6 Lesser Known Sewing Tools I Can't Live Without

[@janetpingrey7155]

You are my new favorite neighbor. After breast cancer surgery last year I kinda lost my sew-jo...until I stumbled on one of your videos as I was cleaning out my sewing space. I have a lot of these gadgets and never use them. I was wondering if I should just unload my stuff because no one in my family sews or knits (they have other talents). I watched you, caught the bug again, reorganized my space and made pillow cases for my "littles" (I have five great-grandchildren) to go with a book I picked up for each of them. I also made a sensory crinkle toy for the littlest one. Thank you so much. I plan to do as much sewing as I can for as long as I can and you have helped me tremendously. Thank you for sharing your down to earth, extremely detailed and easy instructional videos. I am binging your videos. I loved the one about the swan costume...I used to be a costumer for Cirque du Soleil...yeah, that's how bad my lost sew-jo became...didn't even like mending a button. I have a lot of catching up to do...thank you...

[@katietomasello490]

Hi … I’m a seamstress of 50+ yrs. I love the fast turn. I too have had mine 25, maybe 30 yrs. Purchased through Nancy’s Notions. Back then googling just didn’t exist… I know hard to believe, right! God Rest her soul… her show was where many people learned to sew & quilt. Great video! ❤

[@PinCutSew]

I grew up watching her show!

[@DaisyShrider]

I use the magnet dish I bought for my husband. It was for nuts and bolts, screws and nails. He never used it so I claimed it. I use it for my pins. When I'm at the sewing machine, I just throw them towards it and it catches it. If any end up on the floor I just wavy it over the floor and it collects them. Love, love, love it.

[@SewTexas]

Hemostats are good for so many sewing functions. My husband is a physician and would bring me home random surgical tools that came in “surgical” kits” and when items were not used in surgery, the kits were all tossed out (used only once), but he would keep the unused tools and bring home to me-wow, I have such wonderful gadgets for my sewing!

[@miszewski1985]

I watched this video a while back. And kept these ideas in my head. Just found a brand new fast turn set at goodwill for 3$. I couldn't believe it. I was so thrilled. If I hadn't seen it video I wouldn't have even noticed them on the shelf. Thanks so much.

[@PinCutSew]

Awesome!!

[@lindsayfraser9762]

Bargain!!

[@ceciliaohman185]

The fast turn tool is like having knives in your kitchen!! How have I seen this Long without it!??? It will outlast me now!i am getting one NOW

[@luxurycardstore]

Great video. I have had or still have all of them except the tube turners. A tip for your rulers: as soon as you purchase it put some clear packing tape over the side of the ruler that the markings are printed on. The kind you use to seal shipping boxes with. Use the good stuff not the cheap Dollar store kind. It keeps the printing from rubbing off over time.

[@aprilbaxter2578]

Wow! There are many good ideas in your comments. I've never heard of a Fasturn. I always use a safety pin. Thanks.

[@loriweigert1927]

Thank you for letting me know what those tube turners were! When my brother and I cleaned out my mom's sewing room we could not figure it out! And I have sewed my whole life! They looked like wind chimes. I have inherited them and knew someday I would find out their use! :)

[@barbarah5742]

What a nice thing to have from your Mom

[@gsparks8444]

I’ve had one of these fast turn sets that I picked up from a yard sale many years ago. I forgot I had it and I’ve never used it. Thanks for the demonstration! I’m going to find it and give it a try!

[@aukkran]

As a vet student who started sewing recently, the thought of using hemostats was just too funny. The more I learn, the more surgery and sewing overlap.

[@PinCutSew]

🤣

[@nancyphipps2263]

I bought these fasturn tubes over 35 years ago when they first came out and I remember paying $26.00 for them and I thought that was outrageous but They are a Godsend and I still use them a lot. Mine came in a nice plastic box.

