Karen, girl LISTEN! I don’t know if you will ever read this or respond, but LET ME TELL YOU!!! I bought my sewing machine eleven months ago and have been struggling to get these 1/4” seam things. I used your tape “ledge”, and voila! I started sewing so my mom and I would have projects to work on together, but she just passed away. Now when I am sewing I can think about her and this hack I could have shared with her. I’m still working on learning things, but I think my mother would have been proud of the progress I have made. I already made my first quilt which was crooked, but came out great! Now I’m working on a log cabin quilt for my elderly father. He is going to love it. Thank you so much! 😊
Great tips! Also you can use a strip of painters tape to pull all those tiny threads out after using a seam ripper instead of picking them out one by one
These are some ingenious tips! Thank you for sharing. But I read about 3/4 of these comments and something that's touched upon, but needs stressed... Masking tape is made with an acidic adhesive, and, if left on an item for a long time, will actually dissolve/pit the item. this is why I have a 6"×24" ruler with a frosted, pitted strip at 2 1/2". It's also why my sewing machine has a rough strip that won't wipe off with any type of cleaner. If you insist on using masking tape, please remove it when you're done for the day... Painter's Tape, however, has a ph-neutral adhesive and can be left on for extended periods of time with no damage. I think the difference should have been mention at the opening, since most people don't know this... 😏
Omg, this is HUUUGE thank you so much for mentioning this. Do you have any idea what the price difference would be between maxing tape and painters tape? Because painters tape sounds like it would be a bit more expensive, just curious! Thank you for sharing this!! This could have been the difference between a life saver and ruined fabric haha
PanicLedisko, Painter's tape might be slightly more expensive, but not much. I keep a roll in my quilting supply bag for odd things, like a cutting guide on my ruler or a stitching guide on my machine. Definitely cheaper than the specialty quilting tapes out there... 😊
On some of the “ledge” uses you can simply make a small cut into your roll across the width of the tape, peel off those several layers, and put them on your machine bed, the underside of your hst ruler, etc. Much easier than trying to line up the edges on all those pieces of tape! Thanks for all the great tips!
The sewing ledge!! YES! My biggest issue, not sewing a straight line. But your ironing video, what a game changer! I keep looking for one about cutting, my pieces often are not all exactly the same size! Ugh. Man did I learn a lot in the masking tape and ironing videos. You're awesome!!! Thank you, you have lowered my anxiety about quilting and made me believe I CAN do it right! Pressing on....
It could be your mat vs your ruler. Always measure with the same one. Compare your ruler to the mat markings, they are not always the same. Rulers get worn down on the cutting edge, and become off just a smidge. Measure all your cuts with one or the other and see if that helps.
We must be twins separated at birth. I can’t quilt without masking tape. My favorite use for it is to label my blocks with their position and orientation when I’ve laid out my top. You can’t get confused about which block goes where! Also, tip for trimming HSTs: trim them BEFORE you cut them open. You can still use the masking tape to “catch” the seam on the wrong side of the units if your ruler is an odd size. But by trimming them before pressing them open, you only need to trim two edges, not four.
Oh my!! Such a simple solution, layered masking tape?! I have several machines, but the one I use the most is my little cheapie machine for sewing blocks, triangles etc.. so it does not have a quilting table that can attach. So I often have to resew that end edge as it runs under the feed dogs. That "ledge" will solve that! I will try ALL your tape ideas! BTW- for comments on tape residue, goof off works. But the main one is don't leave the tape on, I do the tape idea on ruler, I simply take tape off after around 3 days and redo tape. I use $1 store masking tape, works great.I have been using on layer tape on rulers, but with your idea of "bumping against edge" I will start putting 3. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing all your videos, and taking TIME OUT of your quilting to help us. :) HUGS!!!
After retiring 4 years ago I started quilting. So I regard myself as a beginner. All your tips are wonderful and I apply them diligently. So, I am adding you to my "genius pool." I luv luv luv your way of presenting your videos. (And I would love to have you as my neighbor.) Lots of love from South Africa.
