of fabric together. I use small dots of this glue; and, I set it with a hot iron and pressing cloth. It is made of starch, and children do eat it. It does not hurt children, and it will not hurt fabric. It does wash out; because, it is made out of starch. However, I do not use glue when I am cutting and sewing garments. I do not use Stitch-Witch or any other Iron on quick fixes for hems or zippers. They make a mess and stain the fabric. Tape (masking tape) can be used to hold zippers, patches, and other items in place while sewing. However, if you tape it in wrong, you will sew it in wrong. I have repaired patterns with the blue masking tape. It will pull off without leaving any sticky mess. I never store my patterns or fabric with any tape on them. If you take the time to make a garment, it should be worth your time to do it right.
I use pins and hand basting mostly. Wash away adhesive tape or more permanent glue tapes are useful for turning up hems on knit fabrics, or aligning leather seams. Wonder clips can be useful when using a serger, the foot pushes the clips out of the way if you forget to remove them before they reach the blade. I do not like to use pins near the knife blade. They are also great when trying to sew together bulky seams on bags. I use a magnetic whiteboard to create a smooth surface under my rotary cutting mat, which allows me to use skittle magnetic pins to hold down the fabric and pattern. Pins can cause unnecessary bumps and as a left handed seamstress a rotary cutter is easier and cheaper to use than trying to find good quality left handed shears. (Nightmare of sewing at school 35 years ago where everything was right handed!) Flat magnetic badge holders will securely hold fabric together. I created ribbon sleeves for these magnets to make them easier to pull apart. When attaching elastic to a waistline I use pins as the initial markers, but then use the sewing machine to tack each quarter in place with a few stitches. This holds the elastic in place more securely than pins and is quicker than hand basting. It also stops me pricking my fingers as I stretch the elastic to fit the fabric.
I have used or tried to use almost everything. Weights and pins were first and my favorite things to use. You are very right to encouraging pinning and basting. Basting is the best! The fabric stays where you baste it. Some people think that you can sew without ever basting, some people might can do that. Not me ! It takes me more time to take out or undo a seam then to baste stitch, and take out the basting. Love that you talked about different pins. I just had this discussion with my husband. Now he understands that they are like his wrenches...one size will not do every job. Thanks again. My grandmother used cans of food and washers as weights, I still have some washers of hers.
I usually use silk pins, but when I was sewing masks I used clip type mini clothes pins and they worked great for holding elastic as well as seamed edges. I've used glue sticks for holding lettering appliques in place. Most novel pattern weights I use occasionally are my collection of glass powerline insulators. A little overkill, but some are such pretty colors. I hand baste frequently also. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
An iron! If I'm making something simple like dinner napkins, I'll double fold and iron the edges, then run them through the sewing machine without pins or clips; the ironed folds hold very well.
Off brand "wonder" clips are a lifesaver for dealing with layers or heavy fabrics. I make a lot of fully gathered Lolita style skirts and pins just don't hold all that material and weight in place unless I want to use my entire supply! Bought a rainbow set off of am*zon and they're great for marking where you are when your project is a jellyfish of fabric at the machine- I put different colors for center front, center side, shoulder seam etc.
To try to get myself to baste more for better results, before I actually start working on a project , I thread several hand sewing needles with “end of spool” threads. I stick them on a magnet “ready for use” similar way that kitchen knives are stored on a back splash. Having them threaded and ready makes one more likely to use rather than trying to thread a one time needle with basting thread of a different color.
I can what I harvest from my garden, so when I open up a jar, I save the lid and wrap it in that blue painters tape with a tail so I can grab it. They make great weights. I pin, use wonder clips and baste where necessary. Everyone has great ideas here.
I will never give up my pins, in all their varieties. I do, however, also use each of the methods you shared, except for the fusible tape. The wonder clips...or binder clips...are useful for holding together bulky areas. For those who are thinking that basting "takes too much time" I believe seam ripping is time consuming, as well. If you have a chain stitch option on your machine it is essentially basting. That is how I use up my odd colors of thread, making it a win/win. Sew on and Sew forth, my friends.
Some of the new machines have a special basting stitch. You can adjust the length. It is designed to be removed easily. I’ve been using it more and more
Some tricky heirloom applications work well if you glue the trim in place ahead of time. I just used my wonder clips with a satin seam and will be using fusible web on the hems if my test results are excellent. I also ladder stitch basted the darts in because I didn't want any pin holes to show. :) Many alternative methods are useful, as you indicate. Sometimes just changing the direction of the pins solves the problem. Tiny pins within the seam allowance instead of long pins perpendicular to the seam line are how I am approaching the pinned seams (and cutting) of my crepe backed satin blouse project. It's so good to have multiple options!
Wonder Clips/binder clips are great for bindings, vinyl, leather, or anything bulky. Pins sometimes bunch up fabric, especially when it involves multiple layers. Clips keep them flat.
After a long, busy but fun day in my sewing room, I get to sit down, grab my hand sewing and watch you work. Thanks for sharing your talent and inspiration.
