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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 02-16-2007, 10:18 AM (1 of 12)
Ok guys I have a question and i'm sure some of you out there might get a great laugh at this. I want to make those cute little halter tops, or the ones with the narrow straps. My question is......how in the world if you make a small narrow strap, how do you turn it right side out??? Is there some tool that you use?? I hope that i'm making myself clear enough on this, I really don't know all the "sewing terms" yet lol. 
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User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007 Total posts: 133 
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From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 02-16-2007, 10:33 AM (2 of 12)
| There's a product on the market called the tube turner.I have a set of them and I think they work great. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 02-16-2007, 10:36 AM (3 of 12)
Thank you so much. I knew there had to be something on the market lol. Looks like I need to make a trip to the store. 
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User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007 Total posts: 133
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From: 4Chloe&Emma
Date: 02-16-2007, 10:45 AM (4 of 12)
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Hey, I found this article online that's really helpful http://sewing.about.com/library/sewnews/library/aatips28.htm Also, I've always just used a safety pin. You clip it on one end and thread it through the inside of the tube and it turns it right side out. I've never used a tube turner, but it sounds really cool, I'm guessing it's probably easier than the safety pin method?? Chassie www.bowdiva.com Chassie Walcher
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User: 4Chloe&Emma
Member since: 06-01-2006 Total posts: 21 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-16-2007, 11:31 AM (5 of 12)
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There is a little wire tool that has a loop on one end and a self-closing hook on the other. You put the wire through the strap, hook the raw edge and pull it back on itself. It runs less than $5 and is worth its weight in gold and stress relief! Sometimes there is too much fabric to turn, you may need to trim the seam allowance. You can also knot the end of a piece of kite string, sew the area after the knot on the right side edge of your strap before you sew the strap. Do not catch the string in the seam allowance. When you finish, pull the string and the strap will turn. If you would like a corded strap, use cording and sew in the center, when you pull the cord, the strap will cord itself as the cord passes through. This gives the strap a rounded look and helps reinforce the strap too! http://www.hancockfabrics.com/product/16293.html I used the safety pin for years but it is a pain when trying to turn very small spaghetti straps! 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: PaulineG
Date: 02-16-2007, 02:53 PM (6 of 12)
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So is there a magic trick to try when the strap you are making is a continuation of a bound edge (for example around a halter top - binding the back and under armholes and then at neckline leaving the body of the garment to continue up as halter straps). I've just been doing this the long, slow and painful way with an iron and lots of pins.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 02-16-2007, 05:02 PM (7 of 12)
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I cheat when they are thin spaghetti straps. I make bias binding from the material, iron it so the edges are all inside, and then top stitch it closed. Then instead of Pauline and her pins, you use what you need as real bias binding for the neckine, and then it is really easy to sew the straps. This is why I can now run up a pillowcase dress in about 25 minutes. Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 02-17-2007, 04:52 AM (8 of 12)
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That's what I do also Soph but when I make the binding tape out of ribbing I find that I need to pin it to keep it in place as the ironing alone won't hold it. And maybe practice makes perfect because there is no way I could do even that step alone in 25 minutes. Almost the very first thing I looked for and posted for when I joined this site was premade ribbed binding (around 20-25 mm) but am still looking in vain. My local Spotlight was renovated recently and now carries a very small selection of stretch satin binding (a bit too narrow though) and an increased range of bias binding but what I really want is ribbing. If I hadn't got a rotary cutter it would take me even longer still. I got a bias tape maker and although it works okay for cotton (although folding and ironing by hand is still quicker) I can't get a good result with stretch. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 02-17-2007, 11:15 AM (9 of 12)
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PaulineG I hear you! I get really annoyed making stretch bias, it takes forever. I have to be so careful or it will overstretch in the process of making it and then shrink when it washes on the garment. It also doesn't stay pressed well - I am trying to think if that might be because of the make up of the fabric but I'm pretty sure most times I am using 100% cotton. One thing I have found though is that not all bias makers are created equal. I had a really crappy one for years and thought they were all like that, then I saw one that looked like it might be much better and it is. At least no pinning is needed with it. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 02-17-2007, 04:45 PM (10 of 12)
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Hey Jen what brand did you buy - I've got a Clover one. I'm interested to hear of any brands people think are any good - particularly for stretch.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-19-2007, 08:33 PM (11 of 12)
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Y'all have totally confused me , now.. Are you talking about binding now?? I thought this was about turning tubes (like spaghetti straps, for instance)... If so, when I make them from knits, I insert a strip of 1/8 inch elastic inside the tube to help it hold without stretching all out of shape.. The elastic will give somewhat, but spring right back.. Plain old bias made from knit just keeps on growing forever, at least that is what it does for me..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 02-19-2007, 10:41 PM (12 of 12)
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It started out being about straps but changed (sorry) to binding. I make quite a few things for my dd that have a bound edge that continues past the garment edge to become a strap - that's why. However you may have given me an inspiration. More later. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
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