NEW Sewing / Quilting Hacks ❤️ The Sewing Channel

[@scrappygrammie]

It cracks me up when people say “unpick” when they are literally “picking” out!!

[@DebbieTaylorpdx]

Exactly! They are unsewing, not unpicking!

[@ThisnThat54]

Same as when they say it's unraveling. If it ravels the fabric is coming apart it's not unraveling. LOL

[@annmaines4964]

❤FLAT IRON HACK?? WHAT??? And I own one!!

[@beverlyannrogers3388]

Okay flat iron looks like a winner 😃

[@kimberlyzickefoose3994]

A flat iron? I would never had thought of that. That's awesome. I hate having to flip a thousand times to get those seems flat. Thanks for sharing again

[@TheSewingChannel]

The flat iron will amaze you Kimberly...I was speechless for real!!!!😂

[@mdmccaskill21]

I add that blue bottle starch to water and put in a spray bottle ...that is how I starch my fabric - thanks for the tips :)

[@nanny23]

I’ve been using my flat iron for years to iron down the hem of clothes. Sometimes the clothes come out of the dryer with the hems turned up. Out comes my trusty flat iron and I can iron hems of numerous pairs of jeans or pants in about 2 minutes! And thanks for the info on the black knob! I sure didn’t know that!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Great tip on flattening a hem✅

[@annolsen8276]

This popped up for me again, love these tips. Just saw a video with seam ripping using your sewing machine for the extra hand. I tried it on taking the side seams and hems out of a cotton shower curtain. made removing those seams with ease. Just place your seam under the pressure foot and put your needle down. Best pair of extra hands ever.

[@emmathompson3680]

I use liquid starch and dip fabric. Don't squeeze the fluid out. I hang mine on a wooden clothes rack. I had a plastic container just the right size to catch the drips. Works like a charm.

[@mamabear52]

As a fairly new quilter who purchased nice rulers for cutting, and had a 15yo self-healing mat from my architectural classes, I was good to go, or so I thought. The strip cutter was a game changer, no more slight shifts, perfect strips every time. I can make my own jelly rolls for a fraction of the cost. I purchased a smaller one to square off smaller pieces. I think they are especially helpful for new quilters, confidence builder

[@TheSewingChannel]

I totally agree...game changer✅

[@marissajoseph5638]

I absolutely love your channel!! The idea with the shaver as a seam ripper is great for us with arthritis.

[@velvetstitching3631]

I recently designed and sewed my daughter's wedding gown. I needed the edges of flimsy organza fabric to be stabilized with iron on interfacing. I pinned a grill mat (bronze) to my ironing board and when I ironed the Interfacing strips (glue side down) it stuck to the fabric but not to the bronze grill mat (and protected my fabric ironing board cover!) In fact any sticky substance (even fray check) didn't stick to the bronze sheet (make sure you have the sticky side down away from the hot iron plate!) I didn't care for the bronze nonstick mat on my grill - but love it to protect my ironing board cover!

[@lisaskidgel-yn1oj]

My hack for thread and bobbins. First, get a bobbin case that holds about 2 dozen bobbins in it. Second, for the thread, put a small piece of scotch tape on the end of the thread to keep it from coming undone. You’ll have all your bobbins in one spot and all the spools of thread stay neat. Easy!

[@person2463]

I liked the hair straightener be brilliant for hst's... and the electric quick unpick. 😆 hugs, Chel🌸

[@TheSewingChannel]

The flat iron was amazing indeed✅

[@margaretlewis2289]

Best use for a flat iron I’ve seen. I guess because when I use it in my hair it tends to sizzle and butn😢

[@PegsFiles4]

I just discovered your KZbin channel. I am 76 and have been sewing since I was 18. Will never know why I didn't know the trick to keep the bobbin threads in check. I keep my bobbins in a small drawer with strips of foam that they slip between. I am forever having to rewind the ends of the threads so I don't have to fight them to get a different bobbin out. I LOVE this tip.

