Kristin, you nailed the list! I have been sewing for over 50 years now and I have them all except 3 differences. I bought a Panasonic cord free iron (former Rowenta owner) and LOVE not fighting with a cord. My sewing books are by the late Nancy Zieman. I have books on basics and many topics she featured in her TV shows. I am in the US and she had a show on the public broadcast station for years. My cutting mat is now the Puzzle Mat. I sacrificed my large cutting table when we retired 10 years ago, moved from Alaska to Arizona, and my craft/sewing room was half the size I had before. Now I pull out and set up my 2 foot by 4 foot folding table and the Puzzle Mat assembles just like a jigsaw puzzle in square foot sections. Most of my sewing now is for gifts, mending/altering existing garments, or doing machine embroidery - which is my new passion. I am also a card crafter and family bookkeeper so my room is full. 5 sewing machines, 5 paper crafting machines, and lots of tools and supplies to keep me occupied through eternity! I just wish I could take it all with me when I pass on! My handiest tools you didn't mention are a third hand and a lighted jeweler's loop. The third hand clamps on to my sewing desk and has a gripping clamp to hold fabric to make "unsewing" a breeze. A little tension and a single edge razor blade makes most jobs a breeze! The jeweler's loop is essential for reading the embossed numbers on sewing machine needles to determine the size of "strays". A regular magnifying glass or good reading glasses help with close work. Full spectrum lighting is kind to older eyes and compression gloves help older, arthritic hands - but you don't look old enough to need those items yet! I keep an empty medicine bottle for bent or old needles and pins so I can put them safely in the trash when I have accumulated enough. Then I toss them in my husband's sharps container (his insulin needles go in there) and nobody gets injured. I also want to add that I also have full size shears and pinking shears (all by Fiskars) that are spring reactive which makes cutting easier on my hand. I was unable to use a rotary cutter for a long time until I got my total right shoulder replacement. You should also try a glue eraser (borrowed from my paper crafting) for removing the cut threads when unpicking. My best tweezers also serve double duty and I made my hem guide for pressing accurate hems with cardstock and measurements drawn with a Sharpie. I am sorry to ramble on like this but it is great to share ideas with like minded people! Thanks for your video. I subscribed to your channel and will be exploring your other videos soon. Have a very merry Christmas!
Hi there… I agree it’s great to talk w/ like minded people w/ same & new interests & all the great ideas. And even w/ all my years in the business & pleasure ❤️ I hear of a great idea or a new use for something I already have. I love your rambling… my dad use to say rambling is how God lets us know that maybe there’s something we should listen Lol. Thanks for the scissor tip … my hands are paying for all the hand work that I love to do. And never heard of a glue eraser… chk’g it out next. Thank you!!
I put bed risers (kids use them for beds in college dorms) under the legs of the table I use for cutting. I don't get a sore back anymore when I lay out and cut my fabric. They were a game changer for me.
A Projector and Pdf patterns! A HUGE game changer for this sewist. I’ve been sewing and using paper patterns for 50 years, I’ve bought and stuck together pdf patterns right from the first ones that were available and loved being able to quickly access a new pattern, but didn’t love the sheets of stiff paper. Then along came Projector sewing, where you use a projector with your laptop/iPad to project the pdf pattern onto the fabric on your cutting mat. You go from buying the pdf to cutting in minutes and it’s making a massive difference to my productivity. With a little software knowledge you can alter and grade your patterns, or you can project onto paper simply draw out the changes. There’s a fantastic face book group as well as lots if you tube videos about the subject.
Your cutting table is same as mine! When kids left home, I put the ping pong table top over my pool table and 2 cutting mats on top! My grandson came downstairs to my shop one day and was so surprised to know what was underneath my table. We uncovered it and kids played pool and ping pong that weekend and then the fun was over. Back to sewing table! So sturdy and just a perfect height!
It still amazes me how much we sewers think alike. I love and use almost everyone of the things that you have. It's just shows how much sewers use the same things to solve the same problem.
Thank you so much, not just for describing the gadgets themselves, but also for your tips - like cutting the darts out of the paper pattern, what a genius idea! 💡 And the less obvious uses for the Simflex were another lightbulb moment for me. Such a great video, thank you for sharing.
I recently moved and had the pleasure of setting up a new sewing room. I treated myself to new pins and pincushions - not fancy or expensive but nice to have new tools!
Thanks for mentioning them, I love them and tell everyone to give them a try. Also at Officeworks I bought a french curve I just got the packet of 3 smaller ones and find them very useful.
Hi, 50+ yrs a seamless. from USA, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just found your channel & I have to tell you I have these loop turners. Got them in the 80’s I think…. They really work!! So nice to find you❤
Thank you so much Kristen, I really really enjoyed watching you show us all these amazing things, I do have some of them. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags
Loved them all! Absolutely gorgeous array of different clothing that look stunning on you! Thank you for the truly exciting and inspirational fashion montage.
Hello from Mexico. Grew up in USA, been sewing for over 70 years, learned on treadall machine, then on my mothers electric, when I went to school alway took sewing classes. I do all kinds of sewing craft, clothes purses, bags etc. thank you for the time and ideas you put in your videos. Diane now living in the central mountains of Mexico.
Such a wealth of information - thank you!! I find that I use my awl nearly constantly, from assisting with thread removal, encouraging a corner point to turn out, moving a tight bit of fabric through the presser foot - all sorts of things.
