In this video, I share with you one of my favorite hacks! I've used this one since my late teens and it has endured the test of time! This video shows you how to make your face mask, or sewing pattern templates out an everyday product that anyone can buy anywhere - and more importantly why it's so useful and easy to work with while cutting your fabrics! Happy sewing!
Amazing to find this now...I ordered the cutting mats, I'm still making masks in April of 2021, and I want things that make it easy! I have ordered a tailor's ham, now these mats...and I WILL make comfortable, well-fitting masks if it takes me the rest of my life to find out the best one yet. :) Thank you! Blessings to all.
Hi Dawn I work in a nursing home and were just starting to open the doors to visitors. The residents and visitors must wear masks and remain 6 feet apart. I have been making masks for a week now trying to get enough masks to supply the visitors, I must say I was mind blown when I saw your video on sewing 4 layers together! I think this is going to save me so much time, also I’m going to make my pattern from those walmart cutting boards as well right now I’m using corn flake boxes lol. I have a rotary cutter but I’m nervous using it. I’m just using my high school sewing skills but I feel the need to contribute. Thank you for your videos, our fabric stores still have lines and it takes time to get the supplies, but so worth it. The city I live in here in Canada is still in stage 2 so masks are mandatory EVERYWHERE and we can only have limited people in the stores so your stuck waiting out in the heat. Crazy times were living in these days for sure. Thank you for all your doing to help during these hard times. I’m going to look for your pattern its important to our seniors to have these visits from family, it breaks my heart to see so many pass away with no families being able to be by their sides. Tanks again!!
Hi Debra! thank you for the message! I am part of a group on Facebook, of women in Canada who sew and donate masks! Please find me, and I can send you the link! They're quite inspiring, and they love making them and donating them. Maybe they can help with your demand requirements? I wish I was in Canada - I'd ship you a dozen or so myself! But please find me, and you're going to find that this mask is so fast to make and the prep work is literally 1 minute. I can sew them in 5/6 minutes depending on fabric - most women are at 7/8 minutes. But with no pleats and no ties - they're perfect for the elderly! That group also collects donated fabric for sewing angels! An amazing group - find me via my page and I can send you their link and get you invited! Thank you and God Bless you for what you're doing on both sides of this fight!
Dawn Takacs good afternoon and thanks for your response! I do belong to a sewing group on fb. I joined to get ideas and patterns for our masks and scrub caps. I was overwhelmed by the amount if co workers in need. We ended up asking the group to help with the caps and they were very supportive WESF. Right now it’s masks for us and the families. My daughter and I have been doing what we can and will continue until we have enough. We have purchased cotton sheet sets for now and it’s been great because we can get home delivery for that. I have been telling and showing everyone here your hack for sewing all 4 pieces of material together. This weekend I need to make 25 for a co workers wedding. She’s pushing the limit with 25 as we’re only allowed to have 10 people at any gathering. I keep hearing we will get through this together and it’s true! Some of us are struggling, and others are right there to step in and comfort or help in what ever way we can. I’m so grateful for the past 5 months because it has lifted me to be the better mother, family member, friend and PERSON God needed me to be. I truly hope more people will come away from this changed, focused and blessed with the knowledge of what really matters in life. I hope your having a wonderful day today🙂
I am so glad to have found this video. I was seriously considering having my favorite mask pattern cut into plexiglass. This is THE perfect, inexpensive and DIYable substitute!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
Thank you Dawn for this amazing video. I am just getting back to sewing after being away for many years. I have been making masks for our grand boys. I also have to say you have a lovely voice and calming approach for video tutorials.
Thank you Suzanne, and it's like riding a bike it will all come back to you! If it doesn't - that's what RUclips is for! LOL Be well, and thank you for the support!
I was going to make the mini knit mask this afternoon , didnt't feel like running out to the store, looked around the house, then light came on to use my old Cricut mats that didnt have that mush stickyness left on them, worked great, I do like the mats from Walmart, will be picking them up next trip to Walmart
Greetings to you Dawn, I like your channel and your derscription! I began sewing when I was a little girl and have always enjoyed sewing. Somehow I began transforming clothing as a child like making turning a jacket into a coat or using my own ideas somehow. Just recently I've been making aprons out of my husbands old shirts and will be sharing the aprons with friends and family. Now that I'll be going in pension soon..I'll be having more time to sew again. Thanks for sharing with us and I wish you ..."Happy sewing"! :) Cheers! Carol
I use plastic graph paper. It has the grid, which you can choose what size grid you get, which they come in different size grids. Holds up well. Cuts easily. Can use a sharpie to write on the pattern. Either for identification or for where to put darts, etc for sewing. Also this type of graph paper is great for making pattern for cake decorating patterns as you can see through it.
