Apparently I'm Using it Wrong!

[@JudySpak]

I'm one of those relics who used a fanfold cardboard cutting board to protect my mother's dining room table from scissors and pin scratches when I was a child. Just so you know, they're still available!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Good on you for protecting the tables :)

[@dawsie]

It was also handy because it made a smaller table wider to accommodate the width of the fabric.

[@krisniznik3953]

Absolutely! I have one I got at a rummage sale for $3 because I remembered my Grandmother's. It's great!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I recently bought one so I could use it on my carpeted floor. My table is sometimes too narrow.

[@katehannon4032]

My mum had one, I didn't realise they're still available!

[@deniseyork3651]

I am 70 years old and was taught to sew by my aunt, who was born in 1898. She had been taught by her grandmother, who married around 1869. My aunt taught me many techniques for hand sewing, then machine sewing on a Singer tread machine and then on an electric Singer machine. Another aunt taught me quilting and we spent many winter days piecing and quilting using her quilting frame that was suspended from a 10 foot ceiling by a pulley system. That little sewing guage got a lot of use. We even used it when making the edge bindings for quilts. I still have my original all metal one. It got a lot of use when my husband was active duty USMC for 22 years.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself. It's great to get to hear from the folks, like yourself, watching my videos. It's awesome that is was shared in the family.

[@joycej9415]

71 and similar uses of mine too. Got it when I had Home Ec in the 1960's. I do still have an all metal one and use it. I think buttons, button holes, and hems has been my biggest use of the seam gauge. I quilt too. I used to have the cardboard folding cutting mat but with the rotary cutters I use now, I no longer have it.

[@tinas977]

@@joycej9415very cool!

[@tinas977]

What a wonderful legacy!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I'm 55 and amazed at how close our 19th century families really are... 150 years sounds like a long time, but it's not really, in the terms of lifespans.

[@janlascko]

Holy cannoli! Been sewing for years, have 3 of these gauges, and dang if I didn't learn more here than I ever have! Thank you everyone

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm happy to hear it :)

[@johannaholmgren8088]

Same here. I'm 67, been sewing since I was 13 (learned in Home Ec, in Secondary School) but never learned all the ins and outs of that little seam gauge. Gonna have more respect for it now! (Pretty sure I have the ones with the metal though...not the plastic. Although I may have one with a plastic slider ..)

[@JadeKnight-y3c]

My little slider has no spring or what ever is needed to make is stay at any one point. None of them I find is actually fully functional.

[@cutnup175]

Same

[@cindyolson6108]

Boy, oh boy, someone ought to award the "seamingly" innocuous seam gauge a Nobel prize. This miraculous gizmo is worthy! Thank you Mr. Q for this deep dive!🍑

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I agree!

[@JaneyJane_sews]

I’m over 60 and still learning. ❤ You might need to manufacture an all metal gauge with your name on it. Raspberries.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

ouuuu, yes, that's a great idea!

[@taitano12]

Hmmm. 🤔 Perhaps I can look into manufacturing replacement slides for these things. Little metal ones that can clip in, replacing the plastic stuff they have currently.

[@judih.8754]

Great idea!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

great idea!

[@potatocatstar]

Great idea!

[@krisniznik3953]

Yes!

[@katpaints]

That would be wonderful! I recently found all four of my seam gauges. Two had plastic that actually crumbled when I tried to use them and two have metal slides. I had to apply some paraffin to the back of one since I haven't used it for a long time but it works. The big difference is that the old ones are much stiffer and have held up for a long time. The newer ones bend easily.

[@19Celia57]

Oh My Goodness, Cornelius!!!!! I am 67yo and have been sewing since I was 3yo with a needle and thread given to me by my mother and grandmother to keep my "occupied". LOL I have had a few of these little devices over the years and gifted them to many people. I am shocked, SHOCKED I tell you, to find all these wonderful uses that I had at my fingertips and didn't even know it!!! TY for a wonderful video. Take care.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching and thank you for sharing a bit about yourself.

[@JC-gf5vv]

Re: tailor's tacks: Don't cut the loop! 🤩, it prevents the tack from accidentally slipping out. I used tailor's tacks for years, before the arrival of good fabric markers. You learn something new everyday!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ahhh, interesting. Thanks for sharing your way.