[@dianeharris9432]

I love the flat iron hack. Much better than having a bulky iron for small pieces. Yes this is genius 👏

[@suzpain]

I use the liquid starch in a spray bottle and I use the dunk method but I hang it on a drying rack. It is so much cheaper than spray starch. And it’s stiffer too.

[@TheSewingChannel]

I think that is where the video I watched went wrong...they said to put in dryer...doing that made the starch weaken I think🤷🏻‍♀️ Maybe I will try again but this time no dryer...let it air dry✅

[@suzpain]

@@TheSewingChannel and I meant to say, great video!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thank you Suzanne💛

[@SewtheDistance]

Running out tomorrow to get a flat iron! Wow! Great video!

[@TheSewingChannel]

That flat iron worked so CRAZY WONDERFUL Kris!!!! It worked in 2 hot seconds LOL😂

[@sewbeitquilts]

same

[@HandmadebyYingwithDonna]

WTG girl love the hacks

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thank you so much Donna!!!❤️💛❤️

[@cr2884]

Try using a 5 pound weight on the slotted guide to the left of where your hand is. It helps hold things in place

[@rachelwest337]

I love the graph paper hack 🥰

[@cr2884]

I love my mini clippers. Great for cleaning up the backside of a quilt top before quilting.

[@sewbeitquilts]

I'm glad you tried the razor hack! I keep seeing it and I thought it would mess up the fabric! I am a believer now! I am with you on the ripping paper!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Fallon the razor hack really did work fast and efficiently ...and the flat iron left me speechless....for real!!!!!🤭

[@robinrowe8025]

I got to find my flat iron . And thanks for the tip on the sewing foot I always wondered why the screw was there now I got to get a Slope cut Template .

[@cc83jc85]

well, that hair iron is the only one I didn't know..I was astounded! A few others are also pretty good

[@nnickerson7636]

The flat iron hack was cool. I might have to get one. Thanks for sharing.

[@CraftOnAndSewForth]

tracy, this is Pam from Sew Becca Zooms. on the shake cutter use a regular rotary cutter the Martelli doesn't work well. make sure you keep your fingers out of the way holding it down because I cut the tip of my finger off. it's all right now it grew back LOL. I dilute down the starch and put it in the spray bottle. it's a lot cheaper than best press which I save for special stuff. on the shape cutter and other rulers use a wet erase marker to mark where you're cutting. this is good for when you're squaring up too

[@TheSewingChannel]

Oh my word Pam...you cut the tip of your finger off using that ruler?????? OH NO....now I may take mine back because you said that now...I'm for real...I sort of felt like that could happen...Oh my....and you say your finger grew back? say what? that can happen!!!???

[@CraftOnAndSewForth]

@@TheSewingChannel it was the corner tip finger and nail. It was my fault not checking where it was on the line. It could happen with any ruler and rotary cutter. I've cut myself by not closing it Luke your suppose too..lol

[@pegasusquilts]

The beard trimmer seam ripping is genius!

[@lizreynolds4554]

Thank you for sharing this GREAT INFORMATION. I made a shopping list. You are so helpful. I love the "show how it works," so helpful. I really appreciate it. 😊🍀💖

[@rachelwest337]

When using the stripology to cook perfect strips you have to use a regular rotary blade. I love mine!!!

[@melissaroth4467]

Love the flat iron tip! I have often used mine to "iron" something I have on when there's a small wrinkled spot- while I'm doing my hair. lol

[@Joyce-lq6gm]

I. Use plastic tubing the size of my bobbin diameter, and cut it the tubing so that it fits over the thread inside the bobbin. Then cut the tubing so you can put it over the thread in your bobbin & it will not unwind. Also, the thread I use does not have the slit on the side of the spool, but one end pulls up from the spool to keep it from unwinding. Simply pull gently on both ends of the spool to see which side pulls up, then wrap your loose end around the spool end that pulled up, when your thread is completely around. The end of the spool, push the end back down. I love the straw idea to keep wound bobbins and matching spool of thread together when working on a project! Thanks!