This is such brilliant advice! I just started learning how to sew and quilt with my new sewing machine, and just found your channel. You are one of THE BEST TEACHERS I’ve found. Your clear, no-nonsense, humorous, and very practical teaching style with a twinkle in your eye just makes me understand so easily. The graphics showing where to cut is extremely helpful. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge !!
I took your idea of making a ledge on your ruler for HSTs and used it on my 60° triangle for cutting out a bajillion of them for a 3D quilt!! It was a lifesaver!!
I've heard it said that Albert Einstein was once asked a question by a reporter that Albert couldn't answer. The reporter commented, "I thought you were a genius!". To which Albert responded, "A genius is not someone who knows everything, but rather someone who knows enough people who......collectively.....do. Thank you for joining my "genius" pool. Like masking tape, I think I'll stick with (subscribe to) your channel.
Michael....I live the Albert Einstein story!!! Thanks for sharing that. My daughter literally agreed with me a few weeks ago, saying I knew everything. I'm 67, she's 45. I kept telling her I truly did not, that I have made many, many mistakes in my life and still do. She wouldn't stop, so I finally said lets drop the subject before you convince me! lol lol. I would have loved to have day with Einstein over dinner or social event and just listened. Maybe ask a few questions but when listening, I find I learn so much more. My daughter hasn't learned the trick of being a good listener yet! :) Happy shopping, creating, cutting, sewing and shining with pride after your beautiful piece is completed! L :)
Oops, meant to say I love the Einstein story AND my daughter LITERALLY ARGUED with me.... NOT AGREED WITH ME!!! That's even funnier...lol. I need to proof before I hit reply! Sorry. L :)
@@lbluebird342, I was turned into a better listener, by being told 2 specific things: # 1. The Good Lord gave you TWO ears and only ONE mouth for a reason (because He wants u to listen twice as often as you speak!) 😉 #2. When u listen, u can learn new & interesting things, but when u talk, u only regurgitate that, which u already know. 😉 😆 😊
I got this tip from someone else. Use an xacto knife or razor blade and make a slightly deep slit across your masking tape. Then simply pull off 5 layers at a time to make your ridge.
If I'm at a workshop or someplace with no wastebasket handy, I'll take a strip of tape, do a backward curl with sticky side out to form a circle, and place it on the table and flatten it near my machine. Sticky side on bottom holds it in place, sticky side on top easily grabs cut threads, including itsy-bitsy seam-ripped threads, to contain mess. It keeps threads from migrating and sticking to projects. At end of day just pull tape up and find a wastebasket.
Caryl Laubach I like that. I'm a neatnik and old fashioned and would hate to make a mess at someone's center. Thanks for sharing that. Love your tips.🤗
Wish I could take credit for the idea, but think I read about it about 18 years ago. Use it at home too on days when I can't seem to hit the wastebasket.
@@caryllaubach8432 ... Mom gave me the idea of taping a small brown paper bag; lunch bag to the table where I usually drop my threads. Voila... already in the trash. lol
Well...I went to the Dollar store. At 70, I already have a few things for short cuts and aids and when using sewing weights came to my attention I thought about what other than buying 'sewing weights'. There was the perfect answer: Dollar Store giant erasers. They are 6 oz. each and 5" by a shy 2" and come in 4 colors. And for those bigger projects and working on the floor I bought an old bacon iron in perfect shape. That's gonna help my quilts stay put while I work/walk around them. Buying products called 'weights' starts at several dollars each in groups of 4. If the composition of the eraser is questioned a person can always put them in a cloth sleeve or glue cloth to them. Personally imho, the naked eraser is just fine.
I LOVE your videos. I love your creativity in your presentation and also your candid approach to sewing, organizing, and "getting real" with sewing problems, slumps, and ruts. I love your hair, your glasses, your voice and seriously, I think you are adorable. Thank you for helping us sew better, "iron" better, be better, and entertaining us. From a BIG fan!!!!
I have been using the 1/4" seam ledge since I saw your video. I would have the weirdest looking seams. Now I'm proud of all of my 1/4" seams that never fail me.
