10 Sewing Notions You Need!

[@bettychamplin8751]

When using a double needle, reduce the tension so the bobbin thread does not pull tight against the needle threads. Great tutorial. Thanks

[@Sheri...]

I really appreciate that you explained the difference between Wonder Tape & Steam A Seam. I've been trying to figure that out!

[@india1422]

I use Gütterman basting thread. I have it in three colours. It is thicker but it also has a bit of texture so then it stays in the fabric better. I hate tailors' tracks with sewing thread because after they have been cut and pulled apart they fall out easily with sewing thread. The basting thread definitely hangs on in there. The word you were looking for is tunneling, but trenching did the job and made me smile.

[@bradschultzdesign]

You are so right! haha Tunneling! I also hate when the sewing thread tailors tacks fall out. Thanks for the comment.

[@ravenmeyer3740]

Thank you. This is the first video without a bunch of useless geegaws. The magnetic seam allowance guide is something I will order.

[@PibbleMom297]

Delightful video! You have a great camera presence. I've been hemming knits with twin needles for years. The secret to prevent trenching (that word works for me!) is to loosen your upper tension. Always test on a scrap first, but believe me; it works. I'm older than dirt and I know.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Great advise thanks! I'm always scared to mess with my tension haha but I'll try that out!

[@PibbleMom297]

@@bradschultzdesign You'll do fine! People get knots in their knickers worrying over tension. Don't be afraid of it - It's not your enemy, it's your friend - knowing how to adjust upper AND lower tension can save you a great deal of frustration. The mistake so many make is NOT testing your fabric first to learn ahead of time what is the best tension setting to use. Having said this however, if you sew mostly lightweight cottons and/or poly-cotton mixes, you won't need to do much tension adjustment. And here's a hint to show how tension can really help you. If you need to run a long stretch of gathers in light to medium weight wovens, set your upper tension to high, then run a quick test on a scrap. Lower your needle down and just stitch. The upper tension pulls tight and your fabric is automatically gathered. If the gathers are too dense to suit you, lower tension gradually until you get the density of gathers you like. This is LIGHT YEARS easier and faster than stitching long stitches and pulling them up by hand. You can create ease this way too with just a tiny increase in tension. But don't forget to set it back to normal before sewing your next seam!!😁

[@evelynfrench804]

Love your steam a seam idea for basting.

[@grumpy_poo]

One of my useful items is a 'humper jumper'.... I do a lot of jeans hems and this gadget makes going over those thick seams a doddle!

[@kathymcconville6428]

I just found you for the first time. Loved your video and your notions. I'm happy to hear the different uses of Steam a Seam and Wonder tape. I have both but don't use them regularly so I get confused. Thanks for a great video.

[@tenaoconnor7510]

With the twin needle, loosen up the needle tension a smidge and it doesn’t pucker the seam. The pink dodad is good for threading ribbon and also rethreading hoodie drawstrings. For thread conditioning there is also a liquid that you put a couple drops on your machine thread and it helps lubricate stuff as you sew and helps the thread have less friction. It’s called Sewers Aid and comes in a little bottle. I put three drops along the spool before I sew if my thread has been sitting around for a while and also serger thread. My house is dusty and I have three cats and machines don’t like dust or cat hair. I try to keep things covered but it still gets everywhere. I keep all my thread and notions in containers to try to keep them clean.

[@marilynyunker4664]

Love your videos! They are informative, engaging, and fun. Thank you. Yes, I use a tool designed for turning fabric and elastic through cases. However. I am never without my 50 year old diaper pen. They are hard to find, but I recently found them on Temu. Hopefully they will be of decent quality. Unlike a regular safety pin, the diaper pin has a plastic rounded head that easily slides through the fabric, does not accidentally open (Safety feature for babies), The points are sharp, the pens are strong, they also can handle very heavy, Thick elastics. So, even though I do not use them as often as I once did, I always have one in my travel sewing bag and with my sewing accessories. When I visit my Children or enjoy a sewing weekend with the girls, My diaper pen gets pulled out for someone to use.

[@JoyfulArtisticAdventure]

Thank you for sharing ur ideas n tips!

[@SBL1932]

These are great ideas. A couple of them I had not seen before. You are correct they are not the usual things that you see thank you for sharing

[@bradschultzdesign]

So glad you found it useful! Like I said these are items I use regularly and find so helpful. Thanks for the comment!

