Tool School: Sewing Studio Essentials
Here you will find five sewing tools that are considered essential to a very broad spectrum of sewing activities. Each is designed to enable a very broad range of sewing technique.
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And read our product overview below.
What is it?
Chances are if you’re into sewing, you’ve narrowed your focus and you’re into primarily one specific genre of sewing. Maybe couture fashion and accessories or perhaps heirloom sewing. Could be you love quilting or maybe home décor is your thing. Regardless, the sewing studio associated with each will be found to be replete with all of those sewing notions that answer to specific needs of that genre. Almost. While some sewing tools will be found to be unique to your specialty, some tools will be found to be generic to all studios. They transcend the common requirements of all sewing techniques. Having them available is essential to any great creative endeavor. We have carefully engineered these “essential” sewing tools to enhance your sewing experience.
What do they do?
Here you will find five sewing tools that are considered essential to a very broad spectrum of sewing activities. Each is designed to enable a very broad range of sewing technique.
Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin
This is the very best tool for pulling various thin materials through any sewn casing. That would include elastic, ribbon, cording or other drawstring materials. It has applications to fashion, fashion accessories, general sewing, home décor and crafts. The mechanical connection at the trailing end of the bodkin securely locks the drawstring material in place. The lead portion is long and flexible to make quick work of threading through the sewn casing. Quick and easy, no drops, no do over’s required.
Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin
Art. No 9582 or Art. No 9609
5-in-1 Sliding Gauge
This is the ultimate measuring tool. Everything we do in fashion, quilting, home décor, heirloom and crafts requires precise measurements. Being able to measure and place our hems, seams, pin tucks, button holes, applique or circles is essential to our desired outcome. This tool does it all. Flawlessly measure hem lines. The moving cursor locks into place in 1/8” intervals up to six inches. Measure, mark or check seam allowances quickly. The gauge is a standard seam allowance width of 5/8” with individual arms measuring ¼” separated by 1/8”. We can inscribe perfect circles, arcs or scallops using the articulating base of the sliding cursor. Circles up to twelve inches are possible. The “T-square” function of the gauge allows us to measure down and over at the same time for quick marking. We can place and size button holes with precision using the adjustable sliding function of the gauge. The sliding function of the gauge also allows us to transfer measurements for one pattern to another or directly to our material. Overall it’s a must have measuring tool.
5-in-1 Sliding Gauge
Art. No 9506 or Art. No 9607
Point 2 Point Turner
Essential to almost all sewn projects is turning our seams and points to the lines of stitches that bind them. This is often easier said than done. One single project might have long sweeping seams, close rounded seams and sharp points to turn. For this challenge we developed the ultimate turning tool. It has two points available, one at either end. One is a sharp point for tight limited spaces like collar points. The other end is for more open areas where we can manipulate with the grain of the fabric. The long sweeping included edge is perfect for long seams.
Point 2 Point Turner
Art. No 7803 or Art. No 9613
Seam Ripper
It goes without saying that the Seam Ripper is an essential tool. And not for just what we might initially think. Yes, mistakes are made that must be repaired. Stitches must be removed and done so with precision. Sometimes we just change our mind and once again the stitches must go. Or maybe we’re just refreshing or repurposing a garment and need to remove several or all of the existing stitches. Our Seam Ripper is sharp and smooth and designed to slip between the fabric layers and release the stitches with precision. The sharp point allows us to remove stitches along a whole seam without damaging your fabric.
Seam Ripper
Art. No 482/W
Tailor’s Awl
This is truly a multi-purpose tool that has so many applications. Basically it’s a tool designed to enable precision fabric manipulation. And that’s what we do when we sew. It’s available in straight, bent or ball point options. The sharp points of the straight and bent versions can make marking holes in fabric where needed. It also allows us to manipulate fabric into specific shapes or hold eased or gathered fabric evenly and in position at the needle plate while sewing. The ball point awl is designed for fabric manipulation where fabric penetration is not desired as in the placement of stuffing in an enclosed area.
Tailor’s Awls
Art. No 485/W. 486/W, 4880, 876
How do I share it?
The Clip ‘n Glide Bodkin, 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge, Point 2 Point Turner, Seam Ripper and Tailor’s Awl are five sewing tools truly essential to every sewing studio. Each is designed to perform its function flawlessly. Provide step outs for your friends to both see and use. Make sure their use is stressed in class work you offer to show how useful they are. They truly empower any and all who love to sew.
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