Here are the links if you found something you liked! 1. Water soluble thread -amzn.to/3AHePQi 2. Seam allowance discs - amzn.to/3Ex4szt 3. Diagonal seam tape - amzn.to/3OyHHjb 4. Roll and press - amzn.to/3ExYE91 5. Thread "clips" - amzn.to/3XqcS4p 6. Bulky Seam Jumper - amzn.to/3GDdRbD 5. Eloflex Stretchable thread - amzn.to/3VEAhxx
@@ThoughtfulCreativity *Chuckle!* I have quilters in my family (not my jam, buy wow do they make beautiful things! There is a quilt in every bedroom) I also used to watch Nancy Ziemann, sometimes it was the only thing on tv early Saturday mornings! Also, you so hold the keys to pattern drafting! Many thanks for that.
Nancy (nee’ Luedtke) Zieman, died 11/14/2017. May she rip. She was a sewing genius, and an inspiration to millions. I can not count the many things I learned from her. Her inventions are still saving time, & making our sewing lives easier. MSQC bought her company and her products are still available. Happy sewing 🧵!
I keep the water soluble thread in a large pill bottle, labeled of course, with the thread on a bobbin. I only use the thread in a bobbin because once it is in water the top thread will pull away in one piece. And, it's simple to know what's in the bobbin since the pill bottle is still out and there isn't a bobbin in there, so it's a great reminder.
I have many kinds of thread but have never had the water soluble one - right now I don’t know what I would use it for as I’m a quilter not a dressmaker!
I inherited my mother's sewing machine when she passed away almost 17 years ago, and inside the storage box was this thing that I had no idea what it was. I've held on to it all this time because my mother was a very practical person and I believed it might be important. Now, thanks to you, I know what it is and I couldn't be happier! It's a "Bulky Seam Jumper"!!! Can't wait to try it! THANK YOU! 😊🙃😊
How nice to have the gift of your mom's machine and hold onto the sewing tool you didn't know about. This is a very handy tool you'll find useful. At first, I was clumsy with mine but once I got the hang of it I found it to be most useful, especially installing needles. It keeps them from falling and adds leverage because my hand gets in the way.
I had no idea they had seam jumpers that long ago. Now I'm feeling very old.😉 I had my mother's machine for 40 years, & couldn't figure out what this one foot was. Had 2 parts, & was the craziest sewing accessory I'd ever seen. Couldn't find it online to save my life. No one I asked had a clue. It was an elastic foot.🤦♀
With the seam tape, if you line the corners of the block on the ¼ line, you can sew 2 lines of stitching on that block, cut apart and you get 2 half square triangles blocks!
@@ooohlaa13 hi! You saw how she lined up the corner with the red line in the center to see corner to corner. You could then trim off the excess and iron it open (seam to the darker side usually, not flat). This is a half square triangle.Or you could make your square a bit larger, line up your point with the black line and sew 1/4" to each side of the center line. You would then cut down the middle, corner to corner and have two half square triangles without any waste. It's so much easier to show you, but I hope this helps. If you search on "half square triangle", you will probably find some good videos to show you. Somewhere there are charts that tell you what size square to start with so you end up with the size block you need. For example, to get two 4" blocks, you might start with two 4 3/8" squares. I'm pulling numbers out of my bum, but hopefully you get the concept. Half square triangles are a common block used in creating quilt patterns, like a pinwheel or a number of star patterns.
It’s called making two half squares at a time. Instead of sewing on the line like she did, you sew 1/4 inch from the line on both sides of that center line, which is on the diagonal. After you sew a quarter inch away from the center line on both sides, you can cut away the two parts by cutting down that center line. Now you have two triangles sewn together to make little squares. I hope that helps. Quilting is magical!
To quickly press seams that are near to the edge of the garment, I prefer to use my old hair flat-iron. As long as you can control the temperature, it can be used on polyester fabrics and delicates as well as paper. For keeping threads in check, cut a slot in the top of the reel. Then slide the end of the thread into that slot. This is easy, cheap and makes it easy to find the end of the thread when you need it next.
