What tricks do you use when DIY'ing?

**latriper** · 02-08-2015, 21:10

I couldn't figure out the best way to convey this in the title. Someone posted recently how they made a stand out of a coat hanger for a cone of thread. That got me curious what other things people have come up with to aid in their DIY. For lack of a better explanation here are a few things I have done.

Taped a lighter to a 2 foot piece of cord so my lighter hangs down for easy access.
IMG_20150208_192923.jpg

Put my sewing machine pedal on a rubber mouse pad to keep it from sliding
IMG_20150208_193246.jpg

Sewed up a no see um pouch to keep my sharpies and splicing tools handy
IMG_20150208_192954.jpg

I know there are some awesome ideas out there. Lets see them!

**gmcttr** · 02-08-2015, 22:06

The spool that Gutermann Mara 70 comes on is too large for the spool pin on sewing machines. This allows the spool to 'bounce' around causing problems from uneven thread tension and sometimes the thread falling down the spool and around the spool pin.

I used a piece of 3/8" dowel to make enlargers for a better fit that work very well.

IMG_3933 (Medium).JPG IMG_3937 (Medium).JPG IMG_3936 (Medium).JPG

**latriper** · 02-08-2015, 22:51

Originally Posted by gmcttr

The spool that Gutermann Mara 70 comes on is too large for the spool pin on sewing machines. This allows the spool to 'bounce' around causing problems from uneven thread tension and sometimes the thread falling down the spool and around the spool pin.

I used a piece of 3/8" dowel to make enlargers for a better fit that work very well.

IMG_3933 (Medium).JPG IMG_3937 (Medium).JPG IMG_3936 (Medium).JPG

Thats awesome! i have had that same problem. How did you drill out the dowel?

**gmcttr** · 02-08-2015, 23:56

Hand held with a drill press. I'm guessing I used a machinist's V-block on end to maintain plumb. I'd get it done with a hand drill if I had to.

Here's the first version made out of an ancient dried up ink pen (it helped but the fit of the dowel is much better)...

IMG_4276 (Medium).JPG

**latriper** · 02-09-2015, 00:06

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Hand held with a drill press. I'm guessing I used a machinist's V-block on end to maintain plumb. I'd get it done with a hand drill if I had to.

Here's the first version made out of an ancient dried up ink pen (it helped but the fit of the dowel is much better)...

IMG_4276 (Medium).JPG

Thats what I'm talking about! I might have a hard time with the dowel(no drill press) but I can do the pen. Things like this are so helpful! Thanks gmcttr

**Dutch** · 02-09-2015, 00:13

My sewing sash

**latriper** · 02-09-2015, 01:08

Originally Posted by Dutch

My sewing sash

WOW!! I knew there had to be others out there that had the same condition I have. You know, where you can't turn your mind off from always trying to come up with a this or a that to aid in my other "condition" of DIY madness. Love it! Dutchware clothing accessories

I love the idea of the small scissors attached. I think I may find a way to use one of those retractable lines with a clip like people have with their name badge / security cards. Thanks for posting Dutch!

**Snowball** · 02-09-2015, 03:31

I always keep a clamp around so I can attach the fabric to the edge of the table. Its handy when sewing large pieces of fabric because the fabric often tents to pull in a direction I don’t want. Easy to move or remove. I also have an extra lamp with a clamp.
the setup.jpg

If I had the space (I don’t) I would make a dedicated table for my tread injector. If the surface on the tread injector and the table was level it would be so much easier to move the fabric around and control it.
Various table solutions

I also have a collection of DIY hem tools.
IMG_20141010_185430.jpg IMG_20141010_185154.jpg
Masking tape is also your friend. You can make a quick guide or hold anything in place temporary. I use it for my hem tools.

**Just Bill** · 02-09-2015, 10:02

Not sure if I'd call it a trick or not, but curious if I'm the only one...

I sew standing up. I started on a little folding card table due to space, but when I had big stuff to sew I ended up putting the machine on the kitchen counter so I had room. Now I have a 4x8 sheet of MDF on some saw horses as a combo layout/sewing table.

I never thought much of it, but come to think of it, everytime I see somebody sewing they are sitting down. Any other standers out there?

**Richard Tipton** · 02-09-2015, 10:28

I don't have any tips or tricks to offer but I've pilfered a few from this thread already! The lighter on a cord, the spool dowel, and although I don't need it for straight hems, the aluminum rolled hem guide. Keep them coming!