[@barbarah5742]

Treated myself to Fasturn kit about 25 years ago, still have the original hard case, and cost about $ 30, a lot of money back then. Lifetime fave investment! Even made stuffed tubes with them and a very unique woven quilt. Learned about hemostats at a show in PA years ago. Nurse needleworker friend added to my atash. Last forever Frixion great gift from quilter long time friend. All worthwhile!

[@patmaddux.9962]

I have the tube turners. Wouldn’t be without them. They are the greatest. Worth the price.

[@PinCutSew]

Totally agree 🙌🏻

[@sandybruce9092]

I agree! I’m wondering where mine are🤔. They have been around for years - I just have much of a need in years - but I do have them and these are great if you make fabric tubes and need to turn them right side out. You can also use the. For making bias tape!

[@BallparkFrankenstein]

Seconding the Hemostats! I got mine from the craft store. What I have mainly used them for is holding very small handsewing work together while I stitch it. For example, buckles and straps for doll shoes. it really helps to save your sanity.

[@cathykrueger4899]

My husband was a surgeon. There were always hemostats in the house and we used them for all kinds of things.

[@tonimiller4340]

I’ve had the Tube turners since they first came out in the 80s or 90s. I remember the set costing about $27 back then, which was a lot of money at the time, but I’ve gotten so much use out of them through the years that it was certainly worth it!

[@auntielhandmade2099]

Me too, I use them for bag making and dresses

[@SUN-it6rf]

Me too. I have the very small set too. Use it for doll clothes. Love them. 💖💖

[@jenniferlynne10]

I got a set of the Fasturn tubes from a barn sale in the middle of nowhere !! I had no idea what they were but for a buck they looked neat.....I got them home and use them ALL the time....they are SUPER handy~!!

[@nancysnyder7684]

I love my button hole cutter. It's bascially a chisel, but it makes cutting button holes fast and easy. You don't have to worry about cutting through the stitching like when using a seam ripper. I've had mine for 30+ years. It came with a small oak block. You put the oak block under the fabric to protect your work surface from the chisel blade. The new ones come with the cutest and tiniest cutting mats.

[@sophiesong8937]

I put a pin across the end of the opening of the buttonhole (just before the stitches), so it will catch the seam ripper if I lose control

[@42ayla]

I have my mom's button hole scissors. They're small scissors with a notch cut out and measurements on the blade. I bought a pair for my mother in law once that also had a screw on it to hold the size. They've come in handy for so many projects and not just button holes.

[@littleblackcar]

I LOVE sure-grips! I also love my O'Lipfa ruler that has the lip on the end to hook over my cutting mat. Much more secure, accurate, and safe.

[@loriweigert1927]

I just found one of those today and wondered what that edge was for. I'm going through my mom's sewing stuff she collected for 60+ years. So many things that I don't recognize. And I've been sewing for about 58 years myself!

[@chocoboasylum]

If someone doesn't want to spend the money getting a Fasturn, then I find a long Tunesian crochet hook also works wonders. Kind of works the same way without the tube and might need a few tries, but still faster than the safety pin method

[@krose6451]

Also there are turners that come without the tube. Last I checked there was a variety pack of 5 for 8 or 9 dollars on amazon. Without the tube its a little less smooth but it still works.

[@loristrout4741]

There are plastic ones that work very well here in the USA or I use a Bodkin. It looks like a pair of tweezers with teeth and a small ring around that slides up or down but does bot come off it makes the teeth grip the fabric. That is what I use most of the time.

[@daalisia]

Frixion pens, and the quarter inch tape. The frixion pen ink disappears with heat, and the seam tape is on my sewing machine allowing me line up the fabric a little farther out.

[@PinCutSew]

Awesome! I haven’t tried the pen, I’ll put it on my list!