I used to do that with the thread spools but I can't stand that then the cut edge catches on everything and the thread keeps constantly catching on it... :(
It's also good for when you are working on collars, cuffs, darts, etc. or getting the fold out of trims or linings. Just a little touch makes such a difference in final outcome and positioning.
The double sided sticky Tape Water‑Soluble , I find brilliant for holding "difficult" fabrics together before sewing, eg knits that would stretch out of shape or velvet that slides around.
Bulky Seam Jumper was known as a Jean-a-ma-jig back in my day, when making your own 'designer' jeans was all the rage. Have had mine for at least 30 years - LOVE it.
Also good for just sewing thicker layers if fabrics and batting. Love the diagonal seam tape but I still have a slight problem with getting it straight - just my wonky eyes😁
As I sit here taking apart a test muslin to use the fabric again, I thought of your video and how the water soluble thread would make this easier. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for video. The diagonal seam tape is a real shortcut when piecing squares made from two triangles. You STITCH along the two BLUE lines and then CUT along the center RED line. Here is the process step-by-step: To Use Diagonal seam tape - used by quilters to piece squares made from two triangles 1. First for blocks that will be made of two triangles (one from fabric A and one from fabric B), count number N of finished blocks needed. 2. Cut N/2 squares out of fabric A and cut N/2 squares out of fabric B. 3. Pin together two squares (one of fabric A and one of fabric B with right sides facing) - repeat for all squares. 4. Align red center line of tape with diagonal corners of a pinned square. Can place all the pinned squares on a line of tape (so all squares connected by tape. 5. Then sew down the marked blue seam lines on each side of tape. Sew the right seam line down the whole string of squares. Then turn and sew back down the other blue seam line down the whole string of squares. 6. THEN, cut the squares along the red center line of tape (this splits the N/2 pinned two layer squares into the N seamed squares, each made up of a triangle from fabric A seamed along the diagonal to a triangle from fabric B. 7. Press seams and you have the new pieced squares ready to attach to other parts of your quilt.
Fun to watch! Keep that dissolvable thread in a sealed plastic bag and it will last longer. I got the "Humper Jumpers" with my sewing machine after buying one. And that tape can be used to stitch on both sides of that center line - making two half-square triangles instead of just one with waste on the other side. I will have to look for that stretch thread! That could come in handy!
When you use your fingertips/nails to fingerpress seams there is a likelihood of stretching the seam, especially if it is in the bias. Using a seam roller before pressing may help with keeping the sewing the correct length.
Make sure you keep the water soluble away from all the moisture (including moisture in the air on humid days / steam/ humidified rooms etc) i got told its recommended to put it in a bag with one of those moisture-absrbing crystal bag things that are in packaging of things alot. Moisture from humidity can weaken the whole thread spool, which is frustrating as hell or a single drop of water can dissolve straight through and you end up with a bunch of tiny strings which is useless for almost all our sewing purposes.
Thanks for the tip about the bag and the water-absorbing crystals. I’d had never seen this, so I’m excited to buy some. I live in Florida, so definitely need to avoid moisture.
I wondered about that as I live in the Greater New Orleans area. New Orleans has the highest relative humidity among big US cities, with an average of nearly 86% humidity. Storing it with the crystals is a great idea! THANKS!
Great video! A few suggestions and thoughts... *When using (black &) white fabric, please choose a contrasting color thread (yellow-orange maybe?) to make the stiches easier for us to see. *I use adult size ponytail holders on thread spools to keep them intact. They're soft and slip on and off easily, but stay put. For smaller diameter thread spools (think embroidery thread) just loop the ponytail holder over twice or get little girls' holders, which work well on bobbins, too. *LOVED the suggestion of banding two writing tools together to add a seam allowance! *You showed several new products - or ways to use products - I'd never seen before. Thank you!
The thread stops for thread spools are a life saver. The thread does not unroll until it is off. It keeps my thread from being tangled. There are pins you can buy that holds the matching bobbins on top of your spool. There are some that look like hair pins or their is a more expensive ones that are flatter. But the hair pin ones have a sort of handle on top that you can grab. They are great.
