10 Genius Sewing Tools I Found at Home Depot

[@ConkreteMan]

As a guy that’s been in construction for 30+ years who also sews, I’ve used some of these because I had them on hand. Nice list. While you’re at the hardware store, I have an aluminum framing square and an aluminum 48” ruler. Both work great for laying out long cuts (clamp one or both ends to the table) but also for visualizing projects with pattern repeats before making a cut.

[@mimimack6905]

Thanks for your post. I wondered about using one of those from the hardware store. I must get one now.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Great idea, thank you!

[@xoombug830]

You're a construction guy who sews? Will you marry me? 😍😆

[@marysews1]

I Second the 48" ruler. Mine is 2" wide and is perfect for cutting knit bands before I cut out the rest of the garment (I learned this the hard way). My ruler tip is to put clear, textured 1" medical tape across the back of the long edges of all my rulers to prevent slipping.

[@debraholmes6290]

I too have a 48" aluminum ruler & framing square that is used quite often. They really are inexpensive useful tools for your sewing room!

[@jmm95076]

I use washers as a way to draws a seam allowance along straight lines. Put your marking pen inside the washer hole, press washer against the ruler. The washer rolls as you draw the line and perfectly keeps it at a consistent distance away from the sewing line.

[@karlahartzog6485]

Brilliant!!!

[@Rebjacjul]

Oh dang-that’s a good one. I bought those little things that are specifically for that but I struggle with them.

[@audreyrasmusson]

Brilliant!

[@janemartin2789]

Another use for painters tape: to remove to tiny threads left after ripping a seam. Just press a strip of tape on the seam line and pull it off. Might need to do both sides of the fabric. I enjoyed your video.

[@nicolebouchotte2760]

Thank you for sharing, oh sometimes its really hard to remove them

[@dozergetscrafty]

I buy their rolls of brown paper. Its in the paint section. Its 36 inch long. Made to protect floors but works well for edited patterns

[@darlenemcclenny3909]

I buy mine at Dollar Tree.

[@delphy50]

Wow great idea

[@Michaela-bi1to]

So do I! I love how inexpensive it is. Under $4 for 60 yards!

[@cozycasasmr4510]

I do the same! it's the best paper

[@cancertarius]

Gift wrap is handy and conveniently has a 1” square grid on the back

[@xoombug830]

Another way to use tubing : I run a length of it through the drawstring channel from one end to the other, then just push the cord through. It glides through the tube easily and is super fast. Avoids the whole push, scrunch, pull thing.

[@heard3879]

Wow, now that sounds like a real life saver, I want to try that!

[@usmc_momma_dukes]

OMGOSH! That's genius!

[@SweetSourMiss]

I LOVE this tip! Thank you! I’m going to try it!

[@xoombug830]

I just remembered a thing I do with straws. 😊I hope I can explain it....... First, I slit a fat straw down the side. Then, I either push the cord through or work it into the straw from the side. Here's the cool part: You can roll the straw to make it smaller so that it will go through pretty small channels. Once it's how you want it, staple the end, tape it, take a stitch, whatever works to keep the cord from sliding out. Hold and sort of roll the other end (it will try to flare out) while you slide it through. Even if you have to push and scrunch a little, it's still easier this way. Hope this helps!

[@cinemaocd1752]

Grommets, snaps and the tools are outrageously expensive at sewing and leather crafting stores. I did not know they would be at a hardware store for less $$. HUGE bonus. THANK YOU.

[@ravinj8625]

You can find the same item in different parts of Walmart for different prices 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@M2lsBc]

lol my Heritage Carpenter son is so used to me raiding his workshop for sewing and art tools he has installed a “quick grab” area for the things I regularly borrow 😅

[@trastujulhume8535]

I have a child starting a heritage carpentry program so I will keep that in mind!

[@MaryDeanDotCom]

They also sell huge pieces of foam insulation, which you can cover with fabric to make a bulletin board, where you can pin your ideas, notes, pattern pieces, design ideas, reminders, lists, etc.

[@laniec.f.2531]

Someone needs to compile a "Best 100 Tips" from the comments in this video! They're amazing. I keep reading and thinking "write that down, and this, and this..." Great info in the video and within comments. Shew.

