Hi Evelyn. I am a tailor working from my home studio in Johnsonville, Wellington, New Zealand. One of my favourite tools is a common dinner fork. If you want to make a free-sewing pleated skirt you cut the length of the fabric needed, (as in waist to knee or desired length) and slip the fabric under the machine. Then slip the material edge through the first gap of the fork, fold the fork over and it's made a pleat! Keeping the fabric folded, slide the fork out and stitch it, continue doing this until the desired length (or waistband measurement plus seams) is completed. It's so easy. Cut a waistband and attach, stitch in the zip, finish the seam, hem it and it's done. Do a trial on a measured scrap to figure out how much material to get. Enjoy!
Thank you so much for sharing, do you know Dawn and kerry from Wales they were living in Wellington new New Zealand and working at the University there they were our neighbours and i went to school with Dawn know it's a long shot. Kindest regards Wendy 🌻 🙏🏿🎼🤗🎨
Thank you! That snag tool looks super helpful. One thing that isn't a sewing tool, per se, that I use all the time is an LED head lamp. Like the kind sold in camping stores. I use it when I work around the house and need my two hands. But one day, I realized I can easily use it for sewing when I need extra light or need to see up close for hand sewing or detail work. I just put on my head lamp and I'm good to go. They are adjustable, so you can wear them as tight or loose as you like. My son likes to wear one to read under his blankets : ) They are a great idea for sewing!
Great idea! I bought a Brother portable years ago for quick repairs, saving me the bother of threading up my heavy duty old Kenmore in the basement so it was disappointed when the light in it doesn't even shine onto the needle plate, so I rarely use it. I did buy a craft light but a headlight is even better and I have several for reading already.
... and if you sew it onto a cap, it will be easy to take on and off, not be in direct contact with you skin, and also stay in position. (As some models tend to slip under the weight of the lamp.)
The other end of the hump jumper is used to push corners out. It also has measures on it. Got mine free with some sewing books, and they sent another one with the next book, rubber band 2 together, and then you can go over other thicker materials. I've had mine for years and use it almost every day.
For precise starching, I spray some starch into the lid, and then use a paintbrush to apply the liquid starch to a seam that needs some extra pressing management. I keep the brush rubber-banded to the starch can.
The only one new to me was the safety pin. Sewing machines used to come with a hump jumper in the accessory box. They also have a hole with one flat side to hold a replacement seeing machine needle. Very helpful. I think I have at least three of these from different sewing machines. I also have the point turner one that you have but never use it for anything other than points.
Just a little fyi…that little black button on the side of your zigzag presser foot IS A BUILT IN HUMP JUMPER…when the foot starts to slope up, stop with the needle down in your fabric, raise the presser foot lever, level out the foot putt the black button in until you feel it hook in, keep pressing the black button in and lower the presser foot…if the foot was leveled properly, the backside will now be up level with your project… no stretched stitch not extra stuff to fiddle with and it releases itself when the foot is completely over the hump! It is the best “top secret ( aka least talked about feature of modern sewing machines!)
I make a lot of purses and bags and my best tool is the walking foot. It evenly feeds the multiple layers of fabric, stabilizers, and batting or foam. And it works like a charm on thick seams (just go slow). Also - using a denim needle while working with bulky fabrics has been a game changer!
I'm just pleased as punch that I have ALL of your secrets in my sewing room... somewhere. I just moved house and everything is still boxed up, but I should be back to sewing by the start of next year! Here's my hint from this journey - when you know you're going to move, it's a great time to take your machine(s) to the repair shop for a tune-up! I packed mine into their original boxes and dropped them at my sewing store. They even shipped them to the branch that's closer to my new location, saving me gas money as well. Bonus is I get to meet the staff at the new store when I go to get them and start a new relationship!
Thank you. The coil free safety pins and the looper threaders were new to me. The snag tool I have somewhere in my stash, but I never used it. Time to look for it and make it more handy now that you demonstrated how it works.
I did that when I moved house too. I did not move so far away as to require finding a new sewing machine repair shop. I just thought it was a good time to get my machines out of the way of movers and ready to start a shiny new life in our new home.😊
when sergers first came out, that was a trick we were taught, run a long tail, wrap it into the fold, and you have a built in string to pull for turning. (chop sticks are also great at getting those points on skinny things without poking holes.
I don’t own a jump jumper but I kinda inherited my grandma’s sewing kit and I saw that she had a stash of old telephone cards in it and then I realized she used them as a hump jumper! Just stack them as much as you need for thicker layers.Been using those instead of the hump jumper. Old bank cards Works too and it’s free!
Yes, I saw a video recently, where the creator used a large shirt button for the same purpose. I tried it with a plastic tile that I possessed and that worked completely fine too. So, we can use anything that's thick, doesn't break easily and easy to place under the foot. I've a lot of old bank cards. Now, I've learnt something new from you. Thanks.❤
Snag repair tool I was taught to use a needle threader that has the metal tab to hold with thin wire that goes through eye of needle. You push wire through fabric from back side and slide the snag in to opening then pull back through the fabric. Works great, especially on sweaters.
Love this video! I hadn't heard of 4 of the 6. However a tool that I use frequently is a hemostat. You know those little pinchers that doctors use. They are perfect for recapturing that slipped elastic that has gone down into the casing. They lock so you can grab the center of a tube and pull it though like a loop tool. (I also use them for stuffing dolls and that sort.
Yes, I love mine. I recently gave my young (new sewiest) niece some of my extra sewing tools. When she saw the hemostats I threw in she 😳These look like surgical tools Tia !! I’m thrilled to share with her. Lol 😊
The spray starch: also makes a great fabric protector. Ever notice that new clothes releases soil easily on the first wash? It’s the sizing or starch. I use spray starch on the front of hubby’s work shirts and front of kids jackets. Also on the cuffs. Amazing how nice these items release soil.
@@traceybyrne5644To avoid picking up any sort of infection from new clothes, I always wash them before first wearing them. Shop made items especially but even home-made ones too, because of not knowing in either case who has handled the fabric/garment etc at any stage in the making & storage.
Love this 👌 I mix up spray starch in a bottle with water and several drops of essential oils-I spray my sheets and duvet cover in the morning-tug the corners, wrinkles gone and at night when you get in bed, they feel freshly pressed (and smell amazing)
Wow! My mum taught me to sew when I was around 7 y.o. on a Singer. Now 70 years later I have made everything from baby suits to wedding dresses and I still love sewing....But you have taught me a thing or two and opened my eyes to magic! Not kidding! THANKYOU. Xx x. You're never too old to learn.
You are so right, I am 58 and just began my sewing journey in August of 23’! I dabbled in sewing in my 30’s with a friend. But got serious in August. And every single day I’ve asked myself why I didn’t start sewing years ago. I love it so much. And with social media I can get help at any time. I am keeping my mind active and focused and having so much fun.
Hi Evelyn. UA-cam suggested your video, and it was quite enjoyable. Don't know if you check comments this far or from posting, but I thought I would add a tip I learned WAAAAAY too long into my sewing years. The hump jumper is a great tool, but there's an easier way to deal with thick seams. See that little black button in your presser foot? Sew up and over the bulk, then as the front of the foot leaves the fabric, press that black button. It will lock the foot in the highest horizontal position, then as the back of the foot begins to clear the bulk, the black button will release allowing the presser foot to relax and follow the fabric again. You sometimes have to figure where the button will depress and kick, but once you do, it's a game changer!
Fantastic video as always. I started using a reusable straw to insert into small spaghetti straps then insert the turner thru the straw. It makes quick work of small straps made of difficult material like knits & lycra.
This is very similar to the Dritz Quick Turn Fabric Tube Turners. They come in 3 sizes with rods to push the end of the fabric through the cylinders.❤❤
The coolest safety pin blows my mind along with the looper threader. I always have to take the machine in to get it threaded - no more. Thank you. I've used all the others and wouldn't be without them. The starch or fabric finisher is also wonderfully when sewing quilts.😊
I make a lot of bags and use the hump jumper alot. If as you approach the seam when you get close to the bump, drop you needle in the fabric, lift your foot and slide the hump jumper in from behind and drop you foot on top and continue across the bump and the bring the hump jumper around to the front and continue on for few stitches. Great tool.
I love using the coiless safety pins on the back of name tags. The HJ I learned how to use in Home Ec in high school (1973}, but I use it in the back of the foot. The loop tuner is great but I like the tube turners better. Now the serger threaders, wow! I’m ordering those! My fav starch is Magic Sizing! I carry a snag tool , great in thrift stores, so you know before you buy if the snag can be hidden!
I have not heard about #2 or #6 and will be keeping my eye out for them. I love your videos, I purchased my Granddaughter a sewing machine for Christmas she turned 14 this year and I recommended that she watch your videos as she loves vintage clothes. Your content is well thought out, your presentations are not click bait and your tips and tricks are well worth the time spent hitting all the buttons, YOU ROCK EVELYN. Oh I was rude and shouted. I don't comment often. I comment on the Great ones!!!
If your granddaughter likes vintage-style fashion and is learning to sew, she might like The Closet Historian channel here on UA-cam (as well as Evelyn). Both are great for different reasons! I recommend some of TCH's earlier videos for some additional interesting ideas and how-tos.
