Sewing Essentials Part 2

This is the second part in the series Sewing Essentials. In part one, I talked about my iron by Oliso. Today I want to share with you the other irons and ironing essentials I use in my sewing almost every day. You might ask, "Why do I use more than one  type iron?". Different irons are for different projects and I will explain how and why I use them.

First, is my Mini Cricut Press. Yes, it isn't just for ironing on vinyl! 

It is great for ironing open seams. It is 110V. Power: 150W. Heating plate size: 1.9"x3.3". Auto power-off after 15 minutes no use. I love the auto power-off feature and the pretty raspberry color. Mine is blue!

Cricut Mini Heat Press

My June Tailor Cushioned Mat make a great small ironing surfacesurface beside my sewing machine. I can quickly press open a seam or block my smocking pleats. The one I use has a smocking block guide on one side and a diamond and scallops shape guide on the other side. It is no longer available but this one Amazon will also work. 

It took me thirty years of sewing before I discovered the Clapper notion. Jeanna Hannah from Blue Ribbon Heirloom Designs used her Clapper in a video and I knew I had to order one from her website.

I will link the Clapper in the picture and then underneath I will type the link to her video. In her video she demonstrates how to use the Clapper.

https://blue-ribbon-heirloom-designs.thinkific.com/courses/tailors-clapper-instructional-video

It is a challenge to short puffed sleeves beautifully ironed. There are several methods I have sed in the past but I achieve the best resulted with my Vin Max Puff Iron. It is no longer available but I found one on Ebay and will link it below for you.

Be very careful when using this iron. Always keep your fabric moving or it will scorch your fabric!

Occasionally I use this tiny iron when sewing. It is the Clover Mini Iron.

The iron I use in my camper is a mini steam iron and it is great. There was a recall on some of the older models but mine was not listed in the recall. I purchased it off Amazon.

It doesn't take up much space and I also purchased a handy travel case for it.

How did I sew for so many years and not know I needed a sleeve pressing board? I use this all the time when sewing during camping trips. It is lightweight, folds flat, and is easy to store. I first saw a demonstration using this board on a Facebook video by Jeanna Hannah of Blue Ribbon Heirloom Designs. A link to this video is posted below the image.

Jeanna Hannah Ironing Demonstration

Click this link to my Instagram reel demonstrating my use of the board and iron.

Sleeve Board and Iron Video

There are many more notions I use while sewing. I'll talk about pressing cloths in another post. All images have a link where you can purchase the item shown in the image. Have a great weekend! 

Note: As an Amazon affiliate, I make a small commission of anything you purchase from an Amazon link.

Different Types of Elastic and How They are Used

If you are like me, it is confusing to know which elastic to use for sewing projects. Hopefully, the following will clear up some of the confusion. It starts with an explanation of elastic and then gives examples of four types of elastic and where they would be used.

Elastic is a flexible material frequently used in a variety of products. Elastic comes in a number of diff erent varieties, each having special qualities and uses. Fibers are interlaced to form a sturdy and long-lasting fabric to produce woven elastic. It has exceptional elasticity and a snug fit, and is frequently used in clothing, belts, and upholstery. By weaving together numerous rubber or latex strands, braided elastic is created, which is robust, light, and extremely stretchable. It is frequently used in sleeves, waistbands, and other areas where comfort and flexibility are crucial. Swimsuit elastic is made especially to survive exposure to chlorine and water, keeping its elasticity and shape even when wet. It frequently appears in swimsuits. Below are examples of elastic types and their uses.

Woven Elastic:

• Roll and twist resistant elastic; great for waistbands
• It is suitable for waistbands, sleeves, necklines, legbands and more.

Braided Elastic:

• Braided elastic is shrink resistant and unaffected by chlorine and salt water.
• Braided elastic is often inserted in to a casing but it is also suitable for stitching directly to the fabric.
• Use with light to medium weight fabrics
• Machine washable and dryable in temperatures up to 200 degrees F

Knit Elastic:

• When it comes to selecting the ideal fabric for your kids' clothing, factors such as comfort, breathability, and safety are of utmost importance.
• made with polyester silk and natural latex rubber making it breathable with a comfortable feel.
• offers excellent stretch with long-lasting elasticity guaranteed not to loosen over time.
• us for pajama pants to sportswear, skirts, and necklines.

Swimsuit Elastic:

Swimsuit elastic refers to a type of elastic material specifically designed for use in swimwear construction.It is a flexible, stretchable component used to provide support, comfort, and a secure fit in swimsuits.

Swimsuit elastic is typically made from a combination of synthetic fi bers, such as spandex or elastane, which possess excellent elasticity and resistance to degradation caused by exposure to chlorine, saltwater, and sunlight.

• The elastic is often sewn into the edges of swimsuit fabric or incorporated into waistbands and leg openings to ensure the swimsuit conforms to the body and maintains its shape during movement and water activities.
• Available in clear, colors, and cotton.

Sally from Farmhouse Fabrics give a great presentation on the types of elastic in this You Tube Video:

Sally Explains Elastic

If you have never watched Sally on Gab 'n Gush on Tuesdays and Fridays, please watch. I think you will enjoy it. Sally is the owner of Farmhouse Fabrics. Farmhouse Fabrics is an ecommerce fabric and notions store with thousands of selections. Here is the link:

Farmhouse Fabrics

For people with with latex allergies, there also elastics available. Other elastic types to explore are elastic thread, elastic thread looks, elastic in colors, decorative elastic. There are seemingly endless types of elastic. With some research, you can find the perfect type for your project.

Happy Saturday!