As a minimalist person, I found you can use an ink brayer, pastry roller or any roller tool instead of buying one more thing to lose LOL! love the thread poppers, I have a big plastic box of threads that are separated into plastic bags by color, with little unravelling but I love those poppers for maybe the current spools that roll onto the floor when I am working on several colors. Love love the double pen trick, how good is that, and definitely must have soluble thread although I guess the fabric needs to be washable? Today i was thinking I need some elastic thread for a few things I knitted that need to have a tighter band and wondered if elastic thread available. Experiment on that one.I just found you and you are delightful and subscribed!
Great video. I use the seam Roller more for fabrics that really can't be ironed, i.e. vinyls and faux leathers. Also, for the stretchy thread, I prefer the new Guterman Maraflex thread. It's amazing.
I didn’t know there was something you could do about a thick seam. I love that u mentioned your alternatives like the eraser. I’m literally gonna buy a seam jumper rn. It would’ve been nice to have seen this video yesterday when I was finishing up a bag I made haha but thank u
I use a vintage sewing machine that is a one trick pony. Straight stitch only. I need to totally get that streach thread whenever I do work with knits for now on! The dissovable stitches I can not only see use for basting, but for making mockups with, that way you can take it apart again by simply dipping the seams in hot water. Of course you'd need to let that dry before transferring the modifications to your pattern.
Interesting video. An alternative to the Eloflex thread is Wooly (yes, only one L) Nylon. It's sort of fuzzy/fluffy so best to use it on the bobbin only, with regular thread on top. It comes in quite large spools so is economical. I've been using this on stretch fabric for years now and works a treat.
The “seam jumper” tool came w/my sewing machine. I thought it was ONLY for changing the needle. I had no idea it had other uses. Thank you for teaching me something new today!
Some sewing machines come with it, but mine never did so I had no idea this existed:) nifty little tool, right? I am glad it gave you some extra info on it :)
Wow! This is the first time I've watched your channel and I found your review of these products very useful. I actually have the Bulky Seam Jumper but didn't know how it worked. Thank you for this useful information. I don't sew a lot, but always thought I could be better at what I do sew - so I'll be checking out other videos on your channel.
I went and bought the Eloflex thread in many colors when Joann’s had a sale. My old Rocketeer only has a zig zag for kits and I don’t always want that stitch to show. I still haven’t tried any of it though. It’s definitely something between regular and elastic thread.
@Thoughtful Creativity - CRAFT, SEW, DIY I heard another sewist talk about it a few months back, so I went specifically for it. It is a simple tool for a simple task.
I have also grabbed a face roller from Dollar Tree to use instead of a seam roller ($1.25 vs $17.99 at J.F.!) -the Dollar Tree version works just fine for a quick press when your fabric needs a quick seam opening. I really love the seam allowance wheels set-great for adjusting a favorite (or new!) pattern, especially for increasing & decreasing sizes for bags, accessories, & home decor products! Alisa, I just bought the Eloflex stretchable thread for my headbands- I'll let you know! 🥰😍🥰
I could have used a face roller in the late 80's while sewing custom leather clothing for a doctor. After sewing a seam, you apply rubber cement to the wrong sides of the seam allowance, then press the glued part down to the wrong side of the garment. Can't iron leather.