[@susansmith989]

I agree.

[@teragram5977]

I'm making my first quilt. The topper got a little crooked on the sides. It is about the length of a twin bed. I tried to think of how I could even the sides. I used my husband's chalk line. We snapped a straight line and I was able to cut it accurately.

[@edover60]

I use grippy shelf liner under my cutting mat to keep it from sliding. It also works great under your sewing machine foot pedal.

[@BSWVI]

You just solved my frustration with my wandering foot pedal!! Thank you!

[@ablanccanvas]

Yep… I use that on my foot pedal too! 👍🏽

[@cowgirlcasey1407]

I gasped out loud at the solution for my moving foot pedal- THANK YOU!

[@zoetrophy]

i call the grippy stuff "Anti-scoot" material

[@Toad-In-A-Puddle]

Seam roller can be found in the wallpaper section. Small, handheld, and cheaper than Violet Craft or Lori Holt versions.

[@ColdBeforeNow]

You can also find strong magnets on the end of a handle at hardware stores. Great for locating pins lost in the carpet. Or ones that bounced off a hard floor and rolled further away or underneath furniture. Saves you from having to bend down and search for lost pins & needles. Also easy to quickly pass over the floor of your sewing area when you're done for the day. Makes the floor safe for pets and other family members.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Great tip, thanks!

[@andreacook7431]

One caveat to that: I use a treadle sewing machine. The magnet-on-a-stick is WAY more attracted to the leg irons of my sewing machine than the pins I have dropped on the floor.

[@flucheaux]

As someone who had to undergo surgery under general anesthesia to remove a broken sewing needle out of my foot, this is an excellent idea!

[@pegasusquilts]

You can also get them with a light on the tip. But be sure to turn it off every time, the one U have takes 3 pretty expensive button batteries.

[@lindahurlock-sewoneofakind6155]

I’m 68 years old, soon to be 69 and have been sewing and quilting since I was 9 years old. So for almost 60 years. I never would have thought of these items for sewing. My husband and I were just at Home depot yesterday and if had seen this video before going our bags would have had a lot more stuff in them for sure. Thank you sharing these great ideas.

[@mekolm]

I have another Hardware Store hack for you. They have elastic wrist bands that have a magnet on them. So instead of screws on your wrist for easy access, you can have your pins on your wrist. Great if you're on your knees hemming something and you don't want to get up to get more pins.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Great idea!

[@mary-ruthflores4107]

I’ve used one of those for years, and the magnet on the extendable stick I also get there

[@maryoaks3228]

Here’s another hardware shopping tip. If you live close enough to one,visit Harbor Freight tools,or other smaller stores,that can be a lot cheaper. Skip the more expensive big box ones.

[@l.medina6251]

Dollar tree has way cheaper velcro!! So does Temu!

[@FoodNerds]

I love Harbor Freight.

[@lifeinaditch]

I found interlocking foam flooring at Harbor Freight for $10. I use it to block my knitting. Comparable blocking mats at Joann is about $50.

[@ariannaconnal7691]

Harbor Freight especially for clamps and Dollar Tree for a mallet!

[@vidaholmes]

Love that store

[@jkbrown5496]

You can get a lot of those items cheaper at Harbor Freight. They also have mallets of different head weights. Also, Tractor Supply has good Brooder (work) lamps with good protective cages to avoid contact if they fall onto, say, fabric. Get one with the ceramic socket to hold higher wattage/heat lamps. And they sell the hardware like the large washers by weight instead of by piece.

[@pegasusquilts]

Harbor freight isn't everywhere, though!

[@wifeoftim]

I thought the mallet was for smashing the sewing machine when you have made the same sewing mistake over and over.😅

[@ritamurphy1841]

LOL!!

[@SeamworkVideo]

🤣 It's a multi-purpose tool

[@l.medina6251]

@@wifeoftim been there, done that!! 🤣 But I used a hammer, greater damage that way!! That sewing machine ain't EVER talking back again!! 🤭

[@alistasia]

😂😂😂😂

[@WendyHitt-m9l]

Don't give me any ideas

[@mommatanya1]

I have used lots of those ideas already, but picked up a couple of new ideas. But I was thrilled to see you mention the drop cloths as fabric! I made my custom mede-to-measure dress form from Home Depot dropcloths. And her weighted base is a paint bucket filled with concrete, sitting on a wooden base my husband made and fitted with rollers. She is a Home Depot project through and through!