[@deoara1]

one good looking ginger!

[@Noreenlee1]

It's so great to find a list of essentials that doesn't start with a seam ripper! Yay for MUCH more interesting notion content!

[@stephenboyd7244]

I just discovered your videos this evening! Great personality and sense of humor like James Corden! That's a compliment. As a tailor, some of those items I don't have, but lots of threads and needles. I'm looking for more of your videos

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks so much for commenting! I'm a teacher, and my students always tell me I remind them of James Corden haha. Once, my first grade student was so sure that I was friends with Cardi B because he watched a carpool karaoke and thought I was James. haha 🤣

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[@jennifercook4523]

Great gift ideas for the person in your life who sews!

[@kathleenmacdonald5511]

I love a man who can sew.

[@bradschultzdesign]

❤🙌

[@ravenmeyer3740]

In Morocco only the men sew. The business is passed from father to son.

[@ragingsmirk68]

Seam a Steam is my favorite for the final step in quilt binding - I can hand sew the binding on without pins. I also use a glue stick for quick stick in my quilting process.

[@BlackJack-sx1jw]

A long time ago, I watched a Sharon Schamber video and she uses Elmers school glue to attach her binding. Iron it well to dry it and sticks very well. No pins. I also started using it for piecing seams. Works really well, especially with bias edges.

[@bradschultzdesign]

I've used glue stick before too when trying to manipulate fussy seam allowances. I got the idea from David Page Coffin.

[@Sally-ih6ls]

I’ve been told Frisian pens are great, but you will see the lines if the temp of the fabric gets -10c or below, so be careful using on fabrics you will wear outside in the cold.

[@bradschultzdesign]

I've heard the same thing. I've never had it show back up again but I do live in the Florida so that may be why haha. Thanks for the comment!

[@Sally-ih6ls]

Ya I’m Canadian, that would the reason, lol

[@kathleenstoin671]

I'm never going anywhere that's cold enough to make Frixion pen marks reappear! So no problem for me!

[@m.h.vriesinga9756]

It will disappear after the first wash.

[@halabaloux]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed the energy you put in front of the camera. I found The magnetic seam guide super interesting because sewing in a straight line is hard for some reason. Also I’ve been using Burt’s bees chapstick as thread conditioner just because that’s what i had on hand. Thanks again for the video

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thank you! I've used the seam guide in classes and personally for years and years...I recommend it to everyone! Chapstick is an interesting alternative, Burt's Bees probably has a high quantity of bees wax in the stick-which is what is traditionally used. Thanks for commenting!

[@carolynalison4997]

My favorite "sewing" notion is a magnet on a stick. It saves me from pin and needle hunting or reaching behind the machine for dropped metal items like presser feet or small parts.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Great idea!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I made a wrist pin cushion that I'm frustrated without. I used a bit of a clear plastic food container in the top of the band so pins can't accidentally poke my wrist. I love your needle case. I have some expired lipsticks that I'll try re-purposing.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Great idea! Thanks for commenting!

[@kellyross4801]

You can often find those scissors labeled as "Applique" scissors. 👍

[@katherinetreece4102]

You have a great personality and entertaining style in presenting tools and techniques!😊

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@xosefacostasbernardez9065]

❤I like your style. Some of your notions are now shown in camera or little visible. If you could hold the notions steady and up qe can appreciate the details. But I like your style ❤❤❤😅

[@coffeebeforemascara]

Oooo, that needle case is cute!

[@ptoste1]

Thank you so much for sharing your tips. Some of them I already used them but some I don’t and are great tools so help us. 👌🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@bradschultzdesign]

I'm glad you found them useful! Thanks for commenting! Which are your favorites?

[@ptoste1]

I loved the scissors , the thing to insert the elastic,and the twins needles. I’m going to try to find them where I live, Portugal. 😅

[@bradschultzdesign]

@@ptoste1 Awesome! The scissors are duckbill and are usually used for embroidery...maybe that will help. ❤

[@BlackJack-sx1jw]

Very well done! Looking for my duck bill scissors now. Great tips.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thank you! I have an affiliate link for the scissors in the video description if you are interested. Thanks for the comment!

