I love "SEWLINE" glue pens and a tutorial.

Today I thought I would share with you a product I was recently introduced to which I just love.

As well I thought I would give you a little tutorial about it.

As you all know I specialise in English paper piecing, needle turn applique, embroidery and fine hand quilting.

I had heard of the "Sewline" brand and use one of their trio marking pencils which I also love for many reasons but one of them is that I don't have to keep changing the leads to a different colour. I just need to turn the top.

While I was in Europe recently I was introduced to the "Sewline" glue pen. There is a little story that goes with it but I won't bore you with the details.

With English paper piecing it is necessary to baste fabric to a pre-cut paper shape.

Now, I have always basted with a needle and thread sewing through the paper.

Why do I sew through the paper?

It keeps the fabric held firm around the paper otherwise on the bigger shapes the fabric bags out and the papers also fall out befor you want them too.

BUT NOW

I have a "Sewline" glue pen

These are my favourite things that I use for English paper piecing.

I have my

Pre-cut papers - from me of course. Patchwork with Busyfingers

Perspex templates - From me

Milliners/ straw size 11 needles - from me

Superior Bottom line thread - which I also keep in stock - available in 1420yd spool (will last you forever) or superbobs a packet of 10 assorted colours.

Sewline glue pen which we now also stock (Love, love, love it)

How do I use it I hear you ask

Here is a little tutorial

Using the perspex template and a rotary cutter cut out your fabric.

Place the pre-cut paper on top of the wrong side of the fabric.

Run the glue pen along the edge of the card.

Note: It comes out blue and dries clear and is water soluable.

Fold the fabric over the edge of the card and press with your finger.

Repeat for the remaining sides.

If you have points make sure that you have nice crisp points and leave the tails hanging out. (Very important)

Brilliant for curved edges as you can pull them in tight eliminating points on the curved edge.

I know what the next question is before you even ask it.

How do I get the paper out now?

Don't take any papers out untill you have sewn your shapes together.

Just peel the fabric edge off the card and it will just slip out.

Tomorrow I will be back to talk about why I use Milliners size 11 needles and Superior bottom line thread and how to sew your shapes together.

If you think you might like a Sewline glue pen you can go here. Refills are also available.

I hope you have enjoyed my little tutorial

I will see you back here tomorrow

Sue x x x

Comments

[Lynette Anderson]

What lovely hanging out tails you have.....was that a little dig at me coz I always tuck my tails in??
Thanks for the Sewline pen you gave me to try yesterday and the cake it was delicious, the Sewline pen is brilliant for tiny applique shapes too.

[Anita]

I started yesterday with gluing my shapes. It makes live a lot easier. I love it.
Anita from Holland

[Kathryn Taebel]

Sue,
I am really exited, I just received my first shipment for the Pies & Tarts BOM, I think the fabric is beautiful. This is my first English pieceing project, though I have lots of sewing experience. One question, when basting the fabric to the pie shapes (though it looks like glue is the best option), should there be any "tails" when I prepare the pie shaped wedges? Thanks.

[Jane]

Hi Sue, I have been doing your Pies and Tarts and as well as the Bottomline thread-devine, needles, glue (also to stick pie on fabric) I now use a 28mm rotary cutter and a rotary mat. (I recommend the Clover ones far better than the others-they are flatter) If you haven't use one-give it a whirl-fantastic.
Keep up the good work!
Jane-The Patchwork Apple

[leeanne]

Thanks Sue, I will have to try this as I'm making Under the Southerns Stars, so there is lots of sewing, if that will speed things up a bit why not try it.

[Kerry]

I agree about the glue pens. I discovered them last year and they are fantastic- no mess, easy to use.

[Keli]

Don't you end up sewing through glue