[@dar4835]

Super cool!

[@annjuurinen6553]

Those drop cloths make excellent outdoor porch curtains. Lots of yardage.

[@bearteeka4782]

Heat shrink tubing... that's a new one for me. I like it!

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

I use the patio door replacement mesh sold on a roll to make tote bags, zippered smaller bags, bucket hats( it's got UV protection) and all kinds of weird things. Especially the "pet resistant" mesh. Sews up great.

[@ItsAsparageese]

OOH. I make lots of non-garment stuff (I live in my car, so sewing magnets onto a shade cloth, rigging all sorts of other practical stuff) and your comment just gave me SO MANY IDEAS 😍 Thanks for sharing this!!!

[@erikaatwood4841]

That is genius! Do you sandwich the mesh between fabric for the bucket hat?

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

@@erikaatwood4841 ... No. I made one completely in the mesh. Double the brim. I wear this golfing because I hated wearing sunglasses when I'm golfing and the brim shades my face but I can see through the brim. Works perfect. The other one I made for 2 yr old gson (he's 3 now). He always threw every hat off his head, refused to ever wear one. but he wears this one because it shades his face but he can see through the brim. This one I only made the brim out of the mesh. Used the waves & wild kids bucket hat pattern for this one and the Sorento bucket hat for mine. The patio door mesh is UV protected for an added bonus.

[@chickadeeacres3864]

I use the magnet bowl

[@Julia.Mandelbrot]

​@@ItsAsparageeseI'd love to hear your ideas! I'm retrofitting my car to be convenient to my needs. Subaru Forester has NO place for a purse, and console has an items nook with no lip so items slide right back out onto the gearshift, not safe even.

[@dianahausler8794]

I bought my Husky Workbench at Home Depot. It’s on wheels, it’s adjustable and I roll it around my sewing room when I need to use it as a cutting table or for laying out pieces and photographing, for assembling bag pieces, etc. I love this thing!!! I also use masking tape to grid out quilting lines on my bags when chalk doesn’t work or is too messy.

[@suebean3873]

Yes, they are so nice, I agree! I’d love one if I had the room.

[@cjon4256]

I use a telescopic magnet to pick up pins that have fallen on the floor. It's about 6 inches long but stretches out to about 3 feet. Dollar tree carries these in their hardware section.

[@ablanccanvas]

Brilliant!

[@heard3879]

I got that and off -brand excellent Velcro at Dollar Tree.

[@faithfredericks9036]

I bought mine at an auto parts store.

[@Narsalith]

I will say, having sewn through sticky velcro, I would not recommend you do this unless you have nothing else cause it gums up your needle very fast, so I would only do this if I really had to. You'd pretty much have to take it off to clean off the goopy stuff. right after stitching it on!

[@helenparker1870]

I agree never sew over adhesive velcro

[@barbaracranford527]

I was going to say the same thing...

[@MrsJWife]

Never sew with the sticky Velcro, I tried it as a beginner. I only buy the Velcro (or Hook & Loops) with no glue.

[@karenjerome4953]

Velcro now sells a line of No Sew Velcro.

[@heard3879]

I was wondering why she suggested sewing on it when the adhesive is going to stick it to the material even without sewing.

[@juliemac5604]

Clear waterproof sealant spray is really good for keeping plastic/acrylic from sliding around. I use it on the back of all of my clear rulers, but you could also spray it on one side of your cutting mat, and...voila! No more sliding around, and no more C-clamps needed. Flexseal or Gorilla Glue brands are good choices.

[@KathyBGood]

oooh, thank you!

[@jennifermaddock4382]

I have a set of a dozen spring clamps that I use for basting quilts. I clamp the layers together on the table top. I also love canvas tool bags for transporting my sewing tools to retreats. Finally, I have a pink fishing tackle box that I keep all my smaller tools and notions in. It's fantastic.

[@laughcook7986]

I never thought about getting grommets from the hardware store. Thanks!

