Good morning everyone. Every tool I have has to earn it’s spot at my sewing table. These 10 tools are tried and tested so they bring a smile to my face every-time I use them. Maybe you’ll find them useful too. Enjoy
Thanks, Karen. I really enjoyed this video. I am trying to locate the Bohin 3in 1 Mechanical Fabric Marker but I only find single colors. Do you have any hints to locating the one you have?
Currently on vacation at the cabin, a number of these came with me this week. I brought along a small ruler rack to keep organized on the one table we have to share for everything, sewing, card playing, puzzle building oh yeah and eating.
An easier way to make a tape ledge is to cut down thru the masking roll at the starting end of the tape (using razor type knife.) Cut down for how thick you want the ledge. Then pull these multiple layers of tape to the length you want and cut it off the roll. All your layers are automatically perfectly lined up without having to stack them up one layer of tape at a time.
I've stacked them on my cutting board then used a craft knife and ruler to straighten the edge. Less chance of slippage on the round roll. I like my fingers, lol. Always a klutz.
I’ve been making tape ledges for years and have never thought of doing it that way. How very clever! Thank you!! I’ll be sharing that one - giving Gwen J the credit. 😊
I find myself watching you instead of TV. I have been quilting for many years, but I think that I will make better quilts because of what I have learned from you. You are a good speaker and teacher
Way better than a tape ledge, which catches the threads and drags against your fabric as you feed it through, is to use a credit card sized fridge magnet (the kind you get sent in the mail as an advertisement for something) as as the edge. It is magnetic, but I still tape it down. Works a treat and the fabric slides nicely against the edge.
Karen, your videos are fabulous! You have such a great presentation style that is clear and succinct. Always learn so much from you. You are one of my top three quilters that I follow and recommend. The basics are so important thanks for sharing your success es with us.
@Just Get It Done Quilts is always my #1 I recommend for new quilters! Her "3-in-1" tool has been FANTASTIC for me!! I keep coming back for refeshers to make sure I haven't picked up any bad habits and just for pure enjoyment! Karen is the BEST binge watch! LOL She's the best thing to get me motivated to get my hind end in my sewing room 😄🤣😄
Hello!! Just was suggested your RUclips channel!! Oh how I have missed out but no longer I love this one video can't wait to see more!! Not ready to join as of yet as I am relearning how to sew after a stroke and went totally disabled physically and partially memory. I thank you for being so descriptive I will continue to watch and catch as many videos I can.
Using a folded mini charm square as a leader to get over thick seam humps...genius!! Just tried it and it works like a charm. Thank you for always providing the greatest tips.
Thanks for this topic. I gave myself two of the clover seam rippers for Christmas and always smile with satisfaction when they work so well. A good tool is a joy to use. Your top ten have added to my new favs! I love your channel for so many reasons, and never miss an episode.
Karen, what an incredible learning experience I had today while watching your 'favourite tools' video. A ledge out of masking tape!!! What a difference it made today when sewing both a clean edge with a pinked 2.5" strip edge. AND I've been sewing for over 6 decades ... and just today, I learned what to do with the little red ball ! Many, many thanks, Karen, for your tips and tricks.
Thank you for your videos. I have been sewing for over 50 years and piecing quilts for about the last 15 years. Always good to get great tips on basic skills.
i love how absolutely toolbrained you are about crafting and repurposing specialty tools. as another toolbrain who is allergic to spending money i can definitely relate to half of all the tools i use being cut out of cardboard or fished out of an automotive toolkit
Just want to say Karen.I am busy with recycling denim and your tip with bubble foam to clean cutting board works wonderfyl with removing those bits of thread after ripping! very happy
OMG! You did the impossible. You taught this old dawg new tricks. I was doing the Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle while listening to this. Now I am going to start at the beginning and really WATCH it. Thank you so much.
Never thought to use the high header (fabric square folded). I use leaders and enders but never thought to fold the square. I just love your tips. I actually just love your videos!
Thank you for the clear, calm explanations. I'm not new to sewing, but to the detail of quilting! I made my first 2 squares and learned from each one. With you by my side, I'll improve even more!
It was fun to watch this video and check off 5 of the 10 tools that I have already, thanks to some of your previous videos! THAT'S how much I watch you, learn from you and appreciate all your teaching! Thanks for great months (I found you about 18 months ago when I first started to try piecing) of learning and all your time to help all of us become better quilters.
