Designer Techniques

Designer Tips

Thread saver

By Jennie Rayment

An invaluable device that saves yards and yards of thread, it is really a method of continuous sewing, rather like chain piecing in patchwork. (This is not my own idea - it’s an old tailoring trick worth remembering.) more…

Rummage among your remnants and find a small scrap of unwanted fabric.

This scrap is called a thread saver and will save a vast amount of thread - no long dangling ends; it also prevents tangled threads at the start of the seam; threads snag less often in the bottom bobbin; the needle does not unthread inadvertently because the threads were cut too short, and it’s energy saving - no need to raise the presser foot. Finally, for those who habitually deviate at the end of a seam, it may keep you on the straight and narrow - try it. It may help.

Method

• At the end of any line of stitching, DO NOT lift the presser foot, DO NOT remove the work or cut the threads but continue to sew.
• Sew off the work on to the scrap of material and STOP on the scrap. The presser foot is now sitting on the scrap of material. Leave the scrap there - do not move it.
• Detach the work from the small scrap by cutting the threads immediately behind the presser foot (at the back, between scrap and work).
• Continue with the next set of seams/piecing, sewing off the scrap and down the next seam (scrap is now attached to the start of the work).
• At the end of this line of stitching, cut the scrap off from the start and sew from the main piece of work on to the scrap once again. Cut threads behind the presser foot.
• Repeat, repeat, repeat etc.!

Give the idea a whirl - it seems complicated but is very easy when you get the hang of it.

HANDY HINT: Remember the only place to cut the threads is behind the presser foot (once you have sewn on to the thread saver and have stopped).

This tip has been provided by Jennie Rayment. For details of her books, workshops and lectures, contact Jennie at: Tel/Fax 01243 374860 (USA +44) (0) 1243 374860, Email jenrayment@aol.com, www.jennierayment.com.