[@SeamworkVideo]

No problem 👍

[@HouseofMolake]

Fantastic idea

[@BlackFrostQueen]

Small trim and corner paint brushes from the hardware store work great for dusting and removing lint from my sewing machine.They also survive being washed out if they accidentally get sewing machine oil on them unlike the sewing machine brushes.

[@KathyBGood]

great idea!

[@suzanneh4275]

Using a brush only pushes in most of the dust, compacting it. I recommend a very small attachment (like a straw fastened with duct tape on an old piece that fits snugly your vacuum) and suck out that dust.

[@kittydemeo]

I use pipe cleaners❤

[@mimimack6905]

Amazing, I JUST went to Home Depot at lunch today! I’d love to add another sewing tool/supply. I purchased a roll of Red Rosin Paper for pattern making. It’s not tracing paper, but GREAT for a sloper, block or to clone ready to wear into a pattern. The roll will last forever for me, 36inx166ft for $14, and it’s a great weight. This paper is what contractors or painters tape to the floor while they work.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Great tip, love that!

[@SweetSourMiss]

Love this!

[@dallasmandy]

As I'm watching this, I'm wearing a pair of pants that I sewed inside out. Because I couldn't tell which was the right side.😂

[@madusonkeeper]

Setting a trend lol

[@dar4835]

Life lesson

[@hippiekitten420]

I like the frixion erasable markers. Use it to mark your fabric, and then iron the marks away. I did find it didn't remove as well on felt, so make sure you do a test on your fabric first.

[@Midge5184]

When making cushions or doing any upholstery work I get my foam sheets from the hardware store because it is so much cheaper than the craft store or sewing supply store! You can get 1.5 to 3 times the length of foam at the for the same price as other stores. Also if you are into drafting your own patterns or tracing pre-made patterns get your self some blank newspaper from the hardware store! It's cheaper and more accessible than pattern paper and it's thin enough to pin through and not rip like when trying to pin tissue paper.

[@beemoji2280]

One thing that should be mentioned about using fabric drop cloth; it shrinks like crazy. Always over-estimate the yardage you'll need, and don't even think about cutting and sewing it before you launder and dry it.

[@laniec.f.2531]

Thank you for that tidbit....it should be highlighted somewhere for those (of us) who might not think of it right off.

[@KathyBGood]

thanks, didn't know that!

[@suzanneh4275]

I took sewing classes years back and the teacher said that whatever fabric we buy, we should always wash and dry the fabric as we will wear the finished product THREE TIMES before laying the pattern out & cutting. So for example, jeans fabric should be washed in cold and tossed in the dryer 3x if that is how you wash your jeans, silk fabric for a blouse I would hand wash and hang to dry 3X. Guarantees no shrinkage or warping after your garment is made!

[@Dqba9]

Yes!!!

[@beemoji2280]

@@suzanneh4275 Always laundering fabric before cutting and sewing has more to do with getting the sizing off than shrinkage.

[@CBridges-r4r]

Got clear tubing. Cut 1/4 inch rings. Then cut a slit so it looks like a”c”. Put on bobbins to hold thread

[@christinesoule9505]

That’s genius! I’ve thought about buying the reddy made ones but they’re expensive and you don’t get many in a package and I have a LOT of bobbins!😃

[@bizzybits1918]

Thanks!

[@DrMaryVision]

I am an old school person who sews, and these were so many brilliant and new ideas for me! I subscribed as fast as I could!

[@CBridges-r4r]

@@christinesoule9505 thanks

[@KathyBGood]

good idea! I use ponytail holders, push thru bobbin center 'till you have a loop on each end, pull one loop end thru the other & put matching thread spool in the rest of the loop.

[@aliciacharline]

This is why I love being a multi crafter I can mix techniques and know where the cheap stuff is, there is so many useful things in the hardware store that are so much cheaper than the craft store. That $10 magnetic bowl from the craft store is $5 at the hardware store

[@cvgsunset5844]

Painter’s tape saved me when I was sewing a bag made of flex foam and it was too thick to pin anything to it- the painter’s tape held the straps and pockets in place perfectly while I attached them. 😊

[@kojw7100]

Awesome tips! I’m in Canada and Princess Auto has some amazing items I’ve purchased as well for use in my sewing room. The main “prize” for me was a large self-healing cutting mat for under $30!

