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I use mine all the time also. Can't be without it for accurate piecing

I use to cut my fabric into triangles before sewing but stopped doing that after I watched Eleanor Burns. It is so much easier to draw a line on a square and sew a 1/4 of an inch on each side the cut them in half. But if I have to make a multiple number of hst I will place 2 fabrics right sides together, figure my measurements, example: for 4 1/2 in hst, to get 16 hst, cut fabric at 10 x 20 inches, mark fabric 5 inches all the way across the 20 inch side, then down the center of the 10 inch side. Then draw a line diagonally every other square set, the repeat going the other direction. Start sewing 1/4 inch on each side of all diagonally lines. Then cut apart on all drawn lines. Very easy. I hope this makes sense to you, if not here is Eleanors site for how she does this method making a bear paw block.

http://vimeo.com/album/1321436/video/15469320

I use bent tweezers, a bamboo skewer, a knitting needle or a used sewing machine needle that I stuck through a cork. They all work and I use whichever is closer when I need it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by catsnchina (Post 6007635)

I use my stiletto esp. joining the end of pieces with points such as trianges.

Another trick that I was taught is to use a trailing pin. You put the pin in point first at the pointy end where you will end sewing. The pin should be to one side of the where you sewing machine needle with go thru the fabric. As the feed dogs pull the fabric away from you, just hold the top of the pin and slowly let it slide out of the fabric as the fabric moves.

You will finish with a perfect 1/4 inch seam rather than one that veers crooked. Works like a charm. Just be sure your sewing machine needle doesn't hit the pin. I hold the pin start helping it extract before the machine needle reaches it. Stitch slowly at this point.

I love this idea. I will be trying that. Every once in a while there is a triangle that you have to sew separately and can't make them from a square first. This would keep the points straight until they go under the needle.