Hi this is good and not expensive and instead to buy and buy and having no more money. Well your idea keep or money in or pockets Thanks And buy the way I just don’t understand why people give a thumbs dow. Why !! If you don’t like it well just find something else, don’t need to give a thumb down. Anyway i like it and i think you have good ideas Miss Thank you Sofie 🌹 Sorry for my bad English I’m french ☺️
I love you video, I am old 85, we old folks cannot hear or concentrate with the music, it is pretty loud. I know it does bother everyone, sorry if I offend, that is not meant at all.
@@crushingcollegechemistryby8222 I have used subtitles but they sometimes cover over what U want to see. Also if the talking is fast you cannot read and see the technique at the same time. Some things about getting older just suck.
@@wonkygirl9056 It's not an age thing, a lot of people just put really loud and distracting music on their videos and it's annoying and hard to concentrate 😒
@@wonkygirl9056 I have slowed down the videos so that I was able to concentrate on actually doing what was being shared. You can do this under the "settings" icon (looks like a flower) which is located on the video screen next to the CC. Give it a try, maybe it'll help you. God bless.
There are 4 videos I have watched many times and will watch many more. All are yours Karen. Masking tape tips, Straight sewing, it is harder than you think, Half square triangles how to make them perfect every time and Ironing techniques which work. I wish I had seen the last one before I spent $120 on fabric which I ironed damp and scued them up. Now I know but I still watch them before every new project. Thank you from Christine ( patchworking for 8 months) in Australia.
That is the trick. One should revisit the basics before every project. As our skill level improves, you can apply the technique different ways and experiment with others and find the way that works best for you.
Fantastic ideas. I’ve also found harbor freight for inexpensive ideas. A pair of long batting scissors at some quilt shops are around $40, HF had long scissors for $3. I love the magnetic bars that can attach to the wall to hold multiple pairs of scissors or I use them on the front bar of the longarm to keep my top straight instead of pinning to the cloth leader each time I advance the quilt. They have an extendable small magnet wand used for mechanics that drop a screw or bolt, these are great if you spill a bunch of pins or needles on the floor. Magnetic bowl at quilt store $30, HF has different sizes starting at $3-$5. Great to share ideas. Yours are awesome
Thanks for the great tips. They will be very helpful. I have a piece of tape next to my machine indicating when I last oiled my machine and replaced my needle. No guessing then.
@@LaydeeLia I can't tell you how long my needle's been on--probably at least a hundred hours, and it sews just fine. I never change mine unless it's obvious that it needs to be!
I come back and watch this video from time to time to refresh my memory. I love making the ledges. I think all of my rules have "blue" tape on them that I move every time I am doing repetitive cutting. Thanks Karen for this fun tip.
I’m visiting the lower 48 and I am Watching some your videos GAIN and now heading to the dollar store with my list. There are no dollar stores in Alaska! So Dollar stores here I come!!! Frog tape and painters tape is pretty expensive at home. Thanks a bunch! And have a marvelous day.
First of all, I gotta love an expert who starts right off admitting they make mistakes! Good, its not just me:) These were pretty handy ideas that seem like a person would actually use them rather than 5 tips that are interesting but makes one roll their eyes. I just bought a machine to make some "grow bags" for my garden. But that dang machine reminds me that about 25 years ago, I made small quilts for my three daughters when they were young. It sits there calling out to me, "get a rotary cutter and a mat, a ruler, and make something!" But then, I would have to get a new bed worthy of such a quilt and of course new pillows, sheets, etc. So, been looking at a new bed:))
thank you so much for taking your time to do these. 10 years sewing and i have a business selling memory quilts, pillows and stuffed animals. these hacks are marvelous!!!
LOL! I'm gonna watch this again and make a list to keep handy so I use all your suggestions. I'm a new subscriber and I've seen you refer to this masking tape video. Now I'm wondering why I didn't go strait to it. Guess I better look at the pressing one next! I love you Karen. You speak my language and understand my challenges better than I do. I've gotten all my UFOs done since lockdown. Thanks for the motivation and education. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs!
browsing history I hope you’re enjoying it! I have been quilting for about 12 years and boy do I learn new stuff all the time. Such a process, but once you gift your handmade quilt to a special someone it’s all worth it 😍 Happy quilting
Karen, I have just started quilting and I am so grateful I found your videos. And yes, my 1st quilt was 100 x 100" 🤣😂 Also, we lived in Poert Credit and Burlington ON for 15 years. I WISH I HAD KNOWN YOU THEN! We now live in Rhode Island. Again THANK YOU!!!!