[@kimhodge478]

Yes!!! I have two of those mats from Princess Auto. And the magnetic pin dish.

[@rhondahuggins9542]

I keep Painters Tape in every nook and cranny of my house!! My favorite use is as a seam guide. I build up a few layers so that I can feel the edge as I sew. And as a child of reuse & make-do heritage, these are GREAT tips. Thank you ❤

[@sharonjones7138]

AWESOME!!! Sewing 56 years…..this video gave me so many ideas!! I quilt, recycle jeans to totes, make baskets & bowls with cotton rope. Your tips will help make creating smoother 😉☺️. Thank you.

[@JV-pu8kx]

Needle nose pliers. Helps with changing needles, threading needles, removing broken needles, removing stray threads from the inner workings of te machines, and many more uses.

[@diannerichard2509]

This is the first time I have read every single comment on a video. Great Video and great ideas in the comments

[@SeamworkVideo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@wandawalker4191]

Harbor Freight's magnetic bowls are super affordable.

[@cynthiafiloromo1432]

Harbor freight also has great sewing options as does Ace hardware and Lowe’s. I found a lot of good stuff and ideas from all of you sewers and quilters that I wish I knew earlier because I got most of my stuff at Joanne’s and Amazon . Now I think different. Thank you all! You should start a new page!

[@kgat216]

Yes and Harbor Freight has multiple colored magnetic bowls. Also, I’ve used the bowls to search for dropped pins!!!!

[@lynetterene]

That's where I got mine

[@madusonkeeper]

​@@cynthiafiloromo14322.99 and 3.99 for small ones

[@SueKetchum]

I have 3 that I spray painted to match my sewing room.

[@galechicago325]

Fantastic video! Grommets, magnetic dishes, drop cloths, heat shrink tubing… to me, these are all new ideas. Brilliant. Instantly subscribed to your channel.

[@skperreault2792]

got my height-adjusting 6 ft table by Husky at HD. Best sewing table EVER!

[@jdmarr2259]

Great ideas! Painter's tape comes in 1/4" width, too. (I use it for guidelines when I'm sewing crosshatch design on fabric). There's a workbench (Husky brand, with or without drawers) that's been popular with sewists who use them for sewing and/or cutting tables. They are sturdy with wood tops & really look nice & function well in the sewing room. It's a wonderful thing to find sewing supplies that are not listed as sewing supplies, so they don't have the big price markup attached. Thanks!

[@jennjennedington279]

My whole kitchen is Husky benches and tool chests!

[@madasahatter4489]

Two additional items: (1) a 12 inch length of half round wood molding - for pressing open seams without imprinting the cut edges. I found one in a bin of cut wood "scraps" at my local Home Depot. (2) Use "pool noodles" from the hardware to roll up and store fabrics like leather and vinal that you don't want to fold. ♥🪡

[@SeamworkVideo]

These are great tips!

[@BabalonNuit]

One warning: make sure any wood you use around an iron is not made out of PINE. Pine has sticky sap that comes out of the wood when it is heated. You want a hardwood piece, not softwood.

[@Wixyification]

​@@BabalonNuit oh no, I stuffed my tailors ham and sausage with pine pet litter.

[@BabalonNuit]

@@Wixyification Yikes! Well, you could always buy a bag of hardwood sawdust pellets used for stoves, and spray them down with water (You don't need to soak them , just make them damp). This will cause the pellets to separate into sawdust again. Let it dry and there you have hardwood sawdust to re-stuff your ham and sausage.

[@sangus8370]

A connecting toolbox system with wheels is great for packing all of your sewing items in. Sewing machines can fit in the bottom section. Easy to transport to sewing classes or retreats.

[@SeamworkVideo]

That's a great idea!

[@sangus8370]

@@SeamworkVideo it is the Husky connect system at Home Depot.

[@elizabethbushong4957]

Make sure ahead of buying that your machine will fit! Voice of experience here😢. I bought one based on my quilt friends' recommendation, but found that my machine didn't fit

[@sangus8370]

@@elizabethbushong4957 Great point, I did a cardboard cut out of the bottom of my machine when I went to buy it to make sure it fit.

