Spray Starch
It may attract insects if not washed out and you do need to keep your iron clean or you can catch it and transfer marks to fabrics. But I like starch. You can find starch in a pump spray too.This can help tricky fabrics behave better and so improve the accuracy of cutting and sewing. If I use woven Homespun's I would definitely starch it first as these woven fabrics really do have a mind of their own and can be a bit limp. Spray slightly stiffens and flattens them.
Also great when working on quilt mini's when seams are small and every millimeter counts. You can get a flatter press with the iron.
If I am machine quilting with lots of lines and a walking foot I will starch the top before sandwiching. I think I get far less rucks and creeping and it makes the sandwich easier to smooth if using spray adhesive.
When piecing with bias edges, prone to stretch, or curved seams, starch helps maintain the cut edge and reduce stretching out of shape.
Magnetic pin cushion
This is brilliant! It stops my pins spilling anywhere and I can slip them out of fabric as I work at the machine and drop them at the pincushion without me even having to take my eyes off the project. I like pretty pincushions, but how many times have I picked one up and stabbed myself with a buried needle. Too many! Everyone should have one of these - even if they are ugly. Obviously I still keep all my "stealth stabbing pretties" though.
Stitch Unpick
There are lots of types. The cheap ones can be rough, have a wide point and short handle making it not so easy to work with. There is the clover one above which has a lid (great for travel) and the lid has a rubber tip for removing the ripped threads with ease. Apart from unpicking though, I like to use mine at the machine to help me manipulate fabric as I stitch.
Magnetic Pin Place
This is SO handy. It has a suction cap and so I might add to corner of my workplace, work lamp or the sewing machine. It is magnetic and does not interfere with computerized sewing machines in case you are worried. It is so useful at holding my preferred scissors, stitch unpick or single needle I am using at the time. I don't know about you but I am always misplacing my tools or when quilting, knocking anything around me onto the floor! This little thing has saved my sanity!
Free Motion Quilting Tools
There are an awful lot of threads on the web about Free Motion Quilting and the struggles people have. It is not easy and requires time and practice to develop the skill required. There are, however, definitely tools that can help make the process easier to achieve. Here are the tools that work for me.
All the above I have bought from Barnyarns, Ripon. in the UK
Supreme Slider
Basically this is a smooth silicone sheet which sits on the sewing machine bed. It has a pink rubbery feeling underside which clings. Upper side is super smooth. A small cut out window allows space for the needle to reach through the stitch plate and make a stitch. It sits over feed dogs if you choose not to or can't lower them.
Tape it down that avoids a slip as its hard to notice if you stitch through it. I find this tool brilliant, I have the larger Queen size. fabric just glides over its smooth surface helping to make a smooth controlled movement which is vital to a smoothly stitched design. I say again SMOOTH!
Thread Stand
This has helped me get better control over the thread delivery, reducing tension and twisting which has improved the stitch appearance on the top side of the project. Particularly if working with anything bigger than a standard thread reel. This stand can also deliver from a bobbin reel which I have found handy. I like this versatile, adjustable stand by Superior Threads. I wouldn't buy one unless you have a problem to begin with or want to use thread cones.
Machingers Quilters Gloves
These are great. Another tool I thought I didn't really need until I tried them. I use these every time I free motion quilt and they give me far more control over the movement of the fabric as I stitch. This means my hands are more relaxed and don't ache and so the stitch is better because I can move the fabric steadily. Some people find it annoying to have to take them off if you need to use scissors or thread/ handle a needle.
Schmetz Quilting Needles
The quality of needle is vital, it's just not worth skimping. Quilting needles have a grooved shaft which protects the thread, reducing friction and the likelihood of thread breaks.
More to come.... but I am off to sew now
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