I hand baste zippers!! Through 'bitter' experience, I finally stopped fighting and started hand basting zips in any fabric that can take a hand sewing needle...getting it in the first time with a little prep...trumps taking that seam out even once! I do like the clips, but only for quilting and the straightest of seams. They can be useful in placing bias around 'circular' elements...but that's probably not going to be in many clothing designs. And no pins...it's what experience can teach you. Evelyn, thank you for your time.✂️❤
Has no one else thought to use magnets? I don't like risking pins poking holes in the fabric, and clips are great, but can only be used along edges. To keep fabrics together when not near an edge, you can use small, strong magnet pairs. You just have to be careful when manipulating the fabric so as not to move them out of position, and to prevent different pairs from sticking to each other, as can happen. But it's a nice option for places where clips can't reach, and there might be a more one-sided type of magnet that can help prevent the latter issue. One more caveat is that magnets would stick to the metal plate of the sewing machine, so you just have to remove them before they get too close to it. But if they're away from the fabric edge, there's a good chance they won't end up close to the plate as you sew anyway.
I have the clips now but started with clothespins and then binder clips before I got the clips. Sometimes pinning is still the way to go, as the clips and such kinda need to have an edge so some cases pinning is the only option. Well, I have used magnets as well but the downside there is that you can’t easily have 2 spots where you’ve “pinned” the magnets as they tend to all go together but with one set of 2, it’s a great alternative for some cases
I co-chair a team that makes sanitary pads to send to women and girls around the world. We use wonder clips so that there is NO chance of a forgotten/overlooked pin left in something to be used in a delicate area.
I do love the wonder clips. They work great with binding and I prefer to bind hems, necklines, and sleeve heads once the sleeves are in. I also like to add dress shields in my tops that I can remove and replace that collect the sweat in my arm pits. I love pattern weights rather than pinning patterns. I tend to rip the pattern taking pins out. I’m learning to love basting too. I’m not a fan of pins. Then again I take my sewing with me a lot and basting is easier on my hands when I’m going places.
My favorite alternative is also basting. It gives you the best precision and, if you need to put your sewing aside for some time, the basting isn't going nowhere, and when you pick up your sewing again, all pieces will be where they need to be.
Japanese pins are the best. Silk basteing thread is a must. Carbon trace seam lines for accuracy. Thread trace on machine afterwards. Baste together and then pins become less a hindrance. Pinning is only a part of the process. I use them sparingly and only at the beginning. By the time I hit the machine. It’s only basting stitches. Take care in the positioning of pins. It varies. But more often it’s perpendicular but slightly oblique to the seam line.
I like clips for when I am making napkins or easy things like kids PJs. I usually take the time to hand baste since with some princess seams and especially inset sleeves it's totally worth it as I rarely have to unpick due to a pucker.
This is my favorite. I bought a big box of heavy 50 mm washers and they are great for everything. I can line them up right along the edge of a paper pattern and trace away.
This was very timely for me!! I have been struggling with apron straps. By the time I get to the end, my fabric is way out of place. A basting I will go!! 😅 Thanks, Evelyn ❤!
I’ve actually taken this to a bit of an extreme; I rarely use pins anymore! Only with stable knits or thick woven fabrics. I always found it frustrating when pins cause puckering and crinkling in the pattern tissue. It makes me fear that my cutting will end up inaccurate. I adore wonder clips!
@@india239 I know what you mean. When I find people doing that I just report the comment as unwanted commercial content or spam. It's more than cheeky, it's rude - and for someone who is a content creator they should have more respect for other content creators. The fact they've done this has put me off them. There's no way I'd visit their channel.
Great video! :) I swear by those wonder clips! My motto seems to be: "When wonder clips don't cut it, resort to pins!" I don't find binder clips work as well as the wonder clips. They're fine in a pinch, but I find the wonder clips lie flatter against the fabric and hold it in place better as opposed to the binder clips where just the tip of the clips hit the fabric.
I’ve used several of these methods. I have used weights with tissue patterns without any problems. I have to be very careful, of course, but I have. Basting zippers is my preferred application.
I use basting as my alternative method on “fussy fabrics”, especially. I recently used a knit fabric that simply would not behave, so I basted the seams and serged them. It was so much easier than fighting those pins that fell out so easily.
Top 3 methods for me are #1 Pins #2 basting #3 nothing I do have clips but only use them on things I cannot pin. I also have pattern weights and I use them to stop the pattern moving around while I pin it to the fabric. I do find that when I am doing something that needs to be more precise, like insetting a sleave, I use a lot of pins and my hands end up fealling like a pin cushion. Well worth it for good results.
I used wonder clips to make a queen size duvet cover, they were great for holding the edges together. Pins would have slid out of the seams with so much fabric.
I mostly pin but if I'm matching a pattern or doing something intricate I will hand or machine baste. I even have a tacking foot for my sewing machine. Wonder clips are great with my overlocker. My eyesight isn't what it was so I might miss finding a pin but I can't miss a wonder clip.