[@tinas977]

Thx!!!!!!!

[@larskars5835]

But you have to cut the loop if you've made the tailor's tack through two layers of fabric. In any event, a tailor's tack should be cut to easily remove it after construction. I cut tacks even if they're through one layer. You just have to be careful not to pull it out beforehand, which gets easier by habit.

[@crwilley]

MIND. BLOWN. I have, of course, owned one of these for my entire sewing career (a '60s all-metal one that belonged to my mom), but was never shown how to use it properly in any way, shape, or form (although I seem to have invented several ways to use it wrong). "Pin the slidey bit to the ironing board" - where you are using it anyways, because your ultimate goal is to press that hem up, right? - is life-altering.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, I'm happy to hear that my video offered something new. Also, if your uses work for you, then they aren't wrong :)

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I think there's no WRONG way to use it, if it works!

[@Which-Craft]

What fascinates me on the 5/8" is how many different takes on its reason are existent in our combined current lifetimes. Really makes one think about how things change in such a brief timeframe. I'm calling them all correct, because we're creators and however we use it is correct.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I really like the way you think. Indeed lets give them all the thumbs up :)

[@martypomeroy7519]

Fresh peaches. Watermelon on a hot day. And I also have my seam gauge from sewing class in the 60's.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Ouuu, yes a ripe juicy peach is nice too :)

[@deegee3729]

I always assumed the 5/8" seam allowance was to give room to let the garment out at a later date and still preserve a decent seam allowance. Also, very crisp green grapes; no blemishes and only a specific shade of green that only I can determine (makes food shopping fun for my family 🤣🤣).. love your videos. So many things i didn't know i didn't know

[@MissingRaptor]

Some old garments have a much wider seam allowance on certain seams just for this purpose. Such as the seat seam in pants, the back seam in certain bodices and the like 😊

[@donnalewis4895]

I'm with you on the grapes they have to be just right

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Now that is a highly specific grape and I imagine when you find just the right ones, they are muah, perfect :)

[@mes373]

Those cardboard cutting boards are awesome. Laying on top of your bed put the fabric on it stick your pins straight in. Only takes half the time that it does if you're cutting on a hard surface. I had an old one just bought a new one at a garage sale

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Sounds like it's really useful then :)

[@marthakjolsrud2660]

Bias binding, too! WOW! Who knew there were so many uses from just one tool?! Now I can unclutter my sewing basket. Thank you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I know eh?!

[@lucylopez54]

At first I thought this is a quirky video, why would I watch it, but it kept coming up so I I’m watching it and boy oh by I am learning new things I never thought of. Thanks this is a lot of help. I’m bringing it out of retirement from the cabinet drawer.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thanks for taking the leap to deciding to watch. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@jklin2987]

I've been sewing for 60 years and didn't know this stuff. All I use it for is marking hems. Thanks! This is fantastic.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh nice, thanks for watching as well.

[@janewardle5558]

So interesting and unlike so many movies the sequel is as good as the original.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

haha. A compliment of the highest order, thank you.

[@CityofLiebenthal]

The end of the seam gauge is 5/8 inch....but the middle section is 1/2 inch wide. Pretty handy as well!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

indeed.

[@chameleoncathy]

Love my seam gauge-it’s from my 1980 jr high home-ec class but I learned to sew on an old singer when I was 8 - I use it all the time ! I am a seamstress and maker of all sorts…so yup.. great for woodwork and art projects too! So are French curves! I’ve made some very cool wooden things with a French curve!! Best thing I ever did for sewing was to cover an old hollow core door 160x 210cm with cork and set it up on trestles. It’s big enough to cut anything - I pin straight into the cork- chalk and cut … fantastic for stretch fabrics or for copying an old garment . I’ve had it for 20 years now and I use it every day!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I love the idea of the cork covered door, that's genius! Also the woodworking uses. I appreciate your clever solutions!

[@allisonhartman1174]

You are such a good teacher. Thanks for explaining concepts so clearly and allowing for creativity and adjustment!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for your interest!

