PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,261 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,261 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
Member since 3/24/04
Posts: 26392
Send Message
2 Replies
thumbsup 21 likes
Posted on: 5/1/18 3:58 PM ET
Recently, we had a good discussion on sewing and turning a notch. https://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/106867 OP's issue there was that she was getting puckers, and she found that she was not clipping the notch deeply enough.

To avoid clipping through a line of stitching accidentally, choose a pair of scissors that will cut right to the very tip of the blade. Insert the bottom blade in between the plies of fabric, all the way up to the seamline, and clip through the seam allowance. The point of the bottom blade will act as a stop to keep you from clipping through your seam. Turn the work over and do the same thing again, this time clipping the other seam allowance. Turn and press. Notch has been clipped in both seam allowances without endangering the seam.

This is also a good trick when you need to notch wide seam allowances for something like a neckline or armhole facing, but this time do it a bit differently: Insert lower blade between the facing seam allowance and garment seam allowance. Clip that seam allowance along as you normally would. Turn the work over, and again clip with the bottom blade between the plies of fabric, but offset your clips from the first one. When you turn and press the seam allowance, the offset clips will give you a smoother edge that won't read through as easily as if you clipped both seam allowances identically.

My other tip, if you're worried about the strength of the fabric after you've turned it (slits, for instance, in loosely woven fabrics can turn into a hole) is to add a tiny dot of Fray Block on the stitch line at the stress point, and iron it into the fabric with a warm iron, to help it dry quickly. Then turn the slit and press.
  
Member since 5/21/14
Posts: 14387
Send Message
thumbsup 5 likes
Posted on: 5/1/18 5:50 PM ET
Great tips! I learned about Gingher knife edge craft scissors here after seeing Kenneth D King use them on a craftsy class, calling them tailor points. My favorite clipping scissor. Short and strong (kinda like hubby.... )

I love what I learn here! It never ceases to amaze me how all these little details add up fast and have made me far more satisfied with my sewing. Keep 'em coming, please!
------
Little strokes fell great oaks. On the other hand, go big or go home!

Projects completed in 2024: 3 pairs gloves. Four pairs of jeans. Five custom tarps. A dozen linen hankies. A wool wrap for a friend. Four linen bath towels and 24 washcloths. Two bed pillows.
38.5 yards of fabric out.
  
Member since 7/19/17
Posts: 4898
Body Type:
Send Message
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 5/1/18 10:09 PM ET
Nice,
One video showed using a applique scizzors...finding using that technique often, but really does not work on curves as well as clipping...

------
You can lead people to the truth, but can't make them think.
  
Member since 12/8/04
Posts: 4969
Body Type:
Send Message
thumbsup 5 likes
Posted on: 5/2/18 6:49 AM ET
I have also inserted a straight pin to run across the tip of the vee so I won't be cut through, like done on button holes
------
height 5'2" bust 36, waist 31, hip 39.
I have way too many yards to count, and I will never use them up, but I will die trying!
  
Member since 7/20/08
Posts: 10762
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 5/2/18 7:46 AM ET
In reply to kayl
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
------
Mary


  
Member since 2/10/16
Posts: 188
Send Message
Posted on: 5/2/18 7:48 AM ET
In reply to kayl
Thank you for posting this as a sewing tip, as well as for your most helpful response on the other thread. The tip for inserting the bottom blade between the plies of fabric is brilliant! Offsetting facing SA clips is another great tip - have never seen that suggestion before, am anxious to use on my next garment.
  
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Elliott Berman Textiles
High-end Fashion Fabrics
Specials!
Nature's Fabrics
Natural & Organic Fabrics
Specials!