Which Stitch Markers Are Best

When I first took up crochet I didn't have any stitch markers, I didn't even know stitch markers existed. It wasn't long before I knew about them and I learnt the value of using stitch markers, aka stitch savers. That first frustrating experience of when a project accidentally unravels because there's nothing holding onto the stitch to stop it coming undone or your crochet circle grows in ways it isn't supposed to and the worth of this tiny tool became obvious very quickly. But there are so many styles of stitch marker to choose from, locking, circle, coil-less, plastic, safety pins, thread, 3D printed... does it really make a difference which one you use? Is it just how pretty they are? I walk you through a dozen different stitch markers from items you have lying around your home to the fancy artisan styles. I share with you what features to look for and those that don't really hold up to the task.
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Sewing Notions Clutter

sewing notions clutter

I'm mystified how my sewing notions become so cluttered.



A pattern tracing wheel is invaluable, but do I really need three?

pattern tracing wheel

The blue one is the first tracing wheel I ever bought, I can't even remember how long I've had it.

It fit my budget when I bought it a gazillion years ago and I think it was the only choice on the shelf anyway. It leaves faint impressions on the paper underneath the pattern or fabric and if you get the lighting just right you can even see them.

spikey pattern tracing wheel

This white one is super sharp and will spike through denim or canvas if needed (and your fingers - one of the reasons I keep bandaids in my sewing kit.)

spikey pattern tracing wheel spikey pattern tracing wheel

But it's flawed. The head wobbles left and right. I guess that's handy when you're tracing curves but it's really not when you want straight lines.

vintage pattern tracing wheel

And this is my latest acquisition. I found it at an antique and collectibles fair listed as a pastry cutter! I giggled at that and handed my money over for it . (Well hubby's money actually, he wanted to buy me a little present, I love it when he does unexpected romantic things like that.) 

vintage pattern tracing wheel

You can just make out the Made in England stamped into the brass, I wonder how old it is. The pointy bits are pointy, unlike on the blue one, but if you tried to use it to take a pattern from a garment you would very likely damage your garment. The head doesn't wobble though.

Of course, I have to keep the wonderful present from hubby which is also a part of my 'old sewing tools' collection.

Because the blue one is a bit ineffectual and the (possibly) vintage one is too damaging to patterns and fabric, that makes my white one with the wobbly head my go to pattern tracing wheel.

So do I need all three? I was going to get rid of the blue one, but then I wondered if it would be useful for pressing lines into cardboard or something....
pastry cutter
for those that are curious this is my pastry cutter

Well, I guess the sewing notions clutter is not so much of a mystery after all.

Anyway, here is what I would like to know:
  • is there a better pattern tracing wheel out there?
  • what would you do if you had these three?
  • do you have a tracing wheel and how does it work for you?



Comments

  1. Becky @vintagebeckym20 May 2015 at 01:06

    Happy to see I am not the only one with sewing notions clutter. Thank you so much for sharing. found you at stitch it-blog it-share it link party. Have a Fabulous Day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle1 June 2015 at 20:26

      I'm willing to bet I have more though, the decluttering seems endless, especially sewing stuff.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous22 May 2015 at 03:25

    I only have one pattern tracing wheel and I can't remember the last time I used it. But I do have lots of other clutter. Thanks for linking up at the Stitch It, Blog It, Share Link Party. I hope you’ll join us every Sunday night at 7 with more of your creative sewing projects.
    ~Bonnie @ Behind the Seams Sewing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purfylle1 June 2015 at 20:28

      How do we end up with so much clutter? I've got to get rid of more stuff so I have space to sew more projects to link up ;)

      Delete

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