#2, the Hump-Jumper, I use an ice cream stick. Brilliant. I also have 2 sticks stuck together for the occasional 'bigger' bump but it certainly brings the foot straight so can stitch over the bump so much better. I've also filled one end to a point, so can use it if awl not handy plus I marked inches and cms on it too so a multi-use tool :) I don't like spending my money on something that isn't as accommodating as a DIY tool ;)
I’ve heard of them all except the snag tool. I was also entertained to see that the sewing machine you demo’s the hump jumper with has a levelling button which actually does the same task as putting your hump jumper under the back of the presser foot to level it. That black button took me a while to suss out, but it’s magic.
I have a Hump Jumper like yours but I never thought of using it that way, but now I certainly will! It’s actually for sewing larger buttons on thick fabrics, such as coats. This tool helps you by allowing some space between button and fabric, you need that to keep the button from ripping off or damaging the fabric. 😊
A circular peice of cardboard with a center hole, (large enough to accommodate 2 or four buttonhole or the button stump) Work well. So does a hardware washer (smooth edges please!).
So glad you found my tip about coilless pins helpful! I've got both sizes in my stash. The larger ones - 2.25" - came from Amazon US. The smaller ones (about 3/4") I have were purchased from Michael's (a big box craft store in the US) several years ago in the jewelry making section. Both were made by Darice brand. Dritz also makes them, but they're curved slightly and larger - 1 1/8" I believe. I've seen both sizes stocked in several places depending on the store I'm at - the quilting section, sewing notions, the jewelry/beading section, and the general craft section. I've also seen them at office supply stores, local yarn stores, on etsy, and eBay. I'm US based though, and all three companies that I know make them - Darice, Dritz, and Cousin DIY are US based so that might explain why it's easier to find here. I know for a fact that some jewelry makers use them so it might be worth looking in to Australian based shops/online retailers for jewelry supplies. And now, I'm off to buy a snag repair tool because my favorite work blouse got caught on a sharp corner of my desk yesterday and needs repair. (And, funnily enough, I can on UA-cam today to try and figure out how to fix it when I spotted your new vid!)
Nice to know! I heard of coilless pins recently for crocheters to use (instead of a locking stitch marker) to put a tag or numbered/lettered beads on your projects in progress with the hook size you were using to make the piece. So if it gets set aside for awhile, when you come back to it you know which size hook to grab. Makes sense that they could be found in so many different places - useful! Also I found out about Snag Nab It from a yarny blog and got myself one last year!
Thank you for your post. She could have made this video in half the time if she would stop yapping so much about her ego and “secret tools” that we’ve heard about. I’ve had a snag tool for DECADES. Actually, a needle with a longer piece of thread can be used for the same thing, pulling a snagged thread through.
This video is too long. Get to the point quicker. I’m not a professional seamstress. I’ve had a snag tool for decades. Here’s a hint, use a needle and thread (no knot) and the same snagged thread can be pulled through to the back. You’re not as special as you think you are with your knowledge of all these tools that we haven’t heard about because you haven’t heard about them, first. Talk about ego trip!
@@tonidozier4573 Chill, please. I didn't get the impression she was super serious. Her demographic is also people who have far less sewing experience than you, as she is a sewing teacher. I've heard of most of these too, it's not that serious.
@@Call-me-AlYes, exactly. She is targeting people like me who know nothing and are just starting out. I like listening to her talk. That's why I chose to watch her out of all the other many seamstresses on UA-cam.
so, you just "game changed" things for me with two of the secrets. I have been having issues with my needle threader and I'm getting too old to see well bad combo. I'm going to look for that threader. Also, the starch. I am just getting into sewing knits more, and knowing I can spray starch the seams to make it easier? Holy cow!
I’m going through my late grandmother’s sewing table this week and found a loop turner, but had no idea what it was for. A lot of knowledge got lost between her sewing career and mine; I’m so grateful to have learned about this tool from you today. Wonderful timing. ❤
Mum used to lay a thin blanket ( roughly the thickness of a baby blanket doubled over at minimum) on the sewing table and then covered it with a sheet that covered the whole table before putting her sewing machine on the table. The blanket would dampen the vibrations for starters, then as you were sewing, you could pin things to the sheet/blanket to hold themselves in place or out of the way and if you were needing to rapidly put pins in as you were sewing and take them out again, you could stick them in the surface as a type of huge pin cushion. But best of all was when you were done. If there were any dropped pins, they would still be on the sheet and easy to pick up, rather than being swept onto the floor. She also kept a reasonably strong magnet on the shelf nearby if she thought one had headed south. The magnet had a string tied through a ring on the top, and she would just swing it over the floor, and any pins, needles, hooks, etc, would leap up onto the magnet. She would do this at the end of every session, even when she had a dedicated table and room, as a test to see if she could not drop any at all. She would also keep the scrap ends of ribbon or lace. She would tie the ribbon into tiny bows and hand sew them on the the lace and keep them in a tin. These would be used to decorate baby clothes, doll clothes, or any ornaments. Both of my parents were born at the start of the great depression and nothing was ever wasted.
Love my 'Hump-Jumper' - it's an icecream stick, filed down at one end to use as a pointer / awl but put it under the back of the presser foot and it's brilliant for lifting the back of the foot to get over the bump. I also have two, stuck together, for when I ocassionally need higher lift ;) Can also mark inches/cms on it. So useful and costs nothing ;)
I have been sewing since I was 6-7 years old (now 64) and I haven't heard of any of these so a big thank you. I have subscribed and rung the bell. ❤️❤️❤️
Something that I have found useful when threading my serger is pair of reverse grip tweezers. They are used in the paper crafting - card making world. They hold the thread leaving one hand free to move the needles. Awesome tool and quite inexpensive.
My tip is unscented dryer Sheets for mending or strengthening weak areas On wrong side of fabric, Pin sheet to area. Keeping pins on outside Perimeter of area. I use The 3 step zig-zag set to Widest , with stitch length remaining 2.5 as Usual. Stitch as much as Needed to mend or reinforce area. Remove Pins and trim close to Stitches. After laundering, the dryer sheet almost disappears To touch
I had not heard of the snag grabber before, and will probably get at least one. Thanks to you, I have now heard of the rest. I do have a handy hint that perhaps most sewists know about, but bears being shared. When I am trimming seams or working with anything that leaves threads or tiny shreds if fabric, I use an adhesive roller to pick up that mess, especially off my ironing board. Of course I also use it on the piece of clothing itself to get stray threads or anything else sticking to it. It makes clean up so much easier! Happy Sewing to you all!
A very good evening to you. I love your videos. The hump jumper is a great tool! In another video a lady used a similar trick, right in front the hump, stop your machine with the needle inside the fabric, then lift the foot. Place a thick button or a pice of cardboard underneath the foot from the back. Lower the foot on top of the object and sew over the bump - no more broken needles or crumpled fabric! Just remember to quickly remove the object as soon as you are on the bump, or else it will "shoot" out. I find that thick cardboard or plastic works the best. Happy sewing. God bless!
I haven’t seen the snag grab it, but I do have a different tool for sweater snags. It looks like a cross between a seam ripper and the spaghetti strap tool Evelyn showed in the earlier paper of the vid.
Always good seeing your smiling face, Ms. Evelyn. I hope all is well and the healing progresses. Take care. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Thanks for another informative video Evelyn! I've heard of all of these except for the snag catcher. (I use a really fine crochet hook when it happens in knit garments). I find the hump jumper works best when you insert it under the back of the presser foot (with your needle in the fabric, of course). It keeps your stitches regular and stops your machine from moaning and groaning when you're going over those double seams :)
I knew that if I read far enough in the comments someone would have already mentioned using the hump jumper behind the sewing needle, to lift the back side as the needle passes over the excessively thick layers of fabric. I make a good many flat felt seams, and when I make my signature hem on a skirt bottom, there may be 6-9 layers to be sewn over. I have also found to not use jeans needles for sewing through heavy fabrics. I've found using the sharpest, thinnest needle, as well as letting the fabric feed directly without pulling will sew better. I've broken way too many "jeans" needles so I found this other method easier, faster and SAFER.
@@laurabryant2779 Very interesting about using the sharpest thinnest needle instead of the jeans needle. Another commenter said switching to a jeans needle was a game changer. Evelyn should do a video on that, yeah? I've actually wondered about that alot over the years.
I have a bone folder - had it for many years and could not remember what I used it for. Now I know! I have never heard of coiless safety pins. I must find them. Wow, how great are those!! Thanks so much!!
Back in the day we had paper catalogs to flip through and Nancy's Notions was AMAZING! she would also share pictures of her historic sewing tools! Yes, I've been using all of these as long as they have been around or as long as I've been sewing! A bodkin in another I'd suggest for you. BTW, hump jumpers are GREAT with JEANS! yeah, long before machine quilting was nearly what it is today, we used them for pants and jackets.... ever try to sew over the joining of 2 flat felled seams.... HUMP JUMPERS for the win!