[@ConnieSavage-wh1xf]

Just watched your kaleidoscope tutorial . It was great. Thank you

[@springslady1]

Omg. The flat iron totally works!!!❤️

[@TheSewingChannel]

Yes...it's almost too good to be true Susan....but it is totally true✅💛

[@septemberbaby0903]

I’m a starcher .. I use Sta Flo 50/50 solution .. I too, soak my fabric before cutting and let it drip dry, then I press it. Yes, it is wrinkled, yes, all the wrinkles don’t come out .. but.. as quilter’s, we press our fabric a bunch of times when piecing and by the time the block is complete and the fabric has been pressed a bunch of times ..9 times out of 10, the fabric is wrinkle free. Great video!

[@TheSewingChannel]

I think I shouldn’t have put it in the dryer like the video I watched said to do🤷🏻‍♀️I will try again and see if air drying does the trick✅ thank you for watching 💛

[@homesteaderfiftywmartha603]

Use a flat iron for shirts! Works great!

[@tammyc.8751]

I hadn't heard of using a flat iron, thanks !!!! I do like to starch yards of fabric. When I iron, I either use a slightly damp sheet or I spray dampen the fabric with a bit of water and use teflon grill sheets, it's just as easy as spray starch, my iron stays clean and its much cheaper to use.

[@debcavan]

I love hacks. I have a smaller version on your larger beard cutter. It fits well into my hand. It gets a good angle. Have you ever tried spraying your starch on the back of your fabric? I like your twenty minute method. It gives the starch time to soak in. Have you ever used a hand weight on your rulers to help steady them. I am going to try that flat iron. Thanks

[@richrudley2650]

😃Thank you for all of the hacks that did work and the ones that did not work. Your are doing an excellent job.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thank you Rich💛 Hack videos are a lot of fun to make🎉

[@cathywestgate8040]

I use pipe cleaners to put my thread and bobbins together. The pipe cleaners are flexible and holds them together.

[@julieshoup1559]

I've used the slotted ruler for almost all my cutting fabric. I've actually worn out two already. I love, love it.

[@vondafreeland7578]

I have made and uses Quilter’s Moonshine, it's distilled water, vodka, liquid starch. I did put it in a spray bottle.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Oh wow Vonda...thanks for sharing your recipe🥴LOL😂

[@WhiteSwann]

Love the one with the flat iron. Gonna try that tomorrow. Thanks!

[@TheSewingChannel]

I think you will be shocked like me Jan✅

[@sallynebosky5238]

Genius! Sally Nebosky

[@chrissyoldfield8566]

I always wondered about using the trimmers as a seam ripper. Not that I use a seam ripper much 😉. Great video!

[@TheSewingChannel]

I don't use mine either much Chrissy....haha😆😉

[@lynnharrell9598]

Great video.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Lynn!!!💛

[@joyscranfield5527]

Tracey, whenever I use the strip cutting ruler, I use a small piece of tape to make each slot I plan on using...cuts down on my miscuts! Lovely video & tips

[@TheSewingChannel]

That is a great tip Joy for keeping the cuts straight✅ Thank you!!!💛

[@cynthiastark7258]

Me too

[@florenceschoenthaler6467]

agreed

[@pegasusquilts]

Great idea!

[@constanceeverett909]

Love to hear about hacks. My rotary cutter is my ripping hack. Especially good for double-stitched seams. Hold the seam tight exposing the thre ads. With a sharp cutter, just barely touch the area. Apply a little tension between so your fingers don't slip. I have never cut myself while ripping -keep a hold on the cutter, move the fabric. 😃

[@sprklhair]

I mix the liquid starch 50/50 with water and use a spray bottle. you have to shake the spray bottle occasionally. works great. and way cheaper than Mary Ellens best press. You can dilute the starch a little more than I did and it works well.

[@peggyjarvis6683]

anchor the end of the Material under your sewing machine foot and just zip along😊 I do this method often. I use my husband’s razor

[@TheSewingChannel]

Oh Oh Oh Peggy....that's a great idea....thank you for sharing it with us!!!!