Thanks for the work you put into this video! I have some glass coasters left over from a wedding where we used them as candle stands. They were from the dollar store. They make the best cutting weights I’ve ever used. They have a low profile, but are super easy to slide near to the edge needing to be cut to stabilize the edge. I love them. I am so glad they made their way to the workshop somehow.
I have always used flexible poly 3 ring binders to make my quilt patterns templetes. I also use a hole punch to store my templates in a 3 ring poly binder.
So mine may be a bit extreme, but I had recently done a home project, and had left over quarter inch MDF (medium density fiberboard) from Home Depot. We traced the patterns onto it, then used the jigsaw to cut it out. They’re light weight, very sturdy, smooth on one side and textured on the other (so it grips the fabric, allowing a smooth rotation mid cut, without losing its position, the rotary wheel doesn’t cut into them if we accidentally make a bad cut, and I just label it by writing clearly, with Sharpie on the smooth side. Best thing I’ve used ever.
Thanks for the great hack. I found it at Walmart so now I just have to cut out my patterns. I’m so excited I just ordered your masks and tomorrow I’ll print them, cut them out and start making your masks😊❤️
Thanks for this! I was fruitlessly searching around my home office for something satisfactory to use. Then you show two different items I already have extra in the house, that being the shelf liner and kitchen cutting mat. No further searching needed. :)
New subscriber here! At 50 I’ve taught myself to sew! I bought myself a Babylock Joy.... I just love it! I’m making masks for everyone at work and all my family. It’s taken me a few months to understand the machine and also about that long in watching and re-watching videos!! Plus a near panic attack when I broke my first needle!! Hahaha! Anyways, I wanted to say thank you so much for all your videos and for taking the time to make them, they have been so helpful to me. Love, from Oregon ☔️ 💕❤️~Trina M
Oh my gosh! That's so sweet! I have to say though - it makes me feel good to help others and I really enjoy knowing that the knowledge I'm sharing is doing that! Thanks for letting me know Trina!
Good for you, Trina! I learned to sew 50 years ago, made a lot of my own clothes for awhile and really enjoyed it. But then got away from it for decades and have now returned, so feel somewhat "new" at it myself: so many new tools, techniques, and great hacks like this one from Dawn. SO SO SO appreciate RUclips and everyone's generosity in sharing. Best wishes!
Trina, I thought of you yesterday. I have been sewing for 50+ years and broke 2 needles within 30 minutes of each other! The thread had jumped out of the correct path on my vintage Bernina and I didn't notice the problem until the second break! The thread had snagged under the spool forcing the needle to bend - and snap! She loves Gutterman thread, which is cross-wound on the spool, but the spool pin is vertical. I think that is causing issues, so now I am keeping a closer watch. I am always learning something new!
Nice idea, I like it. I bought clear plastic for table covers, the thickest one. It gives me a clear view of where I want to place my pattern on the fabric. I don't use a rotary cutter so I don't damage the plastic. I love it bc I can see the print and place my pattern exactly.
I actually did think of this too! I love that clear table plastic they offer at JoAnns! I was looking to use the rotary - but for trace and scissors it is ideal! Thanks for sharing!
I color code various markings, laminate both sides with packaging tape, & have different hole punchers. Time-consuming, but it keeps the original & I can customize little designs to denote which pieces go together with which pattern. Also have file folders with the package, or pdf title page, on the front & cut like puzzle piece or matching lines larger pieces to fit & then put in a file cabinet. Custom zipper or Velcro bags in a trunk for smaller patterns. 🙂
@@StreamlineSeamstress, just don't look anywhere else, that's not organized yet 😅 One thing I forgot to mention is that I use packaging tape bc it keeps the pieces flexible. I've tried an actual laminator but it seems to shrink the tissue paper. Also, it's easier to print pdfs on normal paper if you're going to laminate them. I've tried printing pdfs on cardstock, which works, but is still able to be torn. One thing I haven't tried yet is flipping a pdf along its verticle axis to get I mirror image, making sure I denote right & wrong sides, cut out, glue stick, laminate. I'm really bad at folding the fabric in half & cutting 2 layers. Turning the pattern piece over makes the markings not clear. Having a reversible piece seems like it would help. Sometimes you can't see through tissue paper very well. I have yet to try scanning & all the fancy printing, but it might work 🙂
From the beginning, I started with the original paper pattern which I then transferred to heavy poster board. I use the board to trace the pattern on the fabric using washable fabric markers. The poster board never sees scissors or a rotary cutter and is filed in a portable file box. In a pinch, index card stock or manila file folders work well, too, and since they're only used for tracing they're perfect.
Using the kitchen chopping mat was a great idea! When I made my mask templates, I used a couple pieces of the cardboard from fat quarters glued together. Worked pretty well. Will allocate one of my kitchen mats for patterns in the future. Thanks.