[@daalisia]

@@PinCutSew it is awesome! Make sure it is the kind that is labeled “erasable.” It is an awesome hack! Just disappears when you iron. You can get them on Amazon, or watch for sales at Walmart and target. I’ve got a rainbow of colors of them, and also replaced the ink in one of my multi-color pens with the erasable frixion ink refills, so I can keep it in my back pocket while working on projects, and always have it at the ready.

[@sandybruce9092]

Yes to both!!!!

[@bella-bee]

Woa, no, I’ve found friction pen marks come back. I’ve heard people say yes, at really cold temperatures, but I’ve had it happen at room temp. They ironed away again, but who know whey won’t reappear. That was for quilting lines, I was horrified!

[@bella-bee]

You can make a stack of painters’ tape, trim it even at one long edge, stick to your machine at the 1/4” point, say, and use that edge as a little wall against which to butt up your seam allowance as you sew. Long tape, long wall for an unwavering approach to the needle!

[@sbpcrawford]

Great ideas! It was so cool to hear your husband chanting, too. NMRK

[@janholman6192]

Not only do I have the Fast-Turn tool, I have the Fast-Turn's "Little Sister"! It has even smaller tubes than the ones on your channel! I let mine sit for a couple of decades till I finally used it, as it I thought it looked intimidating, but I was so wrong. Just started using Fast-Turn for my heirloom project and boy did it save me time and trouble! Must be at least 25 years old now. Love it. 😊

[@Dana20570]

SNAPS are a must for any sewer... my duvet cover...coin purses...etc..super easy to use!!

[@Scrappincricut]

I have those Fast Turn Tube turners and have never used them. I didn’t know how to use them. Thanks for the demo!

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much I really really enjoyed seeing all these notions all of them so useful too. Please stay safe and well too xxxx Mags ❤❤❤❤

[@jsmxwll]

That set of tube turners is pretty neat. I use a $5 piece of brass tube and a bit of wire to do the same thing. I only ever needed one size. So if someone is on a super tight budget, you can do a similar thing with just about any tube small enough and a bit of stiff iron or steel wire. My first version was a plastic tube from a reusable gas station fountain cup and a bit of baling wire. I think it's good to understand the concept so you can make what you need as you need it if you can't afford something ready-made or what is available doesn't exactly suit your needs. Great video with some useful stuff.

[@WD-er9pb]

I wonder if a metal reusable straw would work as the tube part. I have the device she set to the side. I think it would work used with a metal straw.

[@jsmxwll]

@@WD-er9pb should work fine, but put something around one side so your tube doesn't just slide off. I used a bunch of wraps of masking tape so the tube could slide down and scrunch up against it.

[@cc83jc85]

My goodness, that’s the best gadget and I’ve never ever seen one here in Australia…I only use safety pins, and always have…I’m 68 and sew a lot of patchwork and clothes…thanks sweetly!

[@kittylaloo]

I use Nexcare Flexible Clear tape on the backs of rulers. You can get it in the first aid aisle at the grocery store. It’s perforated too, so you can rip it into appropriate sized strips or squares

[@helencowen135]

I've been garment sewing for almost 60 years, never heard of your fasturn tool. I have always used a knitting needle or crochet hook. A trick my mum taught me & my sisters, passed down from her mother

[@LuvMyCardiKids]

I have and use every single one of these items. I agree, essentials!

[@leesteiconi8756]

Instead of a Fast turn, I have a set of graduated brass tubes from Ace Hardware. Instead of pulling with the wire coil, you push with a smaller tube. Hemostats are great; get big ones and medium, and tiny.

[@rainbowlotus8320]

This helps big time- I thrifted a set up fast turn tubes but threw away the hook on accident not knowing it was related 🤦🤦🤦

[@athenarocar]

I love the tools for applying rivets and snaps. My mom bought a cool one that punches holes, does rivets and snaps and you just turn the head to the setting you need. I think she paid $40 about 15 years ago and I have not been able to find one better since. When she passed away I inherited all her sewing stuff and I love this tool. You don't need the mandrels because it is built into the tool.