[@marknofsinger91]

I just got one of those folding cardboard things at a garage sale for fifty cents!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Nice, I hope it gets plenty of use :)

[@seffssweetsstitches2897]

Ooo, the search for a vintage seam gauge starts now. The circle skirt trick is fantastic. I've made several circle skirts and hemming is always a labor.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I imagine quite a few vintage ones will suddenly show up in your life.

[@hp-cs7mx]

AHA - I think this will be useful since I really like a curved hem on my T shirts and other tops. Great video, so useful.

[@geneard639]

1960s Cardboard Cutting Boards, were readily available at all major fabric and sewing machine shops. Best used with Electric Scissors and pinned patterns. My mom did a lot of piece work for Vanity Fair so for her using a Pinning Board, Electric Scissors and Tailors Chalk to mark the cut parts made sense for her. You CAN make a Cardboard Cutting and Pinning Board with ease by visiting the local Hardware Store and Fabric Center. 3 layers of cardboard, spray adhesive, facing the cardboard with some inexpensive cotton fabric and use some typical white PVA (Elmer's Glue) with a ridged spreader/squeegee on the cardboard and lay the fabric on top. A better substrate to support the cardboard is to glue a thin sheet of Birch Plywood to the bottom, and it makes a better surface for a plastic cutting board. Needless to say, a cardboard cutting and pinning board isn't suitable for rotary cutters, electric scissors yes, rotary blades NO.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well thank you for the tip on how to make one. I appreciate it. It also sounds like your mom was really experienced at her craft. Thank you for sharing.

[@devonday2796]

I’ve been sewing for over 60 years. I learned a lot from your video-especially the bias tape trick. Thanks for sharing Cornelius.

[@donnab6391]

Of course, your fabric strip must be cut ON THE BIAS (not on the straight grain of the fabric) in order to make bias tape!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@lyndaholloway5469]

Thank you. I have sewn for 70 years and did not know any of those things. Thank you again. The best to you

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@cutnup175]

I love the way you teach .. this is the first one I’ve seen .. now I can obsess on your videos

[@CorneliusQuiring]

By all means, obsess away :) Thank you.

[@dawn4224]

You can use the foldable cardboards to expand your table surface for sewing and pinning large items. So useful.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh, nice!

[@poodlegirl55]

Very interesting. The bias binding part was genius. I also have one in my kitchen drawer as my canning recipes call for different head space.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

wow, you're the second person to mention using it for canning. How interesting.

[@dion2174]

Moon drop grapes. Hands down favorite fruit. Thanks Cornelius for the very informative video.😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's a very specific type and I like it :) Also, thanks for watching!

[@violette4841]

I was told to get this ruler as it is very important, so I did, but didn't know all of the uses for it till you, Cornelius. I hate hemming and the way you showed us how to use the pins in the ruler is most helpful. I made my own bias binding and now with the ruler it can be made easier. I now know why people say a woman needs a man. My dad actually taught me to mend and darn. He credits the military and his dear old mom. It is not needing a man. It is the right man for the job. Thank you. Now to your other videos. PS I got the old cardboard cutting board from Walmart just recently because I like using scissors to cut the fabric - and the numbering, along with the vertical and horizontal lines, help me measure the fabric. And I still use an old 1970s electric sewing machine and have never had to get it mended yet. I also use hand stitching too. I like a combination of new and old methods.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself. It's great to get to hear from the folks, like yourself, watching my videos.

[@violette4841]

@@CorneliusQuiring I used to watch old cowboy films and shows like Gunsmoke, and you could be a character in a Western, well, in my imagination, that is. Hope you don't mind me saying that. You make me laugh too. You are way ahead of me in the sewing field too. Glad to learn from you.

[@cawiltu]

So glad my ruler is old enough to have the mettle center.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Lucky you.

[@kandacek63]

I happen to have a 5 inch gauge with the metal slide.

[@pmb1161]

I bought two of these gauges after the first video, and now it makes even more sense! Thanks, oh and apples. ;-)

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh nice, also, yum :)

[@nikkireynolds9514]

Thanks for this video. I never learned half of these uses.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm happy to hear it.

