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Member since 6/5/11
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Posted on: 1/3/16 11:44 AM ET
My husband helped me make the most wonderful sewing tool ever.

Now, it seems kind of silly for me to say that a block of wood is an amazing invention, but bear with me. A very common problem in sewing is marking seam allowances. Before altering a pattern, first the seam allowances need to be marked in order to account for them in the alterations. Similarly, lots of self-drafted, European, or indie patterns don't have seam allowances so they need to be added in before cutting out the fabric.

In either case, the tedium of carefully marking 1/2" or 5/8" takes concentration and time. It's especially challenging on curves or anything that isn't a perfectly straight line.

Enter in the wooden block. We made a squared block that was flat on all six sides with 90 degree edges. Then we drilled a hole to hold my marking pen. From that hole we measured from the center point to the edges and made one edge 1/4", one 1/2", and one 5/8". Finally we squared a line from the center point out to the edge so that it's easy to tell what part of the edge to line up with the seam line. Now it's as easy as gently pushing the block of wood on the edge of the pattern and I have perfectly spaced seam allowances even on curves. Isn't that just amazing?!
-- Edited on 1/3/16 at 11:52 AM --
  
Member since 11/28/13
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Posted on: 1/3/16 11:48 AM ET
In reply to MaryDelUnicorno
Nice tool. I've seen rulers based on the same principle, although they were for adding 1/32 and 1/16 of an inch.

Some people use a measuring tape of appropriate width to mark seam allowances. I use a C-thru ruler and chalk or a pencil.

No matter the method used, some clean smoothing out work with a French and/or a hip curve is usually necessary.
-- Edited on 1/3/16 at 11:50 AM --
  
Member since 9/18/02
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Posted on: 1/3/16 11:54 AM ET
What a great idea! And a great husband, too!
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Debbie
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
  
Member since 2/19/04
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Posted on: 1/3/16 11:56 AM ET
In reply to MaryDelUnicorno
Very nice idea. Thanks for sharing.
  
Member since 1/3/10
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Posted on: 1/3/16 12:00 PM ET
very nice!
  
Member since 10/30/10
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Posted on: 1/3/16 12:05 PM ET
Thank you for sharing this.
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It's just fabric; we can out-think it.
  
Member since 5/27/03
Posts: 965
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Posted on: 1/3/16 12:07 PM ET
In reply to MaryDelUnicorno
That is so cool! How wonderful that he is so supportive of your sewing.
  
Member since 8/4/13
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Posted on: 1/3/16 12:14 PM ET
Awesome! Your husband sounds dreamy
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A lint trap is basically a graveyard for the fabric you are losing from your clothes.
  
Member since 2/6/13
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Posted on: 1/3/16 12:16 PM ET
Have you thought of patenting it? You might want to think of it!

Great, simple, and effective, idea!
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Heidi

I love, love, love, love, love sewing! :-D
  
Member since 5/21/14
Posts: 14387
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Posted on: 1/3/16 12:23 PM ET
The simplest tools are often the best! This is great!
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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.
  
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