Washaway thread, and washaway stabiliser etc., is also used in machine embroidery. Been out for a lot of years. Keep away from moisture. The seam tape, I use painters masking tape, a ruler and my pens instead, it's a lot cheaper. You can draw a wider line on wider masking tape, or a series of them, to match dress seam allowance widths. Or put the one you have with it's left line on needle spot? A perspex quilting ruler can help get the tape on and squared up. To make 2 HSTs, sew another line at 1/2" away from the centre line, then cut down the centre, makes 2 different sizes. But not wasting the smaller pieces, bonus. To get 2 HSTs, the same size add 1/2" inch either way, before cutting squares. Use tape lines to sew 1/4" away from centre, on both sides, then cut down the centre. Press flat and trim to size if needed. Ignore this if you already know. Do you cut out and make multiples at once? A rotary cutter 45mm is a good size, with a large for longer pattern pieces, double-sided, self-healing mat and a perspex ruler, to keep the blade on it's path, and sharp snips for corners, makes cutting out layered fabric for 2 of the same pattern garments a lot easier. Right sides together, ready for the machine or left and right accurately all at once. Rulers come in a lot of sizes. I chain-piece seams on garments as well, often sewing 2 garments up together. The gypsy quilter sells a round cutter, old rotary blade saver, in a case, which is good for cutting smaller sewn pieces apart, "ninja Flower." At the machine a thread clipper that fits in your hand, with a loop for one finger, is brilliant for cutting off excess threads, and separating long chain pieced seams. When I do long pants, the fabric gets tangled if I sew all four leg seams quickly, clippers are good here Some of the quilting ladies have interesting seam ripper (jack the ripper) speed techniques. Rotary cutters are also useful for paper, just change the blade first, and keep separate, paper blunts them quickly, fancy blades can cut decorative edges. In australia, fiskars have a starter pack... cutters also come in 90 mm, for prepping yardage in shops etc., and 30mm for small hand quilting pieces, maybe very good for paper. All the best.
I have little bobbin holders on top of my thread spools, they keep the bobbin in place and hold down the end of the thread. They're so great. They're translucent colorless plastic. I tried a few styles before i found these
I watched and enjoyed this from Germany! Thanks for all the tips! And I'm kind of tickled that you have Gütermann sewing thread in the US, which is what I use all the time. The originial German company is still located in a little Black Forest Village, Gutach. Probably they also have a factory in the US.
Guttermann is the most superb thread you can buy at the average sew dept. I used to splurge on it when I made designer outfits. Loved it. My garments always looked so professional, especially w the top stitching thread.
I started using the Eloflex thread last year and I love it. Gutterman also has a stretchy thread but I haven't tried that one. A seam jumper came with my new sewing machine but I don't use it, I usually just increase my stitch length when I get to bulky seam intersections and I sew more slowly. I keep forgetting I have a tool to help me lol.
Water soluble thread!!! OMG! How did I not know that? I immediately bought a spool. I can't wait. I just discovered the Eloflex thread. It is a game changer for bra and panty making. Yes, I found this video very informative and useful. Thanks
With the Elo Flex in the bobbin, when winding it, hold the spool in your hand and not on the machine. Let the machine wind it, but don’t run it through the machine. That way there is not any tension on the stretchy thread. I’ve been using this thread for about 5 years and have made A LOT of learning errors.
I got a set of the thread holder, but also the one that goes on the bobbin, and the clothespin looking thing that holds the bobbin on top of the thread. Love them all. I'll give it 5 stars for you. After years of trying to keep the thread and bobbin together, they are a sewing room must have!
Seam allowance used by me for 40 years, I just eyeball and estimate when I cut have never drawn on anything & newer had a problem. My mother in law was a seamstress & taught me all she knew the I worked for father in law he upholstered antiques. Thank you for testing all these things for us. I liked the bulky seam inserter it is a good invention. Also the flexible thread
Great video ! Just to know, lots of quilters use blue masking tape (the one used when painting walls) to help themselves with those diagonal sewing’s. Same concept as with the tape you bought. 🥰
Ah, seam jumpers with a needle threader! My hump jumpers don’t have the needle holders, so I’m off for this product! Thanks for your always inspiring videos! 💗
Hi Alisa! Thank you for showing us these sewing tools! I appreciate you taking the time to test them and showing us the results. I never heard of a water soluble thread before! I did love the stretchable thread idea, I think it can be very useful. I enjoyed your video. Thank you and Happy sewing! ✂🧷🧵📏😊💖
Yes! The Ecoflex thread is totally the stuff I've been looking for, without knowing exactly what it was I was looking, or even knew I was looking for it, LoL! I'm a decent seamstress, but knits have been my nightmare since day one! Doesn't matter how many tutorials I've watched and books I've read about zigzag stitches and stretchy fabrics/elastic, I can never get the 'right' zigzag stitch for my project.... and I don't have to tell you how much of a pain it is to pull stitches out of an elastic band! Arrrgghhh!!! That stretchy thread looks amazing! Ordering some now! Yay!