Loved the video and learned 2 new tips. First I didn’t now it comes in color and LOL my husband is a carpenter and he gets the tape for me as he goes to Home Depot all the time! So that alone will make it easier than the tan tape i have been using. So going to check it out. I also use the tape when i set my blocks out getting ready to sew the rows together. First so I don’t forget... always fold one back so its easy to remove. Let’s say I have a quilt setting that is 12 blocks in width by 14 blocks in length of 4 across and 6 down. NOW for the tape. As I stack the rows (Unit 1 ONLY) I put A1 at the top left corner of the first stack, A2 at the top of the second stack on the left corner using the tape that has the corner folded back. On to the second across unit... that is B1, etc. Down to the second row of units I would then be using D1, etc. TAKE A PICTURE FIRST. This way I can go to the machine and always have all the blocks just the way I want them. So easy to use and I actually only need a scrap of the tape. Thanks again for the video.
OMG!!! You are my New Best Friend and I am a follower till the end of time!!! You have showed me soo many new hacks for quilting!! Thank you! Thank you ! Thank you!!!❤️❤️❤️
For the sewing ledge, why not use foam tape? Or the craft foam that is sticky from the dollar store. The from tape may last too long though, but the craft foam never seems to have permanent hold
Another tape hack - but not masking tape, Washi tape. I pull off a bit of Washi tape and stick it to my machine. With a gel pen I write the size needle in my machine and the date I put it in. This is especially handy to keep you organized if you use different size needles for various projects. The Washi tape sticks great but peals off super easy with absolutely no residue left behind. As an added bonus, Washi tape comes in beautiful patterns and colors. :)
Omgosh I’m new to sewing let alone quilting! I had been buying jelly rolls and precuts cuz by the time I cut and sew I was losing it! Have made a couple kool bags but started (way past) not being able to match up or meet up corners! You made my day! Ty Ty Ty
When sandwiching a large quilt, I line two sides of the backing fabric up with the edges of the table and then wrap a corner with masking tape, securing it under the table's corner. It give me a starting point that won't move. Then I tape those two sides to the underside of the table, and once those are secure, it is easy to tape the far edge to the top of the table. (By the way, I love your hair!)
Hello, yes my mind wanders too and I always end up with something that resembles a EKG. Your sewing ledge is fantastic, hitting the dollar store tomorrow. Really enjoying your posts.
I have been re-visiting some of your past videos, and I came across this one. I recently found a use for empty-or almost empty-wide masking tape rolls. I wrap the binding around the rolland tape or pin it in place. It keeps the binding flat and neatly stored. I then take a strip of fabric through the roll, and use a safety pin to fasten it to the flimsy, quilt sandwich, or quilted project, so it is always kept with the quilt in its various stages. Thanks, and Stay Well! Muskoka ON🇨🇦
Karen, I am about to teach quilting at a local shop for the first time ever. I want you to know that i'll be using some of your tips and will also be providing your Just Get It Done site as a reference. I hope you get more subscribers. Your techniques are terrific, and they're my second favorite part of your videos. Your mindset for quick solutions and jovial attitude are my favorites. Many thanks.
Here I was thinking I should really get one of those 'lock block' rulers and you've blown my mind with tape! Wizardry, thank you for sharing, I'll definitely be reaching for my masking tape next time!
I have been quilting and learning for decades. I am amazed at the simple things that I still don’t know, and delighted when I run across them. I appreciate this video! Will put these ideas to use immediately.
I label my sewing machine, and foot pedal cords with masking, or painters tape since I use three different machines in my cabinet at different times. I leave the cords plugged into the power source, and tape the foot pedal and power cord together when I’m switching them out, and use more tape to “hang”them inside the cabinet when not in use. You could hang them this way if you are using a table, or whatever your set up is. Time to switch them out, they are right at hand! Easy peasy!