Sometimes I use a “fabric eraser” to loosen threads from an unpicked seam and then use a “pet (sticky tape) roller” over to pick up threads (pet roller is good to pick up threads from carpet too). Also, sometimes I need something stronger than tweezers, so I keep a small pair of needle-nose pliers in my sewing drawer for those tough to pull through moments! Thanks for the video Kristen! Merry Christmas 😊
I was so lucky because we learnt to sew at high school. However mum always sewd anyway so it was a natural progression and I'm amazed they don't learn in school anymore and people don't know what a french seam etc. is. Guess I'm showing my age now😁
I love your channel and videos, thankyou. I found some of my tools at my local Op Shops. But and this is like a dream come true, for anyone living in Brisbane, on the northside at Everton Park is The Nest - a volunteer run craft place full of everything sewing knitting and craft related. It is all donated supplies, super well organised, great pricing and helpful staff. I am not involved with them, I just love to shop there and want to share this resource with everyone :)
In all my years of sewing, I've never gotten the expanding sewing gauge. I truly do need to do that. And I like the way you included a basic sewing book at the end - you always need one of those around! ❤️🤗
My mom & I purchased the Fast Turn set at a sewing exposition years ago. I now have them and they are my go to for turning. The Clover Clip & Glide Bodkin is awesome for waistbands as well.
Oh I wish I'd seen this a week ago! I made a quick Christmas quilt as a gift and really wanted to put ruffles on it, I've done a lot of ruffles but never any as long as I needed for this project - don't have ruffle foot and gave up after breaking threads over and over and just went without. This is MUCH more affordable than a ruffle foot and so easy thank you!
Great topic thank you. There is a forum on sewing pattern review about useful things in the sewing room , a lady says she uses a laser level on her table, it’s like one surveyors use. It gives a straight red beam for making sure your pattern is straight without needing to measure. It’s also good for matching stripes and checks she says. I have priced them at Bunnings and eBay, they seem to start at about $60 on eBay , which I think will be good enough for sewing. I have put it on my wish list ! Bridget R
You have really opened my eyes to a couple of new (to me) gadgets and methods to try. I don’t see the links for them, but I saved your video and will use that to refer to. I really appreciate all of your videos. You’re so practical and give such good sound advice! Thanks!
I have a lot of these things or solutions that work well for me, but I immediately went and ordered the sewing gauge since I make a lot of things with buttons or laced-up bodices that need eyelets, and spacing is always an issue, this will come in so handy! 😁
Fabulous tips Kristen. I love learning from other sewists and your tool tips are very timely. Some I already use, so I know I am on the right track, others are going on my to do/purchase list!🤗 Thanks for another great video.👍
I bought one of the bodkins and it disappeared shortly thereafter...I think it is in my husband's tool chest now!! I need those Prim turners! I have tried so many different kinds and none of them worked for me either. I will be getting those soon! I also love the bigger handled seam rippers. They fit so nicely in my hand and they are really sharp...much sharper than the thin one with the blue handles. I just bought some bees wax, but I haven't had an opportunity to use it yet. Glad you have and that it really works. I have the expandable button placement gadget and it has been such a joy to use. No more guessing or fooling around with measuring tape trying to space evenly! Thanks so much for showing us these gadgets. It's always good to see what others are using to help them along. I haven't tried dental floss for sewing and what a great idea? Plus it won't break like thread does if I have to gather a long panel! That may be my next favorite thing to use. Thanks again and take good care!
Thank you for another great post. I have a little idea for pattern weights which is to go and get some heavy ankle weights from a charity shop or used sports equipment shop and remove the weights from the little pockets. The iron cylinders have a flat side so they don't roll. I popped each one into a fabric tube which makes them even more stable.
Hi Kristin, I love Sewers Aid a liquid thread conditioner as I don't have luck with wax types. I own a Brothers Sewing Machine & use Guttermann thread & my machine glides. No luck at all with Coats & Clark thread b/c my machine is fussy that way. Noteworthy is my wonderful Ott Light. I'm in the States. I loved all the other tips. I need help on display options for art quilts, hooped blocks, runner orientations, etc. I'm dyslexic.
I made my own Taylor’s ham. I bought some canvas or yeah, I think that’s what it was and some flannel or a material and cut out the shape of one and I stepped. It was softest hands out the little bit that was left and I love it. It works great. Oh and get you know that Mr. clean scrub saying go to dollar tree and get theirs comparable to it and use that to clean your cutting mat with. Oh yes, one more thing. Take a sliver of soap and use it to Mark Fabrics with.
So many of your tips are great but I had to laugh when you were talking about hangers. I did exactly the opposite to you. I threw out all my velour hangers and replaced them with white plastic ones!!!
Thank you for your advice and tips, and I loved your friendly presentation. I have a tip for the small tiles that you use for pattern weights: glue a square of felt underneath to prevent the tiles from damaging your fine fabrics and patterns. As a bonus, those tiles can also be used as coasters for coffee mugs etc without damaging the surfaces of your tables!
Great tools, most of them i have in my "nähkörbchen"😂=sewing basket. I love to sew and and enjoy to make new, repair the torn and recycle clothes. If someone would like to start sewing, check out the possibility of purchasing a good used maschines. I learned sewing with a very old model Bernina 1975😂 and strongly recommend this brand! This machines are very easy to adjust and to handle. 5 sewing machines! 😂 i have 6!