The thread tamer gadget that your gorgeous daughter enjoys might be for bobbins. Many spools now pop open at the ends or have the capacity to wind and secure the thread. These bobbin tamers - I have something similar - are worth their weight 1000 time in gold! My drawer of bobbins used to be a jumbled mess of threads, but not any more.
Parasti nepamanu, kad kādam youtubā ir pauze, bet tagad jau sāku satraukties, jo likās, ka video ir ik pēc nedēļas. Ļoti priecājos par tādu asprātīgu un interesantu nākamo video! Alisa, paldies par enerģiskajiem, piesātinātajiem un pozitīvajiem video!🤩🤩🤩
Sveicinaati, Rita! :) priecaajos Juus sheit redzeet! Varbuut Jums RU-vid nepazinjo par jaunajiem video? Man katru nedeelju iznaak, parasti katru sestdienu. Ljoti ceru ka Jums un Juusu meitinjai viss ir labi! Paldies Jums, ka esat sheit :)
Hi. I enjoyed seeing you so excited with your new tools. I have been sewing clothing for 60+ years and I have found some things I use to cut costs and save time. A finances get tighter I have found that I can buy rolls of paper that they use on exam tables at the doctor’s office. You can make a lot of patterns that fold easily for future use and it is way cheaper than pattern paper. The other tool I use is a surgical scalpel for taking out mistakes. You would have to make a sheath for storing it as it is very sharp but I use a number 12 blade on a reusable handle. I got mine on Amazon and if you need to take out a lot of stitches your hands will thank you. I have a Pfaff embroidery machine and I had made a mistake embroidering on chiffon, this tool allowed me to remove the mistake without damaging the fabric. I buy the blades by the box and supply some other ladies with them. You can buy them in some sewing supply places but at considerable cost. I enjoyed sewing my daughters clothes, she was my live baby doll. Happy sewing.
If you have a rapport with your doctor you can ask for the end of roll pieces they have (where it isn’t long enough for the table). I did and came home with about 20 rolls with varying lengths on them. It’s great for paper piecing quilt blocks or stabilizing seams while sewing.
Great tips! I have a feeling you might be a new viewer, because in most of my pattern drafting tutorials - that's exactly what I use, and I even mention medical paper as my favorite sewing supply for pattern drafting under the videos :)
Me too. Have to try that just to see. I do knit seams on my serger but I re design sweatshirts and I would think stretch thread would work well on that especially doing applique and couching. Thanks so much.
The seam roller is mostly helpful for quilters who are chain piecing to reduce time spent going over to the iron. We use cotton almost exclusively. And the bulky seem jumper is on my list to buy! Bulky block pieces can be a beast! Thanks!
I can judge a seam allowance and free cut .I use a piece of masking tape to mark my lines on my sewing machine. I cut a stuff of piece cardboard to make a handy gauge to turn hems evenly for curtains. The seam jumper would be nice through. I am 69 and have been sewing since I was 5 years of age on a sewing machine. A way to thread needles would nice. I put a white piece of cardboard behind the needle and I can see the eye of the needle
In quilting the seams are typically not opened. You press them to one side..usually toward the darker fabric. This allows nesting for a flat seam to quilt over and adds strength since there are also no backstitching
The Jean-a-Majig has been around a LONG time. I saw and bought it about 35 years ago at th LA County Fair from a delightful lady who was traveling the country selling her invention
I've never had a machine that didn't come with a 'seam jumper'. I use the curly thread clips on bobbins to stop them unravelling. I use painters tape as a diagonal sewing guide.
I loves your seam allowance two-pen hack! The Spirograph seam allowance gadget and water soluble tread would be great for zipper installation look great. Loved all the gadgets. Thank you.❤ Greetings from New York City.👍🏼🇵🇷🗽😃
I've owned two Pfaff sewing machines and two Viking sewing machines. All of them came with a bulky seam jumper in their accessory kits. I am a quilter, a costumer to Community Theatre and sew clothing for my family. I can't imagine working without the Bulky Seam Jumper but I thought they were part of the machine. Learn something new everyday.
