HOW TO HAND PIECE CLAMSHELLS | No Papers | American Hand Piecing 

I'm glad you are enjoying my videos! I always thought they looked difficult or had lots of steps but they are simple really x

I was the same the first time I did it, I was so shocked when I opened the first pair and saw how nice they looked together

That is such a good idea! Thank you! I was unsure how to remove my marks to try again and Mark them. This helps me loads and I'm sure will help others xx

​​@@stitchwithrachelpermanent markers are usually alcohol based whilst washable markers are water based. So if your markers are running out and you only need a few more marks, try dipping the tip into it's liquid (either alcohol for permanent markers or water for washable marker). You'll feel like ancient times when they wrote with a quill and ink. ... If you want to try this next method, just remember that you were going to throw the marker away anyway, because sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. With a pair of piers, snuggly grab the base of the tip and try to pull it out. I say snuggly because it's easy to crush the tip and it's trash. If you're lucky and the tip pulls out, fill it's tube with it's liquid. Replace the tip. Some tips are sharpened on both ends, so pick the dirty end to stick in first and you'll have a brand new marker. Good luck. I've been using the quill and ink method for years and can't remember when I last threw out a marker. Sometimes if a marker is getting dry, I pour a couple of drops of it's liquid in the cap before I shut it up before putting it away (cap side down) for next time. Usually, the tip absorbs the liquid. This doesn't work on caps that are breathable. The liquid just leaks out. Good luck. 💖🌞🌵😷

​@@stitchwithrachel, depending on the materia, light refracts differently. (Ever watched spear fishing and half the spear is in the water and half out? It looks like the spear is zigzag but in real life it's straight. That's refraction.) That's why if you put the fabric under the template and look straight through the template your mark maybe off. ... I've thought of one more method to try and that is... Place your fabric on top of the template, scoot the fabric back a mm and mark the template... that way refraction isn't a factor. I didn't suggest this before because fabric is so fluid, but do your best and let us know how you did in a "short" video. 💖🌞🌵😷

@@suzisaintjames thank you for your valuable advice! X

You're welcome, no I never prewash my fabrics for quilting x

If my templates were this scant seam allowance (good for needle turn appliqué), I'd trace both lines like in the video but I'd cut outside the line the 2 or 3 mm that I need, as the seam allowance doesn't have to be perfect. Besides you'll be surprised how fast your brain can see 2 or 3mms. 💖🌞🌵😷

Anything you did on the machine you can do by hand sewing... Using the same sewing machine methods. The only thing is different is that you don't have seam guides or a quarter inch foot as your guide and that's why you mark and match the seam lines or use a paper template. Sending lots of love💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. Take care of yourself 😷.

@@suzisaintjames my brain is well trained in the states to ¹/4 inch for sure. I also do needleturn so that helps too.

You're very welcome! X

She's highly opinionated when it comes to sewing, in fact, about everything! She's just an an operation and she was sleeping silently on the sofa so I thought I was safe to record 🤣 xx

You're very welcome xx

You are very welcome! Yeah it a great method for smaller projects x

Thank you! When you look at the pieces bunched up, it doesn't look like they'll sew together easily but they really do x

You are very welcome, the sand paper makes such a bug difference!

@@stitchwithrachel absolutely! I tried it last night & it's a game changer. Thanks again, dear Rachel🌻

You are very welcome, I like to keep things simple and low cost to keep the craft alive xx

You are so welcome!