I’m just coming back to sewing recently after a long absence and finding my feet again - so great tips! Agree, the best machine to buy when you’re a beginner, or coming back to sewing after a long absence, is a very basic machine (I paid $129 for an Elna from Spotlight two years ago, which is basically a budget Janome) and overlocker (or buy an over locking foot for the sewing machine). Because, they’re less threatening, less scary to get going. My thoughts were, I can upgrade when I outgrow it and require more from my machine - I’m not there yet, I’ll probably thrash this thing until it dies. And I’ve learnt so much from you-tube videos, from threading my overlocker to rolled hems to stitch in the ditch bias binding hacks😂.
Speaking to your comment about a basic Janome….a few years ago Target had a machine on clearance for $25. It was a childs sewing machine. ( Hello Kitty at that!) made by Janome. That thing has been a work horse….i have been very satisfied with all it can do and the quality.
Hello from the USA, I saw a video,and she suggested that if the end on your seam ripper has a soft end on it, you can use that to rub the picked threads away. It's kind of like an eraser!
How much I love a good sewing tool?! I have most of the tools you mention but I have to say your iron just stole the show for me. Wow, what?!!!! It raises on its own?!!!! It took me also a long time to find a loop turner that I love and it is not like your Prym ones. It is very awkward gadget to explain but I might show it once on the channel. It has the same logic as the ones you’ve got but the tool has a shape of a circle. In short, I absolutely love it! Another favourite of mine is a clapper. Do you have one? It was a game changer for me. Xx
Kristen you briefly referred to cutting with a rotary cutter: I have tried (unsuccessfully ) many times to transition but end up always with poor results. There has to be a trick /knack to it all I am convinced 🤔. Especially curves, both inverse and converse, which have been my undoing every time. Any chance of you doing a video to demonstrate ?
Hi my sweet tip...you can glue some swade or felt under your tiles... to protect your fabric... and I like having a magnifying 🔎glass handy for treading my machine
Loved this video, Kristen!! I must admit I have most of the tools as I've been collecting for years. I think I might give the turning sticks a try as that's probably the only turning aid I don't own 🥰 Oh and absolutely yes to the velvety hangers!!! 💓
One of my very favourite tools is my overlocker threader. I have no idea how anyone threads their overlocker without one. Not in less than half an hour, LOL
hi Kristen, I bought the Prym loop turning set recently, cant wait to use them! Have most of those tools and I use silk organza for pressing. Thanks for the tips!
I made my own tailors ham, a smooth piece of wood about 8 inches long cover with padding and then your main material plus a handing loop, wrap it around and hand sew all around , it’s perfect for sleeves, darts and shoulders to get a smooth iron on them. It works a treat for me, no expense just a thought I’d pass on.
I've been sewing and constructing clothes all my life, and some of those tools are very handy ,my fav tool is good snippers because my pet hate is threads everywhere ,ive worked at yaka factory for 10 yrs and the turning tool for rolled hem would be very handy ,at yaka I did use a folding foot on my machine to did pockets on jeans and did my quota for the day plus more, but do you think I can use one on my domestic machine ,nope can't get it right ,so that tool would be handy .This was great video thank you for doing that some ive never seen before ...well done👍❤ive binged watched all of you videos so far and sometimes go back and watch them again...keep them coming I really enjoy them 😊🌸
If you put a pin at the base of the button hole and then use the seam ripper to cut the button hole, it will work. But since you have that you probably won’t want to do that. Also, You can buy various sizes of straws that will work like this, that Turner thing and use your kebab sticks to turn the stuff or something along that line. And I hope that you understood that.
I was shown how to place a pin across at the end of the buttonhole space, before the bar as a stop for Jack the ripper., you can always sew another bar on the end if you go a bit too far. You can start at one end and go half way. Then finish with the tip up when you get to the middle from the other end. My old uncle had a favourite woolen blend sports jacket, that wasn't looking so good after being squashed in a suitcase, I used my cloth on it and it looked freshly cleaned. Saved him some money as well. I have 2 teflon sheets around 12 ×15 inches, to sandwich sticky things between, to save my iron. I found magnetic pin-cushions, make all the pins magnetic, and hard to separate over time, I have a number of pin-cushions, one for long quilting pins. One for wool needles is crocheted, so the fat needles don't leave holes, and a number that get moved from cutting and pinning to taking the pins at the machine, and back to pinning again. Lace pins and Applique pins are handy with, hand sewn patchwork. I even use paper clips and wooden spring pegs at times. Yes clover clips are handy, but sometimes a bit heavy, really good for one side at a time zips. You could glue a square of felt on your tile backs?
Hi Kristen. I have been a quilter and ragdoll maker for some years now, but only started making my own clothes after following you and taking inspiration from you. I have obtained a lot of your gadgets over time for quilting but the biggest problem I have is the tailor chalk. I have fabric pens for quilting but I like the chalk to mark my apparel fabric and I just can't use the darn stuff. Lol. It seems to be so hard it won't leave a mark unless I really put some pressure on it. This can be an issue on the edge of some fabrics. It is so frustrating. Have you found a tailor chalk that is soft. I haven't seen those chalk pencils in this video, so wondering if they are soft. I have tried an abundance of the things. So hoping you may have suggestion. Thanking you for this brilliant vid and cheers for now.
Thanks for all these sewing tips. One of my favorites for seam ripping is a small battery powered pet hair trimmer. It will quickly and safely remove a seam or stitching mishap. No more picking out stitch by stitch.