I was watching this video and loved all the products and tips but I just bought an Ipad stand like the one that is on your sewing table. I thank you for your tips and tricks! Love your videos!!!
I use the soft end of the Clover stilletto on the screen of my Bernina, too. I don't have the tool Bernina sells and my finger isn't always recognized by the selection I'm trying to make on the screen, so this tool does the trick!
The next must have on my wish list is that seam roller. I've done OK with finger pressing, bought a good new iron but there is always times a roller would work perfectly. Thanks Karen for your best free advice 👍 🇦🇺💜🇨🇦💚😊👍🖐
😅 Okay. It took the third time watching but I finally HAD to put the Clover stiletto on my Amazon list!😂 I kept thinking about the giant paper pieced quilt that I've started (and is on my wall, just STARING at me!) Now that I'm recovering from my 2 back surgeries last month, I'm almost ready to rejoin my friends and work on it with them! Yayayayayay!! Receiving it in the mail is also a way of getting a little motivational nudge in the right direction 😉 Right now I'm taking a page from your book and working in 30 minute increments on a block swap group project. That's safe without pushing it. Wooooooooo hoooooooo!! I'm SO proud of what appears to be successful surgeries!! I'm just having post-op pain and I don't believe that I'm having my "before" pain!! Praise God! Your videos have been a blessing while I've been in this bloomin' recliner!😅
I recently used your painter’s tape ledge idea and it worked perfectly. I feel like a beginning quilter although I’ve been doing it for 20 years. I need to learn all the shortcuts so I can be more productive and less frustrated!
Tip: I have a card table for my sewing table. To protect it, I picked up several packages of inexpensive plastic cutting boards, 2 in a pac. I duct taped 9 of them together to cover my table. It works for me.
I also use them that way. I also put one under my sewing machine when I want to slide it frequently. (I do the same with my laptop computer.) I have used several packages as sewing pattern templates as well. Of those, my favorites are the ones that I use for fussy cutting. 👍
I just got a wooden seam roller. I'm making a slipcover from some home dec fabric that is synthetic and doesn't press well. I don't want to topstitch all those seams in place as I have to add piping/welting to many of the seams. The seam roller works great to flatten out those pesky seams.
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts but HUGE when your quilt top has 192 HST. There was a gal there who bought a plastic “high header” but why buy it when YOUR solution works perfectly?
I am super new to quilting and just wanted to say that I am thoroughly enjoying your videos and tutorials. Thank you for taking the time to make these.💜
Well I learned some new uses for things I already had! I have painters tape but never thought about all the ways to use it , so I guess it was a good deal when they came 2:rolls together! Thanks 😊
It never occurred to me that I needed a high header! I’ve used a technique like that hemming thick denim jeans, but never thought to do that in quilting. Thank you for sharing!
Dear Karen, I love your videos. You are so helpful. I am glad to learn about how to be a better, more precise quilter. I’m on a quest to improve and you are helping. Thank you
Oh thank you, Karen. Once again, you’ve shown so many great tips! Some of them we’ve seen before in previous videos. For example, painters tape is my favorite 1/4” guide, and I now own a clover seam ripper. And I had seen some of your previous tips before, but had forgotten them. And a reminder in this video is like another Ahaa! moment for me. Lol. So great, as always. ❤️❤️❤️
You have some fantastic tools. Thank you for sharing them with us. I've struggled to find an affordable roller seam presser. I didn't think to check in the hardware section 😀 I have a few suggestions I hope it's ok to share. I use a small (3-4") silicone cup that has a suction cup base and a multi-slotted top, that's designed for collecting vinyl scraps, as a thread catcher. It stays where I put it (on the side of my sewing machine) and I can tuck all those pesky threads into the little cup. I've also bought a long roll of cheap kids drawing paper for foundation paper piecing. It's easy to iron flat and it works about the same as copy paper, but good enough as long as I'm careful not to pull on my stitches. I use it to trace applique patterns with a lightbox, and to draw quilt block templates to test a pattern if I'm not sure what direction to go. I saw this tip on another video (can't remember who, sorry) about using spray mister bottles for water and starch as they produce a very fine mist and lightly and evenly spread the spray across fabric. I'm hoping this bottle will use less starch and it won't splotch on my fabric, but I haven't tried it out properly yet. I bought an applique fusing mat that consists of a silicone base and a teflon top for about £25 - on offer at Amazon, and I realised that the two together might work great as a slider sheet. It's big enough to cover the sewing machine extension table (17*24") and the Teflon sheet seems to stay put on top of the silicone mat, that doesn't shift on the table. Has anyone else tried this? And lastly, this is a new find for me (tonight); hook eye needles. The eye has a side hole to easily thread, and a hook inside the eye that's supposed to keep the thread from coming out. They're pricey for a pack of 1 needle - but I saw one being used to tuck thread tails into the batting very efficiently, so I might buy one to try.