[@terresapetersen7318]

I bought a button hole scissors at an antique shop around 40 years ago. I still have and use it! I even bought a second one a few years ago because I use it so much. I love The antique one the most. I have made thousands of buttonholes over the years.

[@marlalaubisch7183]

I am so glad you mentioned Sure Grips, because my quilting ruler came with a few but not enough, and I had no idea at all what they are called. Ordering today!

[@elizabethjones3728]

I use surgical tape, purchased from the drug store. Thinner, cheaper, and you can be more generous when applying.

[@cindyhappel7376]

First, those dolls and nativity set are ADORABLE!!! Next, I have all of those except for the measuring tape masking tape, which I am going to order!! My fast-turn is probably over 25 years!!! I love it!

[@Cecibug1]

My favorite tool is the clover bodkin for threading Elastic. It has a clip that holds onto the Elastic, making it so easy.

[@nedawilmhoff3599]

The fast turns are worth every penny. So easy to use and turns even the most resistant projects.

[@sharonhoupt5053]

I really like my "purple thang" sewing tool

[@new-wardrobe]

Oh yes, I also use different widths of painter's tape. Learn something new each day, and I am going to purchase the Tube turner. My favorite tool is the bendable ruler. It the best way to measure a curve. Thanks for your video.

[@wcares8062]

That fast turns a must have for me.

[@jwall6006]

One more item I use a lot is a good old fashion bodkin. If you do anything with elastic waist or a string on sweat pants or hoodie, a bodkin works so much better than a safety pin. The other thing I do with my bodkin is when I’m feeding something through the machine very close to the needle or to get it started it will hold it. I think mine is from the 1940s. I have a lot of vintage sewing implements but I also try the new thing too.

[@Matty06001]

Oh jeez, I inherited one from someone, is THAT what it is!?

[@Kate98755]

yes! hemostats! i bought two sets years ago, i use them so much. They’re really helpful sewing Barbie and doll clothes, but for crafts, they’re my extra hand. I’ve used them if i have slippery fabric when sewing…lock them on the fabric while feeding the fabric through.

[@Kate98755]

i use aligator clips mostly instead of pins, i use a head lamp for hand work, i use rectangular bins from the dollar store to store projects in-the edge is approximately 3-4” tall, multiple bins can be stacked. This helpful if you have multiple projects going. They are very helpful when sewing doll clothes, holds selected fabric, the patterns, i usually have two bins for doll clothes-one for WIPs and future projects, i recycle clothes for doll clothes.

[@harperveronica3368]

Hi I just found your video and I can't be happier. I just bought the Tube turners and can't wait to use it. I alo bought the snap tool because I just can't get the snaps on so I stopped using them. I can't wait to receive all of my tools and thank you so much for your video.

[@EatnRun21]

What?? The tube turners blew my mind! I hate using safety pins and had no idea this existed. Thank you so much!

[@alluraromel392]

I have all these tools too. & love them just as much as you. I use the tiny dots from inside the ring of the sure grips on my smaller rulers & I took a hole punch to the leftover to make more. I also have the white, pink & blue Chaco liners. Pink refills are the hardest refill to find. & Clover switched from a bottle to a replacement tube for the refill. I have a different tube turner…from JoAnn’s. Not as many pieces but with coupon was $5. I also use it to help stuff small spaces…take a scrap of stabilizer, put it on the end of the turner, a chunk of poly fill on the stabilizer & use the stick to push the poly & stabilizer into the cavity. Happy sewing!

[@yetanotherentity]

This was so useful and pleasant to watch! Thumbs up and subscribed!

[@lilolmecj]

I struggled a bit at the price tag of the Fasturn tubes. I paid I believe $56 for them about 20 years ago, I don’t know they run now. I don’t use them constantly, but when I do I am always glad to have them. They are difficult to store, their plastic container was total crap, I threw it away years ago. I keep them in a pitcher which isn’t perfect, but works.