@@gioiafrank8419 Sure, it is a very small pet hair battery trimmer found in pet care sections of big box stores as one example. Just turn it in and run the edge along seams to clip threads instead of a manual seam ripper. Quick, and easily opens up the sewn seam. Search for the tiny clippers online if you need one . Hope that helps
You commented on the temp being cold at 5 Celsius. I had to look it up. That is 41 Fahrenheit, which is Spring-like. I think I should move to Australia . In Winter here, temps can drop to -20 C. Brrr.
I grew up in Canada, where I lived it could get to minus 40 Celsius, or worse in winter. I remember clearing the driveway early mornings and it was -56 with wind chill! That’s cold. I’ve lived in NZ for 19 years now and I understand the cold Kristen talks about. Its a different cold. It’s damp, and wet, humid here in winter and that cold seeps in clear to the bone. I just can’t warm up after being in that. It doesn’t help the houses aren’t heated like they are in Canada so you come in and the house is 13 degrees. Often I’ve gone out and say it feels like a Canadian spring- those days when the the roads are slushy from the melting snow. Same in summer, temps may not be that high but with the humidity you die, constantly sweating and can’t sleep at night.
Some really helpful things I didn't know about. Today I sewed over fabric glue not yet dry & now the stitches look all messed up. Tried cleaning with Q-tip and alcohol & nail polish remover. Any suggestions?
Thank you so much for sharing this video. You have more “toys” than me. There are several that I do have and a few that I have never seen before and some I’ve seen but didn’t know if they were worth getting. Amazon, here I come!
Sewing tip…..if your straight pins don’t want to easily penetrate through your fabric….slide the pin through your hair. It will pick up a little hair oil & will slide through any fabric…. : O )
Thanks so much! It’s the Every Days a Weekend dress by Pattern Emporium patternemporium.com/products/everydays-a-weekend-easy-fit-tiered-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern?aff=82
Kristin, you nailed the list! I have been sewing for over 50 years now and I have them all except 3 differences. I bought a Panasonic cord free iron (former Rowenta owner) and LOVE not fighting with a cord. My sewing books are by the late Nancy Zieman. I have books on basics and many topics she featured in her TV shows. I am in the US and she had a show on the public broadcast station for years. My cutting mat is now the Puzzle Mat. I sacrificed my large cutting table when we retired 10 years ago, moved from Alaska to Arizona, and my craft/sewing room was half the size I had before. Now I pull out and set up my 2 foot by 4 foot folding table and the Puzzle Mat assembles just like a jigsaw puzzle in square foot sections. Most of my sewing now is for gifts, mending/altering existing garments, or doing machine embroidery - which is my new passion. I am also a card crafter and family bookkeeper so my room is full. 5 sewing machines, 5 paper crafting machines, and lots of tools and supplies to keep me occupied through eternity! I just wish I could take it all with me when I pass on! My handiest tools you didn't mention are a third hand and a lighted jeweler's loop. The third hand clamps on to my sewing desk and has a gripping clamp to hold fabric to make "unsewing" a breeze. A little tension and a single edge razor blade makes most jobs a breeze! The jeweler's loop is essential for reading the embossed numbers on sewing machine needles to determine the size of "strays". A regular magnifying glass or good reading glasses help with close work. Full spectrum lighting is kind to older eyes and compression gloves help older, arthritic hands - but you don't look old enough to need those items yet! I keep an empty medicine bottle for bent or old needles and pins so I can put them safely in the trash when I have accumulated enough. Then I toss them in my husband's sharps container (his insulin needles go in there) and nobody gets injured. I also want to add that I also have full size shears and pinking shears (all by Fiskars) that are spring reactive which makes cutting easier on my hand. I was unable to use a rotary cutter for a long time until I got my total right shoulder replacement. You should also try a glue eraser (borrowed from my paper crafting) for removing the cut threads when unpicking. My best tweezers also serve double duty and I made my hem guide for pressing accurate hems with cardstock and measurements drawn with a Sharpie.
I am sorry to ramble on like this but it is great to share ideas with like minded people! Thanks for your video. I subscribed to your channel and will be exploring your other videos soon. Have a very merry Christmas!
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Great information.
Thanks for sharing Susan! Just fab!
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Hi there… I agree it’s great to talk w/ like minded people w/ same & new interests & all the great ideas. And even w/ all my years in the business & pleasure ❤️ I hear of a great idea or a new use for something I already have. I love your rambling… my dad use to say rambling is how God lets us know that maybe there’s something we should listen Lol. Thanks for the scissor tip … my hands are paying for all the hand work that I love to do. And never heard of a glue eraser… chk’g it out next. Thank you!!
I put bed risers (kids use them for beds in college dorms) under the legs of the table I use for cutting. I don't get a sore back anymore when I lay out and cut my fabric. They were a game changer for me.
BRILLIANT idea!
Super idea!!!
Hands down, the best gadget for me is Wonder Clips. As a bag maker and apparel sewist they are worth every penny to me.
I totally agree!!
Hi, you can also put your thread through a bar of soap so it doesn’t knot up or tangle. My grandmother taught me that.
I’m a gadget fanatic . I don’t use them all but I have them if I need them.