[@pegasusquilts]

The slotted ruler does fe awkward but it is very helpful when cutting a number of strips from one fabric. No need to move the ruler after each cut. I now have 4 irons and 2 clover mini ir9ns, but I am tempted to try the flat iron!

[@janeahrens572]

Yah, I knew the leveler too. I’ve been sewing for 64 years. I’m always learning something. This was a good video

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thanks for watching Jane...I appreciate your support very much!💛

[@theresaharvey2424]

I love my slotted ruler! When pressing seams open I always use the homemade pressing solution. Equal parts CHEAP Vodka and distilled water, put it in a spray bottle and spray the seam you are going to press. Works great for getting out wrinkles and stiffening fabric.

[@patriciaguevara8793]

These hacks are fabulous! I appreciate that you tested each one and did comparisons. Definitely a winning tutorial!

[@yvethemetriccrafter688]

I did not know about the starch flecks before this video , this was really interesting,thank you .

[@TheSewingChannel]

You're welcome Yve!💛

[@flameshakk670]

The razor is Genius sis!!😂

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thank you sis for watching my crazy hack video LOL😂❤️

[@carriesaindon5382]

I like the martelli strip ruler because it doesn't slide. I see your using the martelli rotary cutter.

[@pollyann9841]

Thank you for the tip on the presser foot,always wondered what the knob was for.great time saver. I really believe we would get more out of our sewing if we understood what each foot was for.

[@munchkinheaven7877]

Brilliant hacks, will defo be trying the hair straighteners hack, than you Tracey

[@glynisreynolds446]

More great tips Tracy 👏👏 Who knew that my husband’s razor would be so useful 🤣🤣 Thanks Tracy 👍🇬🇧

[@TheSewingChannel]

You’re welcome 😊 Glynis...after I bought mine for this video...I figured if it didn't work then I would give to my hubby for backup...but now he's not getting it LOL😂

[@annmaines4964]

I loved them al!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Wow! I've got to go shopping.

[@TheSewingChannel]

LOL 😂 You best get going Arvetta💛

[@bethkoch11]

I love the shape cut ruler. I have the Creative Grids Stripology, but same concept as yours. I use it all the time for strips, and I even turn the strips 90 degrees and cut again if I need squares. As others have said, the best way to use it is with a 60mm rotary cutter, but the 45mm works well enough too. In my opinion this is a great tool and worth the money.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Awesome thank you for the feedback💛

[@lillianpalko]

I prefer Creative Grids Stripology also. It is more stable than other brands.

[@therugbymom6480]

Mix your Sta Flo 1:2 or 1:1 in a container and dip your fabric in until it is thoroughly wetted. Squeeze it a little if necessary, then hang it on a drying rack, or place it on towels to dry. It will be very stiff when it dries. You will probably need steam or a little water spray to get any creases out, but that would happen with the spray starch if the fabric was wadded up as it dried. All your fabric will shrink a little when washed, steamed, or starched, but it only draws up in one direction. A 10 x 10 piece from a layer cake will come out 10 x 9 1/2. A jelly roll strip will come out 2 1/2 x 40. You have to be careful if you're dipping different colors to go from light to dark, in case they leave some color behind in the starch bucket. I just bought an electric sprayer (plant mister) from Amazon to mix Sta Flo and spray it on my fabric to avoid that.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Great tips!!! I really do think the dryer messed up the process I used....I was following the video that I had watched🤷🏻‍♀️

[@PapercraftsbyCindyellen]

I was gonna add this comment and here it is!!

[@patriciasweet9102]

When working at a laundry mat years ago. I ironed clothing . We used that liquid starch. We ironed the dress shirts, slacks, uniforms.damp til dry.No wrinkles.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Did you dunk it in the liquid like in the video and then throw in dryer?....In my opinion I think it may work better if air dried...or just damp like what you said✅

[@crystaldubson7722]

I've read to use a flatt iron to iron the fabric between buttons on a shirt. It works as long as it's not extremely wrinkled.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Oh wow Crytsal...that is a great tip!!! I never heard that one! Thank you!💛

[@jhwilliams6550]

My grandmother taught me to flip over the button placket of a shirt and iron on the inside side. It works and you don’t have to try to get around the buttons. It’s also good because then you can catch any that have loose threads when you iron.