Wow, very timely hack! I've been making your convertible mask for adults and laboriously made patterns by cutting them out of card stock and gluing 6 layers together. Very time consuming! I've been asked to make masks for kids going back to school, so now I want to make rotary patterns for the child, teen and small versions of your pattern. Apparently parents are having a hard time finding masks for their children. Having a template makes the cutting a snap and now you've shown me a way to make my template much faster. Thanks!
Thanks Judy! Yes, it is SO MUCH EASIER! It also helps that you can color coordinate them too! I make all my child/teen patterns yellow, smalls red, med - blue, large grey and XL agua! So I don't have to think about it when I grab them in a hurray! I'm emailing you today - I think I will take you up on that offer you made me a few weeks back!
I just found the absolutely greatest plastic for small patterns. Liberte yogurt just came out with a new design, it has a slight texture which is actually really nice. I'm talking about the large containers of yogurt. LIke I said this is only good for very small things. I use it for pendants. If you make small holes all the way around you can do some really nice beaded pendants. Before I throw anything out these days I study the object and try to find a use for it. If we all did that a lot less would end up in the landfills.
I use the cutting mats from the Dollar Store but they don’t have the rough side like the one you showed from Walmart. I like how it didn’t move. Thx for sharing this😊
I love the place/cutting mat! My pattern are from paper and I just put tape over them so they wouldn’t ripe but I really love the idea you give. Thanks❤️
I found thin vinyl school binders with pockets make good patterns which I look for in thrift shops. What ideas do you have for a larger measuring template?
That is how I do my mask patterns as well. Another inexpensive hack is to use Zinc-Plated Cut Washers as fabric weights as well. I bought six of them at Home Depot for 49 cents a piece.
If you can't get pennies, other weights that can used are your pen mug (most people have one), marbles, sand, pebbles, misc. Hardware from the garage such as Nuts n bolts, books or my favorites wood and metal planks. A 2X4 with a handle attached to one side, shelf liner to the other to prevent slip, works great for large patterns.
I've used quilt pattern flexible acetate sheets. I used the sheets to make the Wizard of Oz head piece for Glenda the "Good Witch of the North". It was matte/frosted finish. It didn't slide much and I bought the thickest mm from JoAnn Fabrics. If it did slide a bit on the higher count cotton fabric I put a double side pice of archival adhesive tape on the back. It worked great. I put a paper hole punch through it to put those reclosable metal rings to keep the different sizes of the same pattern pieces together. Love your videos❤️💯, TY!!
You can pick up items like these place mates at the Thrift Store. You can use card board boxes the light weight card board boxes and also cereal boxes would work as well.
I am in a rabbit hole of your videos! 😂 Love them. Thank you! I also wanted to say that the plastic shelf liners from the Container Store are ideal for this kind of use.
Excellent info. Thanks! I want a transparent kitchen cutting mat, so I can see how on the patterned fabric images wii end up. I’m about to go shopping online, so I can take advantage of your excellent tips.
Linda, let me know if you find any transparent ones so I can share the link with others! The shelf lining worked pretty well, it laid nicely and cutting around it was easy enough. Please let me know!
@@StreamlineSeamstress I found them (clear plastic kitchen cutting mats)at AMAZON and WALMART. Thank you, again, for your sharing of your excellent knowledge!
@@StreamlineSeamstress The clear plastic cutting boards that I got from Walmart (4 in the pkg), worked PERFECTLY to see through the durable plastic pattern piece, when trying to cut out and match fabric patterns. They are just thick enough to be a good tracer or to roto cut. The back is textured to make the cutting board not slip on the counter, which helps it to not slip on fabric, when cutting. For cutting out with scissors, I found it to be more difficult, as it cannot be pinned in place.For tracing and roto cutter, I could hold it in place easily with the other hand. But then, I am a LEFTY, so right handed users might have a different experience. However, YOU CAN SEE CLEARLY THROUGH TO THE FABRIC PRINT AND THE TEXTURED NON-SLIP BACK HELPS.
Dollar Tree has opaque cutting mats that if you are trying to fussy cut a print on fabric for a mask or appliqué pattern for a quilt, then these are able to see the print through the mat. They are also very sturdy and they are 2 for a dollar.
I bought 4 of those mats taped them together now I have a foldable mat that I can store and take with me as I go teach my young children to sew plus I bought several that I am now adding to sewing kits
Another idea for the cutting mat templates is to tape 2 or 3 layers together and then it will be thick enough to use a small diameter (28 mm) rotary cutter. This way will eliminate the step of tracing around the template and cutting out the fabric with scissors. Rotary cutting is so much faster n easier. Use the smaller diameter rotary cutter because you have more control around the curves of the templates.
I've been using the flexible cutting mats as well. The ones I have are a good thickness but do not have a grid pattern on them, just an ever-so-slight texture. This has made been a life saver for making all of my masks.
I use comic book boards, Add on markings and notes. Have plenty on hand because my fabric is folded around them for easy neat storage. I do use a sharpie to mark the edges just so I don’t cut into them with a rotary cutter.