[@coribeckett7400]

Dang! Love that fast turn. I despise turning tubes. That’s brilliant.

[@leslieinadress]

Yes! I have a fast turn I bought at a yard sale for $8. Mine is vintage in the box but I think I would use it more if I had it stored like you do . They’re great!

[@sandythomas9622]

Paper tape is also great for good friction if you can’t get the grips.

[@ellythompson4055]

I recommend using Hemostats for threading serger. Can’t use my serger without them.

[@marylindros6005]

Wow. Never seen those fast tube turners before and i have been sewing for decades!!!! Will definitely be purchasing.

[@pattiann8477]

OMG!!! I never thought of keeping my fast turn in a spaghetti jar! It would certainly take up much less room!

[@iluvmysix]

I LOVE my fast turn set!!

[@BubbasChibi]

I have never seen the masking tape that is a ruler!! That is FANTASTIC!!!! Now I MUST find some! Thanks

[@Joyce-lq6gm]

My favorite sewing aid is Swedish Tracing paper.i use it to make patterns (trace packaged patterns on the Swedish tracing paper & save the original pattern since pattern companies put multiple sizes on one piece of cheapened tissue paper, so I still have the purchased pattern I paid sometimes $20 or more. Then I put both Swedish Tracing paper pattern & purchased pattern in a gallon sized ziplock bag for storage. I also use it to fit garments, sewing the Swedish Tracing paper instead of buying muslin. And finally, I design patterns on the Swedish tracing paper.

[@ritaadler-everett5392]

Thanks for the reminder! I was introduced to some of your tools when I first began sewing during the pandemic. I didn't know what I was really doing then, so I thought I didn't need them! 3 years later, I know the value of buying the tools that save me time or frustration. I'm buying myself those loop turners! Also, I recently purchased the Ideal Seam Guide and Seam Gauge Package/Kit. I sew garments, home wares, purses, bags, toys, etc. I am forever changing my seam allowances (even within the same project) and it's so hard to tell on my machine so I'm always adjusting the need position, etc. This tool is paying for itself already. You can buy the pieces separately or as a kit. Shop around though. The price varies wildly. I found the best price online from a quilt shop in Louisville, KY called Quilted Joy.

[@janholman6192]

And not only can you use hemostats for sewing, I use them to pick up pins on the floor! In my old age it is somewhat hard to been forward to pick up the pins, so this is a great way to do it!

[@mollycatcolorado9252]

Never heard of the Fasturn before but I’ll definitely be checking them out. I’m wanting to get into sewing dolls and stuffed animals so I appreciate the suggestion of using hemostats to add stuffing.

[@63Kelsey]

I have the Fasturn...bought it years ago. Makes it easier to turn strips...especially thin ones.

[@SUN-it6rf]

Molly , buy the small set too . Great for doll clothes. 💖💖

[@lindaarmstrong6925]

I love my fast turn!!!

[@debramachado5608]

Great tools to have. Thank you 🎉

[@deborahkeith6354]

Love my fasturn! Got mine in 1994 and it is well worth every cent! I keep mine in the original box.

[@joanp1765]

Me too! It’s awesome 😊

[@janyenyo]

for turning tubes I use large plastic straws and a skewer or chopstick or dowel. You can buy dowels in all widths

[@linda.brotherton1689]

Wow I never heard about these tools that are now sitting in my cart 😍 Thank you so much.❤

[@williamgarcia1875]

I just ran across your channel a couple of weeks ago, and I luv it. The way you explain and go over your patterns, tips etc makes me want to sew even more. I bought your Phoebe doll and sleeping bag patterns and I really enjoy making them. I so much want to spend more time sewing and creating gifts because of you ❤Thanks so much

[@PinCutSew]

Thank you for these kind words!! 💕

[@karenhill5945]

Thank you!! So helpful!

