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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Ruffler Foot Made Sew Easy It's Hands Free!

Ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles
If you've ever used a ruffler foot you will know you need to guide your fabric carefully.

I've been making a Victorian Gown. That means lots of ruffley goodness. I have about 150 meters of ribbon I'm using on this project most of which I've been pleating using my sewing machines ruffler foot. 

Carefully guiding that much yardage through would drive me insane!

I needed a way to make it easy and fast without needing a lot of concentration.

I needed to automate guiding that ribbon through.

It's so easy and simple and effective I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier.

All I needed was one scrap piece of cardboard cut to size and some stickytape.

cardboard and sticktape ruffler guide

I cut a strip of cardboard and bent the ends to fit around the ribbon. Positioned the ribbon where I wanted it to feed through and stuck the cardboard down with tape.

DIY ruffler guide

Then I folded the cardboard ends over and taped them down too. Not too tightly just enough to allow the ribbon to slide through easily but low enough that the ruffler won't hit the cardboard during ruffling.

cardboard ruffler foot guide

I tried to take a photo I hope you get the idea.

ruffler guide in action

And that's it! My ruffling life has changed forever. I now have hands free Ruffling. I did a bit of unpicking whilst I ruffled a mountain of ribbons. It does help to keep an eye on the ribbon and make sure it feeds in flat.


Have you used a ruffler foot before? What did you make?

Hands free ruffles using your ruffler foot

Comments

  1. Agy12 March 2015 at 19:13

    I didn't know there was such a footer! My mum taught me to baste the fabric and then pull the thread before putting it all under the machine. The downside was it took a lot longer and it was difficult to keep everything even.

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    1. Purfylle13 March 2015 at 17:31

      I've done it your mum's way most of my life too. The foot is a fairly new addition to my sewing machine and I must say I'm loving it. I would never have done all this pleating otherwise. I've used it for good old fashioned ruffles too.

      Delete
  2. caseperlatesta17 March 2015 at 15:25

    This is really a great idea! I've never used ruffles but I will certainly try for costumes, with your hands free sistem! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Purfylle18 March 2015 at 10:46

      Bet of luck with trimming those costumes!

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  3. Gentle Joy18 March 2015 at 08:33

    Wow - that looks great! I have done a lot of sewing..... and I have made lots of ruffles, but I have never used a ruffler foot. Thank you for the information. :)

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    1. Purfylle18 March 2015 at 10:41

      It certainly speeds things up when you need tens of meters of ruffley trims!

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  4. Jo Stone18 March 2015 at 22:39

    The piece of cardboard is a great idea.

    I can't image how much faster the sewing job is going to move along by having an extra hand that is actually a piece of cardboard, lol.

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    1. Purfylle19 March 2015 at 08:10

      It was a case of 'necessity is the mother of invention'!

      Delete
  5. Lou Lou Girls22 March 2015 at 03:10

    This looks incredible! Pinned and tweeted. We are so thrilled to have you at our party. Please stop by on Monday at 7, so we can see your amazing projects. Lou Lou Girls

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  6. sharon rowe22 March 2015 at 06:48

    This looks like a time saver! Thanks for sharing on Monday Madness Link Party :)

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  7. Unknown27 March 2015 at 02:38

    Thank you for sharing your post with us at Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party. If you haven't linked up this week, be sure to stop by. The party is still going on! Enjoy the rest of your week!
    Christie ~ Sparkles of Sunshine

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    Replies
    1. Purfylle2 April 2015 at 09:24

      Thanks for dropping by and for the great party!

      Delete
  8. Gina's Craft Corner10 June 2015 at 02:04

    I don't have one of these feet, but it looks fun! Maybe not so much fun doing so much at once. You are so clever. :)

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  9. melinda18 October 2018 at 07:07

    Stella, you are a genius! My Granny had a ruffler foot on her treadle sewing machine. I've never had one, and pulling the thread never worked well for me, so I hand do the ruffles. SO.MUCH.WORK!!
    One big reason I no longer sew dresses!!
    Using Firefox.

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    1. Stella20 October 2018 at 08:25

      I have done ruffles by hand many times. They are much more fun with the ruffler foot!

      Delete

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