Friday Fun Fact: Beeswax!

Today we're talking about beeswax!

This is one of my favorite essential sewing notions. Use beeswax when hand sewing to smooth your thread and generally make your life easier.

For hand sewing, cut one arm's length of thread, then drag the entire length of thread through the wax (going through the slot in the wax holder). Once is usually enough!

Then, scrape with your thumbnail 4-5 times to remove the chunks and embed the wax into the thread.

Finally, use a sharp scissor to make an angled cut at the end for easy needle-threading!  

It's also great for threading needles for machine sewing or even embroidery floss! For needle threading, just wax the very end, not the entire length. It's like licking it, but more effective and less gross!

Get yours here! It's a must-have in every sewing kit.

Friday Fun Fact: the quick-release ankle

You've probably noticed that some sewing machines have presser feet that easily snap on and off, and some need a screwdriver to change the foot.

Check out the comparison between the snap-on foot and the shank foot below - the shank foot (top) attaches to your machine with a screw, while the snap-on foot just pops on and off so you can easily switch between feet!

But did you know that the snap-on ankle is not actually part of the machine? In fact, you can make ANY machine a quick-release machine, just by adding a simple adapter!



You should know if your machine has a high shank, low shank, or slanted shank before choosing a quick-release ankle or any accessory. 

You still need to remove the ankle to use some specialty feet, such as walking feet or free-motion quilting feet.

But for switching between your all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, and blind hem foot, the quick release is a real time saver!

Check out all our Friday Fun Facts in the archive here!

Friday Fun Fact: More presser feet!

Let's check out some more presser feet!

Last time we looked at some common presser feet, and this week we have a couple more - plus a couple odd ones!

First up are zipper feet. There is a tremendous variety of shapes and sizes! But the defining element is that the needle passes to the SIDE of the foot, not through the center.

This enables you to stitch very close to the zipper teeth. It's also necessary for making piping or any time you need to sew really close to something bulky.

Also note that some zipper feet are adjustable, while others rely on your machine's ability to move the needle position.

The two feet with little arms and wheels are blind-hem feet. The arm is a guide that helps you line up your fabric perfectly to sew a nearly-invisible hem with your blind-hem stitch.

They're also useful for topstitching, as the guide can be positioned to any edge you need.

Next are two roller feet. This is a specialty foot that allows you to sew sticky fabrics like leather and oilcloth more easily. Rather than dragging against the presser foot, the rollers allow the sticky fabric to feed.

Finally, this huge monster is a walking foot, also known as an even-feed foot. This feeds the fabric from the top in synchrony with the feed dogs, to reduce slippage. It's ideal for difficult fabrics, knits, or any time you have a lot of layers, like quilting. These can be a little pricey and usually do not come standard with your sewing machine.

Do you have a mystery presser foot you want identified? Send us a picture!

Check out all our Friday Fun Facts in the archive here!

Friday Fun Fact: What's that presser foot?

Today we're doing a round of everyone's favorite game: What's that presser foot?

Your machine probably came with a bunch of presser feet, or maybe you inherited a big old sewing box full of weird old stuff, including some mystery feet. Let's explore some of them!

Depending on the machine, the way the feet attach might be quite different - such as snap-on vs. with a shank -  but the basic function stays the same.

First you'll see a selection of ordinary all-purpose feet. They have a wide oval center to allow for zigzag stitching and multiple needle positions.

Next we have two straight-stitch feet. These are handy for sewing delicate fabrics. When paired with a straight-stitch throat plate, they can really help prevent fabric getting sucked into the machine!

Also note that some straight stitch feet are made for measuring accurate 1/4" seams, and some aren't. Measure your foot to be sure!

Most machines need a special foot to make buttonholes. If it's a big long rectangle, it's probably your buttonhole foot! You need the correct one for your machine to make the buttonhole function work, especially on modern machines with 1-step buttonholes.

Finally, we've got these weird little blue guys. They're meant for sewing buttons on by machine! You set your stitch to a wide, very short zigzag and place the button under the foot. The rubbery blue bit helps hold the button in place while you sew.

There are tons of presser feet out there, so we'll be exploring more of them in an upcoming Fun Fact!

Check out all our Friday Fun Facts in the archive here!

Friday Fun Fact: Hand vs. Machine needle sizing

This question came up in the store the other day: Why are hand sewing needles sized differently from machine needles?

Hand sewing needles have been made for thousands of years, and the kind we are familiar with are based on wire. First you make the metal into wire, then you flatten one end and punch a hole. That's a needle!

Because they started out as wire, hand sewing needles use a sizing system similar to wire gauge sizes.

The important thing with hand needles: bigger number = smaller needle.

In the pack of needles pictured, the size 3 are the big ones in the middle, and the size 9 are the little ones on the ends. 

Machine sewing needles are the opposite: bigger number = bigger needle! 

And if that's not confusing enough, there are two different systems for sizing machine needles! That's why we get numbers like 80/12 and 90/14.

 The Schmetz website explains:

SCHMETZ is a German company and uses the metric system.  To determine needle size, SCHMETZ measures the diameter of the blade resulting in numbers like 80, 90, etc...  But SCHMETZ is not the only needle manufacturer.  Other companies use sizing systems often referred to as Asian, International, or Singer sizing.  Years ago the needle manufacturers standardized the sizing so a metric size 80 always equals a size 12, 90 = 14, etc.

We hope that clears it up for you!

There's more to choosing the right needle than the size! Click here to see our post on needle selection!