[@laura108]

That fast turn thing just BLEW.MY.MIND

[@karenthompson5643]

Thank you for the wonderful tips

[@judibess6173]

I have never seen these tube turners, I've been sewing for 60 yrs and just use a safety pin and a long afghan hook to grab the pin and pull thru. My fav tool tho is clovers thread snip flower, so handy for cutting threads at the beg and end as it hangs on a chain round my neck. 😁 TFS🧓

[@randidaeger157]

I found some tube turners that are plastic and wood and I was thrilled by how simple but totally clever tool.

[@loristrout4741]

I love Kam Snaps I use mine for cloth doggie diapers and cloth Sanitary Pads and a few other things I make. I bought the long shank ones for leather work. I put the snap setter with the long flat side down give it a squeeze then I set it down on the table and lean on it hard. Snaps never coming off ever. I was having trouble with the regular shank coming apart if there was too many layers. From only one customer she sent back doggie diaper after doggie diaper because it had a turned and top stitched edge. No more problems with the longer shank. I also buy her sets of unmatched snaps. Got orange and green brown and black last time made whole bunch of Halloween themed toys with them.

[@maureenbrown6610]

I love cam snaps, and think I will try a Chaco liner. Thank you

[@brandielee7971]

THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME HOW TO USE THE FAST TURN! I have a set and I didn't know what they were called to look up how to use them.

[@AnneluvsKatz]

I got my fast turn (after watching your video) used for $22! Great buy! Can’t remember if it was on Market place or EBay…. That masking tape would be handy as well…

[@hannahlockyer3135]

Very helpful thank you

[@karenemerton5128]

Great choice of tools, especially helpful for beginners.

[@zombiedoggie2732]

I have a thread stand. It pulls the thread up off the spool. It makes it so I can use cross wound spools with my sewing machine that just has a vertical pin. Crosswound spools are best used on horizontal pins. The way it pulls the thread upwards, it mimmics the action of a horizontal pin. Love the thing especally since most spools these days seem crosswound. However my favorate tool has to be an antique. It's a tuck marker! you attatch it to your sewing machine. Set the tuck size and spacing. First mark your first tuck and iron it like a normal tuck. Use the tuck marker and it marks a line for the next tuck to go. Fold across the line, rinse and repeat. They are common finds, so if your sewing machine is a low shank, or you have a low shank converter for a snap on machine, you'd be able to use it. You can find them on Ebay or Etsy.

[@saraalicea3363]

Thanks so much for sharing about the tube turners, I have them a long time ago but no clue how to use them, thanks 🙏

[@Jas5]

Thank You for sharing

[@pegasusquilts]

I own all these! And they are wonderful

[@deborasmith5191]

This is a great video! Thank you for sharing this. I actually have a hemostat, but didn't know what to do with it. I learned something new today. I made a stuffed whale recently and wished I had known about it then. I buy rulers with the grips already on them, but it is nice to know I can buy more if needed.Thank you! I think the snap pliers should be on my Christmas wish list. Haha

[@pamkahmann3833]

Great ideas!

[@gloriacotten117]

Thanks so much for this video and for the links. So helpful!

[@lindasnyder5048]

Very helpful never heard of some of these items...may look into them for me I have started making dolls need to get that turning tool ...it's a pain to turn skinny arms and legs...

[@freedom_is_never_free1776]

I have had those turners for over 25 years, I have two sets. Actually I have ALL THESE TOOLS

[@susan7775]

I’ve had my Fasturn set for decades. I don’t use them all the time, but it saves my sanity when I do need them. I have them in their original box. My first hemostat came from one time I needed stitches. (One of many times)

[@danniefrenchpea63]

Wow, great video and so full of good info ! I don't know how I came across it but am so glad I did. These are all so useful and I have never heard of any or them !!! Thank you so very much for sharing, and I love how you explain things 🙏☺

[@jeno264]

Furiously writing all these down!! 💥😂💖

[@suzieq0452]

When my Mother in law passed,I found a Fasturn in It's box,didn't know what it was used for,she made a lot of Clothes,I quilt. She purchased it in the 80s/90s. Still have it somewhere.