A Projector and Pdf patterns! A HUGE game changer for this sewist. I’ve been sewing and using paper patterns for 50 years, I’ve bought and stuck together pdf patterns right from the first ones that were available and loved being able to quickly access a new pattern, but didn’t love the sheets of stiff paper. Then along came Projector sewing, where you use a projector with your laptop/iPad to project the pdf pattern onto the fabric on your cutting mat. You go from buying the pdf to cutting in minutes and it’s making a massive difference to my productivity. With a little software knowledge you can alter and grade your patterns, or you can project onto paper simply draw out the changes. There’s a fantastic face book group as well as lots if you tube videos about the subject.
One simple thing I keep in my sewing drawer is an emery board. I can't tell you how many times a little snag on my nails will catch on fabric.
Great tip! My nails are terrible atm! I've had to remove them for my surgery and I miss the bright, shiny polish!
Your cutting table is same as mine! When kids left home, I put the ping pong table top over my pool table and 2 cutting mats on top! My grandson came downstairs to my shop one day and was so surprised to know what was underneath my table. We uncovered it and kids played pool and ping pong that weekend and then the fun was over. Back to sewing table! So sturdy and just a perfect height!
It still amazes me how much we sewers think alike. I love and use almost everyone of the things that you have. It's just shows how much sewers use the same things to solve the same problem.
So true Margie!
Thank you Kristin for being so generous in sharing your sewing tips, tools and knowledge, we can all learn something from other people's experiences.
You are so welcome!
I love my duck billed scissors for grading seams.You don't have to worry about cutting the wrong seam edge
Fantastic!
Thank you so much, not just for describing the gadgets themselves, but also for your tips - like cutting the darts out of the paper pattern, what a genius idea! 💡 And the less obvious uses for the Simflex were another lightbulb moment for me. Such a great video, thank you for sharing.
I'm so glad you found it helpful!
I recently moved and had the pleasure of setting up a new sewing room. I treated myself to new pins and pincushions - not fancy or expensive but nice to have new tools!
It's lovely to spoil yourself with sewing goodies!
Frixion pen’s are a game changer for me! Just from Officeworks. Really precise markings that disappear with an iron.
I use them a lot too:)
Thanks for the tip!!!!
Thanks for mentioning them, I love them and tell everyone to give them a try. Also at Officeworks I bought a french curve I just got the packet of 3 smaller ones and find them very useful.
Marks will reappear if the fabric gets cold. Not all marks will disappear so test first.
Kristen, I’m thrilled you love the loop turners as much as I do 🥰 what a brilliant video, thank you for sharing my little demo ❤️❤️
You are so welcome! Thanks again for bringing my attention to it!!!
Hi, 50+ yrs a seamless. from USA, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, just found your channel & I have to tell you I have these loop turners. Got them in the 80’s I think…. They really work!! So nice to find you❤
Thanks for that Katie!
Thank you so much Kristen, I really really enjoyed watching you show us all these amazing things, I do have some of them. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags
Thanks Mags xx
Loved them all! Absolutely gorgeous array of different clothing that look stunning on you! Thank you for the truly exciting and inspirational fashion montage.
Thank you so much!!
Hello from Mexico. Grew up in USA, been sewing for over 70 years, learned on treadall machine, then on my mothers electric, when I went to school alway took sewing classes. I do all kinds of sewing craft, clothes purses, bags etc. thank you for the time and ideas you put in your videos. Diane now living in the central mountains of Mexico.
Thanks for sharing Diane!
The dart idea!!! And look at your iron !!! Oh my goodness.. hi from New Zealand
hello!!! The dart idea is a great one and so simple!
Hello, some of those little gadgets are great little helpers. Lovely video. Thank you. Keep safe and be lucky 💞💞💞
Thank you too
Such a wealth of information - thank you!! I find that I use my awl nearly constantly, from assisting with thread removal, encouraging a corner point to turn out, moving a tight bit of fabric through the presser foot - all sorts of things.
Great tip!
so glad to have found your channel...your warmth, enthusiasm and positivity are really inspiring. Thank you X
You are so welcome! So glad you're enjoying xx
Sometimes I use a “fabric eraser” to loosen threads from an unpicked seam and then use a “pet (sticky tape) roller” over to pick up threads (pet roller is good to pick up threads from carpet too). Also, sometimes I need something stronger than tweezers, so I keep a small pair of needle-nose pliers in my sewing drawer for those tough to pull through moments! Thanks for the video Kristen! Merry Christmas 😊
I bought a pressing cloth earlier this year and it really does make a huge difference!
I really like your dental floss basting stitch tip! I got an assortment of tweezers included with my dibby do's for my sewing machine.
The dart tip is a beauty 😊
Love it!
I was so lucky because we learnt to sew at high school. However mum always sewd anyway so it was a natural progression and I'm amazed they don't learn in school anymore and people don't know what a french seam etc. is. Guess I'm showing my age now😁
I love your channel and videos, thankyou. I found some of my tools at my local Op Shops. But and this is like a dream come true, for anyone living in Brisbane, on the northside at Everton Park is The Nest - a volunteer run craft place full of everything sewing knitting and craft related. It is all donated supplies, super well organised, great pricing and helpful staff. I am not involved with them, I just love to shop there and want to share this resource with everyone :)
That is awesome! I love op shops and antique shops for sewing treasures Alison!
In all my years of sewing, I've never gotten the expanding sewing gauge. I truly do need to do that. And I like the way you included a basic sewing book at the end - you always need one of those around! ❤️🤗
You'd love that book Jen! Yes the sewing gauge is awesome!!!!
