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From: wifetod
Date: 02-22-2004, 10:13 AM (1 of 11)
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Way back when, when I was sewing before I started up again now. I was using something called a loop turner for turning straps. I remember how slick it worked. I am now working on a maternity dress for my DD and I have tie ends and straps to turn. I worked on the tie ends last night. I have the nifty device but can't find the directions. I got them turned using it but it took, no joke, hours. What did I do wrong and is there a better way to do it? I will have the straps today. Thanks, Jolene Jolene
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User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004 Total posts: 149 
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From: MaryW
Date: 02-23-2004, 06:00 PM (2 of 11)
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I have no idea what you did that took hours. An easy way to make straps is this. Cut your strip, press one long edge under, cover other raw edge with it and stitch. You will have one line of stitching show. Press so seam is center of the strip. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: wifetod
Date: 02-23-2004, 06:27 PM (3 of 11)
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I just did what the instructions told me to do. I had this approx. 18 inch long strip they told me to fold in half, right sides together, then stitch one end and the long end and then turn it. So it was only maybe 1/8 to 1/4 " wide, long tube. I just couldn't get the loop turner to work for me. My husband worked with it too. I finally got it but it wasn't the most pleasant sewing adventure I have had so far. Your way sounds much easier! Jolene Jolene
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User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004 Total posts: 149
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From: MaryW
Date: 02-24-2004, 11:10 AM (4 of 11)
Jolene, I have done what you describe. My loop turner ended up in the garbage when I had a long piece that just wouldn't co-operate. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 02-24-2004, 01:15 PM (5 of 11)
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what shape is the turner? is is like a the shape of an old ice pick? or is it a straight tube? |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: wifetod
Date: 02-24-2004, 01:30 PM (6 of 11)
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The turner I have now is nothing but a long wire with a hook on it. I did get this job done but what a pain. Jolene Jolene
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User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004 Total posts: 149
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From: paroper
Date: 02-24-2004, 04:15 PM (7 of 11)
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Did you trim the seam? When the strap is so tiny, the seams can end up being almost as big as the center of the strap, making it very hard to turn unless you trim them. The wire turner can be a pretty nifty way to turn a small strap. If it is a larger strap, there is also a turner that looks like the old ice tongs that works well.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-25-2004, 07:35 PM (8 of 11)
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I have a set of those turners.. I think mine is Fasturn (brand). I have the wire thingee with the twist on the end , but they also have a metal tube in several different sizes... Sew the tube, put it over the metal tube, insert wire inside tube, lay end of fabric over the opening, insert wire twist into end of fabric and turn it one turn to anchor in the cloth then gently pull back on the wire to start the fabric back thru the metal tube.. Be gentle so you do not dislodge the wire.. It pulls the fabric right thru and Voila ! ! ,, you have a finished strap , ready to attach to your garment..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Llantrisant
Date: 03-06-2004, 10:32 AM (9 of 11)
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I have seen those tube turners,but I use some scrap fabric ,in a length i need for the project, I sew it to the top edge inside,then sew my seam length wrong side of course.Pull the tail thru of scrap fabric,viola a turned strap!then cut off the strip of scrap to neaten.Saves me money too.
If at first you don't suceed, try-try again!
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User: Llantrisant
Member since: 06-02-2002 Total posts: 144 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-06-2004, 10:48 PM (10 of 11)
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A bit of yarn or thread works too. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Clarkia
Date: 03-09-2004, 11:13 AM (11 of 11)
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I have a set of Fasturn tube turners that I use frequently and I just checked, they go down to a very small diameter. They are not cheap though so if you dont have a set you should be able to made a work-around. Take your 18 inch by one inch or whatever piece of fabric, fold it right sides together. I would press it gently so it lies flat. Lay a pice of soft string a few inches longer than your fabric down the center. Sew the tube down the side, being careful not to catch the string in your seam. Then double sew the string in place across one end. Trim the edge of your tube, leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Gently pull on the string to start the fabric turning and before you know it the whole thing will be a neat tube. Cut the string off, and there you are. Kay
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User: Clarkia
Member since: 05-05-2003 Total posts: 23 |
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