[@karensaunderssaunders4102]

I love the magnetic bowls. I spray paint mine. I use the metal washers. I like to make the fabric yo-yos to put them in. Thank you for all the tips.

[@suzannemiller993]

Our Menards sells Best Press in large spray bottles much cheaper than the quilt stores.

[@sandydaniels2668]

I had no idea need to check that out.

[@djl3316]

I stock up when they have their 11% rebates!

[@sandydaniels2668]

@@djl3316 I coupon all the time but the 11% is a great time. Thanks for that tip.

[@sandydaniels2668]

@@suzannemiller993 Thank you so much for the tip on Best Press I just got 2 and the price difference is $6 each.

[@judih.8754]

I love the heat shrink idea. Great!

[@minnesota_loon]

I cut the off magnet strips on the magnetic screen door then sewed them on the zipper opening of our gazebo curtains; can still use the zippers, like when windy, but are awesome for going in and out so you aren’t bending and unzipping/zipping all the time AND no dogs tearing out your zippers!

[@melindawolfUS]

Blue tape also keeps faux fur out of your seams. My grandma sewed 14 teddy bears for Christmas one year and figured that trick out quickly ;)

[@3Kitais]

Didn’t even wait until the video ended to subscribe to your channel. Great info.

[@SheSewsDiscord]

thank you so much for the video... I can't believe i didn't think of marking large seam allowances with masking tape!

[@AnneMurphy-o5l]

I've been using canvas drop cloths for patio drapery for many years. In my experience, the quality varies, but you can't beat the price. Definitely pre-wash because anything with cotton in it will shrink quite a bit. They also come with a lengthwise flat-felled seam, usually pretty sloppy. Often times, you'll run into multiple slubs in the fabric, some relatively big. Another thing, is they take quite UV beating out in the ferocious sun where I live, so I do have to replace them more often than an "outdoor" canvas, but I could never afford the $$ to get the "fancy" stuff in the quantity I need...LOL. I've made shopping bags with the fabric and used transfer paper to decorate them. In the last stages of their usefulness, when I've put up new ones, I still use them as drop cloths or to gather yard waste. Have I mentioned the affordability?!

[@randimochamer6284]

My mother re-upholstered furniture and designer window coverings. She had a great tool box! I made sure I inherited it. She used a five-gallon bucket at home, but she had a small tool box she took with her to install her window coverings. That one is really cool!

[@flowerflower4731]

September 2024 This is so helpful, those round weights you had are good to hold curtains down. I got the big clamps at the flea market relatively cheap. Helpful during hurricane season when I cover my plants outside.. When I use my freeze cloth outside I clamp them with these on my plants to stay closed... Oh everything's information I'm subscribe thank you so much..

[@kimsmith6368]

Sometimes you can get those magnetic bowls at Harbor Freight for 1.00 when there is a sale.

[@juliannevaneps1752]

I purchased a few from HF as well. $13 for a little magnet bowl is NOT “super cheap”

[@scottydog6539]

Clamps are great for quilting. Layering your backing, batting and quilt tops. Love the pattern weights. Great idea, less expensive that sewing pattern weights

[@arcticfox50]

All of those items have been in my craft room for the past 20 years - you missed the best thing the mobile workbench - a great crafting spot, with lots of storage

[@samjaksmom]

One that I like is the painter's plastic. I prefer the thicker ones. When I get a pattern and would like to use is often or make changes, I would use the plastic to transfer the pattern on to and make changes as I go along. I use a permeant marker on the plastic. That way I don't have to cut up the pattern I bought and the plastic can be used over and over. Then I would get a zip lock back and label it and the plastic pattern fits right in there. And easy storing.

[@nylanelson8660]

Never knew about the Heat Shrink Tubing you can buy. This is great for draw string on pants, shorts & tennis shoes laces too

[@diannerichard2509]

I did not either. I am helping my granddaughter make a cape with braiding. This will work great!

