Handy Info RSS



How to keep sewing pins sharp

Sewing pins are thin, pointed tools used to hold fabric in place while sewing or fitting clothing. They are also known as straight pins or dressmaker's pins. They are usually made of nickel plated steel and feature a flat, ornamental head on one end and a pointy sharp end.Sewing pins can be used to mark fabric, affix pattern pieces to fabric, and hold fabric in place. It is important that the pins are sharp in these circumstances in order to puncture the fabric neatly and precisely.Can sewing pins be sharpened? No, sewing pins cannot be sharpened in the conventional sense.  Sewing pins do not have a continuous edge that can be polished to a fine point like scissors or knives, which may...

Continue reading



Can sewing scissors be sharpened?

Like any other form of scissors, sewing scissors can eventually become worn out from repeated usage. Blunt scissors can make it challenging to cut fabric precisely and smoothly, which can be frustrating and increase the likelihood of mistakes in your sewing projects.Fortunately, sewing scissors may be sharpened to restore their sharpness and enhance their functionality. Sewing scissors can be sharpened in a few different ways, such as using a sharpening stone, visiting a professional sharpener, or using a manual or electric sharpener made especially for scissors. As sewing scissors tend to be an investment, we recommend leaving this one up to the professionals! If you're unable to find a scissors sharpener in your area, we recommend asking at your local fabric store...

Continue reading



How do you use thread snips?

Thread snips are sometimes called thread clippers, nippers or thread cutters. They're small spring-loaded scissors that can be used for trimming loose threads as a garment is finished. They're also great for quickly trimming a thread at the sewing machine as a seam is finished.

Continue reading



Why you should only cut fabric with your sewing scissors

Does cutting paper dull sewing scissors? Yes, using your fabric scissors on paper will dull them quicker than if they were just used for fabrics.  Clay (calcium carbonate) is used in the manufacture of paper and cardboard as a filler and coating as it provides opacity, brightness and improved ability to print on the paper. This calcium carbonate is very hard and abrasive, which dulls the fine edge of scissors. 

Continue reading



Choosing the right pin for the job

With so many different types of sewing pins available, it can seem overwhelming choosing the right pin for the job. Here, we give an overview of what to look out for when selecting a sewing pin for your kit. What are sewing pins made from? Pins can be made from a number of different metals, including brass, nickel, steel or a mix of them. Stainless steel, brass and nickel-plated brass pins are rust-proof, which is important if you plan on leaving your pins in your work for an extended period of time. Nickel-plated steel pins are rust-resistant and will also work with a pin magnet.    Different pin types and uses: Basting Pins - The curved shape of this pin allows...

Continue reading