Go to the local hardware store, and get some light copper piping, have them cut it to a workable size, mine is 9 inches. My local True Value did this for free.
Then find small dowels that fit inside. Found mine at WalMart for 44 cents a piece.
Then you sew the tube (one side should be sewn closed), slide the piping inside, and poke it through the end with the dowel.
Whole set up cost me under 5$ for 3 different sizes.
Lets say I have a purse handle that I want to turn :
I sew the handle into a tube making sure one edge is sewn shut. Step 1
Then I insert the copper tubing into the fabric tube all the way in, until it is up against the sewn edge. Step 2
Then I sometimes shimmy the rest of the fabric up, so I can get a good hold of the copper tube. Step 3
Then I used the dowel and push against the fabric, forcing it with the dowel into the tube and out the other end. Step 4
Step 5
Then I just grab it and pull it all the way through the tube.
Step 6
Its now the right side out !!
I took some pictures of the process. I am actually using a crochet hook in these because the minute I took the dowels out (which are a tad longer then the needle) they were stolen buy a pack of kitties... |
|Login|Help]
Great tip, Gina. I do this too...even a drinking straw works for skinny spagetti strap tubes.
5/5/04 6:57 AM
Great tip, Gina. What an intriguing website you've created, I had a delightful time wandering around in it and found your fabric shopping tips very useful..
5/5/04 7:39 AM
Thanks for the great tip, Gina. I mentioned it to my DH and he has various widths of copper piping and dowels in his workshop. Says he will make some up for me.
5/6/04 11:00 AM
Sounds great and workable, too. Just wish it had been posted before I bought the tube turning set (sigh) At least I got them at a discount!
5/7/04 10:24 AM
Do you file the copper edge so it isnt sharp? Will metal edge cut fabric?
6/29/04 4:32 PM
I have been wanting one of those Fast tubes, but haven't wanted to spend the money! THanks so much for your directions. I will be sure to make my own now!
10/3/04 3:29 PM
Fabulous idea, thanks.
10/22/06 2:50 AM
This is a great idea. I am going to Lowe's to try it out. Thank you.
7/23/11 11:50 AM