Thank you for another great video. I did notice that when you marked your block with the pencil, you drew from end to end. I've found that going from the middle out to the edges results in a better result. Hope you can use this tip.
Love this subject and the video! My hubby has various uses for larger pieces of that foam-- he just asks nicely of someone in the produce section of the grocery store, and they can usually rustle up a piece or two for him. That is such a lovely hack because keeping those fine fibers out really keeps the mat nicer much longer!
So many great ideas! The foam is genius. The "high header" is so much more versatile than a hump jumper. Yes a clover seam ripper is worth every penny. And the roller seems so much quicker than using my fingernails. As for green painter's tape - mandatory for all sewing rooms!
OMGosh! I have been struggling with binding corners (and different angles) for a while and couldn't wait to dig out some Dollar Store cutting mats I had tucked away to form my new tool. As I was cutting that template, my mind started racing to all the other uses I could come up with for this miracle plastic. The large hexagons, center circles for my Dresden blocks, leaves....I am a cutting monster now! That one little tip saved me from a lot of headaches. Thanks so much.
Hello Karen, I just bought one of those tiny irons, I Love it. And it's so easy on the electric bill. Then I got one of those carts similar to your and made it shorter so I could keep it near the sewing table and cutting mat, thank you, Thank You. It's awesome.
I love that you list the other videos related to your topic - makes it SO much easier to review vs going through the search function. Wish all tubers were so thorough! Great list of tools - added 2 to my "buy next" list. Time to try the clover seam ripper, and the bohin 3 lead pencil! Will also grab some of that foam from hubby to see if it works to clean my cutting mat:)
Such great tips. My favorite was the "high header" one. Fabulous idea! I make a lot of Flying Geese. For what it's worth, I've had my favorite stitch ripper for several years and it is still super sharp. My mother bought me a second one and it is so dull I use it as a stiletto. ;)
Oh btw the self threading needle as a finishing tool is genius, thank you. My mom had these and I inherited some from my MIL but didn’t think about using this way - I avoid hand sewing so they mostly sit in my drawer.
So. Your #2... The first time I watched this video (the day it launched) we unpacked a box and I grabbed a chunk of it. It does exactly what you say. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you! I was happy to see I am using most of them but I still learned something. That little folded square to get over the thicker seems...I've had my challenges with those seems. I shall remember that trick! Thanks again!
So happy to have found you. I've ordered the quilting seam roller for starters. I've found folding paper crafts was tiring on putting pressure on rulers. I'm also starting my first quilting class this weekend and wanted tips to use and take for when I go.
Hiyaaaa Karen hope you and your Family & are all keeping well. This tutorial is Amazing thank you so much for sharing with Everyone here💕💕💕💕💕💕👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 xxxxxx
I use all your idea's and suggestions and have improved my quilting and sewing so much. I want to Thank you for being there for those of us whom don't know where to go. Love your videos
Oh i must not throw out the packing foam… i have been due dilligent these past 2 days in my sewing studio for improved organization and placing items to donate… that foam looks like a fame changer for instant clean up… also the tape ledger. Love love… thank you for your clear instructions👍
Always love your tips! For getting fluff and thread, and most of all pet hair, off of mats, quilts, bedding, car seats etc, I use a kitchen rubber glove OR even easier a Teflon scrubber from the Dollar store. Your tip for the high header is great - a foam nail file also works great!
I just start quilting and your videos have by far been the most helpful and upbeat of any I have watched! Thanks your for your great energy and great videos
I actually inherited all of my Mom’s sewing notions and surprisingly I use a lot of them quite frequently. And, like you I think of her every time I use them. 💞
I tried the masking tape for 1/4 inch seams but I have to peel it off when I change bobbins because it tapes my bobbin case shut. Anyway, I saw a woman who uses hefty rubber bands that can come off & be repurposed over & over. Works great because I have a 1/4 inch pressure foot but it really doesn't work that great. I love your ideas of free or cheap tools! My favorite is using the plastic dollar store kitchen cutting mats for templates. Genius!👍
I used to cut a piece of molefoam about 1/2 inch wide by 2 inches long to use as a ledge for my beginning students (7th graders) in school. Molefoam is a thicker version of moleskin that is sold in drugstores, etc as foot care. It tends to wear a bit as it's used depending on how hard students pushed against it, but it was cheap and re-usable for the time they worked on their projects. (I'm a retired FCS teacher.)