Yes I always hated trying to work maths into buttonholes. Did not go well, no maths needed with the guage.
My mom & I purchased the Fast Turn set at a sewing exposition years ago. I now have them and they are my go to for turning. The Clover Clip & Glide Bodkin is awesome for waistbands as well.
Just ordered one through Amazon! Thanks for the tip xx
I use the flossing for when I make my yo yo dolls. Have been using it for years. Nice and strong.
Loved your tools and gadgets ❤
Thank you! 😊
Oh I wish I'd seen this a week ago! I made a quick Christmas quilt as a gift and really wanted to put ruffles on it, I've done a lot of ruffles but never any as long as I needed for this project - don't have ruffle foot and gave up after breaking threads over and over and just went without. This is MUCH more affordable than a ruffle foot and so easy thank you!
Great topic thank you. There is a forum on sewing pattern review about useful things in the sewing room , a lady says she uses a laser level on her table, it’s like one surveyors use. It gives a straight red beam for making sure your pattern is straight without needing to measure. It’s also good for matching stripes and checks she says. I have priced them at Bunnings and eBay, they seem to start at about $60 on eBay , which I think will be good enough for sewing. I have put it on my wish list ! Bridget R
Wow, that's such a wonderful idea!!!!
You have really opened my eyes to a couple of new (to me) gadgets and methods to try. I don’t see the links for them, but I saved your video and will use that to refer to. I really appreciate all of your videos. You’re so practical and give such good sound advice! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I have a lot of these things or solutions that work well for me, but I immediately went and ordered the sewing gauge since I make a lot of things with buttons or laced-up bodices that need eyelets, and spacing is always an issue, this will come in so handy! 😁
Fabulous tips Kristen. I love learning from other sewists and your tool tips are very timely. Some I already use, so I know I am on the right track, others are going on my to do/purchase list!🤗 Thanks for another great video.👍
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much. Very helpful.
Very useful tips and information Kristen. 👏
Glad it was helpful!
Love all the product info, thanks. Little clips I use so much
You are so welcome!
Thank you too much ❤❤❤
You're welcome 😊
I found a set of the loop turners at a thrift shop, brass and old.
I have one of the loop turners as well...recommended by Alex Judge. I love gadgets and so it's been great to see what you have.
I bought one of the bodkins and it disappeared shortly thereafter...I think it is in my husband's tool chest now!! I need those Prim turners! I have tried so many different kinds and none of them worked for me either. I will be getting those soon! I also love the bigger handled seam rippers. They fit so nicely in my hand and they are really sharp...much sharper than the thin one with the blue handles. I just bought some bees wax, but I haven't had an opportunity to use it yet. Glad you have and that it really works. I have the expandable button placement gadget and it has been such a joy to use. No more guessing or fooling around with measuring tape trying to space evenly! Thanks so much for showing us these gadgets. It's always good to see what others are using to help them along. I haven't tried dental floss for sewing and what a great idea? Plus it won't break like thread does if I have to gather a long panel! That may be my next favorite thing to use. Thanks again and take good care!
I love the really good tweezers that came with my Janome Air Thread overlocker, I love the over locker too.
Lots of items to put on a Christmas list.
Love it!
thank you for all the great tips. Very helpful.
You are so welcome!
Great video!
Wow so many things I need to get, love your Adrian top love the fabric choice
Thanks Cathy x
A great accompaniment to your tailor’s ham is a ham holder. I bought mine on Etsy.
Thanks for the tip!
Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for another great post. I have a little idea for pattern weights which is to go and get some heavy ankle weights from a charity shop or used sports equipment shop and remove the weights from the little pockets. The iron cylinders have a flat side so they don't roll. I popped each one into a fabric tube which makes them even more stable.
Great idea!
Hi Kristin, I love Sewers Aid a liquid thread conditioner as I don't have luck with wax types. I own a Brothers Sewing Machine & use Guttermann thread & my machine glides. No luck at all with Coats & Clark thread b/c my machine is fussy that way. Noteworthy is my wonderful Ott Light. I'm in the States. I loved all the other tips. I need help on display options for art quilts, hooped blocks, runner orientations, etc. I'm dyslexic.
I made my own Taylor’s ham. I bought some canvas or yeah, I think that’s what it was and some flannel or a material and cut out the shape of one and I stepped. It was softest hands out the little bit that was left and I love it. It works great. Oh and get you know that Mr. clean scrub saying go to dollar tree and get theirs comparable to it and use that to clean your cutting mat with. Oh yes, one more thing. Take a sliver of soap and use it to Mark Fabrics with.
Thanks for the great tips!!
It so good thank for tips
I watch u from uk
Most welcome 😊
So many of your tips are great but I had to laugh when you were talking about hangers. I did exactly the opposite to you. I threw out all my velour hangers and replaced them with white plastic ones!!!
Thank you so much for the info! Now I need to shopping to get some of those gadgets.
My pleasure xx
Thank you for your advice and tips, and I loved your friendly presentation.
I have a tip for the small tiles that you use for pattern weights: glue a square of felt underneath to prevent the tiles from damaging your fine fabrics and patterns. As a bonus, those tiles can also be used as coasters for coffee mugs etc without damaging the surfaces of your tables!
Thats such a great idea!
It so useful thank against
You're welcome
Love the loop turners, game changer
Me too!!
Great tools, most of them i have in my "nähkörbchen"😂=sewing basket.
