Many kinds of special equipment are designed to save time in layout, construction and pressing. The more you sew, the more these aids will become necessities. Here is an overview of some of these specialized sewing products:
Tabletop ironing board is portable and saves space. It keeps large pieces of fabric on the table and helps cultivate the habit of pressing while you sew. Needle gripper locks tight to hold the needle, allowing needle to be pulled through heavy fabric. Loop turner is designed with a latch hook device at one end to grasp bias tubing or cording and turn it to the right side. Bodkin threads ribbon, elastic or cord through a casing without twisting. Point turner, made of wood or plastic, pokes out the tailored points in collars, lapels and pockets without risking a tear. Folding cutting board protects a fine table's finish from pin or shears scratches, and also prevents fabric from slipping while cutting.
Magnetic pin catcher and pincushion keep all-steel pins in their place. Weights, most easily used on smaller pattern piece, hold a pattern in place for cutting, eliminating time-consuming pinning and un-pinning. Basting tape is double-faced adhesive tape that eliminates pinning and thread basting. Liquid ravel preventer is a colorless plastic liquid, which prevents fraying by stiffening fabric slightly. Glue substitutes for pinning or basting by holding fabric, leather, vinyl, felt, and trims. Patch pockets and zippers in place for permanent stitching.
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