If you’re wondering what tool to us to poke out corners in your sewing project, you’re in the right place! Sewing, as many know, is a skill that requires the right tools to make projects look polished and professional. Among these tools is the point turner, a clever device that helps achieve tidy corners in fabrics. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of sewing and explore the purpose and usage of a point turner.
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What is a Point Turner?
A point turner is a specialized sewing tool that helps to create neatly finished sewing projects. When you sew fabrics together to make things like clothes, bags, or pillows, you often come across corners and points that need to look sharp and tidy. This is where the point turner steps in. This handy tool is usually crafted from materials like wood, plastic, or metal, making it sturdy and reliable. It’s basically just a thin stick like tool with a slightly rounded tip to protect your fabric.
Imagine you’ve sewn a triangle-shaped fabric piece, like the corner of a collared shirt. After sewing, the fabric won’t pop out in a perfect corner. This is where the point turner comes in handy. You gently guide the end of the point turner into the sewn corner. As you push from the inside, the fabric starts to turn out, and the point turner helps coax it into the correct shape. This gives you a corner that’s crisp and well-defined. The point turner’s usefulness extends beyond corners; it’s also handy for turning out curves, collars, and other tight spaces. Its thinness and curved design make it versatile and reliable for a range of sewing tasks. So, when you’re aiming for professional-looking projects, a point turner becomes an indispensable companion in your sewing toolkit.
How to use a Point Turner
After sewing your fabric pieces together, you might notice corners that need to be turned out to look just right. After stitching, trim the excess fabric from the corner and snip it diagonally, making the turning process smoother. This will make it so there is less bulk inside of your pushed out corner, so it lays flatter and not lumpy. Take the round end of the point turner and insert it carefully into the corner. Gently push the fabric from the inside using the point turner, coaxing the corner to turn out properly. The point turner’s rounded tip is perfect for this task. To complete the process, switch to the flat side of the point turner to smooth and refine the corner. If this fabric is ironable, be sure to iron your fresh point after pushing it out to help set the crease even more. With the point turner’s assistance, your fabric corners will no longer be a challenge but a breeze to handle, leaving your sewing projects looking sharp and polished.
FAQ
Can I use a pencil or pen instead of a point turner?
In a pinch, you can use a pencil or pen to turn a point instead of using a point turner. Pens and pencils can be too pointy and thick for some fabrics and points and may damage your project. A point turner is specially designed to be gentle and thin to easily glide into your sewn points. In addition, a pencil or pen may leave markings inside of a thin or light colored fabric that can show through when your project is completed. Not exactly something you would want!
What can I use instead of a point turner?
Instead of a point turner, you could use pretty much any other long, thing tool to poke out your corners provided that the tip isn’t sharp and it won’t mark your fabric. I’ve used thin crochet hooks, seam creasers, bodkins, mechanical pencils with the lead pulled in, the wrong end of a straight pen, a chopstick, a stick, and even a thin metal ruler to push out my seams and points before! The key when using non-point turners to turn a point is to be extra gentle and careful. These tools aren’t made to turn a point, but can be substituted.
Can point turners work with delicate fabrics?
Absolutely! Point turner’s are perfectly ok to use with delicate fabrics. Just be sure to use a delicate touch when pushing out the material of your point so that you don’t accidentally push through your fabric.
Are there different types of point turners?
Yes, you can find different shapes and sizes of point turners in many different material types. Some point turners even have special grips for easier handling.
How to clean and maintain a point turner?
Cleaning a point turner is simple – just wipe it gently with a cloth. To keep it in good condition, store it away from heat and sunlight.
Summary
Using a point turner in your sewing projects is like having a secret weapon for perfect corners. It’s a tool that helps your work look like it was done by a pro. Remember, having the right tools, like a point turner, makes sewing easier and more enjoyable. So, the next time you’re sewing, remember this little helper that makes a big difference!
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