I love to sew and and enjoy to make new, repair the torn and recycle clothes.
If someone would like to start sewing, check out the possibility of purchasing a good used maschines. I learned sewing with a very old model Bernina 1975😂 and strongly recommend this brand! This machines are very easy to adjust and to handle.
5 sewing machines! 😂 i have 6!
Thanks for sharing! I would love my own bernina some day! I sew on a 1969 Pfaff and it's such a workhorse!
I’m just coming back to sewing recently after a long absence and finding my feet again - so great tips! Agree, the best machine to buy when you’re a beginner, or coming back to sewing after a long absence, is a very basic machine (I paid $129 for an Elna from Spotlight two years ago, which is basically a budget Janome) and overlocker (or buy an over locking foot for the sewing machine). Because, they’re less threatening, less scary to get going. My thoughts were, I can upgrade when I outgrow it and require more from my machine - I’m not there yet, I’ll probably thrash this thing until it dies. And I’ve learnt so much from you-tube videos, from threading my overlocker to rolled hems to stitch in the ditch bias binding hacks😂.
Sounds like great advice Rebecca! I love youtube too!
Speaking to your comment about a basic Janome….a few years ago Target had a machine on clearance for $25. It was a childs sewing machine. ( Hello Kitty at that!) made by Janome. That thing has been a work horse….i have been very satisfied with all it can do and the quality.
Hello from the USA, I saw a video,and she suggested that if the end on your seam ripper has a soft end on it, you can use that to rub the picked threads away. It's kind of like an eraser!
Thanks, a great suggestion!
How much I love a good sewing tool?! I have most of the tools you mention but I have to say your iron just stole the show for me. Wow, what?!!!! It raises on its own?!!!!
It took me also a long time to find a loop turner that I love and it is not like your Prym ones. It is very awkward gadget to explain but I might show it once on the channel. It has the same logic as the ones you’ve got but the tool has a shape of a circle. In short, I absolutely love it! Another favourite of mine is a clapper. Do you have one? It was a game changer for me. Xx
Oh please show them on your channel Polly! I need a clapper next!
Thanks!!
Thank you very much. Really valued.
Kristen you briefly referred to cutting with a rotary cutter: I have tried (unsuccessfully ) many times to transition but end up always with poor results. There has to be a trick /knack to it all I am convinced 🤔. Especially curves, both inverse and converse, which have been my undoing every time. Any chance of you doing a video to demonstrate ?
Yes, corners are extremely tricky and I sometimes find myself reaching fort the scissors with tight curves!
I use an 18mm cutter for tight curves and use the larger one for large straight cuts.
I have so many of these gadgets. Unfortunately never used. 😮
Hi my sweet tip...you can glue some swade or felt under your tiles... to protect your fabric... and I like having a magnifying 🔎glass handy for treading my machine
Thanks for the info must go shopping now have some not all
HOW TO GET A SEAM GAUGE? THANKS FOR YOUR EXPLANATIONS
i have used my homemade version of hot hemmers, didn’t know these existed….thought it was my own unique solution 😂
Loved this video, Kristen!! I must admit I have most of the tools as I've been collecting for years. I think I might give the turning sticks a try as that's probably the only turning aid I don't own 🥰
Oh and absolutely yes to the velvety hangers!!! 💓
You should! They are awesome!
I just found you! Hello from the Carolinas!
Hello Dawn!!!
I’m a gadget fanatic. I don’t use them all but I have them just in case I need them.
Oh I agree!!
One of my very favourite tools is my overlocker threader. I have no idea how anyone threads their overlocker without one. Not in less than half an hour, LOL
hi Kristen, I bought the Prym loop turning set recently, cant wait to use them! Have most of those tools and I use silk organza for pressing. Thanks for the tips!
Fantastic, Thanks Kaz xx
I made my own tailors ham, a smooth piece of wood about 8 inches long cover with padding and then your main material plus a handing loop, wrap it around and hand sew all around , it’s perfect for sleeves, darts and shoulders to get a smooth iron on them. It works a treat for me, no expense just a thought I’d pass on.
Brilliant tip thanks so much!
Great demo thank you, you could glue felt to the back of the tiles?
Thats a great idea!
Love the video! But also love your top! Would you be able to link the pattern or a video of you talked about it previously? The shape is so good
Sure! It's the Friday Pattern Company Adrienne-fridaypatterncompany.com/products/adrienne-blouse-pdf-pattern
@@thedahliasewciety Thanks so much!!
I've been sewing and constructing clothes all my life, and some of those tools are very handy ,my fav tool is good snippers because my pet hate is threads everywhere ,ive worked at yaka factory for 10 yrs and the turning tool for rolled hem would be very handy ,at yaka I did use a folding foot on my machine to did pockets on jeans and did my quota for the day plus more, but do you think I can use one on my domestic machine ,nope can't get it right ,so that tool would be handy .This was great video thank you for doing that some ive never seen before ...well done👍❤ive binged watched all of you videos so far and sometimes go back and watch them again...keep them coming I really enjoy them 😊🌸
Oh thanks so much Robyn, I am so happy to hear you're enjoying xx
You can use different size PVC pipe and a dowel will do the same thing. Pushing the dowel through the pipe. For pushing fabric through
Great tip!