I've been using double-sided tape for certain zippers, wonder clips for various seams and pattern weights for cutting with a rotary cutter - as well as lots of situations using pins. It all depends on what I'm sewing.
I need to get Wonder Clips - sewing a lunchbox with insulation and vinyl, I couldn't use pins, I didn't have enough binder clips, so I used paper clips! Not terribly advisable, but they worked for thick layers in a pinch.
I love the look of the new sewing room. I mostly use pins but have discovered clips last year and I find they do come in handy once in a while. Basting is also excellent for tighter spots. 🌞
I’m a beginner so I have limited supplies, and have small pins and safety pins. I think getting some of the larger florist pins might be the best right now.
I find that the best all-rounder is a ~4 cm long, thin pin with a well visible glass head. Unless you're sewing something very bulky or very loosely woven, you'll probably be satisfied with these :) (it was a huge upgrade from the short thicker metal pins I used before!)
Of course pins don't cut it. They prick the fabric instead :D I am defo a wonderclip fan, I sew with knits a lot and when it comes to stuff like neckline finish or cuffs, I find that if you stretch the fabric when there's a pin in it things can get weird. Also, I love pattern weights! (And my set in particular as I inherited it from my auntie who was a professional tailor)
My sewing life changed so much once I learned that basting was a thing. All those fiddly little areas suddenly turned out so much neater! It is slightly more time consuming than pinning, but it takes way less time than unpicking a seam you’ve messed up on, not to mention you don’t risk poking holes into your fabric with the seam ripper
I use all methods. Clips especially to fix the center line on the fold when cutting. The only thing I don’t use is wash out glue. It‘s microplastic down the line.
I was going to hem my curtains today with some fusing tape, but I don't know why I didn't think about it as gluing the fabric together 🤦🏻♀️ I think I may need to go about this a bit more carefully.
Depending on what I'm doing I use pins, wonder pins or basting. I even sometimes use safety pins, because it all depends on the situation and the project.
I love wonder clips but they don’t work everywhere. They can replace pinning on the edges of fabric like hems but don’t work to hold your pattern to your fabric. I mostly use them for bulky layers that are too thick for pins and delicate fabric and embellished fabric for dance costumes that I don’t want to put extra holes in.
Although I’ve never used this method, I have heard of people using staples as a method of basting in some cases. This would be in the seam allowance and I guess the stapled part would be trimmed off (if they trim their seam allowance) or they would go around with a staple remover after…lol
I find wonder clips aren’t any good for machine sewing, they’re too bulky and get in the way. But for hand sewing, and for hand sewing the second edge of binding down- they’re perfect! So I sew the first edge of my binding by machine, then hand sew the rest, and I clip the binding in place a few inches ahead of where I am. I tend not to clip the whole thing all at once because it can get a bit heavy and unwieldy, so just a couple of clips to get the five-six inches ahead of where I am currently stitching all locked down and in place is really helpful. Pins just can’t do that anywhere near as well.
I use clips when I sew with faux fur. It's way too bulky to put pins through. I'm becoming more of a fan of freestyling without pins or anything also. I feel like I have more control and I can match my edges together more accurately.
I call basting , tacking and I do it all the time, its saves me time as sometime if I try to hurry and not use tacking I end up using a picker to unpick my sewing then I have waisted the time, not good so I tack
Hello, thanks for another very useful video, love your work! :) I'd love to hear about those different types of pins you mention at the end and what each is best for. I bought a random box of cheap pins when I began and they turned out less than ideal... they have big round plastic heads that I can't iron over and that create bumps/bulk when I'm trying to pin things flat or in a tricky fold... I get around but they're really inconvenient! I'd like to buy better suited ones and I'd love pro tips on how to pick them. :)
That's a great idea for video topic! Thankyou 😀 I remember using those cheap plastic ones for years, and didn't realise there was anything different I could use!
I don't know what's available in your corner of the world, but I'm very satisfied with thin, around 4 cm long pins with white glass heads made in Czech Republic. Not expensive. They tend to bend though, but it's possible to straighten them well enough just with your fingers.
I accidentally bought long silk pins when I was starting. They are super fine. I would never go back to regular pins. Historical pins have the look of nails now!! When I’m working with something that doesn’t pin I use clothes pegs or binder clips. But after working with outdoor fabric once I try to avoid it now!
Kathy I would baste about 2mm (maybe 1/16"?) Less than you seam allowances, so it ends up just inside your seam allowances when finished but still almost right on your stitch line 😉
I also prefer basting things. I’m 67 and I just really got into sewing a couple of years ago. Learning this craft hasn’t been very easy due to 3 surgeries. I still struggle to sew with nothing and I find just few clips and then whip that basting stitch right through is the simplest & quickest. It is really quick since I learned a way to thread the needle & it doesn’t come unthreaded. My goal at my age is yes to do it right but keep it simple & enjoy it.