When I am going to do a lot of ¼" seams without intervening projects, I cut the ledge around the plastic piece over the bobbin case. That way I can change bobbins easily without removing the ledge.
Great tips, Karen! I’m going to try the foam to clean an old Cricuit mat. Should work well. High header…yep! Going to do that! Thanks, and stay well! Muskoka ON 🇨🇦
Oh, Karen! I finally "discovered" self-threading needles for burying my thread about six months ago. They have turned a dreaded chore into a fun game. It's so quick and easy to do now. I love them.
Great video. Brilliant how although top ten, not everything on right hand side on the top. But a specific place for a specific purpose. Thank you, hugs, Chel🌸
Is there a video for “burying your threads”? I’m a newbie and I’m not sure I’m doing this (at all) or correctly. Thanks for all the great videos, I’ve learned soooo much from you.
![Coheed and Cambria - Searching for Tomorrow [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hDsYGLbmadg/mqdefault.jpg)
Good morning everyone. Every tool I have has to earn it’s spot at my sewing table. These 10 tools are tried and tested so they bring a smile to my face every-time I use them. Maybe you’ll find them useful too. Enjoy
Thanks, Karen. I really enjoyed this video. I am trying to locate the Bohin 3in 1 Mechanical Fabric Marker but I only find single colors. Do you have any hints to locating the one you have?
Another great video Karen. You’re a gem 🌺
Currently on vacation at the cabin, a number of these came with me this week. I brought along a small ruler rack to keep organized on the one table we have to share for everything, sewing, card playing, puzzle building oh yeah and eating.
Which items we will get free,can u explain?
An easier way to make a tape ledge is to cut down thru the masking roll at the starting end of the tape (using razor type knife.) Cut down for how thick you want the ledge. Then pull these multiple layers of tape to the length you want and cut it off the roll. All your layers are automatically perfectly lined up without having to stack them up one layer of tape at a time.
I've stacked them on my cutting board then used a craft knife and ruler to straighten the edge. Less chance of slippage on the round roll. I like my fingers, lol. Always a klutz.
Great idea, thanks
I’ve been making tape ledges for years and have never thought of doing it that way. How very clever! Thank you!! I’ll be sharing that one - giving Gwen J the credit. 😊
I use this method too! I found by stacking them some would curl up by the sewing plate and the fabric would catch on it.
@@chrisdistelrath9386 I use your method as well.
I find myself watching you instead of TV. I have been quilting for many years, but I think that I will make better quilts because of what I have learned from you. You are a good speaker and teacher
Whaaat!???? I’ve been seam ripping the wrong way for 66 years. How have I not known this???? 🤯👏👏👏👏👏
Me too! Not quite as long though. 😊 We learn something every day.
Way better than a tape ledge, which catches the threads and drags against your fabric as you feed it through, is to use a credit card sized fridge magnet (the kind you get sent in the mail as an advertisement for something) as as the edge. It is magnetic, but I still tape it down. Works a treat and the fabric slides nicely against the edge.
The tip I will use right away is the little folded square of fabric to level the presser foot. Thank you for the great tip.
Exactly!! I **WISH** I had had that tip making my 3D quilt by Ruth Ann Berry! A LOT of triangles making intersections!!
I agree! This was a wonderful tip! I’ve been quilting for years and could have used this so many times! Thanks so much!
I will be using that very important tip
The high header will now be a game changer for me! It's genius! Need to get that 3 way pencil too!
I started using either fabric or buttons to wedge behind thick denim seams after seeing it used for humps in hems.
What a wealth of useful knowledge you're imparting, Karen! You're like a library and mentor combined. Thank you 😍
Karen, your videos are fabulous! You have such a great presentation style that is clear and succinct. Always learn so much from you. You are one of my top three quilters that I follow and recommend. The basics are so important thanks for sharing your success es with us.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful tips and tricks. I need all the tips I can get. You are an amazing teacher.