[@Joyce-lq6gm]

At a quilt show I found a pattern & kit to make a tomato pin cushion with the strawberry needle sharpener. I enlarged the strawberry pattern & made just that, which is now where I store my used hand needles. This keeps them sharp and at hand for the next project, or to finish up the one I’m working on (in which case, I leave my needle threaded saving time when I get back to finish it)

[@karenmelendez3525]

Thank you, I just found you.. I love sewing, it's in my blood.

[@ravenmeyer3740]

You are very informative and sewing doesn’t need a lot of gadgets. You seem to utilize that which you have very well. Too many things in the sew room, in my experience, take up space and rarely get used.

[@beckyd712]

Cool! Just found you today. Look forward to more videos from you!

[@bradschultzdesign]

I'm so glad you're here! Thanks for commenting!

[@sharryjones5200]

I,too, love my duck bill scissors.

[@dawnb1715]

Hi Brad, just found you and I am lovin' your video!!! And guess what?? I have that Guterman display case. I bought one for myself for Christmas at least 11 years ago from JoAnn's. And I love it! You always know when you are getting low on thread. And guess what else??? I have that lipstick needle case!!! Can you believe that? You are the only person I have met that has one. I love to do counted cross stitch so I bought mine to store my stitching needles. Like you said, no danger of getting stuck by a needle. And it doesn't take up a lot of room in my cross stitching supply kit. I subscribed and downloaded the Pipa the Pouch pattern so I am going to try and make it this afternoon. Thank you so much for this cute pattern and for taking the time to make this video. See ya in the next one!!!

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks so much for commenting! Looks like our minds are on the same track haha. Hope you have a great sewing day!

[@susydornberg7239]

Love your video, you’ve got a great personality. I only wish I could see the items better, most of them were not visible. 😊

[@bradschultzdesign]

I know, others have said the same thing. Thanks for commenting! I'll work to make sure everything is in view next time.

[@viennavaden1803]

Pintucks. The word you were looking for. Handy tips......thanks

[@jojosewist8921]

I think he meant tunneling, but trenching also works.

[@karmalhasa8477]

Great tips, but please work on your camera work so product is clearly displayed and not below the frame. Fleeting glimpses as you wave the product enthusiastically are frustrating to watch. Your advice is excellent, though.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks for the advise. Others have said the same thing.

[@michellem3899]

I really need to get a duckbill and added steam a seam to my cart:). I did not know you had a you tube channel. Yay algorithm.

[@bradschultzdesign]

I'm glad you found me! I use the duckbill scissors for everything at the machine. I keep them right beside my machine.

[@marieharrison6904]

Great video. I love tools that make sewing easier.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks!!

[@debramclemore8633]

You did a really good job. I am going to purchase 7 of them. I would like to see you get more views. Lots of homesteaders quilt and sew. Maye you can collaborate with them.thanks for the entertaining video.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks so much for the comment...and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! You'll love your new notions! I use them on every project I work on. Having the right tools makes the process so much more fun and stress free. I'm still very new here on KZbin and everything takes time, but I'm looking forward to keep making more videos and growing the viewer count. Thanks again!

[@marionmichaud8048]

Just found you, Already I love what you have to share!!

[@bradschultzdesign]

Glad you're here!

[@pjacksreads536]

I’m new. Thanks for sharing your favorite notions and explaining how useful they can be. I’m going to try both of the tapes you mentioned. I don’t know what mean by “grading your seams” Never heard that before.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thank so much for commenting! Grading the seams is when you trim you sewn seam allowances at uneven widths so the seam allowance thickness doesn't show through on the outside of the garment.

[@andrealouchene6916]

Thanks for the explanation re wondertape. Would have thought ironing it would harm the glue or make it sticky forever. I also use a kind of pen similar to frixon, because I did have a bad experience with the original. It vanished after ironing, but reappeared after some time. Not so nice if it's on light coloured fabric. So beware!

[@bradschultzdesign]

I was always worried about ironing the wonder tape too, but finally was desperate...and it worked! I've also heard the same thing about the Frixon pens...I live in Florida so I don't have to worry about the lines showing up in cold temperatures. Thanks for commenting!

[@mDiago6200]

Thank you for sharing. I just found your channel.

[@jeanneolson2703]

Seam ripper. As much as it’s a not fun part of sewing, it’s necessary. It’ll only take a tiny bit of time to carefully rip a bit of unnecessary seam. So, bite the bullet, and just do it. After all, we simply want our projects to turn out tote best of our abilities, at this moment in time. If I have mine handy. Always in one spot- and don’t have to search. That’s half the battle. Happy sewing!