I like to pin, baste, and stitch because it just makes sense to me mechanically. However it depends on what I am sewing sometimes binder clips, clothes pins, paper clips, safety pins, magnets, long floral pins, and wood or metal pieces like weights. Other cringe worthy effective methods like double sided tape, masking tape, tear mender, white school glue, hot glue gun, super glue, 3M black gasket adhesive, marine adhesive, and contact cement can all be useful depending on application. Probably my favorite I really like that is not cringe worthy is a purple 3M glue stick does the trick nicely. Apply purple glue stick, hold in place, a little heat from an iron or heat gun, and sew it. The purple glue stick method seems to not stain, isn't messy, washes out, and works for me. Great tips as always plus your comment sections are always a wealth of information. Thank you 👍
What is your favourite pin alternative?
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Basting is a lot faster than picking out a bad seam and resewing it!
I have just finished inserting gathered sleeves into a dress, using a "belt and braces" approach: lining up the seams and notches with pins before hand-basting all the way round, and finally machine stitching. Time consuming, yes, but the results are spot on 😊 and that's what counts!
I have done this as well. It stops the pucker and I know the fabric is lined up correctly
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.🤗
"belt and braces" is always a good approach, I will always baste material that does not want to behave, something that is guaranteed to creep if not properly held. The first ever sleeves I did looked like a crab had sewn them in, but then I learnt to 'pin, baste, stitch' the end result as you say is what counts.
😀 Yes! Absolutely worth it! I bet you your proud of that one!
Thank you for this comment, I am about to make an 1890s Eton jacket and doing sleeves for the first time which will have gathers, I'll remember to do it this way!
I always keep school glue sticks on hand. I prefer the purple sticks that turn clear when dry. It's great when I'm working on tricky things that are hard to pin. I put a bit of glue on and line up the fabric, or turn the tiny hem, etc. Then I press with a dry iron to set the glue. Then sew. It will wash out when the item is finished. I sew tiny, tiny gowns for an organization that makes layettes for stillborn babies. It is extremely tricky to pin the tiny bits of lace, trim, ribbons, etc. That need to be in place before sewing the lining fabric to the outer fabric. Couldn't do it without glue sticks.
That is quite the special ministry you have, making beautiful gowns for these poor darlings who never drew breath. Bless you!
I can't wait to try this!
I have to admit, I didn't even think to add glue to the list 😄 I've never tried it and an very sceptical myself! I works mostly be worried it would mark, stain or damage the fabric. But it sounds like you have success with it! Perhaps it is something I could try and 'myth bust' 😀
@@Evelyn__Wood I use clear washable school glue in a bottle with a thin applicator. That way I can put tiny dots where pins would go, iron in place, and sew. The glue washes out but even in a worst case scenario that it didn't it's all hidden in the seam anyway. I wouldn't want to use it on silk or something like that but for regular fabrics like cotton it works fine.
Might also be good for doll’s clothes.
When I started, I used ALL the pins. Now, I don't need them on straight seams. Ruffles and pleats, yes. Sleeves, yes. When I need to jab myself -- absolutely!
Re pattern weights - you can make your own and use up a fair amount of fabric scraps. There are plenty of videos about how to do this, and you can use rice to fill them. My favourite is a pyramid with a small ribbon loop sewn into one seam, which makes them easy to pick up, and you can use the loops to string them together on another ribbon for storage. Since I trace out commercial patterns to grade from one size to another for better fit, I always use weights and chalk for cutting.
Also - basting. During lockdown I learned how to make my own bras and basting is the absolute best for sewing tricky slippery delicate fabric bits accurately.
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.😍
Great suggestionson the pattern weights! I love ways to reuse those scraps and this is a great one 😀
I like the little tiles that you would use as a back splash from the hardware store
I make pattern weights from scrap glass. I fuse all my failed lampworking adventures into cabochons, the interesting ones get set into jewellery and the rest become pattern weights.
Hand basting is my preferred alternative. It's a great way to use up small amounts of thread leftover on spools and bobbins. For knit garments, I measure and press the hem and then use a lightweight fusible web tape. I find that it helps eliminate waviness in the fabric.
Yes! A great way to use those small bits of thread we all end up with. Our of you happen to a spool of 'bad thread', you can use it for hand basting!
When I cut out my fabrics I use all the butter knives out of the silverware drawer. The heavy handles work perfectly for fabric weights. This is also what my mother used to do.
A family tradition! I love it 😀
Wonder clips work very well for slippery or sequined fabrics. Clips to hold while basting slippery, or to hand sew sequins. Also spring clip clothespins are an alternative.
Years ago they made 2-sided sticky washaway zipper tape. Put on the zipper, place the zip and slowly peel the other side protection add you place out. Sew zip; it did not budge at all while sewing. After first each It was all gone, leaving a perfectly sewn in zip. It was wonderful and zippers came out beautifully. I haven't seen it in a couple of decades doggone it.
Don't baste right on your sewing line or fibers from basting thread will get caught, always in the most-visible spot! Even 1mm to the side is sufficient.
I have used metal hair clips, when I did not want to put pins in the fabric. They hold hems and binding in place without falling out (plus, they don't stick or cut me).
