Simple, inexpensive stitch holders

[Frodo]

If you use a sewing machine

toss your used, broken, bent needles in a coffee cup. They make great stitch holders 

[SUP]

@Frodo not yet. When I do use my sewing machine, I'll  remember that.

@Northmount Just discovered something on Amazon today to use with those paper clip pieces. These pin-backs work like the backs on those stitch holders which are the rage today - that I described at the start of this thread. They can be used on anything which fits, from name tags to brooches to badges. I have ordered them already.

[NatesLeatherGds]

2 minutes ago, SUP said:

I have ordered them already.

Good luck, hope they work, give us some feedback!

[Frodo]

13 minutes ago, SUP said:

@Frodo not yet. When I do use my sewing machine, I'll  remember that.

@Northmount Just discovered something on Amazon today to use with those paper clip pieces. These pin-backs work like the backs on those stitch holders which are the rage today - that I described at the start of this thread. They can be used on anything which fits, from name tags to brooches to badges. I have ordered them already.

Good idea

[SUP]

@Frodo I think so too. Versatile little things, if they work.

@NatesLeatherGds I'll get back on whether they work... or not.

Edited March 18, 2024 by SUP

[Frodo]

10 minutes ago, SUP said:

@Frodo I think so too. Versatile little things, if they work.

@NatesLeatherGds I'll get back on whether they work... or not.

He he he

NatesLeatherGds us going to be the guinnie pig

If they do not work out

[SUP]

These are what I  DON"T like, @Frodo and why I started this thread. These pins are very sharp and can easily scratch the leather as I try to place them and the pin backs are heavy and unwieldy. The thread keeps constantly getting entangled in them because of their particular design as well. Mine are just thrown aside, with bloody fingers.

That is why I use inexpensive earrings all the time, as I explained here. They work great but the backs are small and can come loose. Therefore, these pin-backs might work with the U-clips idea from @Northmount. or with slightly larger earrings... let's see.

All trial and error until I reach a good solution.

[fredk]

Those are what we are trying to replace. You need to pull the shaft with the knurled grip then insert or remove the pin. Not too easy whilst trying to hold several pieces of leather aligned

I bought 5mm* ear studs. They came with backs but I found them too small and fiddly so I bought 11mm backs

In a few weeks time I'm going to have the ladies of my Knit & Natter group make key chain coin purses. I've cut and punched the parts. I'll have the ladies use 3 ear studs to hold the parts together whilst they sew them 

* I would get larger next time

80 ear studs =£4.98

100 x 11mm backs = £3.99

Edited March 18, 2024 by fredk

[SUP]

@fredk exactly. Plenty of sizes of earrings to suit one's purpose. I have started using those larger earring backs too. They are flat and the thread does not get entangled in them.

[SUP]

Here you are. The pin-backs work perfectly with my stock of old U-clips. 

[toxo]

I always used half a cocktail stick and a clip.  Not for anything fancy mind.

[SUP]

@toxo  These things don't need to be fancy, do they? Whatever works. 

[toxo]

2 hours ago, SUP said:

@toxo  These things don't need to be fancy, do they? Whatever works. 

What I meant was they're OK for now, whilst sewing. For keeping things together for later not so good.

[SUP]

@toxo Aha. Got it. I just use a few each time, just sufficient for the current stitching session. These new pin-backs might hold for longer though. I will let you know when I use them. I use old U-clips which feel a bit rough and probably stay in place better than shiny, smooth new ones.

[fredk]

I was getting some things on TEMU  and had to bring my order over the minimum value amount. Looking around for something cheap and possibly useful I came across these; they are stitch markers for knitters. I got 80 for about 50p (40c ?)

They will keep two pieces of leather in alignment for sewing up

 

[SUP]

That's interesting. The plastic will not scratch the leather either. Although they probably cost a lot more for us now, with these stupid tariffs. 

On an aside, @fredk I discovered that if you call and ask Temu to remove the minimum limit for purchases, they remove it for your account and you can order even individual items for less than a dollar and it arrives, free shipping et al.

[SUP]

They come in all sorts of different shapes too. Charming. And practical as well - the shape can be selected depending on the thickness of the leathers. 

It sucks that they are cheaper on Amazon than on Temu for us now. So corporations win while the common man loses with those tariffs.

Edited June 3 by SUP