[@bradschultzdesign]

So true! I'm a perfectionist, so definitely always have a seam ripper handy. Thanks for commenting!

[@Sheri...]

This is a very useful list of notions. I just discovered you're channel & enjoy your presentation style.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks so much! I'm glad your here! ♥

[@dozergetscrafty]

New subscriber here :) gonna binge your vids now. Love your personality!!

[@bradschultzdesign]

I haven't been doing it for long but I'll be putting more up regularly. Thanks for commenting and subscribing!

[@maureenmatthews4586]

Just found your channel, good luck with it. You are easy to listen to and I look forward to watching more of your videos. Just a thought, it is hard to see the items you are showing because of the camera angle. They are only visible when you lift them up near your face. Maybe push the camera back farther for a better view. I started quilting with all the leftover fabric from making Covid masks for family and friends and just finished my first quilt for my newborn niece. It is nice to be behind a sewing machine again. 🌼😊

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks so much for commenting! I will definitely try to make things easier to see. ❤

[@MaesRuth]

I got some off the frixon pens and they worked great with one exception. I found that on dark material the mark will show back up as a white line if it gets heated again. Since that I've made sure to only use it on outlines only where I'm cutting.

[@bradschultzdesign]

I guess I've only used it on light fabrics, now that I think about it. But, I haven't had any issues with the line coming back. I would be inclined to use chalk for darker fabrics. Thanks for commenting!

[@ragingsmirk68]

There are different colors of pens for light/dark fabrics. Quilters are leery of them for extremely cold climates when they sometimes reappear on finished garments.

[@annadubois3914]

Hi! On one dark fabric my blue Pilot Frixion pen actually left a ...white line. Tahnkfully inside the hem, but I thought I might mention it!

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks for sharing! I haven't had that happen but did have a horrible experience with blue chalk not coming out of white fabric one time. 😱

[@annamarieh333]

Just found you and loved your video. Only thing you show some items below the camera so I didn’t get a good view of them. Maybe lower the camera a little or raise the items higher for next time I mean. Just subscribed!

[@vickibennett6579]

Have you seen the clips like clover but they have little round ends, not the usual square ones.??? I’ve been searching for months. Usually see them on out of US channels.

[@debbrunette650]

First time viewer. Love this video thanks!

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks for commenting! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@KnitWitch]

Be cautious using Frixion pens. They are not actually made for fabric and don't always wash out completely. Additionally, if the area you marked gets cold, the marks can show back up

[@sandrataylor540]

When exposed to cold',frixon pen marking may reappear.

[@proudasiangirl576]

2:30 later (yawn), is when you get into the reason why I am here. Remember, people online (like me) have a VERY short attention span. So please get to the BLUF (bottom line up front). Otherwise, people either fast forward or move on to the next video.

[@yvonnetomenga5726]

Tips start at 2:33

[@dale3404]

Have you tried Barnie’s Santa’s White Christmas coffee? It’s only available at the Christmas season, and can be bought at Publix as well as Barnie’s.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Oh yeah! I usually keep it stocked haha

[@dale3404]

@@bradschultzdesign You’re like the guy I knew who bought Girl Scout Thin Mints by the case and put them in his freezer so they’d last until next Cookie season. Every year I look forward to finding the coffee and ice cream in Publix, as Barnie’s isn’t close to me.

[@bradschultzdesign]

@@dale3404 😆🤣

[@juliegarnai7362]

Can you use the magnetic seam guide on computerized sewing machines?

[@m.h.vriesinga9756]

What about water soluble basting thread? Very smooth, does not tangle, you can sew over it and don't have to pick out all the tiny bits afterwards... I always hated basting and tried to avoid it, but since I bought some of this thread a few week ago I am hooked... It is not cheap, but it saves you a lot of time and annoyance.

[@bradschultzdesign]

🤯 I've never heard of that, but now I NEED it! haha. Thanks for commenting!

[@jojosewist8921]

@@bradschultzdesign It is great stuff, sew a line of stitching press fabric and it's stuck till you wash it out. YLI makes the one I use, and it can be used in the needle or bobbin. This brand doesn't come out during dry cleaning, has to be washed with water. I truly enjoyed the video and I already use all the products shown or talked about. I also keep a straight edge razor blade at my machine for cutting difficult threads when "undoing" the machines temper tantrums.

