Friday Fun Fact: Quilting guide bars

Guide bars, or: what's that metal rod and why do I have it?

Many machines that come with a variety of special presser feet and accessories also include a guide bar, sometimes called a quilting guide bar. 

Use this nifty little gadget to help you measure the distance from your needle when you can't see the lines on the throat plate. 

It's fantastic for quilting parallel lines, but has plenty of other applications. Any time you're stitching pretty far from the edge, and you can't see the seam allowance lines, this bar will guide you!

 Try it for spacing ribbon trims, adding ruffles, sewing deep hems, twin-needle pintucks, and decorative topstitching.

To use, simply slide the bar into the slot on the presser foot ankle, then adjust to your desired distance. Now you can enjoy perfectly spaced stitching with no marking!

Friday Fun Fact: Fiber burn test

Have you ever tried the fiber burn test?

It might sound a little crazy, but one of the surest ways to identify a fiber without special equipment is to light a small swatch of it on fire!

Safety first: do this in a well-ventilated area, away from anything else flammable.

You'll need a scrap of your fabric about 1" by 3", a metal tweezer, a heatproof dish, and a flame source - a lighter works better than a match since it has less odor.

Grasp the swatch in the tweezers and bring it toward the flame.

Observe. What's the fabric doing? Does it burn? When you take it away from the flame, does it go out, or keep burning?

How about the smell? Rayon and cotton smell like burning paper, while wool smells like burnt hair.

Study the ash. What color is it? Can you crush it in your fingers? Most natural fibers have a crushable ash, while synthetics make a hard, plastic-y bead.

If you're working with a blend, you may get mixed results, but this test is sure to give you some insight beyond just touch.

Friday Fun Fact: Velvet vs. velveteen

Velvet vs. velveteen - the difference is how they're woven.

Yes, it's true that velvet is usually made of silk or rayon, and velveteen is usually made of cotton, but that's not the only factor. Velvet is made with a warp-pile weave, while velveteen is made with a filling or weft-pile weave.

Those different weaving methods allow velvet to have a thick, lush pile surface and soft drape, while velveteen has a shorter, stiffer pile, more similar to corduroy.

Want to read more about the history of velvet weaving? Click here for a fun article!

We love both fabrics so much! Velveteen is fabulous for jackets, coats, vests, simple skirts, and home decor like pillows. 

Use velvet for dressy, drapey styles, like skirts that need swish or simple but gorgeous shawls and stoles.

And what about velour? It's got the plush pile of a velvet, but it's also a knit! Get easy fit and easy care that's luxurious, too.

A Box of Joy!

Let us send you a Box of Joy! 

What's inside? A Treadlette favorite fabric plus the right pattern and, of course, surprise goodies. Open all at once or spread out over the season for a little joy each day. With just a little info from you, we will customize your box for maximum oohs and aahs. 

Pre-order it here!

Quantities limited - don’t miss out! Pre-order now through Sun Nov 21 - Delivery Dec 10. Free shipping available! 

When you order, please let us know in the notes: 

Your color preference: JEWEL or AUTUMNAL? Reds, greens, or blues? 

Your Fit preference: FITTED or RELAXED? 

Your Full Bust measurement.

Friday Fun Fact: Oeko-Tex

Let's learn about Oeko-Tex and Azo-free!

You may have noticed the Oeko-Tex label on some of our fabrics or products in your home. This certification ensures there are no substances in the textiles that are harmful to humans.

Azo dyes are a group of synthetic dyes composed of a chemical azo group. Azo-FREE dyes have a gentler impact on the environment and our bodies. Most of our Indian Import fabrics are azo-free!

At Treadle, we try to include this info on the label whenever we can. Check the bolt end to see!

Treadlette Tuesday: Laura's faux-fur coat

Laura used our soft Cuddle fabric to make this gorgeous faux-fur coat!

She used Burda pattern 7700 and lined it with dotted rayon Bemberg lining. Laura is going to be cozy this fall!

Shop our Cuddle fabrics here!

One more detail - check out this cute custom label that Laura added!

Friday Fun Fact: ancient needles

Sewing has been around for a LONG time. In fact, sewing needles predate weaving!

Check out these needles made of sharpened bone. Bone needles have been around for about 60,000 years!

Metal needles evolved from Bronze Age wire-making technology, and eventually steel needles came around in the 10th century. 

These antiques are amazing and beautiful, but they also make us feel pretty grateful for our smooth, perfect modern needles!

Shop our needles here!