@Just Get It Done Quilts is always my #1 I recommend for new quilters! Her "3-in-1" tool has been FANTASTIC for me!! I keep coming back for refeshers to make sure I haven't picked up any bad habits and just for pure enjoyment! Karen is the BEST binge watch! LOL
She's the best thing to get me motivated to get my hind end in my sewing room 😄🤣😄
Thanks for the information. Love the DIY binding tool!!
Hello!! Just was suggested your RUclips channel!! Oh how I have missed out but no longer I love this one video can't wait to see more!! Not ready to join as of yet as I am relearning how to sew after a stroke and went totally disabled physically and partially memory. I thank you for being so descriptive I will continue to watch and catch as many videos I can.
Using a folded mini charm square as a leader to get over thick seam humps...genius!! Just tried it and it works like a charm. Thank you for always providing the greatest tips.
Thanks for this topic. I gave myself two of the clover seam rippers for Christmas and always smile with satisfaction when they work so well. A good tool is a joy to use. Your top ten have added to my new favs! I love your channel for so many reasons, and never miss an episode.
Thank you 🤗🤗🤗
I know what you mean!! As SOON as I get the alert I say, "Yayayayayay!" and jump on! LOL😄🤣😄
Karen, what an incredible learning experience I had today while watching your 'favourite tools' video. A ledge out of masking tape!!! What a difference it made today when sewing both a clean edge with a pinked 2.5" strip edge. AND I've been sewing for over 6 decades ... and just today, I learned what to do with the little red ball ! Many, many thanks, Karen, for your tips and tricks.
Thank you for your videos. I have been sewing for over 50 years and piecing quilts for about the last 15 years. Always good to get great tips on basic skills.
i love how absolutely toolbrained you are about crafting and repurposing specialty tools. as another toolbrain who is allergic to spending money i can definitely relate to half of all the tools i use being cut out of cardboard or fished out of an automotive toolkit
yes. I am all about solving the problem not bells and whistles
Just want to say Karen.I am busy with recycling denim and your tip with bubble foam to clean cutting board works wonderfyl with removing those bits of thread after ripping! very happy
OMG! You did the impossible. You taught this old dawg new tricks. I was doing the Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle while listening to this. Now I am going to start at the beginning and really WATCH it. Thank you so much.
LOL...I love to do that
Never thought to use the high header (fabric square folded). I use leaders and enders but never thought to fold the square. I just love your tips. I actually just love your videos!
🤗🤗🤗
That fabric header is amazing! Thanks for the tip
Thank you for the clear, calm explanations. I'm not new to sewing, but to the detail of quilting! I made my first 2 squares and learned from each one. With you by my side, I'll improve even more!
It was fun to watch this video and check off 5 of the 10 tools that I have already, thanks to some of your previous videos! THAT'S how much I watch you, learn from you and appreciate all your teaching! Thanks for great months (I found you about 18 months ago when I first started to try piecing) of learning and all your time to help all of us become better quilters.
I was watching this video and loved all the products and tips but I just bought an Ipad stand like the one that is on your sewing table. I thank you for your tips and tricks! Love your videos!!!
"high header" - a complete AHA moment. Brilliant, Thank You!!
I use the soft end of the Clover stilletto on the screen of my Bernina, too. I don't have the tool Bernina sells and my finger isn't always recognized by the selection I'm trying to make on the screen, so this tool does the trick!
The next must have on my wish list is that seam roller. I've done OK with finger pressing, bought a good new iron but there is always times a roller would work perfectly.
Thanks Karen for your best free advice 👍
🇦🇺💜🇨🇦💚😊👍🖐
The hump jumper fabric and wall paper roller ideas are brilliant!
Great tools. I use my foam block and binding tool all the time. Thanks Karen ♥️🇦🇺
I have learned soo much from you Karen! Thanks again for these tool tips. I really enjoy your great videos and clear teaching . 🥰
😅 Okay. It took the third time watching but I finally HAD to put the Clover stiletto on my Amazon list!😂 I kept thinking about the giant paper pieced quilt that I've started (and is on my wall, just STARING at me!) Now that I'm recovering from my 2 back surgeries last month, I'm almost ready to rejoin my friends and work on it with them! Yayayayayay!! Receiving it in the mail is also a way of getting a little motivational nudge in the right direction 😉
Right now I'm taking a page from your book and working in 30 minute increments on a block swap group project. That's safe without pushing it. Wooooooooo hoooooooo!! I'm SO proud of what appears to be successful surgeries!! I'm just having post-op pain and I don't believe that I'm having my "before" pain!! Praise God!