[@pamferguson9670]

Yes it was awkward at first but a good quality one is made thicker and works quite well. Thanks for all your videos

[@cindymcfarland4686]

I use my slotted ruler every day! I love it and I've had it for almost 10 years. I also never knew about the black knob on the presser foot. Nice to know. Thanks for all you do!!

[@TheSewingChannel]

I'm starting to get used to the slotted ruler now✅ not many know what the knob is ....glad to help💛

[@chrystalhenthorne8209]

LOL, had to get the flat iron!! Super video!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Oh my! The flat iron worked so incredibly ....I almost couldn't believe it LOL😂

[@dianec1712]

Omg have to get busy with my bobbins and straws. I will try the razor. Lol Love your tips.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Awesome Diane!!! Get some stronger straws than what I used LOL😂

[@denisesimmons5334]

I love that for quilt blocks! I have used my flat iron for shirt collars and pocket flaps on pants and shirts.

[@Cassandra-..-]

Tracy, we usually agree on everything, so let me try and convince you about the Stripology ruler! You have a generic one, and it looks like the cutting slots are narrower than in the Stripology Squared ruler. Also, I’ve found that the ergo cutter you have is a bit more difficult to use with that ruler than a straight 45 mm rotary cutter. I LOVE this ruler, especially for squaring up quilts at the corners, and then just connecting the cut lines with a straight ruler. It is also nice for squaring up blocks or cutting strips from scraps. I keep finding new uses for it. This is one of those cases where buying the name brand is better than buying the knock-off, I think. Now off to buy a hair straightener…!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Lol 😂 Cassandra. that straightener hack left me speechless lol-I thought June Tailor was the name brand. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I will definitely look into the stripology ruler✅ thank you for the tips!

[@Cassandra-..-]

@@TheSewingChannel Yes, you’re right. You have a name brand’s version. The original is from Gudrun Erla, GE Designs.

[@carlarigel252]

Thanks for sharing!

[@suziehemmer6116]

I love my slotted trimmers from Creative Grids. I have placed weights on top of my trimmer. This help me hold in place and I could trim faster and more layers at a time without worrying about slipping. Remember keep that blade straight up and down and not at a slant.

[@sujo0603]

I like using rubber bands to insert through the center of the bobbin and then over the thread spool. I do use a milkshake straw cut into narrow rings and then make a cut through the ring to wrap around the bobbin to keep it from unraveling.

[@janetcozens4623]

Just brilliant hints and tips thanks for sharing 😁😁😁😁😁

[@sshirleyks]

I tried the flat iron. Love it! Thanks.

[@deannaelsen4665]

Thank You. 🙏

[@rebeccamulkern1051]

I can’t believe how flat the seams were with the straighteners! Is there a chance that using them would burn the fabric? If not, we all need to start using this hack , great video ❤

[@rachelwest337]

I ABSOLUTELY Love the flat iron hack BUT I noticed that you would press and then dragged that will definitely stretch your material. I'm gonna get out my flat iron and give it a try!!!

[@Winnie-r-p]

Secret word is Genius. I like the idea of using the flat iron and I will give that a try. Thanks.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jmills4084]

Good video Secret word GENIUS

[@connieacree4006]

The little slice in the bottom of the spool is supposed to be placed down on the spool pin. The reason for this is that thread has a warp. I learned this when I took a sewing course.

[@marilynheath68]

I have 3 of the slotted cutting rulers and use them all the time. They are great for cutting squares and pieces from strips and strip sets. 2 thumbs up from me.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Awesome!!!

[@brendasporak4935]

Some very useful ideas there. Myself I use pipe cleaners to keep my shuttles together as theyre not so bulky and they bend much easier, saving space too 😉

[@pamschonfarber1041]

New sub here, thank you I sure did learn a lot today, I actually had just finished watching a binding video of yours, I really learned a lot on that too, so that & this video convinced me to subscribe, I look forward to learning more.

