11 ESSENTIAL Non-Sewing Sewing Notions You Never Knew You Needed!

[@dillismoore432]

I use 2 gallon zip lock storage bags from Walmart to store cut out patterns/fabric until I'm ready to start the new project.

[@SookieSews]

Those things are great for that!

[@cylenadee]

@ 7:00 these little containers are super!! I use sticky-back magnet sheets (calling card/credit card size is great for this) I first make a paper template, then I cut the magnetic sheet to fit, stick them in the little containers and presto magnetic needle holder!! I have made several for each type of needle, quilt needles, betweens etc. multiple sizes fit in each little container and keep them in every sewing box I have or give away. . . Quilting baskets, travel sewing kits . . .! And I don’t have to buy the toothpick thingy’s for the carry container either, I purchase them empty online in packages of 10, 20 or what ever! They have many other uses too!! 😊

[@SookieSews]

Thanks for your ideas.

[@dianeberesh7446]

For needles to use again, your video showed using an empty teeth cleaning tool and using that case for needles that aren’t quite ready to scrap. You mentioned writing on case. I use mine over and over so I mark on a sticky note flag (Dollar Tree $1.35 for 400!) with a fine sharpy pen what the needle size is. I use these also to make a note as to stitch settings I want to remember and then stick notation to convenient spot on my sewing machine. Love these Note Flags for many things. They are fluorescent colors 😊This way, it won’t mess up the holding case!

[@SookieSews]

Thank so much!!

[@lucindaculp3827]

Love the coasters for pattern weights! I think a mix of square and round would be especially helpful when laying out pieces with curves. Of course now I need to get some…

[@SookieSews]

I totally agree! I'm on the hunt for some that go with my sewing room now. I really want either Bees or some pink flowers. But round and square might be nice!!

[@DD-ek8qc]

I liked the idea of coasters for pattern weights. If you're a diy'er use small left over tiles also.

[@SookieSews]

Great idea! There are so many things you could do with them.

[@marypeterson8158]

Hi All ... I have issues with my foot pedal sliding because I that horrible flat all-purpose carpeting in my apartment sewing room. I have managed to get the foot situated on a piece of 'good' shelving paper on a piece of silicone (cutting mat) ... but the silicone STILL slides along the carpet. Soooo ... I took one of my 3lb hand weights and put it in front of the foot and the foot wanders no more. My sewing machine table has a shelf that sits just a bit up from the floor ... the foot would slide to it and then my toes would suddenly be hitting the shelf and ... well ... I'm sure you all get the picture. The small hand weight is just wide enough to rest in front of the pedal. The silicone is awesome but in the sewing room dust and debris stick to it and the tackiness gets compromised. The weight helps keep it flat to the floor so less build up. The weight just works all around. Love to all ! Thank you, Sookie, for this awesome platform.

[@SookieSews]

This is so great it helped you. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure someone will Be using this idea.

[@rebeccaglynn5594]

You can get a rubber mousepad from dollar tree and fold it in half and put the pedal on it. It grips the carpet and the pedal😂

[@DD-ek8qc]

I loved the idea of using the packaging the dental picks came in. If you have the larger one, you could put your used needle that still has life and the needle container would also fit in there so you don't have to mark the container.

[@SookieSews]

For sure there are so many ways to organize slightly used needles

[@conniel.4601]

I use 2” washers from the hardware store for pattern weights, cheap.

[@SookieSews]

Nice :)

[@sharonflemming3026]

I hand sew two 2” washers together using left over batting and fabric. They work well

[@1wholovestrees]

One of things I do when I’m threading needles is I cut the thread at a slant. This helps a lot with threading.

[@SookieSews]

Great tip!

[@jacquir7241]

I use the plastic flexible cutting mats from dollar tree for templates. 2 in a package!

[@SookieSews]

Great 😊 love the dollar store

[@robinr6399]

I don't have one of those seam rippers with the white 'get rid of the thread bits' thingies. But I DO have a Pentel click eraser. Think white eraser. Magic. Try it. For when your friend needs to use your ripper.😊

[@SookieSews]

Ok ok now that’s a GREAT idea. Adding to the next video idea. Thank you 🙏 😊

[@o0oTyPow]

i use the book rings for zippers and then put them on a hanger. And I use the rubber bumps used to put on back of frames, to keeps frames from scraping walls, on my foot pedals.