Your videos have been a blessing while I've been in this bloomin' recliner!😅
Foam idea great! And I have Never seen someone use a seam ripper that way! Fantastic!
I've just discovered your channel. It's fantastic. So much useful information for a newbie like me. Thank you so much.
Great info. I enjoy the Lives and KC episodes always have interesting points- but these kinds of videos are why I love your content. THANK YOU!!
I recently used your painter’s tape ledge idea and it worked perfectly. I feel like a beginning quilter although I’ve been doing it for 20 years. I need to learn all the shortcuts so I can be more productive and less frustrated!
Great idea with the foam!! I have some that I just couldn’t throw away(not sure why, but now I know
I have been using the black foam for a while on mats. But never thought about it for those tiny little Unsew threads. Thank you.
Tip:
I have a card table for my sewing table. To protect it, I picked up several packages of inexpensive plastic cutting boards, 2 in a pac.
I duct taped 9 of them together to cover my table. It works for me.
Nice....clever solution
I also use them that way. I also put one under my sewing machine when I want to slide it frequently. (I do the same with my laptop computer.) I have used several packages as sewing pattern templates as well. Of those, my favorites are the ones that I use for fussy cutting. 👍
I just got a wooden seam roller. I'm making a slipcover from some home dec fabric that is synthetic and doesn't press well. I don't want to topstitch all those seams in place as I have to add piping/welting to many of the seams. The seam roller works great to flatten out those pesky seams.
OMG, Karen, the high header has been a life changer for me! I was at a quilt retreat recently & shared your idea. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! it's a little thing
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts but HUGE when your quilt top has 192 HST. There was a gal there who bought a plastic “high header” but why buy it when YOUR solution works perfectly?
WOW that quick demo using your seam ripper… I didn’t actually know how to use a seam ripper… now I do! Thanks
I am super new to quilting and just wanted to say that I am thoroughly enjoying your videos and tutorials. Thank you for taking the time to make these.💜
Well I learned some new uses for things I already had! I have painters tape but never thought about all the ways to use it , so I guess it was a good deal when they came 2:rolls together! Thanks 😊
Thanks, some great ideas. Been quilting for years and a few were new to me. I'm looking into that last tool for bindings.
😵 the high header omg 😱 My purple Thang works to remove paper on paper piecing too👍
It never occurred to me that I needed a high header! I’ve used a technique like that hemming thick denim jeans, but never thought to do that in quilting. Thank you for sharing!
Dear Karen, I love your videos. You are so helpful. I am glad to learn about how to be a better, more precise quilter. I’m on a quest to improve and you are helping. Thank you
Definitely a few things to put on a wish list, like the stiletto.
Thanks for these, Karen. It's amazing how the right tools can make the job so much easier (and better).
All of your videos are informative and very helpful. I watched the ironing one and discovered what I was doing. Thanks
Oh thank you, Karen. Once again, you’ve shown so many great tips! Some of them we’ve seen before in previous videos. For example, painters tape is my favorite 1/4” guide, and I now own a clover seam ripper. And I had seen some of your previous tips before, but had forgotten them. And a reminder in this video is like another Ahaa! moment for me. Lol. So great, as always. ❤️❤️❤️
You are so welcome!
the tip with the folded 2.5' square is the best I ever tried out, thank you so much for sharing
Morning! Loved this video and all your others. Keep videoing your sewing tips and projects! Pittsburgh, PA
You have some fantastic tools. Thank you for sharing them with us.
I've struggled to find an affordable roller seam presser. I didn't think to check in the hardware section 😀
I have a few suggestions I hope it's ok to share.
I use a small (3-4") silicone cup that has a suction cup base and a multi-slotted top, that's designed for collecting vinyl scraps, as a thread catcher. It stays where I put it (on the side of my sewing machine) and I can tuck all those pesky threads into the little cup.
I've also bought a long roll of cheap kids drawing paper for foundation paper piecing. It's easy to iron flat and it works about the same as copy paper, but good enough as long as I'm careful not to pull on my stitches.
I use it to trace applique patterns with a lightbox, and to draw quilt block templates to test a pattern if I'm not sure what direction to go.
I saw this tip on another video (can't remember who, sorry) about using spray mister bottles for water and starch as they produce a very fine mist and lightly and evenly spread the spray across fabric.