I LUV this idea for my mask patterns. Running to Walmart and dollar store today. I have been sewing clothing items from the paper patterns lately. You have to tape them together and cut. When I get done it’s a little bulky to store away for the next time. Any suggestions? Anyone!
Thank you for sharing! Such a great idea. Unfortunately I already both some face masks patterns. But I’ll use this idea to create smaller face masks patterns for my grandkids.
In this video, I share with you one of my favorite hacks! I've used this one since my late teens and it has endured the test of time! This video shows you how to make your face mask, or sewing pattern templates out an everyday product that anyone can buy anywhere - and more importantly why it's so useful and easy to work with while cutting your fabrics! Happy sewing!
Happy
I really love it thanks a lot. May God bless you and many more blessings come to you I would love to see more sewing just subscribed to your Channel😘
Dawn Takacs thank you dawn I really enjoyed watching you been so helpful
I’ve been using those mats for months now!!! They are awesome!!!
Thank you!
Amazing to find this now...I ordered the cutting mats, I'm still making masks in April of 2021, and I want things that make it easy! I have ordered a tailor's ham, now these mats...and I WILL make comfortable, well-fitting masks if it takes me the rest of my life to find out the best one yet. :) Thank you! Blessings to all.
Wonderful! Blessings right back at you! Keeping sewing, it is so good for your soul!
Thank you! No more wasting paper, print once & transfer!
Exactly! You will love this! Thanks for watching!
I use overhead transparancies that I have from years ago in the classroom, totally clear so I can see to line up directional fabric
Very smart! Thanks for sharing!
Just love your channel clear and perfect in detail just what all sewers need,stay safe and well
Thank you very much! Merry Christmas!
Great, great idea. Grip mats..perfect. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I'm glad it helped
Hi Dawn I work in a nursing home and were just starting to open the doors to visitors. The residents and visitors must wear masks and remain 6 feet apart. I have been making masks for a week now trying to get enough masks to supply the visitors, I must say I was mind blown when I saw your video on sewing 4 layers together! I think this is going to save me so much time, also I’m going to make my pattern from those walmart cutting boards as well right now I’m using corn flake boxes lol. I have a rotary cutter but I’m nervous using it. I’m just using my high school sewing skills but I feel the need to contribute. Thank you for your videos, our fabric stores still have lines and it takes time to get the supplies, but so worth it. The city I live in here in Canada is still in stage 2 so masks are mandatory EVERYWHERE and we can only have limited people in the stores so your stuck waiting out in the heat. Crazy times were living in these days for sure. Thank you for all your doing to help during these hard times. I’m going to look for your pattern its important to our seniors to have these visits from family, it breaks my heart to see so many pass away with no families being able to be by their sides. Tanks again!!
Hi Debra! thank you for the message! I am part of a group on Facebook, of women in Canada who sew and donate masks! Please find me, and I can send you the link! They're quite inspiring, and they love making them and donating them. Maybe they can help with your demand requirements? I wish I was in Canada - I'd ship you a dozen or so myself! But please find me, and you're going to find that this mask is so fast to make and the prep work is literally 1 minute. I can sew them in 5/6 minutes depending on fabric - most women are at 7/8 minutes. But with no pleats and no ties - they're perfect for the elderly! That group also collects donated fabric for sewing angels! An amazing group - find me via my page and I can send you their link and get you invited! Thank you and God Bless you for what you're doing on both sides of this fight!
Dawn Takacs good afternoon and thanks for your response! I do belong to a sewing group on fb. I joined to get ideas and patterns for our masks and scrub caps. I was overwhelmed by the amount if co workers in need. We ended up asking the group to help with the caps and they were very supportive WESF. Right now it’s masks for us and the families. My daughter and I have been doing what we can and will continue until we have enough. We have purchased cotton sheet sets for now and it’s been great because we can get home delivery for that. I have been telling and showing everyone here your hack for sewing all 4 pieces of material together. This weekend I need to make 25 for a co workers wedding. She’s pushing the limit with 25 as we’re only allowed to have 10 people at any gathering. I keep hearing we will get through this together and it’s true! Some of us are struggling, and others are right there to step in and comfort or help in what ever way we can. I’m so grateful for the past 5 months because it has lifted me to be the better mother, family member, friend and PERSON God needed me to be. I truly hope more people will come away from this changed, focused and blessed with the knowledge of what really matters in life. I hope your having a wonderful day today🙂
@@debraseguin18 Amen to being the person God wants us to be because of what we are going through. God bless you for all that you do in making masks.
I am so glad to have found this video. I was seriously considering having my favorite mask pattern cut into plexiglass. This is THE perfect, inexpensive and DIYable substitute!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
I’m so happy to help!
Bets hack I have ever seen!!! Love it
Thank you!
