There are plenty of times when you need to keep several layers of fabric together while you’re working. But sometimes keeping those fabric layers aligned can get fiddly. Fortunately, pins aren’t your only option for holding your fabric layers together, have you tried using SewTites on your projects? SewTites are a new pin-free solution using magnetics that are perfect for a variety of different quilting and sewing uses.
What are SewTites?
SewTites are small magnets paired with a metal backing bar. When placed on either side of fabric layers (think top and bottom not left and right), they hold the layers firmly together without slipping or shifting. SewTites are available in a bunch of sizes and shapes so you can find the right one for your project.
Why SewTites?
SewTites are particularly useful for:
- Specialty Fabrics: If you’re working with specialty fabrics for either dressmaking or bags, SewTites don’t leave holes. That means you can use them on vinyl, leather, and other materials that can be damaged by pins.
- Thick Layers: They work well for holding quilt sandwiches or other thick projects in place, more on that below.
- Precision Tasks: SewTites securely hold your projects even on detailed work like appliqué or English Paper Piecing (EPP).
Using SewTites with a Longarm
When you’re working on your longarm, you can either baste or clamp your layers as you go, but instead of floating a quilt that is too small to pin why don’t you try using SewTites? You could also place SewTites on the fabric layers where clamps might not reach or for extra stability in problem areas or for detailed work. Their strong grip ensures the layers stay smooth, even and don’t shift while you quilt.
SewTites for English Paper Piecing
After you’ve basted your fabric around your paper templates for English Paper Piecing (EPP, you need hold your prepped pieces together, but that’s often a really small space to work on. You have to hold those pieces together while stitching, or let SewTites hold the pieces together for you. Put a SewTite on both sides of your prepped pieces, and they’ll stay firmly in place while you stitch.
SewTites are especially helpful for traveling or on-the-go sewing. You know we love to EPP everywhere!
Tips for using your SewTites
- Placement: Keep SewTites away from stitching lines to avoid interference.
- Careful Handling: Their strong magnets can snap together quickly, so take care when separating them to avoid pinching your fingers.
- Don’t Store on Your Machine: Since SewTites are magnetic, avoid positioning them near the machine’s motor or electrical components to prevent any interference.
SewTites are one of our favorite new notions at Bits ‘n Pieces. We keep finding places to use them while we quilt. Have you tried SewTites in your projects yet? Come in to the shop and try them for yourself!
Don't forget to pin this post for later!