I have also used common desk stapels, to hold many layers of fabric together. This is to keep the fabric from slipping while I cut with a rotate-cutter. I have never done this while cutting or sewing garments. I remove the stapels with a common butter knife. Never leave staples in fabric you are storing or washing. They will rust.
I have used Elmer's white School Glue to hold layers of fabric together. I use small dots of this glue; and, I set it with a hot iron and pressing cloth. It is made of starch, and children do eat it. It does not hurt children, and it will not hurt fabric. It does wash out; because, it is made out of starch. However, I do not use glue when I am cutting and sewing garments.
I do not use Stitch-Witch or any other Iron on quick fixes for hems or zippers. They make a mess and stain the fabric. Tape (masking tape) can be used to hold zippers, patches, and other items in place while sewing. However, if you tape it in wrong, you will sew it in wrong. I have repaired patterns with the blue masking tape. It will pull off without leaving any sticky mess. I never store my patterns or fabric with any tape on them.
If you take the time to make a garment, it should be worth your time to do it right.
I use pins and hand basting mostly. Wash away adhesive tape or more permanent glue tapes are useful for turning up hems on knit fabrics, or aligning leather seams.
Wonder clips can be useful when using a serger, the foot pushes the clips out of the way if you forget to remove them before they reach the blade. I do not like to use pins near the knife blade. They are also great when trying to sew together bulky seams on bags.
I use a magnetic whiteboard to create a smooth surface under my rotary cutting mat, which allows me to use skittle magnetic pins to hold down the fabric and pattern. Pins can cause unnecessary bumps and as a left handed seamstress a rotary cutter is easier and cheaper to use than trying to find good quality left handed shears. (Nightmare of sewing at school 35 years ago where everything was right handed!)
Flat magnetic badge holders will securely hold fabric together. I created ribbon sleeves for these magnets to make them easier to pull apart.
When attaching elastic to a waistline I use pins as the initial markers, but then use the sewing machine to tack each quarter in place with a few stitches. This holds the elastic in place more securely than pins and is quicker than hand basting. It also stops me pricking my fingers as I stretch the elastic to fit the fabric.
I have used or tried to use almost everything. Weights and pins were first and my favorite things to use. You are very right to encouraging pinning and basting. Basting is the best! The fabric stays where you baste it. Some people think that you can sew without ever basting, some people might can do that. Not me ! It takes me more time to take out or undo a seam then to baste stitch, and take out the basting. Love that you talked about different pins. I just had this discussion with my husband. Now he understands that they are like his wrenches...one size will not do every job. Thanks again. My grandmother used cans of food and washers as weights, I still have some washers of hers.
I usually use silk pins, but when I was sewing masks I used clip type mini clothes pins and they worked great for holding elastic as well as seamed edges. I've used glue sticks for holding lettering appliques in place. Most novel pattern weights I use occasionally are my collection of glass powerline insulators. A little overkill, but some are such pretty colors. I hand baste frequently also. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Thankyou for sharing your ideas! These are great!
An iron! If I'm making something simple like dinner napkins, I'll double fold and iron the edges, then run them through the sewing machine without pins or clips; the ironed folds hold very well.
Off brand "wonder" clips are a lifesaver for dealing with layers or heavy fabrics. I make a lot of fully gathered Lolita style skirts and pins just don't hold all that material and weight in place unless I want to use my entire supply! Bought a rainbow set off of am*zon and they're great for marking where you are when your project is a jellyfish of fabric at the machine- I put different colors for center front, center side, shoulder seam etc.
To try to get myself to baste more for better results, before I actually start working on a project , I thread several hand sewing needles with “end of spool” threads. I stick them on a magnet “ready for use” similar way that kitchen knives are stored on a back splash. Having them threaded and ready makes one more likely to use rather than trying to thread a one time needle with basting thread of a different color.
I can what I harvest from my garden, so when I open up a jar, I save the lid and wrap it in that blue painters tape with a tail so I can grab it. They make great weights. I pin, use wonder clips and baste where necessary. Everyone has great ideas here.
Oh! Hand basting when matching a pattern is super helpful as well. You can achieve plaid perfection this way!
I will never give up my pins, in all their varieties. I do, however, also use each of the methods you shared, except for the fusible tape. The wonder clips...or binder clips...are useful for holding together bulky areas. For those who are thinking that basting "takes too much time" I believe seam ripping is time consuming, as well. If you have a chain stitch option on your machine it is essentially basting. That is how I use up my odd colors of thread, making it a win/win. Sew on and Sew forth, my friends.
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.🥰
Cynthia we are in the same club here! I will always use my pins, for everything! Then basting. 😀
Some of the new machines have a special basting stitch. You can adjust the length. It is designed to be removed easily. I’ve been using it more and more
Some tricky heirloom applications work well if you glue the trim in place ahead of time. I just used my wonder clips with a satin seam and will be using fusible web on the hems if my test results are excellent. I also ladder stitch basted the darts in because I didn't want any pin holes to show. :) Many alternative methods are useful, as you indicate. Sometimes just changing the direction of the pins solves the problem. Tiny pins within the seam allowance instead of long pins perpendicular to the seam line are how I am approaching the pinned seams (and cutting) of my crepe backed satin blouse project. It's so good to have multiple options!
