Patchwork Tools Overview

Patchwork - This is the creation of a canvas from a large number of different fragments of fabric that differ in shape, size and color. For the first time, they began to practice this area in Asia; it appeared because of poverty. It was more economical to fix old things with pieces of cloth than to buy new ones. Over time, this method has become a whole separate direction with a decorative bias.

Devices for cutting.

• Scissors - there are no individual scissors for cutting flaps, it is better if they are made of steel or materials that are not susceptible to corrosion. Length from 18 to 25 centimeters.
• Roller Knife or Cutter - looks like a pizza knife, has a blade in the form of a disk with a handle. With it, you can cut out parts from fabric folded in several layers. The knife is produced in several standard diameters - 18, 28, 45, 60 millimeters. The larger the size of the cutting blade, the greater the output, but its maneuverability is lost. Such a knife is suitable for cutting parts in a straight line, a small knife is useful for cutting shreds of small sizes or curly flaps. So that the knife does not quickly become dull and the work surface is not damaged, a special mat is used.
• Mat for roller knife - an indispensable tool, it is best to choose rubber or self-healing mats, on them you can cut fabrics folded in 3-4 layers. For advanced masters created rugs with a swivel base. They have a dimensional grid on them, which makes it possible not to measure future details very accurately with a ruler. In order for this tool to last as long as possible, several rules should be remembered: it is restored only from light cuts, you do not need to cut the fabric in the same place.In no case can not be ironed on it - the rug does not withstand high temperatures. Also, do not place heavy objects on it.

Measuring instruments.

• Rulers. The most convenient is a wide, transparent ruler through which the fabric will be visible. It is necessary to pay attention to the scale, it should have a marking of 1 millimeter. A large wooden ruler 90 centimeters long will be used for large items.
• The measuring tape or meter has a combined marking: centimeter and inch. In the patchwork, the measuring system of inches is most often used, it is more convenient to purchase a combined version. The shape of the synthetic tailor’s meter is practically not deformed.

Marking Accessories:

• special chalk for drawing lines on the fabric, with it the lines are more clear;
• remnant with pointed ends;
• markers that wash off and leave no residue.

Also in patchwork technology is simply necessary iron. The patchwork includes three processes - cut, stitch and iron. But it is worth remembering that the usual ironing, to which everyone is accustomed, leads to deformation of the fabric, so the iron must be pressed.

Two types of irons are used in this direction.

• Mini iron, its design, like that of an ordinary iron, is a difference in size, the sole is not larger than a palm.
• Iron on a long handle - Suitable for ironing seams, corners and places where a simple iron will not pass. It has interchangeable nozzles, ironing surfaces of various sizes and thermal knives for trimming fabrics that tend to crumble. With the help of this nozzle, the edge is melted, as it were.

Patterns necessary to get neat rags. You can buy ready-made plastic, plexiglass or thick cardboard. Or do it yourself: draw the outline of the future figure and allowances from the outside by 1 centimeter and cut out the template. Sewing machine. The flaps can be connected both manually and using a sewing machine.

• Pins and needles, choose durable and sharpened so that during operation they do not break or bend. Pins are used when stitching small parts or for joining rows. The needles acquire different lengths and thicknesses, since all fabrics have different densities. There is a special numbering from 0 to 12 - the higher the number, the thicker the needle.
• Thimble - a tool to protect your fingers during manual sewing. He should sit tight and not squeeze his finger. For its manufacture, plastic and metal are used.
• Threads Any suitable for both working in manual equipment and using a sewing machine. Their numbering begins with 10 (thick threads) and ends with 80 (the thinnest).

It’s better to immediately buy a set of three patchwork tools, without which you won’t be able to get started - this roller knife, rubber mat and ruler. When choosing a knife, focus on whether the tip closes, it will be more correct if this action can be done with one hand. It is better to immediately buy a sharpener for a cutter or a set of interchangeable blades.

When making a purchase of a rubber mat and ruler, you should first look at their sizes. It will be inconvenient to work on a small rug, the optimal size is 50 x 60 centimeters.

The sewing machine should have several functions that make it easier to work.

1. Ability to disable the bottom conveyor. Thanks to the teeth of the conveyor, the fabric moves smoothly during operation, when sewing a patchwork fabric, these teeth should be lowered, which will allow you to move the material manually and set the desired length and stitch pattern.
2. Function for adjusting the pressure of the foot on the fabric.
3. Sewing speed control function.
4. The presence of a spring foot.
5. Platform size - distance from the needle to the body on the right side. The longer the platform, the more convenient it is to sew voluminous things.
6. The presence of an additional table to expand the work surface.

For what tools are needed for patchwork, see the next video.