Low Tech Quilting Hacks
Try these low tech quilting hacks to make to make quilting tasks easier. This post is about my favorite tools that I often use in my studio. Redirecting materials are a major motivating factor in my art. It so happens that it affects my low tech quilting hacks as well.
Threading the Needle
My regular sewing foot has a white plastic piece that holds it together. A bit of the white forms a background that allows for the ease of threading the needle. For years, I sewed clothing. Yet, never noticed this because I had no need to change the foot. As soon as I started quilting and began to use different feet, I noticed that threading the needle became more difficult.
What Had Changed?
I couldn’t figure out what had changed. It took me a while, the small white background was not longer there. So I recreated the white by using a small piece of white paper. I now keep a particularly stiff piece of white paper close at hand. For easy threading of the needle, I slip the paper behind the needle. When I use the walking foot or darning foot for free motion quilting, I can see the needle’s hole much better.
Easing of Fabric through the Feed-A Low Tech Quilting Hack
Many years ago I received a stick that looks like an orange stick used for nail care. Suzanne Cam gave them away as part of a quilting workshop. This tool has now become an indespensible tool. I use it often to grab threads, to gently guide fabric smoothly through the feed when necssary.
Moving Small Pieces- A Low Tech Quilting Hack
I also use the stick to move small pieces of fabric. For the fabric layering technique,I create my art flat on a table. I place the backing fabric down first. Then I lay the batting on top.Finally, I create the scene. At times this requires a gentle movement of small pieces of fabric or yarn. I use the stick for this. Nothing else creates a smooth curve or allows me to control the placement of small items or details.
Tiny Globs of Glue
At times I need to glue items to my fiber pieces. Often I only need the tiniest bit of glue not a glob of glue that might show. When my studio was in my home, I would use a plate from the kitchen to put the glue on. After moving to my studio,no plates were readily available.
Making Do
I flipped over the 3 ” plastic cap from the can of starch to use. To control the smallest bit of glue, I use a large needle or hat pin. When finished I can easily wipe off the residue of white glue . The pin or needle is then ready for its original intended use.
A Design Wall
I use a design wall to create my abstract pieces of art. It is essential for me to have a large space available. I would recommend at least 60″ high and wide. My studio design wall is about 90″ by 90″. I covered the wall with a piece of white flannel fabric. It is held in place by push pins. Portability is not an issue for me. Other quilters will swear by their expensive design walls. Don’t be fooled! Simple can be just as effective!
True Confessions Time!
I am not an early adopter nor a gadget person. Quality standard tools and materials are necessary. These hacks are very low tech. Whatever works! For those still reading this post, I expect to hear a chuckle or two or daresay I, some laughing out loud at their simplicity. What simple hacks do you use? Please share.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/forging-your-own-art-path/
More reading that may interest you.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/fabric-layering-technique-another-look/