I already knew about the coil-less safety pen, the hump jumper, loop turner, and spray starch. However, I never heard of the over-locker threader or the Snag-Nab-It or snag repair tool. I have always used a size 11 steel crochet hook to repair snags with. A plastic drinking straws are very useful tool in the sewing room. Small pieces of a plastic straw can be used to make extra thread leads when sewing with an over-sized cone of thread (just use a little masking tape to hold them where they are needed on your sewing machine). Adding a longer piece of plastic drinking straw to the top thread holder can help keep a tall spool of thread in place. And, a piece of plastic drinking straw can be used to carry a cord to the crouching foot when doing fancy machine work.
I always used the safety pins to turn loops ,but the loop turner I will be getting, and I love your help ,you video's are a life saver trying to get back into sewing after many many years ,thank you so much for making them!
That super secret tool!!! I've been sewing since I was 8 yrs old- Never have I ever. The snag struggle is real, thank you for this. I'm about to dive into the comments 🥰
I’ve been a self-taught sewist for decades, and I’ve never heard of most of these. I think I’m going to have to get myself a hump jumper and a loop turner now!
Wow ! The starch idea gives me new hope to sewing silky fabrics ! I avoid them like the plague! The overlocker threading gives me hope to start using mine after buying a serger about 10-15 years ago ! AND the snag tool is wonderful ! Thanks for sharing !!!!
OH WOW ! I love these secret tools. My sewing tool box is expanding rapidly as I watch your tutorials of course I’ve heard of spray starch, I’m 77 years old but I have never used it like a magic wand. Now that is magic. Thank you soooo much
I knew all of them, though with the coilless safety pins I had only just learned about them in your previous video. I have a loop turner just like yours. I haven't used it much, but when I do I thank my lucky stars that I have it. I also have the overlocker threader, though just the long one. I didn't know about the curved one. I usually just change my overlocker threads like everyone else, tie the new thread onto the end of the previous thread and run the machine. But for those times when the loopers come unthreaded it has been a Godsend. Pretty much everyone who has ever worked with slippery fabric knows about spray starch. And the snag-it, I've seen them and knew about them but I've never had one. I use Frixion (pronounced the same as friction pens a lot. I first heard about them when my choir director suggested them for marking our music. They have highlighters in bright and pastel colors as well as regular ball point pens. They're great for marking fabric because once you iron over the marks the ink disappears. But be careful when you use them on satins. The ink may disappear, but it will leave marks on the satiny side of the fabric. Also, the ink will come back if it gets too cold. Around 0° C is when it can reappear. I know of another stitcher on UA-cam who uses Frixion pens a lot, and one time she marked all the pieces of her garment then, as she was sewing them together and ironing it she accidentally pressed over all the markings. She had a very confused husband for a while wondering why sections of an 18th century gown was in their freezer. So be careful where you're marking with the Frixion pens. Close to the seam allowance is best unless you need to mark placement points for pockets or other embellishments on your garment. And there's one tool that I have been lusting for for a very long time. It's called the June Tailor Tailor Board. They stopped making them a long time ago so finding them is very difficult. And to find one still in good shape is almost a miracle. I've seen them on ebay selling for upwards of $70 USD. So this pressing board looks odd with 3 pieces of wood cut in odd shapes. The largest piece looks similar to an artist's palate with a curved side and a flat side. The middle sized piece looks like a very narrow bootmaker's last and the smallest piece just looks like a handle. Very odd. But it gives you 10 pressing surfaces, particularly for those hard to reach areas in collars and facings whose seams you want to press flat before turning. There are 3 edges for large, small, and very small outward curves, an inward curve, a straight edge with a straight point and a point presser, a small sleeve arm, and a flat all-purpose pressing surface. I finally managed to find one online and I'll post a picture of it on Instagram when I arrives. And I'll be sure to tag you so you can see it because my description was not the best. This is one of those things that you have to see to understand.
Have never used spray starch on knits. Such a great idea! Never heard of the snag tool. Very useful for sweaters in particular. Thanks for all these great ideas. The hump jumper is essential when you sew jeans. Also use a hammer to flatten the place where all the fabrics meet, like the crotch or under arms. Makes a big difference in the quality of the stitch you get.
Smack my head! I have had a hump jumper for years! I only ever used the pokey end. I never knew what the slot was used for! Thanks from a snowy Ottawa Canada 🇨🇦
Hi Evelyn. Thank you so much for your wonderful beginner videos. My mother is an amazing home seamstress. At 15 years old she taught me the basics of sewing. Three decades later at age 46 I have rediscovered sewing. Wow, I have forgotten so much!! Your common sense explainations have really help. Keep it coming :)
A hump jumper?!?! I can't wait to try this one out! Great suggestions! I have all the other tools and use them often. I find that my loop turner does not always catch the material right or catches some the the inner seams as I am turning, not my favorite tool. I attach a small twine or ribbon in the end seam and run it the length of the item to be turned. Make sure you don't sew the string in the sides, only the end. The twine gives you a nice string to pull the fabric inside out, (great for spaghetti straps). Once your fabric is turned, cut the twine end off. Easy and no extra tools needed.
12:03 I have used this trick for years and it works great. Ribbon or a cord is always available and the ribbon is usually satin or some material that is of a slick nature and slides easily.
I have never heard of any of these other than starch but not for this use. I always used a small crochet hook to get the loops through, love the snag it tool better, thank you so much!!
I did learn about new gadgets. Thanks so much. The one tool I used for many projects that I seldom hear about in the US is the Bodkin. So helpful, small enough for a travel sewing kit, and adaptable for other applications. Thanks again. :D
I throughly enjoyed your video. I had never seen the non-coiled safety pins, a point turner I had, but not how to use the type you demonstrated; and having a second one for a dual purpose is pure genius! The hump jumper I have in my sewing machine tray, however I had not thought to use it the way you have and now I will. I have used a snag nab it on sweaters but never thought of using it on snagged clothing! Thank you for sharing your sewing secrets that helps make sewing more enjoyable 😊
Curved Coil-less Safety Pins that are also used for quilting. I think they'd be great for holding any bulky project like making a coat. Once you pierce through the layers of fabric the bend in the pin also makes it so much easier to clasp it. Your fingers will thank you. And thank you for all you do here in your channel!
I always wondered what my hump jumper was. It has had me scratching my head for years. Now, at last - you solved it! Thank you so much! I could have been getting a lot of good out of it all these years.
Thank you for showing and explaining how you use all the tools. I have had all of these (still in their packaging) for a long time but I was never sure what to do with them 😂. I quilt as well as sewing garments, plus bag making etc, love all your video’s
Thank you for the unknown sewing tool demo. I only knew about the starch. You are lovely and I enjoyed learning about new tools that I am going to purchase. Happy to join your site.❤
My only sewing trick is to get my scissors professionally sharpened every year. It kind of drives me nuts when I hear of someone buying yet another pair from Amazon when all they need is a tune-up. Thanks for this. Great tips. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Thanks so much, Evelyn❤️ Coiless safety pins?! All those years of costume fittings while fighting safety pins. Now I am on the hunt for those. I have come back to spray starch in my quilting endeavors, but didn't even think about using it on knits🤦♀️ Oddly enough, I am really familiar with the thick seam aid, but not as a quilter. My Mother began using one when hemming denim work clothes for Dad and later for my brother. The one she used was branded 'The Jean-A-Ma Jig. I still have it and another. I want to insert another 'face-palm' because I could have been using it for quilting! I definitely need to expand my thinking!! I did know about the other tools, but forget to make a note on my wish list.
I only learned about the coilless pin and looper threader from your previous video, that was an eye opener! And I definitely never ever heard of that last secret tool! I need it, I will be buying it right now! ❤
I just found your channel and I love it!! I just subscribed. I’m a self-taught sewist since I was 14 and am now a very young 72. I’ve sewed some part of almost every day since! It’s my passion! I’d never seen the coil-less safety pins - so cool!! I’ll definitely be getting some of those! The rest I either have, or have come up with my own version of. After over 50yrs of being a self-taught sewer there isn’t much I don’t own or haven’t invented myself😆! Happy sewing my new friend!
Wooden knife holders, of which I have had several over the years are excellent substitutes for tailor clappers. I thought about adding a handle but they are not that clumsy to pick up, also mine have been made with unfinished wood so I don't worry about them damaging my fabrics.
Thanks Evelyn, this was the first video I have watched on your channel and it's cracker. I've now subscribed to learn more. I hadn't heard of most of those tools so I'm now searching for them. I have a secret tool that I use when I want to sew a very deep hem. Most sewing machines have a guide near the needle that has measurements to help you keep the width of your seam or hem even and straight. These measurements are usually up to a maximum of 2cm - 2.5cm wide. Occasionally I like to sew a deep hem and I use a large fridge magnet as my guide. I measure from the needle out to the depth I want, ie. 3cm or 5cm and place the magnet at that point. The base plate on most machines are made from metal so the magnet sticks and won't move when bumped. It's been a game changer for me.
The only one I hadn’t heard of was the snag repair. The safety pins and looper threader I had seen on your last video. I have had/used the rest. Thanks for bringing these out.
My mother recently passed away and she was amazing at sewing. She was supposed to teach me but hadn't got to yet. Now I have all of her things and I'm trying to learn on my own. Thank you for this video! This video explained some of the things she had. There are still quite a few more that I have no idea about 😅 I'm sure I will figure them out, eventually.