Love the ledge idea on th HST thank you! Subscribed. When cutting my 2 1/2 inch strips (Jelly roll), I use masking tape at the 2 1/2, 5 inch and if you have a 8 inch mark at 7 1/2, easy and faster cutting instead of struggling to see each time I cut, easy on these old eyes.
Thank you so much. Since my brain injury I have had difficulty seeing any object that is placed on top of an object of similar color or value, such as light colored fabrics on my serger. Having a masking tape wall to guide my fabric so I always have that 1/4" seam allowance will change everything!
Great ideas. I have a feeling things will slow down before speeding up. Then I'm sure things will go faster and more proficiently than before. Thankyou.
The colorful, low tack masking tape that comes in different widths is also called painter's tape. You can find it in the paint section of most department stores or in housepaint stores, and some craft stores. Awesome stuff!
WHEN I AM CONCENTRATING HARD ON A PROJECT AND MY OTHER HALF POPS IN AND UOT OF THE SEWING ROOM WITH WHERE IS THIS , CAN I HAVE THIS ARE YOU GOING TOBE THERE ALL DAY. I,M HUNGRY. i JUST TAKE A PIECE OF WIDE MASKING TAPE AND COVER HIS MOUTH WITH IT HE GETS THE MESSAGE THANK GOD FOR KIND MERCY ---------LOVE THE TIPS. THANK YOU.
Masking tape, Painters tape even Washi tape are a great resource for a sewer/quilter. My sewing machine only has a normal zigzag needle plate and quite often the leading edge of my piecing will go down into the hole and create issues. Even using the leader/ender option was not always succesful. Finally out of frustration I made my own single hole needle plate by measuring the width between the feeddogs and using a tape just a little narrower, placed the tape on the machine between the feeddogs and over the needle hole. Made a few stitches without thread (used an old heavy weight needle - quilting or topstitching) the needle punches the hole in exactly the correct position while allowing the top and bobbin thread to pass easily. Problem solved. To make the tape on the needle hole are a little more sturdy place a second piece of tape just over that area. I also use a piece of tape on my machine to remind me of the needle size and when it was put into the machine as well as on my rotary cutter to remind me to change my blade.
Oh! I always lament that I can't quilt because I can't cut straight OR sew straight. LOVED the idea of building a "ledge" with tape as a guide to run up against. Thank you so much!!!!
You have the BEST tips EVER! I could never get the tape to work for sewing straight lines. Now I will use enough layers to make a sewing ledge. Thank you for sharing! :D Hugs from Utah!
WOW….I'm buying masking tape tomorrow.....I almost never sew a straight line even with a 1/4" foot for quilting. I am excited to try this...thanks for sharing! Take care, Ann
I use masking tape to tape down my backing on large table nice and tight. Then spray baste the batting , then the top. Works perfectly most every time. Clips tend to pop off the table.
What wonderful tips! What a wonderful sense of humor (1 scene particularly) lol!, Where have I been not to have discovered your genius talent. Thank you so much for sharing. I subscribed and will finish watching all available videos, learning more and look forward to future "training." Be safe, stay healthy and thanks for being a sweet blessing... and you don't know how much of a blessing you are!
Thank you so much for all your quilting tips. As a beginner I so appreciate your experience and advice. By the way your Colour Series was so well put together. As a artist I know how important colour is but with quilting and all the intricate patterns it can get complicated. Love and hugs xx
I love it! I will definitely be using your masking tape of ideas, thank you so much! I love things that are practical and don’t cost all my retirement money to get!
Thanks....I’ve seen variations on the ledge but it’s all helpful and anything that makes quilting/sewing easier to get to that beautiful end product is great!
So brilliantly simple! Wish I had watched this BEFORE I tried to teach a friend who had never made a quilt block before! I knew about the tape, BUT building the ledge-thats the ticket!! Thank you.
Thanks for posting this. There were a few hacks that I haven't known. I love using the 1/4" width tape in hand quilting. It gives me very precise lines with out marking. I also love that when the tape comes off, the cat hair (that always seems to land on the quilt I am working on) , comes off with the tape.
Brilliant, simply brilliant. I though I used masking tape a lot now, guess Santa needs to know to pop a few more rolls in my stocking this year. Thank you so much Karen. Darlene Nova Scotia