[@s.johnson703]

I have an old one. It belonged to my husband’s grandmother. Thanks for the info ❤️🇨🇦

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, it's stood the test of time :)

[@janeahrens572]

I, like others learned even more and have been sewing for 67 years! I own several of those gauges and there’s a few different styles to be sure. The bias binding used to be folded a bit off center, by maybe a sixteenth of an inch. That was so you could open the tape, sew down the narrower side in the crease then fold it over the edge and top stitch on the right side of the project and catch the tape neatly on the back side. Worked pretty well. And I inherited a cardboard cutting board from an older sewing friend. You can use these to copy a pattern from existing garments. Lay a section of the garment flat on paper on top of the board. Using a pin, pierce into the seam line of the garment section all the way around that section. There’ll be an outline of that part and all you need to do is draw it in and add a seam allowance. ( using the gauge of course! And of course, a crisp tart JOHNATHAN APPLE! Or a fresh Missouri peach from Badee Farms! Great when split and grilled with butter!

[@janeahrens572]

Bader Farm, not Badee.!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh interesting, I never considered grilling a peach!

[@amyperrine7421]

I guess I have a vintage seam gauge! There are few other differences than my slider being metal. And I still use a cardboard cutting board to protect, and square off my round table for a little more space.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, I'm glad to hear that your cutting board is still around and in use.

[@Ravencall]

I can't believe how much I've learned in your video! And I have been sewing for 60 some years! I don't think Mrs. Gibbons taught us about the many uses of the seam gauge in Home Ec. I had to go into my sewing basket to see if my gauge has the metal guide. Yup!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Nice! I'm humbled to have been able to share something new with you!

[@nic_g_7]

I still use one of those cardboard cutting boards. They are really useful when I want to cut with scissors rather than a rotary cutter. They are great for straightening fabric, especially to get stripes laying properly before cutting out.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice, they sound like they're plenty useful!

[@tinas977]

Yes!!!

[@nikkireynolds9514]

You know you can make more shallow scallops by offsetting the line on which you anchor the gauge from the line which is the foundation for the scallops. I have never seen scallops that were full half circles.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing this extra tidbit!

[@joycej9415]

True, because the way you mention is a bit simpler to sew and turn the fabric to finish.

[@lizlafferty1278]

We used full half-circles when we made our porch valances; instead of side-by-side scallops, we made alternating-side-of-baseline scalloping...looked great up on our wrap around porches, and was a easy project to sew.

[@christenagervais7303]

I like the button sizing hint!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you, I thought it was fun too.

[@janeahrens572]

I, like others learned even more and have been sewing for 67 years! I own several of those gauges and there’s a few different styles to be sure. The bias binding used to be folded a bit off center, by maybe a sixteenth of an inch. That was so you could open the tape, sew down the narrower side in the crease then fold it over the edge and top stitch on the right side of the project and catch the tape neatly on the back side. Worked pretty well. And I inherited a cardboard cutting board from an older sewing friend. You can use these to copy a pattern from existing garments. Lay a section of the garment flat on paper on top of the board. Using a pin, pierce into the seam line of the garment section all the way around that section. There’ll be an outline of that part and all you need to do is draw it in and add a seam allowance. ( using the gauge of course!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice. Thank you for sharing your additional knowledge with us here in the comments!

[@christenagervais7303]

Okay, the bias binding hint is the best idea!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

:)

[@angieallen4884]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Very informative; I pulled out my two metal gauge rulers and checked out all the features you mentioned. I have one with 1/2 inch notches and one with 1 inch notches. Both were from my mom's collection of notions she recently gave to me; she is 99 years old and does not sew anymore. If I had to choose just one fruit, it would have to be oranges. Always a treat and they fit perfectly in the toe of a Christmas stocking!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oranges are a classic. Also, it's awesome you inherited her stuff.

[@lindalosier5989]

I've been sewing and quilting some 60 years and had know idea my seam guage has so many uses. They didn't teach that in my home economics class. Thanks for sharing!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you. Thanks for watching.

[@janetmaffy5375]

I even use use one of those for canning. I use it to measure the proper space in the jar before closing it.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Now that's a unique use!

[@HanaKingi]

Using the sewing gauge to make bias binding really surprised me! Wow. I intended to buy bias tape-making gadgets online. Now I don't need to, I own 3 sewing gauges (2 from my sisters) and they are metal type. This is a timely tutorial. Thank you.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I hope this technique works for you!

