A must for any workroom

[Schuhby Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Schuhby]

I know I've mentioned this before, but my must have item is a gridboard or patchwork ruler.. I have 3 and couldn't be without them.. You can buy them from John Lewis or on ebay for the same money.. Ebay search is "patchwork ruler" Check before you buy as they come in both cm's and inches... I have a 6 x 24 inch, a 16cm x 16cm and a 16cm x 60cm. Great for spacing rod pockets and doing hems and side turnings... Trust me, you'll woder how you ever managed without one..

Philip

see picture...

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[Angie Needle & Thread Find all posts View Profile Close Angie]

Re: A must for any workroom

I agree they're really useful; I bought one a few months ago and love it. However, for side and hem turnings I use thinnish cardboard cut to the appropriate size, e.g. 6cm, 7cm deep, etc., shaped like a bookmark on its side, and tuck it into the folded fabric and press over it with the edge of the fabric level with the top of the cardboard. When they get too floppy and shapeless from too much steam, it only takes a few seconds to make another one.

[Schuhby Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close Schuhby]

Re: A must for any workroom

Good idea there Angie, never thought of making templates before... Another item to consider is an adjustable sewing gauge.. Again, J Lewis of ebay.. Great for marking out seam allowances..

Picture below...

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[Angie Needle & Thread Find all posts View Profile Close Angie]

Re: A must for any workroom

Yes I agree about those too. I bought a pack of 10 from the wholesalers, gave a couple to friends and have them dotted about my room so I can always put my hands on one. Having said that, I think I'm down to two now.

The point about templates is that once you've made one, the measuring's automatic and therefore very quick.

[nic Pins & Needles Find all posts View Profile Close nic]

Re: A must for any workroom

We were taught to make the gauges out of cardboard at school, for skirt hems, and so on. Haven't thought about them since, but am thinking now. I find a six inch ruler invaluable, too. Sadly, mine has Power Rangers on it.

[jane Pins & Needles Find all posts View Profile Close jane]

Re: A must for any workroom

I also use an adjustable sewing gauge an awful lot but I do like the pre-cut cardboard idea - will give that a go. Cheers