Thanks so much Dawn for taking the time to test the various materials and for sharing.
Tracey
You're welcome Tracey!
Thank you so much. This is worth every second of watching.
That is so nice, thank you! Be safe and happy sewing!
Thank you Dawn for this amazing video. I am just getting back to sewing after being away for many years. I have been making masks for our grand boys. I also have to say you have a lovely voice and calming approach for video tutorials.
Thank you Suzanne, and it's like riding a bike it will all come back to you! If it doesn't - that's what RUclips is for! LOL Be well, and thank you for the support!
I was going to make the mini knit mask this afternoon , didnt't feel like running out to the store, looked around the house, then light came on to use my old Cricut mats that didnt have that mush stickyness left on them, worked great, I do like the mats from Walmart, will be picking them up next trip to Walmart
Such a savvy smart idea! Good thinking! You will love them! Be well!
AMAZING!!!!!! Your ideas are sooooo useful!!!!
Glad you liked it!
Greetings to you Dawn, I like your channel and your derscription! I began sewing when I was a little girl and have always enjoyed sewing. Somehow I began transforming clothing as a child like making turning a jacket into a coat or using my own ideas somehow. Just recently I've been making aprons out of my husbands old shirts and will be sharing the aprons with friends and family. Now that I'll be going in pension soon..I'll be having more time to sew again. Thanks for sharing with us and I wish you ..."Happy sewing"! :) Cheers! Carol
Isn't it wonderful that sewing is a life long skill? Thanks for sharing Carlo and be well!
@@StreamlineSeamstress I agree.. :) Wish you well also..thank you. :)
Love this, the mat with grid is awesome. Cannot wait to try this.Great video's you are terrific teacher.
,
Thanks so much! I really appreciate hearing that! Be well my friend!
I use plastic graph paper. It has the grid, which you can choose what size grid you get, which they come in different size grids. Holds up well. Cuts easily. Can use a sharpie to write on the pattern. Either for identification or for where to put darts, etc for sewing. Also this type of graph paper is great for making pattern for cake decorating patterns as you can see through it.
CM S where do you buy it?
Thank you for the great tips
You are so welcome!
Fantastic video!
Thank you!
Thanks for the work you put into this video! I have some glass coasters left over from a wedding where we used them as candle stands. They were from the dollar store. They make the best cutting weights I’ve ever used. They have a low profile, but are super easy to slide near to the edge needing to be cut to stabilize the edge. I love them. I am so glad they made their way to the workshop somehow.
Oh how I love reading this! I think being creative for tools is essential and time/money-saving!
🙏 thanks for the new ideas been trying to figure how to make good patterns that will last for awhile
You’re welcome 😊thanks for the view!
This really is such an amazing hack! Thanks so, so much for sharing :)
You're so welcome!
I use hard plastic, that is used for templates. And overhead projector sheets. Ive cut up plastic folders as well.
Thank you for sharing!
Like the mask your showing....like the hacks
Thank you!
Enjoyed your video. I always use poster board. Ow I will get some food type cutting mats. So practical.
Glad it was helpful! Flatter too!
Thank you!!!! This was very helpful! Glad I found your channel!
Thank you Donna! I am happy you're here too! :) Stay tuned more good stuff to come!
BRILLIANT thanks for showing .
Thank you!
Very helpful, great idea. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
This is really clever and well thought out. Thank you!
Thank you Jimmie! Happy Sewing!
I love your ideas...about your patterns 🥰
Thank you! 😊 Happy to help!
Thanks for these wonderful ideas
My pleasure!
Thank you from Australia, awesome hack xxxxx
Thank you! 😊 Stay safe down there!
Keep those great hacks coming, ty.
I will! Happy Labor Day!
Thank you for this very useful video. Its amazing tips!
Glad it could help! Thanks for watching!
Great ideas! Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
I have always used flexible poly 3 ring binders to make my quilt patterns templetes. I also use a hole punch to store my templates in a 3 ring poly binder.
Those binders are very useful for many things! Great idea, thanks for sharing!
So mine may be a bit extreme, but I had recently done a home project, and had left over quarter inch MDF (medium density fiberboard) from Home Depot.
We traced the patterns onto it, then used the jigsaw to cut it out. They’re light weight, very sturdy, smooth on one side and textured on the other (so it grips the fabric, allowing a smooth rotation mid cut, without losing its position, the rotary wheel doesn’t cut into them if we accidentally make a bad cut, and I just label it by writing clearly, with Sharpie on the smooth side. Best thing I’ve used ever.
No I love this - it it may not be doable for most, it's a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing these fantastic hacks 🙂
You are so welcome!
Thanks for posting , some good things to use
Thanks for watching!
Very nice idea, I was just trying to find what to use to keep the pattern of the mask I have, thanks for your suggestions very useful.Blessings
Happy to help! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the great hack. I found it at Walmart so now I just have to cut out my patterns. I’m so excited I just ordered your masks and tomorrow I’ll print them, cut them out and start making your masks😊❤️
Yay! I am excited for you!