[@nicolemh5759]

The circle skirt hemming idea is GENIUS

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@AideninBroland]

Who knew a seam gauge was so interesting! I'll be on the hunt for the old school metal one now. Im working on a baby quilt now for some friends of mine and just finished a cushion cover. Can't say i use my seam gauge often but its always close by!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I hope the rest of the quilt turns out as you hope. It's nice to see you once again pop up in the comments. I hope you're well.

[@sewstinkincute]

I love follow-up videos and now I'm so inspired as I had no idea any of this was possible. Whole new world has opened up to me.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Indeed, this little thing offers a world of possibilities :)

[@nancy9478]

I still have my sewing guage, its probably 50 years old. I just learned how to use it to it's fullest, thanks!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Nice!

[@jsmixson]

I loved your video, I missed the 1st one. I have many, many seam gauges, mainly because I seem to loose them in my sewing room ALL THE TIME! But I have used them for a variety of uses the latest being I put one on our boat and I use it to measure the legal length of blue crab. You can't keep them if they are 5" or less and since the entire gauge is 6" it's very easy to see if they are big enough to keep. I did learn something new, and that was the best use of the little holes on the sides of the slidey bit. Thank for that! In the past I drew scallops with a glass or something round to get consistent size scallops. I will be using the gauge from here on out. Wooo Hooo!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Measuring crabs is probably the most unique use yet! Thanks for sharing :)

[@kascension]

I took home ec in the 80s nd i know we learned about this tool. I just dont remember. I started sewing when i was 4 or 5 years old. My grandmother was a seamstress nd i used to hang out with her in her sewing room. She would bring home many client's pants to hem. She let me have the cutoffs along with a needle nd thread nd i made clothes for one of those three feet tall standing dolls that were all the rage way back when. To this day i have no idea who's doll it was, but i loved making simple clothes for it. And I've been sewing ever since. I know i have one of these gadgets around. Now im curious to locate it again. Thank you so much for gathering all this information nd passing it along. So much old, valuable information gets lost through the years of generational gaps. I'm glad you're keeping it alive! My favorite "fruits" are strawberries, watermelon, bananas, oranges, pears, mango, figs, lychee, nd loquats.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You've got a real taste for many fruits. Nice. Also, thank you for sharing a bit about yourself. It's great to get to hear from the folks, like yourself, watching my videos.

[@adaelshinn4696]

Cherries are my favorite. Been sewing for decades and didn't know all the uses od this cool gadget. Thanks!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Yum. Also, I'm glad to hear it.

[@joterry7928]

I’m 69 years old and have always called it a hem gauge…I still have the one I used in 7th and 8th grade home ec class. Never knew it could be used like a compass or anything else shown here. 🤪

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Nice, sounds like you have a quality one.

[@jenniferboxill]

Loved all the creative uses for this clever little tool! Great video-will definitely will be adding to my favorites!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@ColleenMarble]

😯I am watching with my jaw dropped. This is amazing info. Why are we not taught this stuff?? Thanks for sharing so many tips all in one place.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I know eh?! Thanks for watching and I hope the jaw's okay :)

[@suzannemattie3493]

Was not going to watch then thought, “Why not”. Can’t believe how much I learned about this amazing sewing tool I’ve been using for about 60 years. I always wondered what those holes, notches, etc were for.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Well thank you for taking the leap and I'm glad to hear it's of use.

[@michelle15598]

I don't even sew that often, but I'm a multimedia artist, and I love having this tool. I've been using it for decades!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Nice!

[@anne-marie9842]

I tacked a cardboard cutting board onto a piece of mfd board and put that on the base of a folding baby dressing table. Gives me (1.57 tall/5’2”) the perfect height and size for laying out, cutting out and tracing patterns. Favourite fruit: mango, cherries, peaches, cape gooseberries, any berry really.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's a clever solution. also, yum!

[@kayceegreer4418]

I have a cardboard cutting board. I got it in the 80s for my fashion/clothing design college studies & projects. And I have a whole box full of tape makers that fold it for me, but it's nice to know all the purposes of that thingamajiggy. It's always good to have a backup. I'm quite enjoying the history lesson!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice. Sounds like you've got all the gadgets. Thanks for watching.

