Sue OVery-Pruitt - Pocket Guide to Sewing Notions

POCKET GUIDE TO SEWING NOTIONS

Landauer Publishing, www.landauerpub.com, is an imprint of
Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc.

Copyright 2021 by Sue OVery-Pruitt and
Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc.,
903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

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Editorial Director: Kerry Bogert
Editor: Amy Deputato
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Photographs by Sue O'Very-Pruitt and Heidi O'Very

Print ISBN 978-1-947163-43-0
eISBN 978-1-607658-16-0

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This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein.

The word notion has been part of the English language for centuries and, over the years, has acquired a variety of definitions. In the late fourteenth century, it was used to mean idea or concept. Over time, the word took on additional meanings, referring to how something should be done or a persons desire to do something. In more recent times, its also been used in a snobbish tone, meaning silly idea. By the nineteenth century, notion had also come to mean small objects or tools used in sewing, and that is precisely how I will be using the word in this book. There are thousands of sewing notions out there, and being that this is a pocket guide, I will break them into general categories, sharing an overview of items and limited lists of specific products and brands.

Specialty adhesives designed for use with fabric hold pieces together and are also used to position appliqu and trim.

An adhesive is a product with some sort of sticky substance that works to hold one thing to anotherin most cases, trims and fabrics.

Glue: Fabric glue is by far the fastest and most non-invasive way of holding two materials together for sewing in a wide range of projects. Glue sticks and pens typically come in two sizes: " (1.3cm) diameter and " (0.5cm) diameter. The wider sticks are ideal for larger projects, like adding trim to a purse or garment, while the narrower pens are ideal for smaller projects and working in tight spaces. Because the glue stick/pen works like a marker or regular pen, you can control the placement and amount of glue, which is especially helpful when working with small pieces of trim and appliqus. Refillable glue pens are slightly more expensive, but once you buy a pen, you only have to pay for refills.

June TailorFabric Glue Stick: This non-toxic glue stick with a " (1.3cm) diameter holds fabric in place for quilting, appliqu, hemming, and general sewing. It goes on purple, dries clear, and washes out. It also works well for English paper piecing, basting, and positioning fine trim.

DritzFabric Glue Stick: Use this glue for basting fabric, positioning trim and appliqu, matching plaids and stripes, and altering patterns. It is water soluble, acid free, and non-toxic, with a " (1.3cm) diameter.

SewlineWater-Soluble Fabric Glue Pen: This water-soluble glue starts out blue and dries clear. Use this product to hold fabrics together or position pieces for sewing. This " (0.5cm)diameter glue pen comes with one refill, with additional refills available in packages of two.

Seam sealant: Even though seam sealant isnt actually an adhesive that holds two fabrics together, I placed it in this section because it has some similar characteristics. For example, it is a liquid that dries on the fabric. Seam sealant is used to stop a fabric or trim from fraying and to seal loose thread tails. It is used very often with satin ribbon, which starts to unravel almost immediately when cut. If you apply seam sealant to the end of the ribbon quickly after cutting, you will stop the fraying.

The texture of seam sealant once its dry varies from product to product; it ranges from soft and pliable to slightly crisp. Let the seam sealant dry completely before touching it, because, depending on the fabric, the liquid can take on the color of the fabric and transfer it to another surface. I recommend always letting the seam sealant dry on a non-porous surface or a white sheet of paper. When the seam sealant has thoroughly dried, you can wash or dry-clean your fabrics.

June TailorFray Block: With an ultra-fine precision tip, this product prevents fraying on fabric and ribbon. It dries quickly, is clear, soft, and flexible, and is suitable for washing or dry cleaning.

DritzFray Check: This product keeps fabric from fraying and secures thread ends; it is also available with a fabric-guide applicator tip. Its suitable for washing or dry cleaning.

Spray adhesives: Spray adhesives allow you to cover large surfaces quickly with a light adhesive mist. Use a spray adhesive when putting two pieces of fabric together, for example, when making a placemat and applying the front fabric to the batting. If you are working on a large project, like a quilt, you should spray half of it at a time; otherwise, the glue from the spray will dry before youve had a chance to smooth out all the air bubbles. Look for a spray that is tacky while still allowing you to reposition the fabric. Be sure to pick a spray adhesive designed for sewing, because sprays designed for paper can leave spots on your fabric and gum up your needle. Some brands make adhesives that work with both fabric and paper.

Odif505 Temporary Adhesive: This temporary high-tack adhesive is odorless and colorless; it can be used for quilt basting, appliqu, and machine embroidery without a hoop. It leaves no residue and will not gum up needles.

SulkyKK 2000: This spray temporarily bonds fabrics together for appliqu as well as batting, other stabilizers, patterns, and templates. It allows you to reposition the fabric before stitching. This product adheres material to stabilizers to significantly reduce the movement of the material while embroidering. The formula will not gum up needles.

DritzSpray Adhesive: Use this temporary adhesive spray instead of basting and pinning. It is good for bonding fabric or paper, it allows repositioning, and it will not gum up needles.

Tape: There are two main types of tape for sewing, but they both serve the purpose of holding materials together temporarily for sewing. The first type is wash-away embroidery tape, which can be used for many applications other than embroideryeven for tasks like attaching a zipper to a skirt. You can sew through the tape without it gumming up your needle, and the tape will not get trapped in your project. It perforates upon being penetrated by a needle, and any small bits that remain will wash out.