I'm hoping this bottle will use less starch and it won't splotch on my fabric, but I haven't tried it out properly yet.
I bought an applique fusing mat that consists of a silicone base and a teflon top for about £25 - on offer at Amazon, and I realised that the two together might work great as a slider sheet. It's big enough to cover the sewing machine extension table (17*24") and the Teflon sheet seems to stay put on top of the silicone mat, that doesn't shift on the table.
Has anyone else tried this?
And lastly, this is a new find for me (tonight); hook eye needles. The eye has a side hole to easily thread, and a hook inside the eye that's supposed to keep the thread from coming out.
They're pricey for a pack of 1 needle - but I saw one being used to tuck thread tails into the batting very efficiently, so I might buy one to try.
I have the 3 color marking pen and love it. I also use the tape ledger all the time I learned that tip from your videos.
I'm a big fan of the Violet Craft roller; I use it ALL the time! I love the look of that stilleto, so I think I'm going to order it!
It's worth the money
Thank you for another great video. I did notice that when you marked your block with the pencil, you drew from end to end. I've found that going from the middle out to the edges results in a better result. Hope you can use this tip.
Thank you. I’ll test that out
Love this subject and the video! My hubby has various uses for larger pieces of that foam-- he just asks nicely of someone in the produce section of the grocery store, and they can usually rustle up a piece or two for him. That is such a lovely hack because keeping those fine fibers out really keeps the mat nicer much longer!
One of my top 10 sewing tools is a good lint roller and/or a handheld vacuum. These are a must when doing machine embroidery as well as quilting.
The high header was new to me. I'm going to use that idea! Fun to learn new things. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Karen, thanks for these wonderful tips! You are worth your weight in gold!🤩
Thanks, I learned a lot. You're video's always help me make the fun of sewing much more fun.
That is awesome!
So many great ideas! The foam is genius. The "high header" is so much more versatile than a hump jumper. Yes a clover seam ripper is worth every penny. And the roller seems so much quicker than using my fingernails. As for green painter's tape - mandatory for all sewing rooms!
My violet craft roller is by far my favorite tool. I took a Stacy Day courae and she recommended it. I was skeptical until I used it.
Good morning! Great video. Some I’ve also used for years but a couple of new ideas. Thanks!
OMGosh! I have been struggling with binding corners (and different angles) for a while and couldn't wait to dig out some Dollar Store cutting mats I had tucked away to form my new tool. As I was cutting that template, my mind started racing to all the other uses I could come up with for this miracle plastic. The large hexagons, center circles for my Dresden blocks, leaves....I am a cutting monster now! That one little tip saved me from a lot of headaches. Thanks so much.
Bought myself a sheet of template plastic which should cover a few needed items like diamonds 💎
Hello Karen, I just bought one of those tiny irons, I Love it. And it's so easy on the electric bill. Then I got one of those carts similar to your and made it shorter so I could keep it near the sewing table and cutting mat, thank you, Thank You. It's awesome.
Wonderful!
Omg….The high header is exactly what I need! Thanks for the tip!
Have you tried the Clover bamboo stiletto? I use it for so many sewing tasks. It's the best, doesn't slide or punch a hole in the fabric.
I love that you list the other videos related to your topic - makes it SO much easier to review vs going through the search function. Wish all tubers were so thorough! Great list of tools - added 2 to my "buy next" list. Time to try the clover seam ripper, and the bohin 3 lead pencil! Will also grab some of that foam from hubby to see if it works to clean my cutting mat:)
Such great tips. My favorite was the "high header" one. Fabulous idea! I make a lot of Flying Geese. For what it's worth, I've had my favorite stitch ripper for several years and it is still super sharp. My mother bought me a second one and it is so dull I use it as a stiletto. ;)
It is so good for flying geese.
Oh btw the self threading needle as a finishing tool is genius, thank you. My mom had these and I inherited some from my MIL but didn’t think about using this way - I avoid hand sewing so they mostly sit in my drawer.
So. Your #2... The first time I watched this video (the day it launched) we unpacked a box and I grabbed a chunk of it. It does exactly what you say. Thank you for the inspiration!
Amazing isn't it
Thank you. I'm on the hunt for some of that foam! Always appreciate the great tips you share.
Am where do buy this foam. Is like a sponge?
Great tips! Love the high header! My next flying geese quilt will be “sew” much better!
I am going to try the charm square folded to lift pressure foot today! That is such a great trick! Thanks!
