What is it? – Did you ever wonder why we have all of these sewing notions? All of these tools that we use almost every time we sew? Quilting, fashion, heirloom, home décor or crafts, it doesn’t really matter. There are tools that apply to all of them while some notions are very specific to just one in particular. But why do we need them? When we start any project, we envision exactly what we want the finished article to look like, whether we’re replicating a sample or have something more original in mind. We have that vision and that inspires us.
Sewing notions are designed to help us achieve that very personal creative intent. Patterns, fabrics, threads, zippers, buttons, etc. are all selected with great care. Then we measure, mark, cut, pin and press with equal care. Everything is perfect and we’re ready for perhaps the most important step, sitting down at our sewing machines and putting thread to fabric. That makes it more or less permanent. So we want that to be as perfect as every other step in that creative process. But as Shakespeare’s Hamlet once posed, “Ay, there’s the rub.” How do we get those stitches in exactly the perfect position on our project? Remember, if we get it wrong it means the tedious task of taking all of those stitches out and trying again. The alternative is to unhappily accept those stitches as they are. Actually, neither option is acceptable and both are avoidable. Clover had developed the ultimate seam guide, the 6-in-1 Stick ‘n Stitch Guide, that will enable us to precisely place all of our stitches the first time every time.
What do they do? – There are numerous seam guides available either commercially or homemade. All have limited or application specific value that often provide inconsistent results. Clover’s 6-in-1 Stick ‘n Stitch Guide is a truly multi-function tool that will make sewing even the most difficult and demanding applications of thread to fabric a breeze. The stitch guide itself is a two-piece interlocking plastic foot. They can be used together or separately depending on your stitching application. Connection with your sewing machine is accomplished by a renewable adhesive attached permanently to the bottom of each foot. Just remove the seam guide feet from your machine when you’re done. They leave no adhesive residue. Washing the adhesive surface on the guide foot with dish soap renews the surface and its adhesive properties. The shapes and edges of each guide foot makes it perfect for a multitude of sewing applications. The included grid template measures placement from the needle position and ensures that the stitch guide is always just where we want it. So, how’s it used? Unlike other seam guides, the Stick ‘n Stitch Guide does way more than provide a single seam allowance. In fact its innovative design provides us with six different primary applications.
1.The two sections can be used either singly or together for straight stitching
2.We can place one foot on either side of the needle for fast, error free quilt strips or precision placement top stitches.
3.Place the curve side up in a position in front of the presser foot for outer curves.
4.Place the curve side down in a position in front of the presser foot for inner curves
5.Straight stitch on the right side.
6.Straight stitch on the left side.
One last thought, the Stick ‘n Stitch has some great applications for our sergers too! Think strips or gathering. It’s the perfect accessory and your stitches will be too.
How do I share them? – Seeing is believing. Leave one set up on a demo sewing machine with some fabric strips on the cabinet. Invite your visitors to sew a few strips. That’ll bring a smile their faces. And as always, samples sell. Make some models showing precision stitches and some dynamite top stitch applications. That will start the creative juices flowing and you’ll have fans for life.