[@UpintheOaks_1]

I have those Fasturn tubes, they are great and still in perfect condition. I inherited all my mom's hemostats, she was a nurse so had a lot - they were not made as a sewing notion so really don't count. We had metal snap pliers, they were painful to use and didn't work. I use my Chacoliner all the time, it's very handy and works well, but the white or light blue are the best colors. Thanks for the fun video!

[@stephhhie17]

When I was in the hospital for surgery the nurses left so many hemostats, tweezers, scissors etc. in my room that would just get thrown away after one use, I saved them and brought them home to use for sewing/crafting!

[@GrandmaPatty49]

I have the cam snap tool and hundreds of snaps. I let my sister borrow it a while ago, and she’s making all kinds of bags, etc . One of these days I’ll get it back when I want to make something using the snaps.

[@sandreawhite7534]

I have all of those. I find them at thrift stores and get them even if I already have it because they are hard to find. Another tool is tweezers. For grabbing little threads after seam ripping. I like the magnetic seam guide or painters tape for keeping the seams straight. Another tool is called a “Tack it”. It looks/shaped like a stapler but its not. You use it with tracing paper and when u smack it it leaves an imprint of “the dots” that are so hard to mark. I love this tool. As well as tracing paper. I wish they had this tool in a large dot, the medium dot and square. I’ve not seen another one. Also my button hole gage. It’s an accordion style that spaces buttons and buttonholes evenly.

[@victoriachatfield4612]

I don't see the Tack It online. Can you give the maker and/or product number?

[@sandreawhite7534]

@@victoriachatfield4612 I hope this helps. In fact eBay had several. I absolutely love this tool.

[@carenvollrath1657]

The Fast Turns were one of my first sewing tools. I love them!

[@cecoya]

That tube turner you can actually replace and create. Go to either Hobby Lobby or Micheal's they have brass tubes that are hollow. Yeah, I actually like that piece too. Have a great day

[@sanktuary2273]

I would love a variety of colors to try amigurumi especially if I can find knit patterns. I don't really crochet. I love rainbow colors!

[@MLCruey]

These are great!!!!

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

Your tube turning set is definitely worth the price in my opinion

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

I've always wanted a "clapper"to set the seams after steaming or pressing them... but refuse to pay the moucho $$$. I've always got my eyes open in thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales etc. But I just use a pine 2X4 that's about 14" long I found laying around and a 2X2 piece of wood that's about 6" long left over from a project I made. The smaller one comes in handy for setting seams on quilt blocks the longer one for garment sewing.

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I searched thrift stores for 5 years looking for a clapper/point presser. Finally decided a new one would be my "Merry Christmas to Me" when I found a nice new one for $35 online. Literally 2 weeks after that Christmas, on my first thrift shop of the new year - there it was - $3. Bought it anyway. You can also use any unfinished piece of flat wood about 12" long, sanded smooth, for a clapper only. Attach any handle you find comfortable to one side.

[@sandybruce9092]

Great idea for clappers! I saw a lady in KZbin who used a wooden plaque from the hardware store and added a handle on top - worked just like the expensive clappers and was kind of cute, too😄

[@marieg3905]

I invested in a clapper several years ago and wouldn't sew without it now. Definitely recommend.

[@jennystrahley927]

Put a 8.5 x 24.5 Creative Grids ruler on your wishlist for hubby. CG are my absolute favorite rulers. I use the cam snaps on bags for my daughter. I can't squeeze hard enough so I use an old solid table to press against.

[@joanncall1525]

Love the tape measure tape!

[@annolsen8276]

I snip the tip of the snap off with nail clippers, and get a better flat connection after using the pliers.