Thank you. I can’t wait to get to the dollar store to buy a few packages of the cutting boards. Lovely hands/nails.
You are so welcome!
Thanks for this! I was fruitlessly searching around my home office for something satisfactory to use. Then you show two different items I already have extra in the house, that being the shelf liner and kitchen cutting mat. No further searching needed. :)
Yay! Repurposing! Thanks for the view and the note! Happy converting those patterns!
New subscriber here! At 50 I’ve taught myself to sew! I bought myself a Babylock Joy.... I just love it! I’m making masks for everyone at work and all my family. It’s taken me a few months to understand the machine and also about that long in watching and re-watching videos!! Plus a near panic attack when I broke my first needle!! Hahaha! Anyways, I wanted to say thank you so much for all your videos and for taking the time to make them, they have been so helpful to me. Love, from Oregon ☔️ 💕❤️~Trina M
Oh my gosh! That's so sweet! I have to say though - it makes me feel good to help others and I really enjoy knowing that the knowledge I'm sharing is doing that! Thanks for letting me know Trina!
Trina, now that you have broken your first needle you are officially a SEWIST! Congratulations.
Susan Dickson hahahahaha!! Thank you!! Been having a lot of fun!! 💕❤️🙏
Good for you, Trina! I learned to sew 50 years ago, made a lot of my own clothes for awhile and really enjoyed it. But then got away from it for decades and have now returned, so feel somewhat "new" at it myself: so many new tools, techniques, and great hacks like this one from Dawn. SO SO SO appreciate RUclips and everyone's generosity in sharing. Best wishes!
Trina, I thought of you yesterday. I have been sewing for 50+ years and broke 2 needles within 30 minutes of each other! The thread had jumped out of the correct path on my vintage Bernina and I didn't notice the problem until the second break! The thread had snagged under the spool forcing the needle to bend - and snap! She loves Gutterman thread, which is cross-wound on the spool, but the spool pin is vertical. I think that is causing issues, so now I am keeping a closer watch. I am always learning something new!
I'm a new subscriber because of this video. Thank you so much for making the video. Looking forward to watching more of your videos in the future.
Thanks for subbing! Yay! welcome to the party!
Nice idea, I like it. I bought clear plastic for table covers, the thickest one. It gives me a clear view of where I want to place my pattern on the fabric. I don't use a rotary cutter so I don't damage the plastic. I love it bc I can see the print and place my pattern exactly.
I actually did think of this too! I love that clear table plastic they offer at JoAnns! I was looking to use the rotary - but for trace and scissors it is ideal! Thanks for sharing!
@@StreamlineSeamstress Thanks, all the ideas shared are so helpful. You learn something new everyday.
Thanks
Thanks for sharing
My pleasure! Thanks for watching!
Wow,this was so helpful. Thank you so much!!!💙💙
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
@@StreamlineSeamstress Oh and I'm a new sub!💕
Awesome idea!!
Happy it helped!
This ha k is awsome, I can’t wait to use it on all thee American Girl patterns I have that are about to tear apart. Thank you so much
You are so welcome! It will work perfectly for this!
i started to do the same with cardboards from my notebooks. going to watch your mask tutorial - thank you
My pleasure, thanks for watching!
I color code various markings, laminate both sides with packaging tape, & have different hole punchers. Time-consuming, but it keeps the original & I can customize little designs to denote which pieces go together with which pattern.
Also have file folders with the package, or pdf title page, on the front & cut like puzzle piece or matching lines larger pieces to fit & then put in a file cabinet. Custom zipper or Velcro bags in a trunk for smaller patterns.
🙂
Can you come over and organize my sewing room too? You sound SO ORGANIZED!! I am envious!
@@StreamlineSeamstress, just don't look anywhere else, that's not organized yet 😅 One thing I forgot to mention is that I use packaging tape bc it keeps the pieces flexible. I've tried an actual laminator but it seems to shrink the tissue paper. Also, it's easier to print pdfs on normal paper if you're going to laminate them. I've tried printing pdfs on cardstock, which works, but is still able to be torn.
One thing I haven't tried yet is flipping a pdf along its verticle axis to get I mirror image, making sure I denote right & wrong sides, cut out, glue stick, laminate. I'm really bad at folding the fabric in half & cutting 2 layers. Turning the pattern piece over makes the markings not clear. Having a reversible piece seems like it would help. Sometimes you can't see through tissue paper very well. I have yet to try scanning & all the fancy printing, but it might work 🙂
The Dollar Tree cutting mats (in the kitchen items section) work really good... they come two in a pack. They are clear so very easy to see through.
Thanks for sharing!