Wonder clips are used alot in corset making and binding. They are very helpful.
I’m glad you included ‘nothing’. :P
Wonder Clips/binder clips are great for bindings, vinyl, leather, or anything bulky. Pins sometimes bunch up fabric, especially when it involves multiple layers. Clips keep them flat.
After a long, busy but fun day in my sewing room, I get to sit down, grab my hand sewing and watch you work. Thanks for sharing your talent and inspiration.
I hand baste zippers!! Through 'bitter' experience, I finally stopped fighting and started hand basting zips in any fabric that can take a hand sewing needle...getting it in the first time with a little prep...trumps taking that seam out even once! I do like the clips, but only for quilting and the straightest of seams. They can be useful in placing bias around 'circular' elements...but that's probably not going to be in many clothing designs. And no pins...it's what experience can teach you. Evelyn, thank you for your time.✂️❤
Love all of your suggestions, nice to learn about clips and basting,Thank you, Chrissy
Has no one else thought to use magnets? I don't like risking pins poking holes in the fabric, and clips are great, but can only be used along edges. To keep fabrics together when not near an edge, you can use small, strong magnet pairs. You just have to be careful when manipulating the fabric so as not to move them out of position, and to prevent different pairs from sticking to each other, as can happen. But it's a nice option for places where clips can't reach, and there might be a more one-sided type of magnet that can help prevent the latter issue. One more caveat is that magnets would stick to the metal plate of the sewing machine, so you just have to remove them before they get too close to it. But if they're away from the fabric edge, there's a good chance they won't end up close to the plate as you sew anyway.
I have the clips now but started with clothespins and then binder clips before I got the clips. Sometimes pinning is still the way to go, as the clips and such kinda need to have an edge so some cases pinning is the only option. Well, I have used magnets as well but the downside there is that you can’t easily have 2 spots where you’ve “pinned” the magnets as they tend to all go together but with one set of 2, it’s a great alternative for some cases
I co-chair a team that makes sanitary pads to send to women and girls around the world. We use wonder clips so that there is NO chance of a forgotten/overlooked pin left in something to be used in a delicate area.
I do love the wonder clips.
They work great with binding and I prefer to bind hems, necklines, and sleeve heads once the sleeves are in.
I also like to add dress shields in my tops that I can remove and replace that collect the sweat in my arm pits.
I love pattern weights rather than pinning patterns. I tend to rip the pattern taking pins out.
I’m learning to love basting too. I’m not a fan of pins.
Then again I take my sewing with me a lot and basting is easier on my hands when I’m going places.
My favorite alternative is also basting. It gives you the best precision and, if you need to put your sewing aside for some time, the basting isn't going nowhere, and when you pick up your sewing again, all pieces will be where they need to be.
Japanese pins are the best. Silk basteing thread is a must.
Carbon trace seam lines for accuracy. Thread trace on machine afterwards.
Baste together and then pins become less a hindrance.
Pinning is only a part of the process. I use them sparingly and only at the beginning.
By the time I hit the machine. It’s only basting stitches.
Take care in the positioning of pins. It varies. But more often it’s perpendicular but slightly oblique to the seam line.
I like clips for when I am making napkins or easy things like kids PJs. I usually take the time to hand baste since with some princess seams and especially inset sleeves it's totally worth it as I rarely have to unpick due to a pucker.
I love basting. To me it works the best. I also use pins.
I love my weights. I use large bolts or washers from the hardware store
I never thought of tracing my pattern then cutting it out! Awesome
This is my favorite. I bought a big box of heavy 50 mm washers and they are great for everything. I can line them up right along the edge of a paper pattern and trace away.
This was very timely for me!! I have been struggling with apron straps. By the time I get to the end, my fabric is way out of place. A basting I will go!! 😅 Thanks, Evelyn ❤!
Oh wow I always use binder clips if I have to and I was afraid to admit it haha.
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.🎁
I usually see the wonder clips used for knit fabrics or very fine, slippery fabrics where a pin might tear or fray the fabric.
I used only pins & hand basting & machine basting at my sewing machine. I use clips when I use my serger. Hand basting is fabulous to hold things.
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.🌹✂️
I’ve actually taken this to a bit of an extreme; I rarely use pins anymore! Only with stable knits or thick woven fabrics. I always found it frustrating when pins cause puckering and crinkling in the pattern tissue. It makes me fear that my cutting will end up inaccurate. I adore wonder clips!
Me too. Wonderclips are fantastic. I will never go back to pins
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.
@@atelierangela3556 too much pushing your own channel in too many replies.
Right! When you find the system that works for you, it makes everything easier! 😀
I love them too!!
Wonder Clips are brilliant for bindings on thick or stiff fabric.
