Is it possible to start a "tips" thread? I'm sure there are thousand of useful quilting tips out there. Think of all we could learn. I'll start with one.
Use an inexpensive letter/file holder from Staples or even the dollar store to hold your rulers.

That's so funny b/c I had almost that exact thought today myself! I think that is a great idea! I was thinking along the lines of a tip section so each tip could have it's own thread!

My tip: When mailing only a block or two, wrap them around an empty paper towel roll so there will be no set in fold marks. I even use wrapping paper tubes to wrap my quilt tops on-even if there is still wrapping on them sometimes!

Great idea! I save all my lids, like coffee, ect, to make plastic templates.

I use one of those magnetic screw holders for car mechanics on my work/cutting table for miscellaneous pins, my pencil sharpener, etc. It "catches" the pins so that they don't end up rolling under my fabric when I am measuring and cutting. A pin cushion just didn't seem to do a good job for me...I kept missing it!! :-)

You can also use pool noodles.......pins will stick into as well.

It's been done a few times. It always seems to peter out.

My tip is to give in and just stop sewing at 3:00 in the morning if your eyes are watering from eye strain from sewing away all day. I say that because it is possible you might incorporate part of your clothing ensemble into your project. Ask me how I know :-)

GREAT IDEA!!!!! I need all of the tips I can get......Sorry too new to have any of my own tips to share

Use those foam thingys to keep toes apart for pedicures to hold bobbins from unrolling and it also keeps them secure

I glued a piece of fine grit sandpaper to a small cutting mat and use that when I'm marking small pieces for applique ... it keeps the fabric from sliding around.

I use painters tape or masking tape to mark the lines on my ruler.

I also use masking tape or painters tape to mark straight lines when I'm machine quilting using a walking foot.

Susan

Spray shiny rulers with Minwax Polyurethane Clear Satin (or equivalent) to stop glare on surface of ruler from overhead lights.

I had this in another place, but I think it goes better under Tips
The way I thread my needles-----
Cut thread, blunt cut making sure there are no wild threads.
Hold the thread between your thumb and forefinger, now pull the thread down from the bottom until there is only a slight dot of thread showing.
Set the eye of the needle down on the dot,
BARELY roll your thumb and finger open while setting the eye down on the thread, now roll your thumb and finger UP, catching the thread. As you pull the thread up, you pull the needle down and I bet you the needle will be threaded. I've done it so many times I don't even have to look. lol
No poking at the eye four or five time.
Syl

That's what I've been using too ... mine has a couple of smaller sections that are just big enough to hold my rotary cutters by themselves, and another where I keep extra pens, and chalk markers.


Similarily, next to the sewing machine I have one of those lazy susan desk organizer racks ... hole in centre holds large scissors and regular ruler, bins and little slanted shelves on the sides. Most everything I need at the sewing machine fits in there!

Great suggestion!



Hint wanted ...
**How do you make the rulers/squares etc. less slippery?
Please? and Thanks!

and I wet the needle, not the thread....... works slick as a whistle!

I use a mini lint roller to remove threads that are left over from having to rip out seams.

I keep a scrap of fleece to put cut threads on. Threads really cling to it and you can just wipe up area.

They make sandpaper dots just for this! They recommend NOT using them on silk and satin types of fabrics otherwise the dots might snag the fabric. I found them in my quilting section at Joann's

I've tried the sandpaper dots, also the clear rubbery dots.
Haven't liked them, as the sometimes make the ruler tippy, particularly around seams.

Any other suggestions?

Here is a link with lots of great tips from board members. It was started a little while ago. Love all the great tips posted!
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-109077-1.htm

The little white canisters that bulk chewing gum comes in ... works perfect for storing "sharps" ie our rotary blades, broken needles, bent pins.

Also, for lots of other storage purposes.

I found them at the Dollar store. ;-)

To make threading the needle in your sewing machine easier, put a white piece of paper behind the eye. For some reason this makes the eye stand out.

Thanks for this tip. I'll be trying that ASAP! I have the worse time threading thaat needle and I can't seem to get the auto threader to work for me.

Me, too winnytoo and ThreadHead. Everyone is always so amazed that it works like a charm!

Keep one of the sticky lint rollers nearby. It's great for picking up little snippets of thread. AND it great for pulling out the tiny bits of thread when you have to rip out a seam.

LOL, do we need a stupidest mistake list, too? I've not done that yet, but I've sewed other fabric into a seam when I'm not being neat.

Minimize slipping of a shiny new ruler....very lightly spray the back side of the ruler with basting spray. Let dry a few minutes. At first it will want to stick to the fabric you are cutting, but after a few uses it will behave. Use isoprople alcohol to clean off the spray from the ruler if you really feel the need to .

I painted behind the needle eye with white-out about three years ago and it's still there.
Yes, anything white behind it works.

When threading a needle w/ clear thread, darken the end w/ a black felt tip pen. Makes the end easier to see when threading. Also, one can hold a small piece of light paper behind the needle. Makes the hole of the needle easier to see. Marge L.

You too? :D

But is it effective for very long?

I'm intrigued by this, but skeptical the sticky-ness may get on the fabric.

Would like to hear more from the OP about this.

Kitsie, for your slipperly rulers, the dollar stores sell little sheets of rough disks. I think you use them under things to keep them from sliding. I put 5 of them on my rulers and no more slipping. I know I'm not discribing them well but it's 5AM and my brain isn't in gear yet.

Also to make it easier to thread your needle (hand or machine) wet the eye of the needle instead of the thread

This is such a great idea. how do you keep your rulers from slipping.

Been there, done that :)

These tips are great!!!I think this a wonderful topic, I'vs learned so much today. Thank you all.

My favorite tip - when making a quilt, make the binding when you cut the pieces. Put the ready for quilting back on a hanger that has a cardboard cover (used for comforters at the cleaners) then use a old style no clip clothes pin and slip one end of your binding through the center. Place the fabric and pin on the table (open end of the pin down) and spin your binding like a jelly roll. When finished slip it off the pin and put in a sandwich bag, seal and snip a small hole in the center of the top edge. Hang over the hanger neck. Now everything is ready to go the second you finish the top and you are sure you won't use the binding material for something else by accident.

My tip is to read the quilting board everyday for tips.