I used to work at an upscale discount clothing store that has (sadly) gone out of business, but the woman who was in charge of ladies clothing swore by the SnagNabit (such a great name!). She kept 1 or 2 handy, and used them frequently to fix snags and pulls in polyester blouses that looked like silk, sweaters, faux raw silk, gauzy-type fabrics, chiffon, loose weaves that looked like Chanel suits, etc. That little tool prevented us from having to discount items so many times!
Love your channel. I'm an older sewer (is that a word, LOL), and I go stretches of not sewing anything. But when I do, I like to have all the right tools. Those were some pretty nice tools. Knew about about half, the tool to help thread my serger was a new one for me. I had the snag-damn-it thingy, but actually never could master it. Now I think I can. Great vid!
I used the starch trick for the first time last week on some slippery kimono fabric. Oh my word. It's a game changer. In the meantime I am sourcing coilless safety pins in Canada
Most industrial sewing suppliers will have the coiless safety pins. Several on line in Canada. Also check cloth diaper places. I sent dozens out to my DIL 19 years ago when I made real cloth diapers for my first grandchild.
A -Mazing tips there! The only one I knew was the spray starch! That snag tool is genius. All the clothes I've chucked because they were plucked by a piece of jewellery! Thank you for the loop turner too, it'll stop all the finger pain I get from doing that
Thanks, Evelyn, for a very informative video! I have actually heard of, and have most if not all, of those tools. Even the snag nab it. :) My hump jumper is actually called a jean-a-ma-jig, and it does the same thing. I purchased it years ago from one of our popular sewing supply stores here. I have actually had the threader for the serger since I got my first serger over 20 years ago. It was never very useful to me, and a lady at the sewing shop taught me another way to do it using dental floss loops. Thankfully, I am finally getting a new serger with air threading for the loopers! I don't remember actually seeing the needle threader for the serger. The others, like the no coil safety pin, the loop turner I have. But, then, I have been sewing for between 55 and 60 years so I have accumulated a lot of tools. I love gadgets of most any kind, and that is why I have these --- I saw them on the notions board and thought, oh, I need that! Thanks Evelyn. I am sure others have not known about all these and are very grateful for this video. I also enjoyed it. Keep those great videos coming!
This is not a secret sewing tool but it is something that I have found incredibly helpful when doing alterations. I use a disappearing ink fabric marker to mark where the alterations need to be instead of pins. This could be just marking the amount of fabric on each side that you need to take up, or specific other alterations, but it really beats leaving pins in the fabric when you’re taking the garment off of a person. And it’s also a great way to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. I prefer the disappearing ink pen that stays on for like 72 hours. I know there are water soluble pins, but a lot of times I don’t want to submerge the garment I’m working on and water (I work on a lot of dance costumes which are not easy to wash).
There are also pens that disappear with some (low temperature) ironing. No water needed, although it will wash out also. Frixion pens are one of the known brands. But... ALWAYS try on a scrap first, because sometimes the fabric has a will of its own...
Love that necklace! My mother had a snag puller from WWII! It was sold to handle snags in silk stockings that were nearly impossible to replace when silk was being used for parachutes! For real runs ladies might be lucky enough to take the stocking to someone who would release the broken thread and save the wear!
#1 you told me about it! I’m now keeping an eye out for them. It never accrued to me to use starch on jersey. That’s brilliant! Your super secret last one is new to me and I will definitely be getting one! In the 90’s the USA PBS channels had sewing shows on in the afternoons. They were wonderful. Some were educational like the Sewing Connection with Shirley Adams which is now on UA-cam. Some were more of an infomercial for sewing equipment and tools. The first hump jumper I remember was called the jean-a-ma-thing. If I remember correctly it was invented by a home sewer trying to hem jeans and cursing! Anyway the shows were fun and funny when they were showing old original machine feet as new. “Just invented!” Like a binding foot or the pleating foot.
I love how the old tech gets rediscovered as 'new". Hey Robin! Hope the holiday week is treating you and your family well. All the very best of the season to you! - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
@@stevezytveld6585 hey Cathy! I was just thinking about you and wondering how you were. I hope everyone has recovered from covid. I know this is a very busy time of year for Steve and probably you too. Anyway I hope your having a wonderful holiday season! I finally figured out what to get my oldest son! He’s hard to buy for and I was almost down to the wire.
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 Hey Robin, I was hoping to come across you before the holidays happened! We're OK. Covid is done with. Brain fog sucks. Steve caught that cold that's going around but he's on the verge of feeling better. He's at the 'sick & tired of being sick & tired' stage. But, the season is going well, thank you so much. Son's are almost impossible to buy for - fantastic that you found him something. The grandson must be bouncing with the holidays almost here. All the very best for the Christmas (and new years) to you, you family and to everyone you love and respect. Miigwetch!
@@stevezytveld6585 thank you Cathy. I’m everyone is feeling better. Yes grandson is bouncing though he still doesn’t want to shop. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year!
I have heard/used all but the snag fixer. I do the same with a regular needle and find it works well. Some of my favorites; a buttonhole spacer called SimFlex expanding sewing gauge that permits perfect spacing of buttonholes, pleats, or whatever. I adore it. I also love my buttonhole cutter which is a small cutting surface with an awl and a sharp blade that will cut a buttonhole open perfectly. I also use bamboo kebab sticks for all sorts of poking and arranging on the sewing machine platform. Thank you for a lovely video.
Now this is funny! Last time I went to get some pins for my quilting they only had the coil-less ones and my first thought was they must be a “cheap” knockoff of the best ones. Perception is everything….even in pins!
Great info! Very seldom do I watch something and keep saying, Oh Wow! Oh, Wow! The only one I have is a snag tool. I love that needle threaders have evolved, and I definitely need a jump jumper! That's a new one for me, even after sewing for more than 50 years!
How about this one. I use it whenever I have to sew over thick seams like 6-8 layers of denim in your jeans hem when you are shortening then. Get a hammer (a regular carpentry hammer) and a block of wood or a concrete floor and bash the good sense right out of the layered hem at the spot where all the layers are. The concussive force flattens and softens the weave of the fabric making it a breeze to sew through. Hmm, that’s the first time Ive ever used the word “concussive” in a comment on a sewing vlog!
Hi Evelyn. I am a tailor working from my home studio in Johnsonville, Wellington, New Zealand. One of my favourite tools is a common dinner fork. If you want to make a free-sewing pleated skirt you cut the length of the fabric needed, (as in waist to knee or desired length) and slip the fabric under the machine. Then slip the material edge through the first gap of the fork, fold the fork over and it's made a pleat! Keeping the fabric folded, slide the fork out and stitch it, continue doing this until the desired length (or waistband measurement plus seams) is completed. It's so easy. Cut a waistband and attach, stitch in the zip, finish the seam, hem it and it's done. Do a trial on a measured scrap to figure out how much material to get. Enjoy!
Do you want an apprentice?? Lol. I'm in christchurch but can't find anyone who is actually a tailor and wants to apprentice someone 😅
Thank you
I made my own 'pleating fork' years ago with a popstick and 2 short pieces of a wooden skewer stuck onto one end with a hot glue gun. Works a treat!!
Thank you so much for sharing, do you know Dawn and kerry from Wales they were living in Wellington new New Zealand and working at the University there they were our neighbours and i went to school with Dawn know it's a long shot. Kindest regards Wendy 🌻 🙏🏿🎼🤗🎨
I know about all of them
Thank you! That snag tool looks super helpful. One thing that isn't a sewing tool, per se, that I use all the time is an LED head lamp. Like the kind sold in camping stores. I use it when I work around the house and need my two hands. But one day, I realized I can easily use it for sewing when I need extra light or need to see up close for hand sewing or detail work. I just put on my head lamp and I'm good to go. They are adjustable, so you can wear them as tight or loose as you like. My son likes to wear one to read under his blankets : ) They are a great idea for sewing!
Great idea! I bought a Brother portable years ago for quick repairs, saving me the bother of threading up my heavy duty old Kenmore in the basement so it was disappointed when the light in it doesn't even shine onto the needle plate, so I rarely use it. I did buy a craft light but a headlight is even better and I have several for reading already.
That’s a great idea
Genius!
... and if you sew it onto a cap, it will be easy to take on and off, not be in direct contact with you skin, and also stay in position. (As some models tend to slip under the weight of the lamp.)
The other end of the hump jumper is used to push corners out. It also has measures on it. Got mine free with some sewing books, and they sent another one with the next book, rubber band 2 together, and then you can go over other thicker materials. I've had mine for years and use it almost every day.
For precise starching, I spray some starch into the lid, and then use a paintbrush to apply the liquid starch to a seam that needs some extra pressing management. I keep the brush rubber-banded to the starch can.
I have a similar method.
That uses a mix of cornstarch from the kitchen and distilled water.
The only one new to me was the safety pin.
Sewing machines used to come with a hump jumper in the accessory box. They also have a hole with one flat side to hold a replacement seeing machine needle. Very helpful. I think I have at least three of these from different sewing machines. I also have the point turner one that you have but never use it for anything other than points.