Wow! I never even thought twice about using pins... I am now! Thanks for this eye opening video!💕
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.💖
@Atelier Angela Angela, I can appreciate you want to grow your channel but it’s a bit cheeky putting this message on the comments many times
@@india239 I know what you mean. When I find people doing that I just report the comment as unwanted commercial content or spam. It's more than cheeky, it's rude - and for someone who is a content creator they should have more respect for other content creators. The fact they've done this has put me off them. There's no way I'd visit their channel.
Great video! :) I swear by those wonder clips! My motto seems to be: "When wonder clips don't cut it, resort to pins!" I don't find binder clips work as well as the wonder clips. They're fine in a pinch, but I find the wonder clips lie flatter against the fabric and hold it in place better as opposed to the binder clips where just the tip of the clips hit the fabric.
Ha ha ha My motto is ' when pins don't cut it seek something else!' 😄
I know your basting as tacking in the UK, it my preferred method but pins are my back up and the clips for quilting.
I’ve used several of these methods. I have used weights with tissue patterns without any problems. I have to be very careful, of course, but I have. Basting zippers is my preferred application.
I was making a baby toy for my nephew and pins where not working so liquid stich to baste the seams in place worked great
I baste my zips and sleeves and I honestly think it's better than pins for those situations.
I use basting as my alternative method on “fussy fabrics”, especially. I recently used a knit fabric that simply would not behave, so I basted the seams and serged them. It was so much easier than fighting those pins that fell out so easily.
I always baste zips. It gives the best finish and there is no chance of accidentally hitting a pin and throwing off the perfectly straight stitchline.
Top 3 methods for me are
#1 Pins
#2 basting
#3 nothing
I do have clips but only use them on things I cannot pin. I also have pattern weights and I use them to stop the pattern moving around while I pin it to the fabric.
I do find that when I am doing something that needs to be more precise, like insetting a sleave, I use a lot of pins and my hands end up fealling like a pin cushion. Well worth it for good results.
I used wonder clips to make a queen size duvet cover, they were great for holding the edges together. Pins would have slid out of the seams with so much fabric.
I mostly pin but if I'm matching a pattern or doing something intricate I will hand or machine baste. I even have a tacking foot for my sewing machine. Wonder clips are great with my overlocker. My eyesight isn't what it was so I might miss finding a pin but I can't miss a wonder clip.
I've been using double-sided tape for certain zippers, wonder clips for various seams and pattern weights for cutting with a rotary cutter - as well as lots of situations using pins. It all depends on what I'm sewing.
I used to dread basting, but it makes everything look amazing. Especially if it's a wiggly fabric or a sleeve ☺️
Ive used bobby pins as a sub for wonderclips
I need to get Wonder Clips - sewing a lunchbox with insulation and vinyl, I couldn't use pins, I didn't have enough binder clips, so I used paper clips! Not terribly advisable, but they worked for thick layers in a pinch.
I use nothing as my first alternative and basting as my second. I never thought of using paper clips or binder clips, must give that a try.
Thank you. I did not understand the use of pattern weights. I have some but ...
Pins and basting for me!!!
I love the look of the new sewing room. I mostly use pins but have discovered clips last year and I find they do come in handy once in a while. Basting is also excellent for tighter spots. 🌞
Thanks Odette! I'm loving the new space too! I think basting is the only thing for those tricky bits!
I’m a beginner so I have limited supplies, and have small pins and safety pins. I think getting some of the larger florist pins might be the best right now.
Linda I've used these are years! They are great for fitting garments as you get alot of fabric with just one pin 😀
I find that the best all-rounder is a ~4 cm long, thin pin with a well visible glass head. Unless you're sewing something very bulky or very loosely woven, you'll probably be satisfied with these :) (it was a huge upgrade from the short thicker metal pins I used before!)
Of course pins don't cut it. They prick the fabric instead :D I am defo a wonderclip fan, I sew with knits a lot and when it comes to stuff like neckline finish or cuffs, I find that if you stretch the fabric when there's a pin in it things can get weird. Also, I love pattern weights! (And my set in particular as I inherited it from my auntie who was a professional tailor)
My sewing life changed so much once I learned that basting was a thing. All those fiddly little areas suddenly turned out so much neater! It is slightly more time consuming than pinning, but it takes way less time than unpicking a seam you’ve messed up on, not to mention you don’t risk poking holes into your fabric with the seam ripper
For the most, nothing.
Then basting.
My clips I use to hold my pieces together when I’m not sewing.
I use clips for bag making but generally find them too heavy for sewing garments as the fabric is too lightweight.
💝✂️ I discovered a way to sew faster and easier even as a beginner, I talk more about it in my channel, I hope it helps those who need it.😃
I use all methods. Clips especially to fix the center line on the fold when cutting. The only thing I don’t use is wash out glue. It‘s microplastic down the line.
I was going to hem my curtains today with some fusing tape, but I don't know why I didn't think about it as gluing the fabric together 🤦🏻♀️
I think I may need to go about this a bit more carefully.
Depending on what I'm doing I use pins, wonder pins or basting. I even sometimes use safety pins, because it all depends on the situation and the project.