[@mcallan5782]

Wow! Love that bias binding trick!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

:)

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Very interesting I shall look at mine with reverence from now on. Thanks

[@CorneliusQuiring]

:)

[@TiffMarche]

I inherited an all-metal seam gauge from my grandmother, and I have a few with plastic that I inherited over the years. I love how useful they are. For fruit, while I love watermelon, mango and raspberries are now my favorite. For most of my life, it had always been strawberries, but after developing tongue cancer about 3.5 years ago and going through treatment, I now have enough pain when eating strawberries that rather than eating them regularly, I now save them for the occasional treat.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I hope you are doing well, it's great to hear that you are still enjoying so many of the delicious fruits of the world.

[@TiffMarche]

@CorneliusQuiring Thank you. :) I'm happy to say I'm 2.5 years cancer free! I do still live with some side effects from chemo and radiation. But the cancer is gone and I'm alive, so I'll gladly take that trade. And, I have a great team of doctors who continue to care for me and my after-cancer needs. And this year I've finally been up to sewing again, which has been a real joy.

[@kimhodge478]

Your explanation of the use for knitting (which as a 50+ year long knitter I never knew about, mostly because I only start sewing a year ago and didn’t know about this amazing tool…..) could be cleaned up a bit. Knitting patterns ask you to knit a swatch, say a 4x4 inch square, before making the garment to check your tension (do you knit too tightly/too loose?) . You are directed to knit cast on a certain number of stitches, knit a swatch to a certain length. Then you count how many stitches per inch you have. If you have too many stitches - i.e. your tension is too tight - then you need to use a larger knitting needle, if too few- i.e. tension is too loose - then you should use a smaller needle, so that you have the right count of stitches per inch.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for clarifying! I appreciate it.

[@michelereavis5063]

I still use the fold up cardboard cutting board over my dining room table or on the floor in a pinch. I don't have a cutting table. My mom still uses one also. I learned so much in this video. I shared it with my mom. I'm betting she doesn't know all these uses either. I just discovered this channel. I'm going to do a deep dive into it when I have a chance!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It's nice to hear you share sewing with your mom and thank you for sharing my video!

[@Vicapr]

wow! I had no idea!

[@michaelanderson2166]

I’ve used this size gauging with screws and bolt when I couldn’t find calipers. I have also used this tool as a depth gauge.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

If it works, it works, right?!

[@maryelizabethjaquay9215]

You made my day! I am 65 and NEVER knew any of this. Thank you so much. I just subscribed to learn more.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad to hear it.

[@131dyana]

Thank you.

[@jenn976]

Thanks for this. I was one of the millions who learned to use this gauge in Home Economics. (and still have it) Thanks for the reminders of its uses. Love your channel.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you. It sounds like yours has gotten plenty of use.

[@andiwrath2293]

My mother had one of those cardboard cutting boards for decades. She cut wrapping paper on it every Christmas and for sewing. She used to be a seamstress at Munsingwear when she was younger. My favorite fruits are mangos and mangosteen.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I just learned about a new fruit (mangosteen). Also, it sounds like the board was useful!

[@sewclaire]

You did a really great job filming this video. I enjoyed the camera angles, the different focal lengths and the contrasting colors and color theme. Great job.

[@bunhelsingslegacy3549]

Had to laugh, at 6:55 when you talk about the accordion folded cardboard cutting mats, well guess what I'm hovering over right now making a medieval hood while watching your video... I've had mine since the late 90s. They're great for when your sewing space doesn't include a table and your only flat spaces are carpet or bed. Or as in today's example, a glass tabletop on top of a large dog crate that's actually the rabbit's house. For pinning it to your board and making bias tape at 12:50, use a couple more pins at the long end just to anchor it so it doesn't wiggle, if you X them through the slot it should keep things stable. The angled pin thing is a trick I learned from nailing down baseboards, if there's nothing but drywall to nail into, go on an angle, use the opposite angle for the next nail. And though it's hard to beat a nice fresh picked raspberry, local in-season peaches definitely give raspberries some stiff competition in August.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for the additional tips. Also, good for you still using one of those cardboard cutting boards and finally, yum :)

[@colleenkarp2556]

Thank you. I appreciate you came back to make corrections & share the info from the comments. Great job!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

An thank you for watching the follow-up.