Me too - very good for applique
Genius!
I do this too after learning to do it on needle turn applique
Just a little fyi…that little black button on the side of your zigzag presser foot IS A BUILT IN HUMP JUMPER…when the foot starts to slope up, stop with the needle down in your fabric, raise the presser foot lever, level out the foot putt the black button in until you feel it hook in, keep pressing the black button in and lower the presser foot…if the foot was leveled properly, the backside will now be up level with your project… no stretched stitch not extra stuff to fiddle with and it releases itself when the foot is completely over the hump! It is the best “top secret ( aka least talked about feature of modern sewing machines!)
I love the dress and room divider screen that agree in the background!
I make a lot of purses and bags and my best tool is the walking foot. It evenly feeds the multiple layers of fabric, stabilizers, and batting or foam. And it works like a charm on thick seams (just go slow). Also - using a denim needle while working with bulky fabrics has been a game changer!
Great Tips! 👍🇨🇦
How did I ever manage without my walking foot! I use it so often
I'm just pleased as punch that I have ALL of your secrets in my sewing room... somewhere. I just moved house and everything is still boxed up, but I should be back to sewing by the start of next year! Here's my hint from this journey - when you know you're going to move, it's a great time to take your machine(s) to the repair shop for a tune-up! I packed mine into their original boxes and dropped them at my sewing store. They even shipped them to the branch that's closer to my new location, saving me gas money as well. Bonus is I get to meet the staff at the new store when I go to get them and start a new relationship!
Thank you. The coil free safety pins and the looper threaders were new to me. The snag tool I have somewhere in my stash, but I never used it. Time to look for it and make it more handy now that you demonstrated how it works.
I did that when I moved house too. I did not move so far away as to require finding a new sewing machine repair shop. I just thought it was a good time to get my machines out of the way of movers and ready to start a shiny new life in our new home.😊
I used to sew a string into spaghetti straps, catching it into the end, then pull it to turn the tube, and cut it off later.
when sergers first came out, that was a trick we were taught, run a long tail, wrap it into the fold, and you have a built in string to pull for turning. (chop sticks are also great at getting those points on skinny things without poking holes.
I don’t own a jump jumper but I kinda inherited my grandma’s sewing kit and I saw that she had a stash of old telephone cards in it and then I realized she used them as a hump jumper! Just stack them as much as you need for thicker layers.Been using those instead of the hump jumper. Old bank cards Works too and it’s free!
Yes, I saw a video recently, where the creator used a large shirt button for the same purpose. I tried it with a plastic tile that I possessed and that worked completely fine too. So, we can use anything that's thick, doesn't break easily and easy to place under the foot. I've a lot of old bank cards. Now, I've learnt something new from you. Thanks.❤
Snag repair tool I was taught to use a needle threader that has the metal tab to hold with thin wire that goes through eye of needle. You push wire through fabric from back side and slide the snag in to opening then pull back through the fabric. Works great, especially on sweaters.
Love this 👌
Great idea.
The sleeves on that blouse are incredible ❤
Love this video! I hadn't heard of 4 of the 6. However a tool that I use frequently is a hemostat. You know those little pinchers that doctors use. They are perfect for recapturing that slipped elastic that has gone down into the casing. They lock so you can grab the center of a tube and pull it though like a loop tool. (I also use them for stuffing dolls and that sort.
Yes, I love mine.
I recently gave my young (new sewiest) niece some of my extra sewing tools. When she saw the hemostats I threw in she 😳These look like surgical tools Tia !!
I’m thrilled to share with her.
Lol 😊
The spray starch: also makes a great fabric protector. Ever notice that new clothes releases soil easily on the first wash? It’s the sizing or starch. I use spray starch on the front of hubby’s work shirts and front of kids jackets. Also on the cuffs. Amazing how nice these items release soil.
Fantastic for kids clothes, thankyou so much
@@traceybyrne5644To avoid picking up any sort of infection from new clothes, I always wash them before first wearing them. Shop made items especially but even home-made ones too, because of not knowing in either case who has handled the fabric/garment etc at any stage in the making & storage.
Love this 👌 I mix up spray starch in a bottle with water and several drops of essential oils-I spray my sheets and duvet cover in the morning-tug the corners, wrinkles gone and at night when you get in bed, they feel freshly pressed (and smell amazing)
Wow! My mum taught me to sew when I was around 7 y.o. on a Singer. Now 70 years later I have made everything from baby suits to wedding dresses and I still love sewing....But you have taught me a thing or two and opened my eyes to magic! Not kidding! THANKYOU. Xx x.
You're never too old to learn.
You are so right, I am 58 and just began my sewing journey in August of 23’! I dabbled in sewing in my 30’s with a friend. But got serious in August. And every single day I’ve asked myself why I didn’t start sewing years ago. I love it so much. And with social media I can get help at any time. I am keeping my mind active and focused and having so much fun.
Same here and I still have Moms original Singer sewing machine!
Hi Evelyn. UA-cam suggested your video, and it was quite enjoyable. Don't know if you check comments this far or from posting, but I thought I would add a tip I learned WAAAAAY too long into my sewing years. The hump jumper is a great tool, but there's an easier way to deal with thick seams. See that little black button in your presser foot? Sew up and over the bulk, then as the front of the foot leaves the fabric, press that black button. It will lock the foot in the highest horizontal position, then as the back of the foot begins to clear the bulk, the black button will release allowing the presser foot to relax and follow the fabric again. You sometimes have to figure where the button will depress and kick, but once you do, it's a game changer!
Fantastic video as always. I started using a reusable straw to insert into small spaghetti straps then insert the turner thru the straw. It makes quick work of small straps made of difficult material like knits & lycra.
This is very similar to the Dritz Quick Turn Fabric Tube Turners. They come in 3 sizes with rods to push the end of the fabric through the cylinders.❤❤
You just gave me an idea to use a long piece of uncooked spaghetti, to reverse narrow items after sewing.😀
Another great video. I use the jump jumper from the back to level out the foot rather then pushing the fabric.
Thats the way ive seen it done before. I usually go extra slow or use the hand wheel to go over thickness a little easier
2 we're new to me. I love your joy!
The coolest safety pin blows my mind along with the looper threader. I always have to take the machine in to get it threaded - no more. Thank you. I've used all the others and wouldn't be without them. The starch or fabric finisher is also wonderfully when sewing quilts.😊
I make a lot of bags and use the hump jumper alot. If as you approach the seam when you get close to the bump, drop you needle in the fabric, lift your foot and slide the hump jumper in from behind and drop you foot on top and continue across the bump and the bring the hump jumper around to the front and continue on for few stitches. Great tool.
I love using the coiless safety pins on the back of name tags. The HJ I learned how to use in Home Ec in high school (1973}, but I use it in the back of the foot. The loop tuner is great but I like the tube turners better. Now the serger threaders, wow! I’m ordering those! My fav starch is Magic Sizing! I carry a snag tool , great in thrift stores, so you know before you buy if the snag can be hidden!
Or, ask for a good discount on the garment. I just say, i dont know if i can fix it but for a discounted price, im willing to try
Nice 👌 I carry my tape measure with me to thrift stores- now I'll add a snag tool to my pocket 🥰
I have not heard about #2 or #6 and will be keeping my eye out for them. I love your videos, I purchased my Granddaughter a sewing machine for Christmas she turned 14 this year and I recommended that she watch your videos as she loves vintage clothes. Your content is well thought out, your presentations are not click bait and your tips and tricks are well worth the time spent hitting all the buttons, YOU ROCK EVELYN. Oh I was rude and shouted. I don't comment often. I comment on the Great ones!!!
Oh.. 14 and has her own sewing machine! I'm jealous - I used my grandmother's and school ones at that age. You guys so cool, I hope she likes it:)
If your granddaughter likes vintage-style fashion and is learning to sew, she might like The Closet Historian channel here on UA-cam (as well as Evelyn). Both are great for different reasons! I recommend some of TCH's earlier videos for some additional interesting ideas and how-tos.
#2, the Hump-Jumper, I use an ice cream stick. Brilliant. I also have 2 sticks stuck together for the occasional 'bigger' bump but it certainly brings the foot straight so can stitch over the bump so much better. I've also filled one end to a point, so can use it if awl not handy plus I marked inches and cms on it too so a multi-use tool :) I don't like spending my money on something that isn't as accommodating as a DIY tool ;)
I agree with you ChooChoo this video had information I just didnt know about
I’ve heard of them all except the snag tool. I was also entertained to see that the sewing machine you demo’s the hump jumper with has a levelling button which actually does the same task as putting your hump jumper under the back of the presser foot to level it. That black button took me a while to suss out, but it’s magic.
I love the idea of spray starch, such a simple way to make the fabric easier to deal with.
I have a Hump Jumper like yours but I never thought of using it that way, but now I certainly will! It’s actually for sewing larger buttons on thick fabrics, such as coats. This tool helps you by allowing some space between button and fabric, you need that to keep the button from ripping off or damaging the fabric. 😊
A circular peice of cardboard with a center hole, (large enough to accommodate 2 or four buttonhole or the button stump)
Work well. So does a hardware washer (smooth edges please!).
