5 Tools to Try

February 2015
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com


Here are a few tools I can't seem to live without when I create fabric postcards (FPC).

Olfa Limited Edition

#1 ROTARY CUTTER AND MAT

I especially love to use the scallop or pinking blade on my rotary cutter.  Who says a postcard edge must always remain "straight"?

Standard blades come in 18mm, 38mm, 45mm and 60mm sizes.  
I use 45mm due to multiple layers.

There are many good brands and styles on the sewing market.  I believe I own about four different brands!

A gridded mat will help speed up your measuring and squaring off process.  

Rotary Cutting Safety Tips by Janet Wickell

OLFA: Top 5 Ways to use a Rotary Cutter


Visit Fiskars

Visit Clover

Kai pinking blade

Visit Havels

Visit Kai Video

Visit EdgePerfect

http://www.edgeperfectblade.com

On your right is a novelty rotary blade called the Edge Perfect Blade.  It makes large slits for wrapping yarns or novelty threads if you like blanket stitch edges.  

It fits most 45mm rotary cutter handles.  I have not personally tried this but it sure looks interesting!  I'm sure I'll be purchasing one soon.

#2 CARDBOARD "VIEWING" FRAME

I made this purple frame from heavy card stock.  The opening is an exact 4"x6" window.  This comes in handy when previewing fabric prints and design placements.

Make yourself a few of them because they are easy to misplace and tear.  I've been planning on making a sturdier window frame template from flexible plastic, similar to the plastic used in loose leaf binders.  This is used as a pre-viewing aid, NOT a cutting aid.

#3 NON-STICK CRAFTING OR COOKING SHEETS  

 RANGER INKS SHEET

These mats are a necessity for protection from fusible webs and stiffener.  They can withstand high heat from hot irons and protect your ironing board cover.

Crafting sheets are often made from fiberglass then coated in Teflon PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)  to prevent sticking from fusible adhesives, dyes, paints etc.,  Do not use these for baking foods.

Cooking sheets are also fiberglass but often coated in a food grade silicons or food grade Teflon.

If you buy them from a sewing shop you will pay significantly more.  If you purchase from a cooking utensil shop, they are much more affordable!   I even found one 
extra-large sheet in a clearance bin for 
$5.  It was listed as a non-stick grill sheet.

BEAR THREAD DESIGNS

Visit June Tailor non-stick

Visit Silpat Baking

Visit Bear Thread Designs

Visit Ranger Inks

MADE BY MeSEW

#4  EASY GRIP POSTCARD TEMPLATE

I discovered and ordered this clever 4x6 template made by "Me Sew".  It is growing on me everyday!  The handle is comfort-able and adds stability when trimming outer edges.  It is made from durable poly-carbonate.

My only disappointment is it measures 3 7/8" x 5 7/8" in size.  I prefer it to actually cut a real 4"x6" postcard size.

VISIT SCHMETZ NEEDLE CHART HERE

#5 TOP-STITCHING NEEDLES

The larger needle eye is durable enough to penetrate all the layers of a fabric postcard.  

I dislike changing needles for different threads and this top stitch style needle is adaptable to many different thread types and weights.  It has a larger groove along the scarf to assist with normal or heavier threads.  My favorite needle size is  90/14.







Thanks for stopping by!  I'd like to see your comments below! 
ShereeSews in M!ch!gan
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