I love wonder clips but they don’t work everywhere. They can replace pinning on the edges of fabric like hems but don’t work to hold your pattern to your fabric. I mostly use them for bulky layers that are too thick for pins and delicate fabric and embellished fabric for dance costumes that I don’t want to put extra holes in.
Although I’ve never used this method, I have heard of people using staples as a method of basting in some cases. This would be in the seam allowance and I guess the stapled part would be trimmed off (if they trim their seam allowance) or they would go around with a staple remover after…lol
I'm a pinning and basting girl. Sometimes I use these clips with heavier fabric on the serger, but most of the time I forgett them😂
Darling, do you have a video about lining? I'm making a coat and I'm really lost about the lining
I have used bobby pins to hold my hand sewing
How do you store your self made patterns thank love this vid
I find wonder clips aren’t any good for machine sewing, they’re too bulky and get in the way. But for hand sewing, and for hand sewing the second edge of binding down- they’re perfect!
So I sew the first edge of my binding by machine, then hand sew the rest, and I clip the binding in place a few inches ahead of where I am. I tend not to clip the whole thing all at once because it can get a bit heavy and unwieldy, so just a couple of clips to get the five-six inches ahead of where I am currently stitching all locked down and in place is really helpful. Pins just can’t do that anywhere near as well.
I use the wonderclips for sewing seams in sleeves and mainly children's sleeves. The 'circle' is too little for pins.
I use clips when I sew with faux fur. It's way too bulky to put pins through. I'm becoming more of a fan of freestyling without pins or anything also. I feel like I have more control and I can match my edges together more accurately.
I call basting , tacking and I do it all the time, its saves me time as sometime if I try to hurry and not use tacking I end up using a picker to unpick my sewing then I have waisted the time, not good so I tack
What are the different types of pins and what are they best for?
I use wonder clips when sewing in leather or fur. Otherwise I simply use pins and pattern weights in my everyday sewing
Hello, thanks for another very useful video, love your work! :)
I'd love to hear about those different types of pins you mention at the end and what each is best for.
I bought a random box of cheap pins when I began and they turned out less than ideal... they have big round plastic heads that I can't iron over and that create bumps/bulk when I'm trying to pin things flat or in a tricky fold... I get around but they're really inconvenient! I'd like to buy better suited ones and I'd love pro tips on how to pick them. :)
That's a great idea for video topic! Thankyou 😀 I remember using those cheap plastic ones for years, and didn't realise there was anything different I could use!
And how to know which pins to buy which pins are of good quality
I don't know what's available in your corner of the world, but I'm very satisfied with thin, around 4 cm long pins with white glass heads made in Czech Republic. Not expensive. They tend to bend though, but it's possible to straighten them well enough just with your fingers.
@@Celebrinthal thank you
@@Evelyn__Wood I'm really looking forward to your video. Love from Germany
I accidentally bought long silk pins when I was starting. They are super fine. I would never go back to regular pins. Historical pins have the look of nails now!! When I’m working with something that doesn’t pin I use clothes pegs or binder clips. But after working with outdoor fabric once I try to avoid it now!
I know, long thin pins are the best!!
I often use a stapler. 😁
How are you able to staple without hurting the sewing machine?
@@wandajazz1061 I either don't staple on the same line where I'm going to sew or take them out as I go along just like when using pins.
@babalon1919 Thanks 🙏🏾
This is just the perfect timing. My new cats try eating pins, so I can't use them anymore.
I tend to machine sew over the basting. If a seam is 5/8 inch, at what measure do you suggest basting so this won't happen?
Kathy I would baste about 2mm (maybe 1/16"?) Less than you seam allowances, so it ends up just inside your seam allowances when finished but still almost right on your stitch line 😉
I also prefer basting things. I’m 67 and I just really got into sewing a couple of years ago. Learning this craft hasn’t been very easy due to 3 surgeries. I still struggle to sew with nothing and I find just few clips and then whip that basting stitch right through is the simplest & quickest. It is really quick since I learned a way to thread the needle & it doesn’t come unthreaded. My goal at my age is yes to do it right but keep it simple & enjoy it.
Victoria that is the best goal to have with your sewing 😘
🇨🇦😃 I hate pins… love clips
Also: just a regular glue stick might work!
Baste, baste and baste.
I like to pin, baste, and stitch because it just makes sense to me mechanically. However it depends on what I am sewing sometimes binder clips, clothes pins, paper clips, safety pins, magnets, long floral pins, and wood or metal pieces like weights. Other cringe worthy effective methods like double sided tape, masking tape, tear mender, white school glue, hot glue gun, super glue, 3M black gasket adhesive, marine adhesive, and contact cement can all be useful depending on application. Probably my favorite I really like that is not cringe worthy is a purple 3M glue stick does the trick nicely. Apply purple glue stick, hold in place, a little heat from an iron or heat gun, and sew it. The purple glue stick method seems to not stain, isn't messy, washes out, and works for me. Great tips as always plus your comment sections are always a wealth of information. Thank you 👍