[@adelechicken6356]

I have an articulated desk lamp that I can adjust to throw light right on my sewing machine surface. Helps so much when threading needles and working with darker fabrics. I have often picked up items in hardware stores for unusual uses. Funny thing is, after I bought them, my hubby would realize that he could find other uses and buy his own. I've been known to swipe some of his things too. I have some unusual pliers, surgical clamps etc. 😊

[@andreacook7431]

I have hemostats that I bought from a place that was selling fly-tying gear. Its awesome for pulling things rightside out and threading elastic through things.

[@waterwomyn]

White mallet is softer than the black one.

[@maryellenyork2819]

A magnet on the end of a telescoping dowel is great for picking up dropped pins.

[@lindabrooks9494]

A small black out flashlight makes the white on white designs show up on fabric. They help determine the right side of fabric. Amazon has them.

[@bizzybits1918]

Black light flashlight? Black out flashlight?

[@lindabrooks9494]

sorry black light flashlight

[@debbiewhite3270]

I learned that one from Power Tools With Thread. Brilliant idea.

[@virginiavoigt2418]

Bed sheets can also make wonderful curtains, and they are already hemmed on all four sides if you can find a good size for your needs.

[@nanette7fl]

I bought the magnetic bowl years ago to hold pins, bobbins and small,scissors and keep it right next to my machine. It was the best buy!

[@Mrs.Patriot]

I have some canvas drop cloths from HD and also Lowes. The ones from HD that I have are of "unknown fiber content," made in China, and there are flammability warnings..The ones from Lowes are polyester and cotton. and made in Pakistan. Also the HD ones actual size is 3" shorter and narrower than the 9X12 or whatever stated on the package. I haven't measured the ones from Lowes but they state actual size is 9X12. Just so you know! It's a great bargain. Also, right now Nick of Time Fabric has everything on sale for 5.99/yd.

[@hemidancer64]

C-clamps on the cutting board……..genius!!

[@OtherSarah2]

Use those washers on the paper side of your pattern/material. On the underside, add a magnet or two. Presto: you can move the assembly onto/off of your table / machine. No holes!!!

[@cindymorrone4740]

I used a drop cloth to sew together a Teepee Reading Nook for my daughters. It's sturdy enough to hold its shape with four 8-foot wooden poles from a hardware store. It turned out beautifully!

[@SeamworkVideo]

That’s awesome! It sounds like a very cozy place to read.

[@annjuurinen6553]

You can also find lazy susan hardware in a few different sizes when you are adding to your sewing cabinets. All you need is a round piece of wood on top of the metal lazy susan.

[@jessift82]

On the Velcro DO NOT sew over the self adhesive kind. I made that mistake a few years ago. It gums up everything. It will cause you to break needles and thread plus it’s a nightmare to get it off of everything. 1:42

[@Jen-CelticWarrior]

I use my rechargeable headlamp when doing my cleaning and lubricating of my machine. The machine should be unplugged for safety, making the machine’s light unavailable. The headlamp provides great light for this. I use it for many tasks needing more direct lighting.

[@bobsamurai]

If you embroider patches, the 0.4mm plastic sheeting can work as clear stabilizer to tear your patches out of for clean edges. It’s not as consistent as the real stuff but it’s in much smaller quantities. Plus most home embroidery machines have a 5x7 hoop and the roll is either 5 or 7” which is perfect for cutting right out the bag only needing to measure cuts in one direction.

[@sheilasinghal2922]

Great video! I'm definitely picking up some heat tubing and large grommets. I had no idea... and I'm someone who adores hardware stores (thanks, Dad!). 😄

[@barbaraghylin1594]

Good Morning from central Washington State. As a quilter I have several of the items you mentioned. The spring clamps & magnet bowl come to mind. I would also recommend an adjustable work table. My husband gave me one for Christmas several years ago & later added a drawer underneath. I can pull it out & walk around it as needed. I showed my husband the c clamps & he went to Harbor Freight & bought 4. Attached them to the cutting table & it made a HUGE difference. Also stole a head lamp from his fishing gear. He laughed & said “no problem “😂

[@suzelizabeth]

There are far too many comments for me to be certain that this hasn't been already shared, but I have another one for the mallet. When sewing hems on denim (or any other heavy fabric, maybe) you may find that even your denim needles don't want to hold up, especially when you come to the spots where you have more than 2 layers. If you use the mallet to pound the fabric from both sides first, your needle should go through easily. I altered jeans for a major jeans store and this was how I handled these tough hems/seams.