[@OnaleeBunner]

Great item

[@jeanisrael2732]

I have been wondering about the button on the presser foot for a long time. Thank you mystery solved. 🥳🙂 Also I use pipe cleaners to hold my bobbins on my spools and to clean my machine with. I have so many leftover from the Girl Scout years.

[@hinas_for_life]

The flat iron hack looks really good. I have a really old iron somewhere so I have to dig it out for my next project, Thank you!!!

[@DF-gu5nn]

Tracy, you are such a doll. I love watching your videos and the hacks. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Something that was taught to me by my quilting instructor about starching your fabric or blocks is to spray the starch or sizing on the wrong side of the fabric and allow it to soak in for a few minutes, then flip the fabric or block over and iron. The starch will come through the fibers of the fabric and you will have no flaking. I have been doing this for the past 5 years since I learned this and I never have flakes and do not have to worry about the build up of gunk on the iron from ironing over the starch. ❤❤

[@TheSewingChannel]

Great tip....I'm going to try it! Thank you!💛

[@barbaraa6098]

Love the flat iron, just GENIUS. Such great tips.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thank you so much Barbara💛

[@Bushelman]

I love all the hacks! Thank you for teaching me. 😁

[@TheSewingChannel]

You are so welcome Patricia💛

[@benettemcneill984]

Love the flat iron tip. I am going to go buy me a flat iron.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Absolutely get one...you'll be impressed for sure!!💛

[@suegsd2300]

Hi Tracy, I've used the shape cut rulers since they first came out. I use them for strips only. I can't recommend them enough! You may have better luck cutting with a regular rotary cutter as opposed to the Martelli. In my opinion, 2 really big thumbs up!😎

[@TheSewingChannel]

Yes I do think I can get used to it....I'm not sure though about using the regular cutter because I am now so used to the martelli🤷🏻‍♀️

[@dcwatashi]

She doesn’t need to swap out her Martelli rotary cutter she just has to use the 60 mm blade instead of a 45 mm

[@TheSewingChannel]

oh and I just got my 60mm...I'll try that next time...love the 60mm so much better anyways.✅

[@dcwatashi]

@@TheSewingChannel I think the 60 mm blade is recommended for cutting so many layers And since Martelli makes their own strip rulers using their rotary cutters it doesn’t make any sense that you would need to use an Olfa for example. Who knows give it a try

[@suegsd2300]

@@dcwatashi I wasn't aware that martelli came out with a 60 mil

[@meacadwell]

Love these and now I''m going to have to get a hair razor. The only hack I can think of is using a smaller white board to write my measurements for things on it. I attached magnets to the back so I can hang it all over my sewing room which has metal shelf holders and metal racking.

[@TheSewingChannel]

That's a great idea Mea✅

[@winnepeterson7740]

I like the Creative Grids slotted ruler designed by Gudrun Erla better than the June Taylor because of the many markings on it. Creative Grids also has a slotted ruler for circles, and one for ovals. It’s best to use a 28mm rotary cutter with the curved ones.

[@rachelwest337]

Kim at Fat Quarter Shop soaks EVERY SINGLE piece of her material with starch😁

[@KarenQuilts4Fun]

Soaking pre washed fabric in the “moderate” starch ratio -follow instructions on bottle work great for me-I wash the fabric, soak it in starch solution for 5-10 min and then dry-no white flakes, not problems ironing

[@lyngeariety4128]

For the strip cutting ruler, I use GE Designs Stripology Ruler. It is a sturdier plastic that does not shift. It was well worth the extra expense.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Lots agree with you here✅

[@winnepeterson7740]

The Stripology rulers are made by Creative Grids.

[@lucilaflores4912]

Great video, thanks

[@TheSewingChannel]

You're welcome Lucila💛

[@suzannesirotiak3635]

Tracy once again you have given me some great tips. I share your videos on Facebook all the time. Lol obsessed with your channel

[@TheSewingChannel]

Yay!!! I love that you are obsessed with my channel!!! LOL😂 Thank you so much for sharing my videos on another platform...it really does help my video to reach farther out...❤️