[@mq5276]

When I have a needle that still has life in it I put it back in the original case flat side up.

[@DD-ek8qc]

I do that also.

[@SookieSews]

:) for sure!! Hey as much as possible. And as long as you have a system that’s what matters.

[@mcmccoy1184]

Parchment paper! Wow! Just wow!

[@SookieSews]

I know right??!! I agree!!

[@DD-ek8qc]

Needle threading idea was good. I keep several floss threaders in my sewing area. Fit in smaller eye needles also.

[@SookieSews]

Glad you found something helpful :)

[@sharonflemming3026]

I cut a lot of my scrap fabric into 2 1/2” squares and sew light to dark as leaders and Enders on my projects. It’s amazing how fast they build up and then you have a start for scrappy projects…

[@SookieSews]

Wonderful

[@Allycatsx3]

Always great ideas on your non sewing notion videos! Keep them coming. 😊

[@SookieSews]

I'm so glad you like, I've got another list already started, I think I'm at 9 items, so by the time this videos gets another 1000 views I'm sure we'll come up with more :)

[@Allycatsx3]

Saw someone used glass fermentation weights from Amazon for pattern weights

[@SookieSews]

@Allycatsx3 what is a fermentation weight?

[@Eileen2414]

Your video are great and such good idea from both you and others. Great to share. My friend and I use a lazy Susan to hold things on our sewing area

[@SueD.]

Love these videos--so many great ideas to make life easier in the sewing room.

[@SookieSews]

Yay! There are so many ideas left to share too

[@rebeccam9008]

Another great video, thank you. I always learn something from you!

[@SookieSews]

Glad to hear it! I sure do love sharing the ideas from the viewers. Amazing the things people think of. thanks for watching.

[@KathrynFritze]

Here’s a suggestion for your arthritic wrists. Trauma Plant Comfrey cream by Terry Naturally. Euromed. Miraculous stuff!

[@SookieSews]

Thanks for the tip!! Adding to cart now :)

[@DD-ek8qc]

Where do you find this product?

[@SookieSews]

I found on Amazon by doing a search. Here’s the link in buying amzn.to/3vBcXJA

[@Sheri...]

I'd never heard of Glad Press 'n Seal but it looks like it could have lots of good uses in the sewing room and in the kitchen.

[@SookieSews]

It does! In one of the other Non-Sewing Sewing notion videos I talk about using it to help in cutting fluffy fabric. All ideas that come from the viewers :)

[@dorothyfielding8209]

Yes. I have used it to keep kids puzzles together, wood and cardboard ones, when in storage. Very handy for many things.

[@doloresjaramillo7809]

Hi there. I just watched your video, and great tips. The tip for your foot pedal is a great idea but another thing you can use is the shelf liner you can buy at the dollar store that grips on to whatever you put on top. I use that on mine and it keeps it from sliding all over the floor.

[@SookieSews]

Glad you enjoyed. I believe we did cover your suggestion in one of the other 4 videos :) I love the idea of using a shelf liner :)

[@SBL1932]

Your channel is so informative. I have learned so much

[@SookieSews]

Thank you so much! I try to add value to this world. I sure appreciate your comment. Totally made my day

[@tecewashere1230]

Wondering if you can use press n seal to lock in fabric with batting inside it to make it waterproof for like makin a hand bag. Instead of laminating it

[@SookieSews]

Not sure it would hold up any washing. It still will tear but try and let us know

[@LorrainePatterson-y2x]

The coasters (white tiles) can be found at Lowe’s and Home Depot for .16 . Much cheaper than those at the Dollar Store.

[@SookieSews]

Excellent point

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

The leader/ender problem can be solved by keeping a small second sewing project beside you. When you need a leader or ender, sew a seam on the Bonus Project. This saves thread, time, trouble with your machine, and gives you bonus patchwork (that can be used for borders, baby quilts, and many other things).