If you put a pin at the base of the button hole and then use the seam ripper to cut the button hole, it will work. But since you have that you probably won’t want to do that. Also, You can buy various sizes of straws that will work like this, that Turner thing and use your kebab sticks to turn the stuff or something along that line. And I hope that you understood that.
I was shown how to place a pin across at the end of the buttonhole space, before the bar as a stop for Jack the ripper., you can always sew another bar on the end if you go a bit too far. You can start at one end and go half way. Then finish with the tip up when you get to the middle from the other end.
My old uncle had a favourite woolen blend sports jacket, that wasn't looking so good after being squashed in a suitcase, I used my cloth on it and it looked freshly cleaned. Saved him some money as well.
I have 2 teflon sheets around 12 ×15 inches, to sandwich sticky things between, to save my iron.
I found magnetic pin-cushions, make all the pins magnetic, and hard to separate over time, I have a number of pin-cushions, one for long quilting pins. One for wool needles is crocheted, so the fat needles don't leave holes, and a number that get moved from cutting and pinning to taking the pins at the machine, and back to pinning again. Lace pins and Applique pins are handy with, hand sewn patchwork. I even use paper clips and wooden spring pegs at times. Yes clover clips are handy, but sometimes a bit heavy, really good for one side at a time zips.
You could glue a square of felt on your tile backs?
Thanks for all those amazing tips Kathleen!!!
Hi Kristen. I have been a quilter and ragdoll maker for some years now, but only started making my own clothes after following you and taking inspiration from you. I have obtained a lot of your gadgets over time for quilting but the biggest problem I have is the tailor chalk. I have fabric pens for quilting but I like the chalk to mark my apparel fabric and I just can't use the darn stuff. Lol. It seems to be so hard it won't leave a mark unless I really put some pressure on it. This can be an issue on the edge of some fabrics. It is so frustrating. Have you found a tailor chalk that is soft. I haven't seen those chalk pencils in this video, so wondering if they are soft. I have tried an abundance of the things. So hoping you may have suggestion. Thanking you for this brilliant vid and cheers for now.
The Merchant and Mills chalk is great to use!
@@thedahliasewciety thanks Kristen. Hope you doing ok.
I think sewline brand makes a good one. The trick to success is to use it in an upright position and press with some pressure.
I had one of those rotary cutters like you have and it got stuck no
W I just use the regular ones.
Thanks for all these sewing tips. One of my favorites for seam ripping is a small battery powered pet hair trimmer. It will quickly and safely remove a seam or stitching mishap. No more picking out stitch by stitch.
That's a great idea!
Hi deloreshinson, Could you give an example of a small battery powered pet hair trimmer and how it works for seam ripping?
@@gioiafrank8419 Sure, it is a very small pet hair battery trimmer found in pet care sections of big box stores as one example. Just turn it in and run the edge along seams to clip threads instead of a manual seam ripper. Quick, and easily opens up the sewn seam. Search for the tiny clippers online if you need one . Hope that helps
@@gioiafrank8419 WAHL compact pet trimmer around 14$
You commented on the temp being cold at 5 Celsius. I had to look it up. That is 41 Fahrenheit, which is Spring-like. I think I should move to Australia . In Winter here, temps can drop to -20 C. Brrr.
Yes, same here in Canada. 5 C ! Definitely not winter weather here. 😂
I grew up in Canada, where I lived it could get to minus 40 Celsius, or worse in winter. I remember clearing the driveway early mornings and it was -56 with wind chill! That’s cold. I’ve lived in NZ for 19 years now and I understand the cold Kristen talks about. Its a different cold. It’s damp, and wet, humid here in winter and that cold seeps in clear to the bone. I just can’t warm up after being in that. It doesn’t help the houses aren’t heated like they are in Canada so you come in and the house is 13 degrees. Often I’ve gone out and say it feels like a Canadian spring- those days when the the roads are slushy from the melting snow. Same in summer, temps may not be that high but with the humidity you die, constantly sweating and can’t sleep at night.
Great tips!
Giggled watching your dog trying so hard to pay attention but oh so tired!
She is so funny to watch xx
Some really helpful things I didn't know about. Today I sewed over fabric glue not yet dry & now the stitches look all messed up. Tried cleaning with Q-tip and alcohol & nail polish remover. Any suggestions?
In the beginning of your video It showed you wearing some dresses. What patterns did you use for those dresses?
Pattern Emporium Every days a weekend dressespatternemporium.com?aff=82
Hey sweetie. Just found you june2023 and have been sewing for over 50 years.love❤love your video.subscribed 😂 check
Thanks so much for watching Deborah!
I’ve used dental floss for years when making a dust ruffle. I’d just zig zag over the floss.
It's such a great idea!
Thank you so much for sharing this video. You have more “toys” than me. There are several that I do have and a few that I have never seen before and some I’ve seen but didn’t know if they were worth getting. Amazon, here I come!
Haha yay for Amazon!
Sewing tip…..if your straight pins don’t want to easily penetrate through your fabric….slide the pin through your hair. It will pick up a little hair oil & will slide through any fabric…. : O )
What is the name of your iron? So interesting!
It's an Oliso Iron and I love mine!
Have you tried using dental floss to sew on buttons, possibly?
I have most of them gadgets.
Can’t figure out how to access links. Please help. Thanks
What is the light purple dress with puff sleeves in the intro. Love it
Thanks so much! It’s the Every Days a Weekend dress by Pattern Emporium patternemporium.com/products/everydays-a-weekend-easy-fit-tiered-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern?aff=82