Ohhhh, so that's why the piece looked familiar! I must have one similar to that, as one of those tools came with my sewing machine back in the day!
I always attached buttons on winter coats with a quarter between the button and wool coat. It works and is free, too!😂
So glad you found my tip about coilless pins helpful! I've got both sizes in my stash. The larger ones - 2.25" - came from Amazon US. The smaller ones (about 3/4") I have were purchased from Michael's (a big box craft store in the US) several years ago in the jewelry making section. Both were made by Darice brand. Dritz also makes them, but they're curved slightly and larger - 1 1/8" I believe.
I've seen both sizes stocked in several places depending on the store I'm at - the quilting section, sewing notions, the jewelry/beading section, and the general craft section. I've also seen them at office supply stores, local yarn stores, on etsy, and eBay. I'm US based though, and all three companies that I know make them - Darice, Dritz, and Cousin DIY are US based so that might explain why it's easier to find here. I know for a fact that some jewelry makers use them so it might be worth looking in to Australian based shops/online retailers for jewelry supplies.
And now, I'm off to buy a snag repair tool because my favorite work blouse got caught on a sharp corner of my desk yesterday and needs repair. (And, funnily enough, I can on UA-cam today to try and figure out how to fix it when I spotted your new vid!)
Congratulations on having your tip loudly mentioned here :)
Whiskeyfyre..Thank You for your detailed directions ! Made my purchases easy! 😊
@@NanaGagie Glad it was of some help to you!
Nice to know! I heard of coilless pins recently for crocheters to use (instead of a locking stitch marker) to put a tag or numbered/lettered beads on your projects in progress with the hook size you were using to make the piece. So if it gets set aside for awhile, when you come back to it you know which size hook to grab. Makes sense that they could be found in so many different places - useful! Also I found out about Snag Nab It from a yarny blog and got myself one last year!
Doesn’t the coil give the pin stability?
6 secret tools from the video:
1-coiless safety pin at 1:33
2- hump jumper 2:50
3- loop turner 5:00
4- overlocker needle threaders 6:00
5- spray starch 7:52
6- snag repair tool 9:47
Thank you for your post. She could have made this video in half the time if she would stop yapping so much about her ego and “secret tools” that we’ve heard about. I’ve had a snag tool for DECADES. Actually, a needle with a longer piece of thread can be used for the same thing, pulling a snagged thread through.
This video is too long. Get to the point quicker. I’m not a professional seamstress. I’ve had a snag tool for decades. Here’s a hint, use a needle and thread (no knot) and the same snagged thread can be pulled through to the back. You’re not as special as you think you are with your knowledge of all these tools that we haven’t heard about because you haven’t heard about them, first. Talk about ego trip!
@@tonidozier4573 Chill, please. I didn't get the impression she was super serious. Her demographic is also people who have far less sewing experience than you, as she is a sewing teacher. I've heard of most of these too, it's not that serious.
@@tonidozier4573 😂😂😂
@@Call-me-AlYes, exactly. She is targeting people like me who know nothing and are just starting out.
I like listening to her talk. That's why I chose to watch her out of all the other many seamstresses on UA-cam.
so, you just "game changed" things for me with two of the secrets. I have been having issues with my needle threader and I'm getting too old to see well bad combo. I'm going to look for that threader. Also, the starch. I am just getting into sewing knits more, and knowing I can spray starch the seams to make it easier? Holy cow!
I’m going through my late grandmother’s sewing table this week and found a loop turner, but had no idea what it was for. A lot of knowledge got lost between her sewing career and mine; I’m so grateful to have learned about this tool from you today. Wonderful timing. ❤
Mum used to lay a thin blanket ( roughly the thickness of a baby blanket doubled over at minimum) on the sewing table and then covered it with a sheet that covered the whole table before putting her sewing machine on the table. The blanket would dampen the vibrations for starters, then as you were sewing, you could pin things to the sheet/blanket to hold themselves in place or out of the way and if you were needing to rapidly put pins in as you were sewing and take them out again, you could stick them in the surface as a type of huge pin cushion.
But best of all was when you were done. If there were any dropped pins, they would still be on the sheet and easy to pick up, rather than being swept onto the floor. She also kept a reasonably strong magnet on the shelf nearby if she thought one had headed south. The magnet had a string tied through a ring on the top, and she would just swing it over the floor, and any pins, needles, hooks, etc, would leap up onto the magnet. She would do this at the end of every session, even when she had a dedicated table and room, as a test to see if she could not drop any at all.
She would also keep the scrap ends of ribbon or lace. She would tie the ribbon into tiny bows and hand sew them on the the lace and keep them in a tin. These would be used to decorate baby clothes, doll clothes, or any ornaments. Both of my parents were born at the start of the great depression and nothing was ever wasted.
Great ideas. Loved the magnet!
I've been using a bone folder to finger press seams and it's so much easier on my hands! Plus it doubles as a point turner :)
I bought one of those with the intent to use it like that, I haven't tried it yet. Last time I was sewing, I couldn't find it!
I made my own Bone folder and other tools out of scraps of wood an old ruler and whatever I can find it works great for me!
Love my 'Hump-Jumper' - it's an icecream stick, filed down at one end to use as a pointer / awl but put it under the back of the presser foot and it's brilliant for lifting the back of the foot to get over the bump. I also have two, stuck together, for when I ocassionally need higher lift ;) Can also mark inches/cms on it. So useful and costs nothing ;)
GENIUS!!
I inherited a bone folder. It was so old it broke, very soon! 😪
Have and use all six, but I am a sewing nerd and a gadget hound!
I have been sewing since I was 6-7 years old (now 64) and I haven't heard of any of these so a big thank you. I have subscribed and rung the bell.
❤️❤️❤️
Something that I have found useful when threading my serger is pair of reverse grip tweezers. They are used in the paper crafting - card making world. They hold the thread leaving one hand free to move the needles. Awesome tool and quite inexpensive.
My tip is unscented dryer
Sheets for mending or strengthening weak areas
On wrong side of fabric,
Pin sheet to area. Keeping pins on outside
Perimeter of area. I use
The 3 step zig-zag set to
Widest , with stitch length remaining 2.5 as
Usual. Stitch as much as
Needed to mend or reinforce area. Remove
Pins and trim close to
Stitches. After laundering, the dryer sheet almost disappears
To touch
I had not heard of the snag grabber before, and will probably get at least one. Thanks to you, I have now heard of the rest. I do have a handy hint that perhaps most sewists know about, but bears being shared. When I am trimming seams or working with anything that leaves threads or tiny shreds if fabric, I use an adhesive roller to pick up that mess, especially off my ironing board. Of course I also use it on the piece of clothing itself to get stray threads or anything else sticking to it. It makes clean up so much easier! Happy Sewing to you all!
Growing up in 60's, I used scotch tape wrapped on my hand!
I have three cats so a fluffy remover is a must in our house. That snag grabber was new to me too, must get one.
For years I have used a Steele crochet hook on pulls in sweaters. I’ll now try that on fabric pulls. Thanks for your informative videos.
A very good evening to you.
I love your videos. The hump jumper is a great tool!
In another video a lady used a similar trick, right in front the hump, stop your machine with the needle inside the fabric, then lift the foot. Place a thick button or a pice of cardboard underneath the foot from the back. Lower the foot on top of the object and sew over the bump - no more broken needles or crumpled fabric! Just remember to quickly remove the object as soon as you are on the bump, or else it will "shoot" out.
I find that thick cardboard or plastic works the best.
Happy sewing. God bless!
Just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your videos. You help me “see” that sewing is NOT intimidating. I am keeping you in my prayers!
Merry xmas Evalyn Wood thanks for sharing
Loop turners are also really great for pulling the ends of overlocked threads beck through themselves to neaten them up.
Yes but as the thread chain is long enough they can be used the turn the strap inside out or using a crochet hook.
Not just to neaten them up, but it also secures the thread from unraveling
I had seen snag repair tools before, but had no idea how they actually worked. That is a godsend and I must buy one now!! Thanks for showing us that 😊
The looper threader, the spray on starch and the snag grabber are tools new to me. The snag grabber is jaw dropping!
I haven’t seen the snag grab it, but I do have a different tool for sweater snags. It looks like a cross between a seam ripper and the spaghetti strap tool Evelyn showed in the earlier paper of the vid.
Always good seeing your smiling face, Ms. Evelyn. I hope all is well and the healing progresses. Take care.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
I need to have a snag repair tool! OMG! Where was this all my life?
I am loving the hump jumper and snag-nab-it - all sewing tools should have great silly names like these!
Thanks for another informative video Evelyn! I've heard of all of these except for the snag catcher. (I use a really fine crochet hook when it happens in knit garments). I find the hump jumper works best when you insert it under the back of the presser foot (with your needle in the fabric, of course). It keeps your stitches regular and stops your machine from moaning and groaning when you're going over those double seams :)
I knew that if I read far enough in the comments someone would have already mentioned using the hump jumper behind the sewing needle, to lift the back side as the needle passes over the excessively thick layers of fabric. I make a good many flat felt seams, and when I make my signature hem on a skirt bottom, there may be 6-9 layers to be sewn over. I have also found to not use jeans needles for sewing through heavy fabrics. I've found using the sharpest, thinnest needle, as well as letting the fabric feed directly without pulling will sew better. I've broken way too many "jeans" needles so I found this other method easier, faster and SAFER.