[@dellasrevenge8759]

Ah what a useful and delightful video. Thank you for blessing us with this.

[@kandacek63]

I used that bias tape trick just the other day, only because I’d seen it in my Instagram feed. Loved your first video on the gauge. This one is just as useful.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice. Thank you for watching on multiple platforms and I hope the trick was of use.

[@digging4roots]

When I took home ec (1969/70) I was told it was to allow for adjustments. This allowed for room to let it out if person needed to increase the size in an area of the garment. Many of the other reasons you mentioned were also mentioned. The opinion seemed to be there were many good reasons for a 5/8" seam allowance in garment sewing. However, as far as I know, quilters have always used 1/4" seam allowance.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thanks for sharing what you learned and thanks for watching!

[@lorrainewalden4924]

Wow I’m 76 and learned so much about this little tool. I wish I would have known this for binding strips. Years ago I bought a binding maker. 😂😂😂 and I already had one. Thank you so much for this video.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You're welcome and thanks for watching! I'm glad it was interesting.

[@janholman6192]

Amazing! I've been sewing for 46 years (and majored in Home-Ec in high school) and never owned that particular kind. I have the "Risdon" sewing and knitting gage since 1978, but admittingly it is just a basic seam gauge compared to what you are using. Wow, I missed out all those years! 😊

[@CorneliusQuiring]

It sounds like the one that you had still served you plenty well!

[@betsyercolini8724]

Similar to knitting gauge, I use this as a weaving gauge! When weaving it's easy to pack your weft too hard, or too loose. I use the seam gauge to check my weaving every now and then to make sure I've got the correct "picks per inch" or ppi. Probably a million uses for it!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wow, that's interesting! I would never have know it could be used for weaving.

[@jansusanjennafletcher1712]

I am mightily impressed with your curiosity and how you delved into the uses of a very innocuous looking petite piece of metal! I’ve seen them and probably watched my mother use one as she sewed many clothes- starting with her own back in her youth in the 1920’s through to marriage. She sewed for my sister and myself and I remember watching her sew and learning all the steps required to create a beautiful outfit! That was my introduction to sewing and I was not allowed to touch her machine until I “mastered” the steps to sewing- by hand- doll clothes! Your enthusiasm is infectious- thank you for the tips, hints and history! I am looking forward to watching your coming videos!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself and you are kind, thank you.

[@ivorybow]

I have my grandmother's seam gauge and I have been using if for at least 40 years, and I never knew about circles, scallops, or seam binding. My favorite fruit is the persimmon. Very hard to get a ripe one, but oh my...heavenly! Due to the lack of persimmons, I love strawberries. thank you Corn!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh interesting. That is a more unique choice of fruit indeed. Also, I am glad to hear that my video was of use to you.

[@margaretswift4357]

So cool! I just grabbed my gauge I must have gotten from my grandmother and it does indeed have a metal slide. Didn't know I was so lucky! But sadly the slide only has one hole, not two

[@TheTwoBeauties]

My sewing gauge also has a button sewing gauge and is the main thing I use it for. In other words, there are three separate layers of metal that can be used to gauge the distance between the button and the cloth that it’s being sewn onto, so the button is not too flush to the fabric and is easier to button and unbutton. It took a while to find it as it was only available in Europe. It’s so useful that all sewing gauges should have one.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh, how interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@dghohens]

Pineapple is my favorite! Would you be interested in making a video about how to mark fabric? The marker you used in this video seemed to work way better than anything I've ever used. I've also been working on making my own backpacking gear, so some of the silicone impregnated polyester type fabrics I'm working with don't mark easily.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Yum! Also, thank you for the suggestion. I will consider it for a future video.