Friday Fun Fact: Pin Safety

Today I'm talking to you about pin safety.

Don't put pins in your mouth.

I know, it's second nature to so many sewists, but it's just not a good idea!

A couple reasons: first up, it's just not sanitary. We've lived through more than two years of a pandemic and I think we're all getting better about not spreading our germs around willy-nilly, or putting stuff in our mouths that has probably (definitely) been on the floor.

Second, and much more seriously: you could inhale it. Stories abound of folks who've inhaled or ingested pins and caused serious damage to themselves!

(Seriously, click the link and read the article. How good is your health insurance?)

So what to do?

Keep lots of pin receptacles around! You have plenty of options from cushions to dishes and magnet trays.

We have a cute new ring pincushion that's perfect to keep nearby as a pin-in-mouth deterrent! Get it here!

Friday Fun Fact: How to choose a needle

Wonder how to choose the right sewing machine needles?

First choose your needle TYPE based on your fabric type; woven, knit, silk, denim, leather, etc. Universal needles work for most fabrics. Stretch needles help prevent skipped stitches on knits. Denim needles easily pierce multiple thick layers. Quilting needles are made to sew through layers of fabric and batting.

Next, choose your needle SIZE based on your fabric weight; a smaller number for finer fabrics and a larger number for heavier fabrics. Don't worry about the two numbers - they're just two different systems that mean the same thing. Here are some common fabric types with the recommended needle size:

70/10 lawn, batiste, rayon challis
80/12 broadcloth, muslin, light linen
90/14 linen, wool, suitings, light twill
100/16 heavy twill, denim

The standard size shank on our Schmetz needles will fit into nearly every machine. You shouldn't need to worry about the make or model of your machine when selecting needles. 

Needlecases

Don't let your needles be sad - give them a happy home in one of Rebecca's handmade needle cases! 

Want to make your own? Try our Felt Needlebook class!

Wooly Buns

We love these new wooly bun pincushions! The natural lanolin in this felted 100% wool helps prevent rust and keep your pins sharp. Plus they're all unique!

Find your new wooly bun in our store or online - click here!

Bias Tape Makers

Bias tape makers are back in stock! We know that bias tape has been pretty impossible to find lately. Our vendors have been back ordered for ages and we don't know when it'll be back in stock.

Why not try making your own? We make it simple with these handy bias tape makers! Stop by and ask us for a demonstration! 

Notions

We're rearranging our notions! You can now find our full selection of machine needles and super-sharp scissors on the wall with pins and snaps. No more having to hunt behind the pattern counter for a look - everything's out in plain sight.

Dragonfly Seam Rippers

A perfect Mother's Day gift! We have a new selection of our famous hand-turned seam rippers, made for us by Dragonfly Creations. 

Ripping out a seam is so much more enjoyable when you have the right tool. These beautiful and ergonomic rippers in single or double-ended styles feature a replaceable blade, so they'll still be ripping clean and easy for years to come.

Fabric-covered buttons

Something new! Fabric-covered buttons in fun prints made by our own Treadlette Elizabeth! Sold in cards of six for just $6. Find them on the notion wall in our store.

Wool Ironing Pads

Wool pressing mats are back in stock! These great little space-savers are ideal for keeping close to your machine so you can press as you go!

Cute New Notions!

Who says notions can't be useful AND fun? We have new forest critter tape measures in stock!

Plus, new wearable notions from Bohin! The necklace is actually a thread cutter, with sharp blades concealed in the crevices. Below, the retractable scissor tether clips on to you, so you'll never be without your snips again! 

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

 Our Favorite Things Day 2 - Dec 15 ONLY!

Kai Scissors Gift Set Still working hard on sewing gifts? Here’s your chance to replace your tired, dull scissors or encourage the next generation of sewing enthusiasts. 25% off Regular Price $54.95  Now $41.21 We use these at Treadle, so you know two things:  they are super-comfortable AND they work hard. Set includes our fav 8-inch dressmaking shear, a smaller 5 1/2-inch sewing scissor, and a fine 4 inch embroidery scissor.

 

Favorite Things details: Special price is for that day only. Quantities are limited. For those of you who would like your goodies shipped, shipping will be a flat rate of $9.75.  We can hold and keep adding to your holiday package and ship when all is over - just let us know! Please call or stop in to claim your favorite thing. 651.698.9690. Do not email as Treadle email is handled remotely. Gift yourself or someone else!

 

On the eleventh day of Christmas

My true love gave to me... beautiful sewing notions!

On the tenth day of Christmas

My true love gave to me. . . sewing lights! This pop-up YoYo light has a magnifying glass - perfect for threading needles and small detail work. The Vivilux light attaches to a sewing machine or anywhere!

On the eighth day of Christmas

My true love gave to me. . . a beautiful handmade seam ripper from Dragonfly Creations! Each unique, colorful seam ripper is hand-turned and so comfortable to use. The blades are replaceable for years of use!

Choose from the single seam ripper, the necklace version (so it's always nearby!) or the double-ended style with both a seam ripper and an awl.

Treadlette Tuesday: Melissa's Notion Pick

Today we have another Treadlette notion pick, one of Melissa's favorites: EZ-Steam II, a double-sided fusible tape, used for adhering fabrics together.

"You can use it to put in a zipper instead of basting; you can fix ribbons to things; you can put up a hem, and it'll be permanent, once it's ironed on."

There are a lot of fusible products similar to this one, so I asked Melissa why she likes EZ-Steam best. "It's permanent! Plus you can sew through it, if you use it for basting, and it won't gum up the needle."