@@laurabryant2779 Very interesting about using the sharpest thinnest needle instead of the jeans needle. Another commenter said switching to a jeans needle was a game changer. Evelyn should do a video on that, yeah? I've actually wondered about that alot over the years.
You keep your van so nice and clean and you enjoy your food like my siblings and I appreciation noises with every bite.
I have a bone folder - had it for many years and could not remember what I used it for. Now I know! I have never heard of coiless safety pins. I must find them. Wow, how great are those!! Thanks so much!!
Back in the day we had paper catalogs to flip through and Nancy's Notions was AMAZING! she would also share pictures of her historic sewing tools! Yes, I've been using all of these as long as they have been around or as long as I've been sewing! A bodkin in another I'd suggest for you. BTW, hump jumpers are GREAT with JEANS! yeah, long before machine quilting was nearly what it is today, we used them for pants and jackets.... ever try to sew over the joining of 2 flat felled seams.... HUMP JUMPERS for the win!
I already knew about the coil-less safety pen, the hump jumper, loop turner, and spray starch. However, I never heard of the over-locker threader or the Snag-Nab-It or snag repair tool. I have always used a size 11 steel crochet hook to repair snags with.
A plastic drinking straws are very useful tool in the sewing room. Small pieces of a plastic straw can be used to make extra thread leads when sewing with an over-sized cone of thread (just use a little masking tape to hold them where they are needed on your sewing machine). Adding a longer piece of plastic drinking straw to the top thread holder can help keep a tall spool of thread in place. And, a piece of plastic drinking straw can be used to carry a cord to the crouching foot when doing fancy machine work.
I would love to see a picture showing how you use plastic straws in couching! I enjoy couching a great deal and would love great tips! 😊
I always used the safety pins to turn loops ,but the loop turner I will be getting, and I love your help ,you video's are a life saver trying to get back into sewing after many many years ,thank you so much for making them!
I am a total beginner, but it was just during my first project I came to the starch conclusion. good tip
That super secret tool!!! I've been sewing since I was 8 yrs old- Never have I ever. The snag struggle is real, thank you for this. I'm about to dive into the comments 🥰
I’ve been a self-taught sewist for decades, and I’ve never heard of most of these. I think I’m going to have to get myself a hump jumper and a loop turner now!
Wow ! The starch idea gives me new hope to sewing silky fabrics ! I avoid them like the plague! The overlocker threading gives me hope to start using mine after buying a serger about 10-15 years ago ! AND the snag tool is wonderful ! Thanks for sharing !!!!
OH WOW ! I love these secret tools. My sewing tool box is expanding rapidly as I watch your tutorials of course I’ve heard of spray starch, I’m 77 years old but I have never used it like a magic wand. Now that is magic. Thank you soooo much
Those snag tools are the best! I use them in my embroidery all the time!
I knew all of them, though with the coilless safety pins I had only just learned about them in your previous video. I have a loop turner just like yours. I haven't used it much, but when I do I thank my lucky stars that I have it. I also have the overlocker threader, though just the long one. I didn't know about the curved one. I usually just change my overlocker threads like everyone else, tie the new thread onto the end of the previous thread and run the machine. But for those times when the loopers come unthreaded it has been a Godsend. Pretty much everyone who has ever worked with slippery fabric knows about spray starch. And the snag-it, I've seen them and knew about them but I've never had one.
I use Frixion (pronounced the same as friction pens a lot. I first heard about them when my choir director suggested them for marking our music. They have highlighters in bright and pastel colors as well as regular ball point pens. They're great for marking fabric because once you iron over the marks the ink disappears. But be careful when you use them on satins. The ink may disappear, but it will leave marks on the satiny side of the fabric. Also, the ink will come back if it gets too cold. Around 0° C is when it can reappear. I know of another stitcher on UA-cam who uses Frixion pens a lot, and one time she marked all the pieces of her garment then, as she was sewing them together and ironing it she accidentally pressed over all the markings. She had a very confused husband for a while wondering why sections of an 18th century gown was in their freezer. So be careful where you're marking with the Frixion pens. Close to the seam allowance is best unless you need to mark placement points for pockets or other embellishments on your garment.
And there's one tool that I have been lusting for for a very long time. It's called the June Tailor Tailor Board. They stopped making them a long time ago so finding them is very difficult. And to find one still in good shape is almost a miracle. I've seen them on ebay selling for upwards of $70 USD. So this pressing board looks odd with 3 pieces of wood cut in odd shapes. The largest piece looks similar to an artist's palate with a curved side and a flat side. The middle sized piece looks like a very narrow bootmaker's last and the smallest piece just looks like a handle. Very odd. But it gives you 10 pressing surfaces, particularly for those hard to reach areas in collars and facings whose seams you want to press flat before turning. There are 3 edges for large, small, and very small outward curves, an inward curve, a straight edge with a straight point and a point presser, a small sleeve arm, and a flat all-purpose pressing surface. I finally managed to find one online and I'll post a picture of it on Instagram when I arrives. And I'll be sure to tag you so you can see it because my description was not the best. This is one of those things that you have to see to understand.
Have never used spray starch on knits. Such a great idea! Never heard of the snag tool. Very useful for sweaters in particular. Thanks for all these great ideas. The hump jumper is essential when you sew jeans. Also use a hammer to flatten the place where all the fabrics meet, like the crotch or under arms. Makes a big difference in the quality of the stitch you get.
What a great idea! To flatten the seams with a hammer 🔨
Smack my head! I have had a hump jumper for years! I only ever used the pokey end. I never knew what the slot was used for! Thanks from a snowy Ottawa Canada 🇨🇦
Me too!! 😂
Hi Evelyn. Thank you so much for your wonderful beginner videos. My mother is an amazing home seamstress. At 15 years old she taught me the basics of sewing. Three decades later at age 46 I have rediscovered sewing. Wow, I have forgotten so much!! Your common sense explainations have really help. Keep it coming :)
A hump jumper?!?! I can't wait to try this one out! Great suggestions! I have all the other tools and use them often. I find that my loop turner does not always catch the material right or catches some the the inner seams as I am turning, not my favorite tool. I attach a small twine or ribbon in the end seam and run it the length of the item to be turned. Make sure you don't sew the string in the sides, only the end. The twine gives you a nice string to pull the fabric inside out, (great for spaghetti straps). Once your fabric is turned, cut the twine end off. Easy and no extra tools needed.
12:03 I have used this trick for years and it works great. Ribbon or a cord is always available and the ribbon is usually satin or some material that is of a slick nature and slides easily.
I have never heard of any of these other than starch but not for this use. I always used a small crochet hook to get the loops through, love the snag it tool better, thank you so much!!
The Hump Jumper is a really good one. Great for sewing with denim and upholstery fabrics!
Glad to see you're doing well! Love your show. God bless you!
I did learn about new gadgets. Thanks so much. The one tool I used for many projects that I seldom hear about in the US is the Bodkin. So helpful, small enough for a travel sewing kit, and adaptable for other applications. Thanks again. :D
I throughly enjoyed your video. I had never seen the non-coiled safety pins, a point turner I had, but not how to use the type you demonstrated; and having a second one for a dual purpose is pure genius! The hump jumper I have in my sewing machine tray, however I had not thought to use it the way you have and now I will. I have used a snag nab it on sweaters but never thought of using it on snagged clothing! Thank you for sharing your sewing secrets that helps make sewing more enjoyable 😊
Curved Coil-less Safety Pins that are also used for quilting. I think they'd be great for holding any bulky project like making a coat. Once you pierce through the layers of fabric the bend in the pin also makes it so much easier to clasp it. Your fingers will thank you. And thank you for all you do here in your channel!
I always wondered what my hump jumper was. It has had me scratching my head for years. Now, at last - you solved it! Thank you so much! I could have been getting a lot of good out of it all these years.
Thank you for showing and explaining how you use all the tools. I have had all of these (still in their packaging) for a long time but I was never sure what to do with them 😂. I quilt as well as sewing garments, plus bag making etc, love all your video’s
Thank you for the unknown sewing tool demo. I only knew about the starch. You are lovely and I enjoyed learning about new tools that I am going to purchase. Happy to join your site.❤
My only sewing trick is to get my scissors professionally sharpened every year. It kind of drives me nuts when I hear of someone buying yet another pair from Amazon when all they need is a tune-up. Thanks for this. Great tips.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
My sewing scissors live in my sewing box and NEVER, get used for anything except fabric. They're still sharp after 20 years...
Love the dress in the background. Will absolutely order the snag repair tool immediately!
Thanks so much, Evelyn❤️ Coiless safety pins?! All those years of costume fittings while fighting safety pins. Now I am on the hunt for those.
I have come back to spray starch in my quilting endeavors, but didn't even think about using it on knits🤦♀️
Oddly enough, I am really familiar with the thick seam aid, but not as a quilter. My Mother began using one when hemming denim work clothes for Dad and later for my brother. The one she used was branded 'The Jean-A-Ma Jig. I still have it and another. I want to insert another 'face-palm' because I could have been using it for quilting!