From the beginning, I started with the original paper pattern which I then transferred to heavy poster board. I use the board to trace the pattern on the fabric using washable fabric markers. The poster board never sees scissors or a rotary cutter and is filed in a portable file box. In a pinch, index card stock or manila file folders work well, too, and since they're only used for tracing they're perfect.
Thank you for sharing!
Plastic dividers or the big plastic accordion folders have worked wonders for me🤗
Smart idea!
@@StreamlineSeamstress thanks😊
I like using flexible transparent cutting mats.
Yep! Those work too!
Thank you sharing!!
You’re welcome!
Brilliant!
Thank you!
Hi this is absolutely brilliant thank you. I have the cutting mats in my cupboard and never even thought of using them. Thanks again. Stay safe. ❤️💐
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching be sure to subscribe!
Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! Be well!
I use plastic notebook dividers! I love the griping cutting board though!
Good choice!
Using the kitchen chopping mat was a great idea! When I made my mask templates, I used a couple pieces of the cardboard from fat quarters glued together. Worked pretty well. Will allocate one of my kitchen mats for patterns in the future. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your method, I hope it saves you time, money and energy!
Great tip! I've had to print so many patterns, using the cutting mats and marking them is perfect! Off to Wal-Mart...thank you
Happy to help! Let me know what you find!
Wow, very timely hack! I've been making your convertible mask for adults and laboriously made patterns by cutting them out of card stock and gluing 6 layers together. Very time consuming! I've been asked to make masks for kids going back to school, so now I want to make rotary patterns for the child, teen and small versions of your pattern. Apparently parents are having a hard time finding masks for their children. Having a template makes the cutting a snap and now you've shown me a way to make my template much faster. Thanks!
Thanks Judy! Yes, it is SO MUCH EASIER! It also helps that you can color coordinate them too! I make all my child/teen patterns yellow, smalls red, med - blue, large grey and XL agua! So I don't have to think about it when I grab them in a hurray! I'm emailing you today - I think I will take you up on that offer you made me a few weeks back!
I just found the absolutely greatest plastic for small patterns. Liberte yogurt just came out with a new design, it has a slight texture which is actually really nice. I'm talking about the large containers of yogurt. LIke I said this is only good for very small things. I use it for pendants. If you make small holes all the way around you can do some really nice beaded pendants. Before I throw anything out these days I study the object and try to find a use for it. If we all did that a lot less would end up in the landfills.
Thank you for sharing!
I use the cutting mats from the Dollar Store but they don’t have the rough side like the one you showed from Walmart. I like how it didn’t move. Thx for sharing this😊
Happy to help!
Just found your channel...love it...
Yay! Thank you! That makes me happy!
I love the place/cutting mat! My pattern are from paper and I just put tape over them so they wouldn’t ripe but I really love the idea you give. Thanks❤️
Happy to inspire! Thanks for watching!
It looks so easy while watching it, hopefully I can make a Face Mask as good as your. Thanks for sharing this video!
I found thin vinyl school binders with pockets make good patterns which I look for in thrift shops.
What ideas do you have for a larger measuring template?
I love repurposing! I think the shelf liner worked very well for larger patterns! It was only $1 too!
That is how I do my mask patterns as well. Another inexpensive hack is to use Zinc-Plated Cut Washers as fabric weights as well. I bought six of them at Home Depot for 49 cents a piece.
Helpful thanks!
I use pressboard file folders. Clear plastic danish boxes from Costco also works and is yummy.
Danish boxes! Of course, that would be a great choice too! Thank you for sharing!
If you can't get pennies, other weights that can used are your pen mug (most people have one), marbles, sand, pebbles, misc. Hardware from the garage such as Nuts n bolts, books or my favorites wood and metal planks. A 2X4 with a handle attached to one side, shelf liner to the other to prevent slip, works great for large patterns.
All good ideas! thank you for sharing! My hubby is going to hear about the plank idea!
Love it, I never think of this. Thank you 🙏
You are so welcome!
I've used quilt pattern flexible acetate sheets. I used the sheets to make the Wizard of Oz head piece for Glenda the "Good Witch of the North". It was matte/frosted finish. It didn't slide much and I bought the thickest mm from JoAnn Fabrics. If it did slide a bit on the higher count cotton fabric I put a double side pice of archival adhesive tape on the back. It worked great. I put a paper hole punch through it to put those reclosable metal rings to keep the different sizes of the same pattern pieces together. Love your videos❤️💯, TY!!
Love it!
I just laminate my patterns, works really well
Good tip! Thank you!
I love the idea to use place mats. You can get those at Dollar Tree
Thank you! Good to know!
You can pick up items like these place mates at the Thrift Store. You can use card board boxes the light weight card board boxes and also cereal boxes would work as well.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing🙂 New subscriber ❤
Thanks for subbing! Welcome!!
I am in a rabbit hole of your videos! 😂 Love them. Thank you! I also wanted to say that the plastic shelf liners from the Container Store are ideal for this kind of use.
