This tip works like a charm to help you keep pattern pieces and cut pieces of fabric together in one place during construction. It's especially useful if you're putting a project on hold for a short while, and you want to keep all the pieces together in one place. Rather than folding your pattern pieces up and storing them (and cut fabric) in an envelope, I use a skirt hanger (the kind with clips) to hold the cut pattern pieces and fabric. It's kind of like the pattern hanging technique used in workrooms, but you don't need any specialized tools. I simply clip the fabric and/or pattern pieces to the hanger and hang them on a door or clothes rod. This keeps the pattern pieces together (I put the small ones in ziplock bags), and it keeps them from getting lost or wrinkled. It's really helpful when you are working with large items like gowns, or if you cut out multiple patterns at one time before sewing. You can find these hangers at 2nd hand stores. You can also ask salespeople at clothing stores if they have any extras. They are usually happy to give you some.
This method is not recommended for velvet or crushable fabrics, and it's not really suitable for bias-cut fabric pieces, but other than that, it works like a charm.
12 comments:
That's a great idea! I usually keep my pieces in shopping bags... you know, the big kinds with handles. I'm often working on more than one project so it helps to keep things separate.
That's neat. I also use a hanger and drape large pieces over the it. Use the clip hangers extensively, and put patterns and small pieces, directions, etc. in a giant zip lock, clamped to the skirt hanger.
Several years ago, I bought a pack of 100 for a reasonable price. They have lasted a long time ;-)
Wonderful idea!
Genius.
I hang my Slopers/Blocks also. Saves me from ironing them out each time I use them.
What a great idea! Why didn't I think of doing that? I'm off to find a skirt hanger. Thanks for the tip!
I do something similar - I've got a set of those hook/clip deals that are intended to drip-dry socks, and clip my pattern pieces to them.
HEY! I do that too!!!
Things like the neckline where it's cut on the bias (like the piece on the right in your photo) don't stretch out? Or do you pin those areas to the pattern? Interesting, I guess this would be better than my current loose roll on the table where it's pressed by the furballs.
I do something similar - I have a washing line hung across one wall in my sewing room and I clothespin all the cut out fabric pieces to the line. It's easier to see what you need when they're hung up in a row!
I use baggies for small stuff and never had a great idea for bigger cuts of fabric. Thanks for sharing!
I love that idea but only have a few of those hangers left for my pants. I hang them upside down and air dry rather than put in the dryer.
Sure would like to find more of those hangers. I wonder if they are still made? Ann, is yours old?? hehehehe Like from college?
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