I definitely need to expand my thinking!!
I did know about the other tools, but forget to make a note on my wish list.
Had none but the starch....cool. thank you for sharing.
I only learned about the coilless pin and looper threader from your previous video, that was an eye opener! And I definitely never ever heard of that last secret tool! I need it, I will be buying it right now! ❤
I only knew about a very large coilless pin for knitting. What a great idea!
Same here.
Same here.
Same here. Thank you Evelyn! 11:54
I just found your channel and I love it!! I just subscribed. I’m a self-taught sewist since I was 14 and am now a very young 72. I’ve sewed some part of almost every day since! It’s my passion! I’d never seen the coil-less safety pins - so cool!! I’ll definitely be getting some of those! The rest I either have, or have come up with my own version of. After over 50yrs of being a self-taught sewer there isn’t much I don’t own or haven’t invented myself😆! Happy sewing my new friend!
Wooden knife holders, of which I have had several over the years are excellent substitutes for tailor clappers. I thought about adding a handle but they are not that clumsy to pick up, also mine have been made with unfinished wood so I don't worry about them damaging my fabrics.
Thanks Evelyn, this was the first video I have watched on your channel and it's cracker. I've now subscribed to learn more. I hadn't heard of most of those tools so I'm now searching for them. I have a secret tool that I use when I want to sew a very deep hem. Most sewing machines have a guide near the needle that has measurements to help you keep the width of your seam or hem even and straight. These measurements are usually up to a maximum of 2cm - 2.5cm wide. Occasionally I like to sew a deep hem and I use a large fridge magnet as my guide. I measure from the needle out to the depth I want, ie. 3cm or 5cm and place the magnet at that point. The base plate on most machines are made from metal so the magnet sticks and won't move when bumped. It's been a game changer for me.
The only one I hadn’t heard of was the snag repair. The safety pins and looper threader I had seen on your last video. I have had/used the rest. Thanks for bringing these out.
My mother recently passed away and she was amazing at sewing. She was supposed to teach me but hadn't got to yet. Now I have all of her things and I'm trying to learn on my own. Thank you for this video! This video explained some of the things she had. There are still quite a few more that I have no idea about 😅 I'm sure I will figure them out, eventually.
Self threading hand sewing needles are my favourite secret sewing tool. You kind of floss the thread in, rather than poking it through the hole. 🤩
Spray starch on difficult fabrics while sewing them together!! Mind blown. I’m so glad that I heard about that, and it makes total sense. Amazing!
I used to work at an upscale discount clothing store that has (sadly) gone out of business, but the woman who was in charge of ladies clothing swore by the SnagNabit (such a great name!). She kept 1 or 2 handy, and used them frequently to fix snags and pulls in polyester blouses that looked like silk, sweaters, faux raw silk, gauzy-type fabrics, chiffon, loose weaves that looked like Chanel suits, etc. That little tool prevented us from having to discount items so many times!
Love your channel. I'm an older sewer (is that a word, LOL), and I go stretches of not sewing anything. But when I do, I like to have all the right tools. Those were some pretty nice tools. Knew about about half, the tool to help thread my serger was a new one for me. I had the snag-damn-it thingy, but actually never could master it. Now I think I can. Great vid!
Never heard of the coil-less safety pins!!
Coil-pins pins and snag nab it! Those two are new to me. Thank you for all the marvellous information.
I used the starch trick for the first time last week on some slippery kimono fabric. Oh my word. It's a game changer. In the meantime I am sourcing coilless safety pins in Canada
Most industrial sewing suppliers will have the coiless safety pins. Several on line in Canada. Also check cloth diaper places. I sent dozens out to my DIL 19 years ago when I made real cloth diapers for my first grandchild.
A -Mazing tips there! The only one I knew was the spray starch! That snag tool is genius. All the clothes I've chucked because they were plucked by a piece of jewellery! Thank you for the loop turner too, it'll stop all the finger pain I get from doing that
Thanks, Evelyn, for a very informative video! I have actually heard of, and have most if not all, of those tools. Even the snag nab it. :) My hump jumper is actually called a jean-a-ma-jig, and it does the same thing. I purchased it years ago from one of our popular sewing supply stores here. I have actually had the threader for the serger since I got my first serger over 20 years ago. It was never very useful to me, and a lady at the sewing shop taught me another way to do it using dental floss loops. Thankfully, I am finally getting a new serger with air threading for the loopers! I don't remember actually seeing the needle threader for the serger. The others, like the no coil safety pin, the loop turner I have. But, then, I have been sewing for between 55 and 60 years so I have accumulated a lot of tools. I love gadgets of most any kind, and that is why I have these --- I saw them on the notions board and thought, oh, I need that! Thanks Evelyn. I am sure others have not known about all these and are very grateful for this video. I also enjoyed it. Keep those great videos coming!
New to your tutorials. I inherited my mothers sewing and never knew what in the world that ruler was used for, thank you, great tool.
This is not a secret sewing tool but it is something that I have found incredibly helpful when doing alterations. I use a disappearing ink fabric marker to mark where the alterations need to be instead of pins. This could be just marking the amount of fabric on each side that you need to take up, or specific other alterations, but it really beats leaving pins in the fabric when you’re taking the garment off of a person. And it’s also a great way to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. I prefer the disappearing ink pen that stays on for like 72 hours. I know there are water soluble pins, but a lot of times I don’t want to submerge the garment I’m working on and water (I work on a lot of dance costumes which are not easy to wash).
There are also pens that disappear with some (low temperature) ironing. No water needed, although it will wash out also. Frixion pens are one of the known brands. But... ALWAYS try on a scrap first, because sometimes the fabric has a will of its own...
Love that necklace!
My mother had a snag puller from WWII! It was sold to handle snags in silk stockings that were nearly impossible to replace when silk was being used for parachutes! For real runs ladies might be lucky enough to take the stocking to someone who would release the broken thread and save the wear!
#1 you told me about it! I’m now keeping an eye out for them.
It never accrued to me to use starch on jersey. That’s brilliant!
Your super secret last one is new to me and I will definitely be getting one!
In the 90’s the USA PBS channels had sewing shows on in the afternoons. They were wonderful. Some were educational like the Sewing Connection with Shirley Adams which is now on UA-cam. Some were more of an infomercial for sewing equipment and tools. The first hump jumper I remember was called the jean-a-ma-thing. If I remember correctly it was invented by a home sewer trying to hem jeans and cursing! Anyway the shows were fun and funny when they were showing old original machine feet as new. “Just invented!” Like a binding foot or the pleating foot.
I love how the old tech gets rediscovered as 'new".
Hey Robin! Hope the holiday week is treating you and your family well. All the very best of the season to you!
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
@@stevezytveld6585 hey Cathy! I was just thinking about you and wondering how you were. I hope everyone has recovered from covid. I know this is a very busy time of year for Steve and probably you too.
Anyway I hope your having a wonderful holiday season!
I finally figured out what to get my oldest son! He’s hard to buy for and I was almost down to the wire.
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 Hey Robin, I was hoping to come across you before the holidays happened!
We're OK. Covid is done with. Brain fog sucks. Steve caught that cold that's going around but he's on the verge of feeling better. He's at the 'sick & tired of being sick & tired' stage. But, the season is going well, thank you so much.
Son's are almost impossible to buy for - fantastic that you found him something. The grandson must be bouncing with the holidays almost here.
All the very best for the Christmas (and new years) to you, you family and to everyone you love and respect. Miigwetch!
@@stevezytveld6585 thank you Cathy. I’m everyone is feeling better. Yes grandson is bouncing though he still doesn’t want to shop.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year!
@@robintheparttimesewer6798 Thank you, Woman. All the very best of the season to you and yours.
I have heard/used all but the snag fixer. I do the same with a regular needle and find it works well. Some of my favorites; a buttonhole spacer called SimFlex expanding sewing gauge that permits perfect spacing of buttonholes, pleats, or whatever. I adore it. I also love my buttonhole cutter which is a small cutting surface with an awl and a sharp blade that will cut a buttonhole open perfectly. I also use bamboo kebab sticks for all sorts of poking and arranging on the sewing machine platform. Thank you for a lovely video.
Now this is funny! Last time I went to get some pins for my quilting they only had the coil-less ones and my first thought was they must be a “cheap” knockoff of the best ones. Perception is everything….even in pins!
Great info! Very seldom do I watch something and keep saying, Oh Wow! Oh, Wow! The only one I have is a snag tool. I love that needle threaders have evolved, and I definitely need a jump jumper! That's a new one for me, even after sewing for more than 50 years!
I've never heard of the snag repair tool, but I've been using my loop turner on fabric snags and it works pretty well!
I just recently bought a drawstring threading tool and it's saved my life and hoodies!
How about this one. I use it whenever I have to sew over thick seams like 6-8 layers of denim in your jeans hem when you are shortening then. Get a hammer (a regular carpentry hammer) and a block of wood or a concrete floor and bash the good sense right out of the layered hem at the spot where all the layers are. The concussive force flattens and softens the weave of the fabric making it a breeze to sew through. Hmm, that’s the first time Ive ever used the word “concussive” in a comment on a sewing vlog!
Good tip🙂