[@kathleenstoin671]

Can you sew through Wonder Tape and Steam-a-Seam without gumming up the needle? Also, in my experience, Frixion pens don't seem to work well on some fabrics, but Frixion markers will.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Yes, I sew through it and have never had a problem at all. I've never heard of Frixion markers...I need to look them up. Thanks for commenting!

[@evaeva4986]

Thanks, can you HOLD still any sample of tools up higher.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Absolutely! Thanks for the advise.

[@user-qt4qp6bj1q]

You got a good haircut. You can use a long piece of uncooked spaghetti to draw a tape through.

[@sshirleyks]

Can you use the magnetic seam guide on a computerized machine? I use one on my mechanical Juki, but have read that you shouldn’t use it on the computerized machines. I’d love to use it on my Brother, but I’m leery. Do you use yours on your computerized machines?

[@bradschultzdesign]

I have a computerized machine and have always used the magnetic seam guide. I've never had a problem. 🤷‍♂ I am definitely not a sewing machine mechanic though, so I can only give my experience. Thanks for commenting!

[@marionbylsma1167]

At six minutes and 11 seconds, you discuss friction pens

[@janmitchell2768]

Brad, can you show the product without moving it around and higher in the picture frame. I find it hard to focus on what you are talking about. Many thanks.

[@bella-bee]

i used frixion pen on my quilt top and it disappeared when I applied heat, but then it came back! at room temperature! ( it is said it comes back in the cold, but not at room temp. Not good

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks for the comment! I've never had that happen, but I have heard of it. Sorry it didn't work out for you.

[@jojosewist8921]

Must be made in China

[@jojosewist8921]

Thank you for speaking loud but not too loud, and clearly. It is frustrating trying to figure out what someone is saying because they mumble. Be sure to keep videos at about 15minutes, much longer and many people won't stop to watch. You can always have a part 2. And the viewer who said get to the point is correct, we don't need to know what you were doing when you decided to make the video or who you had lunch with. Tell me, show me what the videos title implies I will see and hear and do it soon. Good luck and I am going to check out your other videos.

[@ninapalmer7819]

Thread the needle as the thread comes off spools then won't tangle and knot. Cut thread after thread needle

[@bradschultzdesign]

Great advise! I'll definitely try that out!

[@ravenmeyer3740]

It still tangles and knots. Especially if you do a lot of hand sewing or embroidery work.

[@darleneappleman3911]

I have a brand new janome 740dc machinesewist

[@bradschultzdesign]

Awesome!

[@kimwolfe1375]

Will the magnet harm a computerized sewing machine?

[@bradschultzdesign]

I've never had it cause any damage. My machine is computerized and never any issue.

[@MrGamecatCanaveral]

I can't see anything.

[@vernamontgomery8987]

Why don't you have a cover stitch machine?

[@bradschultzdesign]

I want one! I just haven't taken the dive yet. I get everything done with what I have and have put off spending the money...but it is definitely on my "want" list.

[@ravenmeyer3740]

Think about it. More clutter, more money.

[@rplampe6273]

Instead of a safety pin I use a diaper pin. Diaper pins "lock"...

[@linda.brotherton1689]

Very manly and cute

[@catsknit23]

Tunneling instead of trenching

[@bradschultzdesign]

That's the word! haha Thanks!

[@dale3404]

Frixion pen ink will reappear if your item gets too cold. People who have traveled by plane have learned that, to their dismay.

[@bradschultzdesign]

Thanks for the warning! Others have said the same thing...I've never had to worry about it living in Florida.

[@bettylapitan4146]

Slow down and show your products. Thank you.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

If you buy all this stuff to do glue basting and all, what do you do when these products disappear? The people making the really good stuff - Saville Row, the couture ateliers, they don’t use this stuff. It’s plastic wrapped stuff to buy, a distraction. Beeswax is always available and sustainably packaged, just prep all the threads at once. The iron is out. If you even need to use it, for plenty apps you don’t.

[@bradschultzdesign]

The beauty of making things ourselves is that we get to have full autonomy and choice. Every sewist will choose to do things different to their level of ease and ability...that's what makes doing things ourselves so wonderful. Thanks for engaging with my content!

[@Jaklar.]

Viel zu viel Blabla. Sehen ist besser als hören!!!! Tipps sind uralt, ich benutze das alles seit Jahren.