[@terriem3922]

I wish I had seen this like, Fifty years ago !! Thank you so much. 🎉🎉🎉

[@carolemckee7819]

Thank you for all of your tips. Some I already knew about but I didn't know about the shrink wrap. This was really helpful!

[@sharinasingh5180]

❤❤❤❤love this thank you for sharing would never think I could pick up sewing accessories at Home Depot. ❤❤❤❤ Toronto Canada 🇨🇦 . Keep sharing. Blessings

[@aimee-made]

I've gotten the velcro with the sticky back and used it very successfully! In my experience the needle gets a little gunked up from the adhesive, though. Not a huge deal, except that I really don't want that getting down into the bobbin area. Right after sewing the velcro, I wipe down the needle really well.

[@denisebooth866]

Sticky needle.

[@mlatham23]

Schultz makes non stick needles.

[@FreyjaHighUpNorse]

Great idea! 👍🏻 I found a few things to use in scrapbooking: e.g. sandpaper (beach), washers and kotter pins (car or diy themes), key tags, different tapes ...

[@oldschoolwoolandweaving835]

All of those things are available at Harbor Freight and are much less. Thanks for the tips!

[@MxDomestic]

So many amazing finds! Thanks for sharing. Great tips! ❤

[@JaneMurray-di3gq]

Wow some great tips here both from the video and the comments. A suggestion for the muslin fabric, I make hanging shoe bags but with bigger pockets both for my yarn skeins and for fabric. Plus I can hang fabric strips that I am cutting for quilts etc. These can be clipped with a foldback clip to the top or the sides. I then hang it on a door with a dowel or over the door bracket.

[@CeeceeWhip]

LOVE the painter’s tape ideas 😮❤🎉❤

[@francesreed4226]

Great information and so useful. You are a great communicator! Thanks for sharing.

[@anitadills6298]

I also use painters tape to cut materials like faux fur.

[@ablanccanvas]

Brilliant ideas! I love hardware/tool stores. And your Pegboard… inspiring! 😌♥️👍🏽🇨🇦

[@deborahgeels5395]

Love the magnet bowls and reaches for pins! Found at Harbor Freight as well.

[@jessicaderstine4061]

Those canvas drop clothes are fantastic tablecloths!

[@SledDog5678]

Love my antique irons for pattern weight!

[@theresagarza1578]

My boyfriend & I thought we were pretty smart to use canvass drop cloths to make curtains for my apartment. I love them! Thanks for showing the drop cloth curtains that you dyed. It's good to know I can do that if I want to change my decor!

[@sewtritionistrdn1956]

I use the canvas to cover my cutting table (inspiration from several KZbinrs who DYI'd their tables). I have to check my Home Depot to see if they carry the pegboard. Thanks for the tips.

[@christinesoule9505]

I bought a plastic tool box, the flat kind with all the little adjustable compartments, at Menards to use as my sewing box. It’s almost identical to the ones at Joann’s, except the color, but way cheaper.

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

I bought a roll of heavy gauge plastic (the kind that is used to cover green house frames) at home Depot for less than $30 to use instead of tracing paper. I hated using tracing paper. It's easier to see what your tracing because it's transparent and when laying pattern piece on fabric you can see the pattern placement for any one way design or stripes or any other fabric print. I've got a lifetime supply in that one roll for sure. It's almost the same gauge as vapor barrier but a smaller roll and only avail in the spring for their own outdoor plant displays.

[@ablanccanvas]

Oh you’re brilliant! 👍🏽

[@joandorsey2242]

You can use cheap shower curtains, too. Because of static electricity, it clings to the fabric.

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

@@joandorsey2242 sure, but the roll has prob enough to make 100 shower curtains.

[@alaskacosplay]

The drop cloths are actually great too as interfacing for like corsets as a substitute for coutil.

[@dawnbowie352]

Excellent ideas, truly helpful, and budget-friendly! Thank you.

[@KimberlyHickok]

Love the painter's tape tip for fabric where both sides look similar. Thanks!