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love the way you spoke of the slide ruler.AND ALL THE WAYS TO USE THEM.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@lauriejacobs8470]

Cornelius, So happy I stumbled on this video! I have one of these and I rarely used it. So many uses! Thank you a million for sharing such practical wisdom and your passion for sewing.❤

[@CorneliusQuiring]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@johannaholmgren8088]

Wow, thank you for the follow up video. Ive had more than one of these little seam gauge puppies, but only now am i learning about all the clever things its been designed for. I used to have a cardboard cutting board for years, it eventually literally just went to pieces so it went to that big cardboard heaven at the recycle plant... Also: Watermelon, hands down. Followed by green grapes and cherries tied for second....

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Great selection of fruits. Also, the cutting board has been reunited with it's fellow boards and having a great time I imagine.

[@amandaaskew7606]

I am so glad this video randomly came acrossed my newsfeed! I am just a quilter, but my grandmother was an accomplished sewist of all things; clothing, quilts, fabric dolls, etc. When she passed, I inherited all of her sewing things, including gauges. I had absolutely no idea it could do all of these things!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

oh nice, I hope yours gets plenty of use now.

[@jochildress5003]

Brilliant! I wasn’t allowed to take home ec and had to teach myself to sew. I was missing a lot of this information. That bias tape folding is genius! I wish I’d known long before I turned 71YO.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

That's a shame you had to miss out, but good thing you're teaching yourself!

[@kikid4093]

I had no idea that toop had so many uses! Great info, thanks. Strawberries are my favorite!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Yum. Also, it's useful indeed :)

[@grandmakatemakes]

I've watched both videos and found them both interesting. I do have a few thoughts and hopefully some helpful hints. The scallop part surprised me. (I'm like you and have only ever guessed how this tool was used.) I recently saw a woman wearing a denim pencil skirt with a scalloped edge. I loved it and definitely want to replicate it, but I had no idea how I'd measure the scallops evenly. On measuring a button that won't fit in the slot, lay the bottom on top, lining it up carefully, and move the slider up to the button. That bias binding trick is a game changer! Anyone who has ever used a bias tool knows what a pain they are to get the fabric started through them. While the tool could be useful for checking your scant 1/4" inch, I would imagine it was originally used to mark it for hand sewing. Today, with the lines on a machine, you can typically run the edge of your fabric NEXT TO the 1/4" line and get a scant measurement. On the 5/8" seam allowance... I have nothing to add about where it came from, I wanted to address what you said in your first video. You mentioned that it would allow room to let a garment out up to an inch on each seam, which is mathematically correct, but would leave you with only a 1/4" seam allowance. That's not much on a garment. When I worked in alterations, the amount we could reasonably let something out was based on how much seam was available. If we were working on something with a 5/8" seam, we could only let that out 1/4" on the double (1/2" total), MAYBE 3/8", to make sure we left enough seam. Also, as far as French seams, 1/2" is plenty. Stitch at 1/4', trim to 1/8", then stitch at 1/4" to finish the seam.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you for taking the time to share your many insights. It's much apprecaited.

[@CapricornDayz]

Thanks. That hemming part is definitely needed by me. All the tips were very helpful.

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad you found them helpful.

[@DawnDavidson]

Raspberries. :) Interesting video. I’ve been sewing for more than 50 years, and learned a thing or two!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Yum and also, glad to hear it.

[@patriciajrs46]

I love the way you explain things. What fabric are you using? It looks like linen. What are most of your clothes made of? Cotton?

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Yep. I use cotton for everything.

[@elainelott9644]

This was a fantastic video !!! I am amazed with all the uses you found for the seam gauge !!! Making bias tape was really a surprise !!! I still use a cardboard cutting board and love it !!! You can pin into the cardboard and not have to use weights to hold down the material !!! Learned a lot from this---thank you !!!!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh nice. Perhaps I should invest in one of these cutting boards!

[@deborahdumond9051]

Thanks for the quilting application

[@CorneliusQuiring]

🤠🙏🏻

[@sandrahood9529]

Thank you for these videos! The bias binding will help me with my quilting!

[@CorneliusQuiring]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@paulettemcwaters8557]

You have done an outstanding job with this gadget, thanks

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@michelelaube8794]

What an amazingly informative video! Thank you. I have kept my grandmother’s metal gauge but never really knew what to do or how to use it. Now I know

[@CorneliusQuiring]

Oh wonderful, I'm glad you found it helpful. Good on you for keeping it.