Glad you like them! Such a nice compliment! That means the world thank you!
Nice!
Thank you!
💖💖💖 off to walmart! ty
Yay!! Thanks for watching!
Excellent info. Thanks! I want a transparent kitchen cutting mat, so I can see how on the patterned fabric images wii end up. I’m about to go shopping online, so I can take advantage of your excellent tips.
Linda, let me know if you find any transparent ones so I can share the link with others! The shelf lining worked pretty well, it laid nicely and cutting around it was easy enough. Please let me know!
@@StreamlineSeamstress I found them (clear plastic kitchen cutting mats)at AMAZON and WALMART. Thank you, again, for your sharing of your excellent knowledge!
P.S. They also have clear plastic placemats. I don't know how thick each is. I haven't received them, yet.
@@lindasharpe3449 Oh WOW! Save that link and let me know please!!!
@@StreamlineSeamstress The clear plastic cutting boards that I got from Walmart (4 in the pkg), worked PERFECTLY to see through the durable plastic pattern piece, when trying to cut out and match fabric patterns. They are just thick enough to be a good tracer or to roto cut. The back is textured to make the cutting board not slip on the counter, which helps it to not slip on fabric, when cutting. For cutting out with scissors, I found it to be more difficult, as it cannot be pinned in place.For tracing and roto cutter, I could hold it in place easily with the other hand. But then, I am a LEFTY, so right handed users might have a different experience. However, YOU CAN SEE CLEARLY THROUGH TO THE FABRIC PRINT AND THE TEXTURED NON-SLIP BACK HELPS.
Thank you for sharing I’m just now going out to see what I can find you are amazing. Will keep watching your channel thanks again
Awesome! Thank you!
Old X Ray films can be used for making pattern templates also
I have never heard of this one! Interesting! thanks for sharing!
Dollar Tree has opaque cutting mats that if you are trying to fussy cut a print on fabric for a mask or appliqué pattern for a quilt, then these are able to see the print through the mat. They are also very sturdy and they are 2 for a dollar.
Good to know, thank you!
Ellen Powell that’s what I am doing for mask template.👍
I use the dollar store ones for many different template
I bought 4 of those mats taped them together now I have a foldable mat that I can store and take with me as I go teach my young children to sew plus I bought several that I am now adding to sewing kits
Another idea for the cutting mat templates is to tape 2 or 3 layers together and then it will be thick enough to use a small diameter (28 mm) rotary cutter. This way will eliminate the step of tracing around the template and cutting out the fabric with scissors. Rotary cutting is so much faster n easier. Use the smaller diameter rotary cutter because you have more control around the curves of the templates.
Can I use my Scan N Cut Innovis to cut the placemats? Thank you for your generosity in sharing your experiences and knowledge.
I am unfamiliar with this system - I do know that that mats cut easily with scissors!
I love this idea! It would be a great way to keep your slippers for pattern drafting.
Totally! Love it!
A great idea. My cardboard patterns are so tired. Thank you so much!
My pleasure!
I've been using the flexible cutting mats as well. The ones I have are a good thickness but do not have a grid pattern on them, just an ever-so-slight texture. This has made been a life saver for making all of my masks.
Thanks for sharing!
I use comic book boards, Add on markings and notes. Have plenty on hand because my fabric is folded around them for easy neat storage. I do use a sharpie to mark the edges just so I don’t cut into them with a rotary cutter.
Love it!
Great video! You can get the kitchen mats in the Dollar Tree, also. Thank you! Blessings!!
Thank you and blessings to you as well!
Print your pattern on card stock, laminate and cut out.
jhamp244 that is what I do so much easier
Yep, age old one!
I LUV this idea for my mask patterns. Running to Walmart and dollar store today. I have been sewing clothing items from the paper patterns lately. You have to tape them together and cut. When I get done it’s a little bulky to store away for the next time. Any suggestions? Anyone!
Wonderful! Thank you! I’m not sure I understand your question?
I buy my plastic 3 mm thick drop cloth in the paint Dept
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing! Such a great idea. Unfortunately I already both some face masks patterns. But I’ll use this idea to create smaller face masks patterns for my grandkids.
Great idea! FYI - Our patterns include child and teen sizes!
I used card stock paper. Thanks for the tips. I will try the Walmart mats.
You are so welcome!
Dollar Tree has clear cutting mats in a 2 pack for 99 cents. They work great!
Good to know! Thanks for sharing!
I went straight to Walmart- they were out - though I see it online. I love your patterns - thank you!
I saw it online too! I think this may be a 'summer thing' and thank you!
Amazon also sells these opaque cutting mats. Just a little bit more money. I got 4 for $7
thanks
Thank you for watching!
Good ideas for long lasting patterns! Thanks for the tips. FYI: Cricut is pronouced Cricket. :)
Yes! Thank you! got it!