[@SookieSews]

That’s a cool idea. I’ve never heard anyone suggest that before. Thanks for sharing

[@leestorer4075]

Thank you, for sharing all the idea. l"m watching from Perth W.A.😊

[@SookieSews]

You are so welcome and thanks for watching!!

[@nancycasso7893]

These were all great tips!

[@SookieSews]

Yay glad they helped

[@debbiemullen7035]

Love these videos! Well done!

[@SookieSews]

So glad you are enjoying them. I’ve got at least one more up my sleeves. As long as you all here in KZbin share great ideas I keep sharing on my channel

[@ermelindagarcia8119]

You can mark you plastic containers with a sharpie the needle size on it or what kind it is

[@SookieSews]

Sure can

[@reginahonore9717]

Very cool ideas. How did you make the fabric basket? Gorgeous!

[@SookieSews]

Glad you enjoyed! The fabric basket is a rope bowl. I have it on my todo list to make a video one of these days but until then, just google, "how to make a rope bowl" and you'll find some instruction :)

[@marshiahobson3727]

Using parchment paper as a leader, is the one I want to try. I have used placemats for pattern pieces or templates, and I believe you can put them in a cricut and get a real nice cut that way. And I have used jar gripper material on my sewing pedal.

[@SookieSews]

Yes! I show this in another video, it is a great tip so thank you for reminding the community!

[@MishaMishaSoprano]

Great ideas, especially the templates. I prefer Frixion pens for stencils.

[@SookieSews]

Me too. That’s why I used it :) they press right off!! Amazing

[@dorothyfielding8209]

Another great video.

[@RichieR-mz6cw]

Use an old needle case for your old needles. You can even label them.

[@SookieSews]

Good idea. Thank you :)

[@karen-zb7pu]

Great video thanks!

[@SookieSews]

Glad you liked it!

[@andreaditton9780]

Awesome tips

[@SookieSews]

Glad you enjoyed!!

[@joanbarker6581]

Great suggestions love your video!

[@SookieSews]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for leaving a comment. Share with a stitching friend :)

[@kathymarlowe2164]

You can slide a short section of the parchment paper under your fabric so the fabric isn’t pulled down into the hole. Then you just tear it away. And you can keep small squares handy in one of those dental pick boxes.

[@SookieSews]

Oh yes, great point! Especially since it's not fabric that is going to get caught in the fabric. Thanks for mentioning.

[@snoopyjenn8379]

Use silicone caulk directly on the feet to stop ur foot petal from moving.

[@SookieSews]

Where do you get that?

[@sherriebenson7719]

Thank you, Sookie!

[@SookieSews]

You’re so welcome!

[@rebeccaglynn5594]

I went to dollar tree and found a rubber mouse pad and I folded it in half and my pedal doesn't budge

[@SookieSews]

Love this! Not sure I've mentioned that in any of my videos. Will have to add to my list for future videos. Thanks

[@juliecoates4993]

Pedal: My craft room has carpet. I stuck a HOOK piece of hook-and-loop to the bottom of the pedal. It does not move!

[@SookieSews]

Good idea!

[@sunshine6855]

Plastic placemat for template is brilliant

[@SookieSews]

Thank you!!

[@indygo19]

6-8 hours???

[@SookieSews]

Was that a question?

[@patriciamaeanthony3838]

Always check local laws and fines before putting sharps in the trash. Pharmacies sell special sharps containers for a couple of dollars. Return the full container to the pharmacy where it was purchased. Putting sharps in regular garbage, even in a plastic container, is dangerous, hence laws and heavy fines against doing so.

[@SookieSews]

Ok good to know - just checked with my state, FLORIDA. It says “not thrown loosely in trash or toilet” but as along as it’s in a sealed container it is ok. Thanks again. Always learning something new.

[@lindabrown4992]

shower caps. Check the last time you stayed in a hotel room. FREE.

[@SookieSews]

Free is always better!!

[@karenwerts2331]

[@latonjiastroud5191]

Use a kids tooth brush

[@SookieSews]

I’ll try that next. Good idea