The Clover seam ripper is my favourite seam ripper too. It has a really good grip, fits perfectly in my hand.
We can form a club
wow, never heard of a high header... great tip!!!!
As always your video is packed with excellent, practical advice!
Coincidentally I just ordered the wallpaper roller you mentioned! Looking forward to using it soon. So many excellent tips! Thanks a bunch Karen!
The high header is brilliant. Thank you.
Thank you! I was happy to see I am using most of them but I still learned something. That little folded square to get over the thicker seems...I've had my challenges with those seems. I shall remember that trick! Thanks again!
So happy to have found you. I've ordered the quilting seam roller for starters. I've found folding paper crafts was tiring on putting pressure on rulers. I'm also starting my first quilting class this weekend and wanted tips to use and take for when I go.
I always wondered about that dot on the Clover seam ripper. Thanks!
Hiyaaaa Karen hope you and your Family & are all keeping well. This tutorial is Amazing thank you so much for sharing with Everyone here💕💕💕💕💕💕👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 xxxxxx
I use all your idea's and suggestions and have improved my quilting and sewing so much. I want to Thank you for being there for those of us whom don't know where to go. Love your videos
🤗 happy to help
Oh i must not throw out the packing foam… i have been due dilligent these past 2 days in my sewing studio for improved organization and placing items to donate… that foam looks like a fame changer for instant clean up… also the tape ledger. Love love… thank you for your clear instructions👍
Always love your tips! For getting fluff and thread, and most of all pet hair, off of mats, quilts, bedding, car seats etc, I use a kitchen rubber glove OR even easier a Teflon scrubber from the Dollar store. Your tip for the high header is great - a foam nail file also works great!
Such great ideas! Thanks for sharing. I really like the little square piece of fabric and also storing it on your pincushion! Thanks for all of this.
I just start quilting and your videos have by far been the most helpful and upbeat of any I have watched! Thanks your for your great energy and great videos
The "high header" - OMG! Mind blown!!
💗
Your videos are delightful and informative. Thank you so much
Another well done video with tons on information. I have a wall paper roller that was my mother's. I think of her every time I use it.
Love that
I have my mother's imperial measuring tape. It has been around since before I was born in 1963
@@AnitaSouthall isn't it nice to have a reminder of our mother's when we sew.
I actually inherited all of my Mom’s sewing notions and surprisingly I use a lot of them quite frequently. And, like you I think of her every time I use them. 💞
I tried the masking tape for 1/4 inch seams but I have to peel it off when I change bobbins because it tapes my bobbin case shut. Anyway, I saw a woman who uses hefty rubber bands that can come off & be repurposed over & over. Works great because I have a 1/4 inch pressure foot but it really doesn't work that great. I love your ideas of free or cheap tools! My favorite is using the plastic dollar store kitchen cutting mats for templates. Genius!👍
I used to cut a piece of molefoam about 1/2 inch wide by 2 inches long to use as a ledge for my beginning students (7th graders) in school. Molefoam is a thicker version of moleskin that is sold in drugstores, etc as foot care. It tends to wear a bit as it's used depending on how hard students pushed against it, but it was cheap and re-usable for the time they worked on their projects. (I'm a retired FCS teacher.)
When I am going to do a lot of ¼" seams without intervening projects, I cut the ledge around the plastic piece over the bobbin case. That way I can change bobbins easily without removing the ledge.
Karen, these always help from you! Thank you!
The high header is genius thank you!! I keep running into that problem, I will try this tomorrow!
Great tips, Karen! I’m going to try the foam to clean an old Cricuit mat. Should work well. High header…yep! Going to do that!
Thanks, and stay well!
Muskoka ON 🇨🇦
I can’t find the links to the products you mentioned. Can you tell me where to find those links? Thanks! Great video…enjoyed all your tips.
Oh, Karen! I finally "discovered" self-threading needles for burying my thread about six months ago. They have turned a dreaded chore into a fun game. It's so quick and easy to do now. I love them.
Check out lasso method for burying threads
Great video. Brilliant how although top ten, not everything on right hand side on the top. But a specific place for a specific purpose. Thank you, hugs, Chel🌸
Is there a video for “burying your threads”? I’m a newbie and I’m not sure I’m doing this (at all) or correctly. Thanks for all the great videos, I’ve learned soooo much from you.
Great suggestion!
I'm also wanting to improve in this area.