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Another hint: go to the variety store or hardware store and get a small pair of pliers (jewelry pliers work also). These work extremely well.
Lucille |
I purchased a pair of hemostats at a flea market. They are the metal scissorlike tool that they use to sew stitches durring surgery. They grip the needle wonderfully. Sometimes I get greedy and put to many stitches on my needle when quilting. The hemostat can pull it right through. I think they were about $5.
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Hemostats work wonderfully well for needle pullers also. I also have several different sizes. I use them for turning tubes, and for applique. I have seen a technique for creating several appliques, turned and ready to fasten down to fabric and the hemostats are great for turning your pieces.
Lucille |
One trip to the Dollar Store will get you nearly a lifetime supply of "needle pullers"! I've used them for years . . . get a package of round balloons. Snip off the top 1/2" to 5/8" and slip the remaining part over your finger(s).
Not only functional, fit like a second skin, they're cheap and colorful besides. I've tried all the others and find these best - perhaps because I've got the enlarged "nodules" on my fingers because of arthritis. Actually, I get a few cut and ready and store them in a small container with a sprinkle of baby powder. You'll love 'em. |
Originally Posted by Cathie_R
I bought a box of disposable gloves from a hardware store and cut the fingers out of them to use on my index finger. Works great. I have also used tape from an auto parts store to mark a grid line. It's original use is to mark off trim on a car to be painted. It does not leave a residue on the car paint or on my fabric. Probably a lot cheaper than marking tape at a quiilt shop. I know the disposable gloves are economical as one finger lasts a long time. Any disposable glove would work as long as the fingers are form fitting.
That's what I do too. I just use the cheap disposable glove finger tips. |
Finger cots----we always called them "finger rubbers"...you can purchase them in the band aid isle of most any store...Walmart, K-mart, RiteAid etc.
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Originally Posted by Lucille A
Another hint: go to the variety store or hardware store and get a small pair of pliers (jewelry pliers work also). These work extremely well.
Lucille Actually I was hoping to avoid picking up and putting down, the way I am now. I feel I could go a bit faster if I could keep the needle in my hand the whole time. I really love hand quilting, but whenever it gets close to the seams, stuff slows down. |
Jo Belmont.......that is funny. I was going to post about wearing a balloon, but thought people would send out the guys in the white coats! Glad you mentioned it. I does work like a charm. I use the long skinny ones, and usually have to blow the balloon up and leave it for an hour or so before using, or it is too tight. I just roll it on my finger. Also use the talc. Once it's on, I forget its there. My neighbor came calling the other day and asked what happened to my "orange" finger! I have tried the thin cots sold in the bandade department, but find them a bit sloppy and am forever tugging them back on. Have used balloon's for years!
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Add that to "wonderful solutions"thank you :thumbup:
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I use finger cots but turn them inside out so the nubby part is next to my finger. It works great.
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